10 ways to have a fun-filled February half term

21 Ash Ave, Elephant Park, London SE17 1FR 

Elephant Park’s own natural play area is a fantastic place to take any children who need to burn off some energy. Although the famous water features are switched off during the winter months, the surrounding sandpits and rocky climbing areas are perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There’s even hammocks providing a restful space for when you just can’t keep up with them anymore.  

Take a picnic for a lunch outside or take a look at the nearby restaurants and head inside to warm up and grab a bite to eat. Have a look at the Elephant Springs area guide and make sure to pay another visit during the summer to experience the water features in all their glory! 

Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB 

Open seven days a week, this is a perfect option for when it’s a bit too rainy for any outdoor activities. Visit the Polar Adventure and meet the Gentoo Penguin Colony, encounter the UK’s largest jellyfish experience with the Ocean Invaders, marvel at the Coral Kingdom, or head to the Rockpool for an interactive exhibit. 

Find out more on their website and book your tickets for a fun day out. 

Albany Rd, London SE5 0AL 

A 25-minute walk from Elephant & Castle underground station, Burgess Park is one of the largest parks in South London. There’s plenty for the whole family to do, with separate play areas for children over and under five, a BMX track, and even a 5km jogging route. If it’s too chilly out there, head into the Park Life café and warm up with a hot drink and a sweet treat. 

2 Dugard Way, Renfrew Rd, London SE11 4TH 

Located in Kennington, The Cinema Museum works to preserve the history of cinema from the 1890s onwards. Pay a visit to view the impressive collection of memorabilia and equipment that any film fan, young or old, will love to see. Visit their website to learn more. 

Arch 3, 83 Scoresby St, London SE1 0XN 

Suitable for ages 5+, Immersive Gamebox combines motion tracking, touch screens, and surround sound for an unforgettable gaming experience. Immersive Gamebox offers a number of games suitable for families with small children, including the Shaun the Sheep Championship involving interactive sports games, or the Junior Bundle made up of a 15-minute puzzle game and a 15-minute coin collecting game perfect for children aged 5-9. 

If your teens need something to keep them occupied this week they can team up with friends and complete a room, solving puzzles in situations such as Ticket to Mars or James Bunny: Casino Tropicale. Visit the website to browse the full range of games available. 

Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ 

Perfect for the history fanatics in the family, head to the Imperial War Museum London and see the war through the eyes of the people who lived it. Learn from exhibits covering the First and Second World War, The Holocaust, and much more. 

This half-term, experience the special exhibit We Were There and hear stories first hand from veterans and eyewitnesses during the war, or take part in Story Seekers where your family can discover real artefacts and hear incredible stories to learn about the impact of the Second World War. Learn more about what the IWM has in store and purchase tickets online. 

If you’re all out of activities, a great way to spend the February half-term is to find somewhere to eat around Elephant and Castle. Elephant Park is home to many amazing eateries, from Mercato Metropolitano’s globally inspired menu to Four Hundred Rabbits’ sourdough pizzas. Browse our full directory and satisfy your cravings, whether it’s for ramen or fish and chips. 

One of Elephant Park’s community spaces, wrap up warm and head to the public roof terrace to take in the view of the park and the springs. There is stair and lift access available to the terrace so everyone can venture up into the tree canopy and breathe in the fresh air. 

Hana Coffee has opened a kiosk inside so you can have a seat and a bite to eat (or sit and wait if you don’t do heights!). 

2 St Gabriel Walk, London SE1 6FG 

Take a dip in the pool at The Castle Centre with their free gym and swim offer for Southwark residents. Find out more about the scheme from our blog, or simply register online. If you or your family fancy trying out a new sport, take a look at the sports hall timetable and try out some badminton, five-a-side football, or netball, among many more. Hire out the hall yourself if you’ve gathered a team and pass the day by playing a few games. 

Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 

Southbank Centre’s annual festival for children aged 0-11 and their grown-ups returns for its 21st year and is an exciting way to spend the February half-term around Elephant and Castle. Taking place from the 8th – 18th of February, there are over 100 events taking place over the 11 days – and half of them are free! The festival is full of children’s theatre, music, comedy and much more, with specific events for under-5s, over-5s, and the slightly older kids (7-11). 

View the full list of events on the Southbank Centre website to find out which events are free and which are accessible. There will also be a chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones available for children or adults who may need them.  

Keep an eye on our events page to stay up to date with everything going on around Elephant Park.