February half term is almost upon us and once again parents are left searching for ideas to keep the children occupied for a whole week.

Yes, they probably have homework to do, but realistically, that is not going to take them the whole seven days the complete is it?

So here are a few ideas of what you can do with the kids next week.

1. Take the family to see Alice in Wonderland

This half term, join your children and get lost in the magic through the looking glass.

Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on an adventure, meeting the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts on their way.

Where: The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

When: February 15, 2pm

Cost: £14 and £2 off for concessions

2. Keep the children busy with baking

During the half-term week, intu Uxbridge shopping centre are offering daily cookery activities including cooking masterclasses with Wagamama, a colouring challenge, and the opportunity to learn about different delicacies and cultures.

Natasha House, marketing manager at intu Uxbridge, said: “More than 70% of our guests have young families so we’ll be helping them make the most of half term with the opportunity for children to leave the centre having cooked up amazing treats or picked up a new skill they can try again at home."

Where: intu Uxbridge, High Street, Greater London UB8 1LA

When: From 11am - 4pm, from Monday, February 13 until Friday, February 17

Cost: Free

3. Enjoy a night with Fantastic Mr Fox

Head out with the family to see the magic of Roald Dahl played out before your eyes.

It is a brand new musical adaptation of Fantastic Mr Fox for Roald Dahl’s centenary celebrations.

The Lyric in Hammersmith will be your destination to enjoy a tale of greed, pride and friendship.

Where: The Lyric Theatre, Kings Mall Shopping Centre, One Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL

When: Running now until February 19

Cost: From £15

4. Enjoy Kew Gardens this Half term

Kew Gardens is a perfect destination to keep the little ones busy this half term.

In keeping with the theme for their February Orchids Festival, inspired by Indian culture, the gardens will host different activities including face painting, block printing, Bodhi leaf colouring and mandala colouring.

Where: Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE

When: February 11 until February 19 from 11am until 3.30pm

Cost: Free with entry to the Gardens: adults, £15, children aged 4-16, £3.50

5. Explore the magical lantern festival in Chiswick

The first ever lantern festival in Chiswick was in 2016 Pic: Lantern Festival

Following a successful 2016, The Magical Lantern Festival has returned to Chiswick House Gardens for its second year.

It is an outdoor installation featuring sculpted life-sized and oversized lanterns with the theme, "Explore The Silk Road", representing the route of trade and culture to Ancient China from Europe.

Where: Chiswick House and Gardens, Conservatory Yard, London W4 2QN, UK

When: Running February 26

Cost: From £5.90

6. 'Discover the truth' about dinosaurs

Learn the truth about dinosaurs with Ben Garrod

Did you know that most dinosaurs actually had feathers and sounded like garden birds?

Join TV presenter Ben Garrod for a hands-on learning experience, educating youngsters about the sights and sounds of dinosaurs.

Ahead of the show Ben said: "I want to give families the chance to take everything they thought they knew about these ancient animals and discover the truth.”

Where: The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

When: February 12, 2.30pm

Cost: £17.50 with family offer available

7. Kids go free at Kensington Palace

During the half term, Kensington Palace has a number of workshops available to keep your little ones entertained.

From hands-on history workshops to dressing up, mask making and palace trails for all of the family.

Where: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

When: Sunday, February 12 until Saturday, February 18 from 11am until 3pm

Cost: Adults, from £15.40, children under 16, free

8. Wrap up warm and go for a picnic in the park

Vibrant colours are reflected in the water in Peter Dazeley's shot at Isabella Plantation, in Richmond Park

Let the kids blow off some steam in your local park, take a football or a tennis ball so you can join in and enjoy the fresh air.

West London has many open spaces to offer including Ruislip woods, Richmond Park and Hyde Park to name just a few.

Cost: However much you want to spend on your family picnic

9. Treat your children to a ride on a pony

Where could you find a more beautiful place for a horse ride than Richmond Park?

During half term, Stag Lodge Stables are running a Pony Week Course where children are taken on pony rides, taught stable management lessons such as grooming, leading up to a competition at the end of the week.

The course is four days and each child leaves with a rosette and a free t-shirt.

Riding lessons are also available if you do not want to commit to the whole week.

Where: Stag Lodge, Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, London, SW15 3RS

When: Throughout half term

Cost: £325 for the four day course or lessons are from £25

10. Visit the Science Museum

Do you have a budding astronaut in the family?

Maybe your child is just crazy about experiments?

Take them along to the Science Museum this half term where a range of free activities are on offer including an interactive gallery where young children can play with water, sound, and building blocks and there is also a hands-on play section where children can discover patterns.

Sounds more than enough to keep the kids occupied!

Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2DD

When: Throughout half term with extended opening times to 7pm

Cost: Free

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