Half-term will be soon arriving (most state schools break up from Friday May 22 to Sunday May 31) and, once again, the pressure is on parents to find events and activities to keep the children occupied.

So, to lend a helping hand, getwestlondon has put together a guide to all the best free activities, events and workshops taking place this half-term to keep the children (and the wallet) happy.

Luckily, it's set to hot up, so a lovely picnic in one of west London's many parks is certainly an option!

Visit Kew Gardens

Half term is perfect for a visit to one of the prettiest attractions in west London! With over 30,000 species of plants and loads of fun activities for children, Kew Gardens is a definite winner for half-term frolics.

Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB - 020 8332 5655

Play on Twickenham Beach

Head down to Twickenham play beach and have fun with the little ones. Enjoy making sandcastles, listening to stories, free art workshops and much more... Just hope for good weather!

It's free and open every day throughout summer, with no need to book. Head to their website for more information.

The Embankment, Twickenham, TW1 3DU

Learn about the history of cartoons

In this exhibition of the prints of historic English painter, William Hogarth, at Hogarth House in Chiswick, visitors will see how the famous painter, Hogarth, used satire to both support and undermine politicians of the era, through Hogarth's famous Election series.

Learn about the history of satirical comics and cartoons, and have fun learning this half-term. Open daily until June 21.

Hogarth's House, Hogarth Lane, Chiswick, W4 2QN - 020 8994 6757

Watch traditional Indian dance

On Saturday May 23, at 2pm and 4pm, special Indian dance will be taking place in Hounslow's Bell Square!

Head down for Pagrav Youth Company's showcase of classical Kathak dance with a modern edge. The first of three dances explores the changes people undergo within relationships, while the second is a celebration of the glory of life. The final piece is a duet conveying a couple's love.

Hounslow will be brought to life with beautiful colour and dance!

Bell Road, Hounslow, TW3 3PB - 0208 232 1019

Visit Fulham Palace

The beautiful palace in Fulham has been added to a list of historic homes with horrible histories! The palace is said to be haunted, so bring your kids to visit if they love a fright - maybe try to spot a ghost!

Bishop's Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA - 020 7736 3233

See an amazing arty installation

An amazingly trippy art installation in Soho, that is free, and open daily from 12pm-6pm until Sunday May 31. Ryoji Ikeda's Supersymmetry aims to explain particle physics with light and silvery ball bearings; visit this awe-inspiring installation if you have an art or science lover in the family!

The Vinyl Factory Space, Brewer Street Car Park, 17 Peter Street, Soho, W1F 0AL

Walk through natural reeds

On Sunday May 17 at 10.30am and 1.30pm, the London Wetland Centre will be offering the chance to visit a place usually out-of-bounds for visitors. Guides will take guests for a tour of the tall reed beds! The event is free, but must be booked in advance by emailing: info.london@wwt.org.uk.

London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT - 020 8409 4400

Say hello to your favourite piggy

This half term, Tuesday May 26 and Wednesday May 27 from 11am to 4pm, everyone's favourite piggy, Peppa, is coming to intu Uxbridge to say hello! Children will be able to dance with Peppa and play lots of fun holiday activities.

Wristbands are available for free at the customer service desk of intu Uxbridge.

intu Uxbridge, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1LA

See butterflies at The Natural History Museum

Children can see species such as swallowtail, blue morpho, the moon moth and many others originating from Africa, Southeast Asia and North and South America, and take part in games, activities and challenges that teach more about the sensory world of the fluttering creatures.

A brilliant activity for any little one who loves animals and creatures, and perfect for a day out to visit the rest of the museum.

The exhibition will go on until September.

Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD - 020 7942 5000