What’s on in London this week: half-term festivals, family theatre and winter light shows

February brings a packed programme of family-friendly culture, creative play and after-dark light installations across London. With half-term on the horizon, the city is full of activities for curious kids, culture lovers and anyone looking to brighten up winter days.

Light installations and evening spectacles

Art After Dark continues across the West End this week, transforming Piccadilly Circus and surrounding streets with large-scale public artworks and installations that are best experienced after dark. From 11 to 13 February, UCL Illuminated will light up the university’s historic quad with projections, colour and sound, offering a short but striking evening wander with exhibitions and activities to explore along the way.

Theatre and live shows for families

London’s theatres are brimming with family-friendly productions this February. Brave Bettie at Half Moon Theatre tells a warm woodland story about courage, friendship and finding your voice, while The Zoo That Comes to You combines puppetry and live music with messages about conservation and kindness.

Picture book fans can enjoy I Want My Hat Back Trilogy at Little Angel Studios, a charming stage adaptation of Jon Klassen’s books. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland offers a playful retelling in North Finchley, full of handmade puppets and curious characters. For bigger energy, The Dinosaur That Pooped arrives at Richmond Theatre with rock songs and plenty of toilet humour, while Cirque du Soleil’s OVO continues its dazzling run at the Royal Albert Hall with acrobatics inspired by the insect world.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show lands at New Wimbledon Theatre this week, promising songs, giggles and muddy-puddle fun for younger audiences.

Creative play and sensory sessions

Younger children can explore hands-on creativity across the city. Mini Play for Toddlers at the Young V&A offers messy, sensory exploration inspired by the Play Gallery, while Messy Explorers at Fitzrovia Community Centre invites little ones to squelch, splash and paint, with the organisers handling the clean-up. Design Baby at the V&A introduces sculpture through touch, movement and playful materials in a calm and welcoming environment.

The Discover Children’s Story Centre continues its immersive Little Red Riding Hood experience, where children can explore Grandma’s cottage, dress up and follow the Big Bad Wolf’s trail. Squirrel at the Unicorn Theatre offers a visually rich, thoughtful show about friendship and change for very young audiences.

Music, dance and culture

Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival returns for half-term from 11 February, turning the site into a giant playground of creativity with workshops, performances and installations, many of them free. Families can also explore music and performance at the Royal Opera House’s Family Sundays, which combine creative activities with short performances and behind-the-scenes experiences.

At the British Museum, Let’s Play, Korea! invites visitors to try traditional Korean games and sample handmade treats, offering a lively cultural drop-in for older children and families.

Nature, outdoor adventures and muddy fun

The London Wetland Centre celebrates World Wetlands Day this week with free entry and activities highlighting the importance of wetlands. Later in half-term, Mudfest encourages children to stomp, splash and get gloriously muddy with hands-on activities, with wellies strongly recommended.

Kensington Gardens hosts a Superhero City Adventure, a self-guided outdoor trail where children follow clues and complete missions to become city superheroes.

Extra treats for fans and explorers

The Natural History Museum hosts a Pokémon pop-up shop packed with collectibles and plushies, as well as Dino Disco events where children can dance with dinosaurs in a family-friendly silent disco. K-pop fans can look forward to a high-energy tribute show at The Clapham Grand later in February, complete with choreography and pop spectacle.

Whether you are planning half-term adventures, a cultural evening out or a weekend activity with the kids, London offers plenty of ways to make February feel a little brighter.