Half-term fun for cultural families

Half term doesn’t have to mean screaming at your children to get off their tablets… not if you arrange some reasons to get off their tablets, that is…

London is fizzing with cultural delights right now and here’s some of the finest family-friendly ones…

A big favourite of our lead theatre critic – who said it “thrills again with its spry visual ingenuity and gung-ho warmth” – Ballet Shoes is an adaptation of Noel Streatfield’s 1936 children’s classic, and tells the story of three adopted sisters forging careers in the arts and engineering, and creating a family within an Earl’s Court boarding house full of dinosaur bones and fossils.

Directed by Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane), it has been hugely popular and as it approaches the end of its run on the National’s Olivier Stage, this coming half-term is your last chance…

The gorgeous Café Royal is part of David Bowie lore since he retired his alter ego Ziggy Stardust with a legendary farewell party at the Piccadilly five-star hotel. Older children with good music taste will fully appreciate the special David Bowie Afternoon Tea they are offering there until 29th March (excluding 13-15 February and 15 March). The menu of savoury sandwiches, patisserie creations and bespoke Bowie-branded scones (think the Aladdin Sane lightning bolt and more) will make for a memorable and fun experience in the spectacular Grill.

On at the Southbank Centre as part of their half-term Imagine programme, this stage version of Quentin Blake’s book about an extraordinary inventor is a great one for Primary School-age kids (3-8). A combination of puppetry and live music, it’s a brand-new musical adaptation of the award-winning BBC animated series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures.

Paddington the Musical is fully booked until October but of course there’s plenty of other shows on for the family, including the RSC’s Mathilda the Musical, which is celebrating 15 years on stage. It’s quite simply an excellent production with a revolutionary spirit that can’t fail to thrill your children.

This is an enthralling exhibition for every age, one that gets to the heart of the appeal of the Samurai for hundreds of years. Yes it’s the swords and the armour but its also the culture, the splendour, and the storytelling. It also features a show-stopping Darth Vader moment and plenty of manga, so this is a must.

Just opened at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, this is an ‘epic’ (according to one our writers) look into Aardman, which means they have absolutely everything: models, sets, props from all of the films and TV series. This is another must, with early (or very late) ticket recommended to beat the crowds.

A fun treat experience for the little ones, with a Circus-themed afternoon tea at Vintry & Mercer in the heart of the City of London. Think popcorn treats, marshmallow-filled hot chocolates and theatrical flourishes.

A great one for older children and all Fantastic Fox fans… a delve into the almost unnervingly comprehensive files of the cult director. I mean, the guy has kept every single thing from his films, it seems. A fascinating look into his ‘process’ at the always great Design Museum.

Directed by the sensation that is Jordan Fein, this version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical is a stunning, irrepressible yanking apart of Grimm fairy tales which is one of the best things in London right now. Quite dark in tone, so most suitable for older children…

At the gem of a Church, St-Martin-in-the-Fields, which is a cultural hub too, you’ll find this cosmic light & sound show providing an immersive interstellar journey to the outer reaches of the universe. Running Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st February (tickets only £10) and a silent disco there on Wednesday 18th February (tickets £15).