Fill your calendar with our ideas for keeping the kids entertained this half-term. From cosy cinemas to cookery classes, here’s the Regent Street guide to the best family-friendly activities for when schools break up.
1. Plan family movie time
With so many great family films taking over the cinemas, why not treat your mini movie buff (and yourself) to a screening at historic Regent Street Cinema. What’s more, every Tuesday is “Choose Day”, where you decide how much you would like to pay for a cinema ticket, ranging from £6 to £10 – we’re ready for a movie marathon.
2. Indulge in hot chocolate
The season for dipping marshmallows into steaming hot cocoa has arrived. Sip Hotel Chocolat’s incredibly smooth and velvety hot chocolates. Little ones can choose between a variety of flavours like caramel, fruity, mint, praline and more. If French-style melt-in-the-mouth hot chocolate is what your little one is craving, step into Paul’s boulangerie. For the ultimate chocolate experience, order your drink with a side of beignets; deliciously soft mini doughnuts with oozing hazelnut chocolate fillings - a chocoholic’s dream.
If you're exploring London's West End, discover even more of the best places for hot chocolate.
3. Experience the magic of Hamleys
No visit to Regent Street with the kids is complete without a trip to London’s finest toy haven Hamleys. Will it be your child who helps with a very important role... the grand opening of the store each day? Or why not join the Hamleys and friends dance parade? With numerous experiences, workshops and games in-store, there is something for everyone.
4. Tuck in at kid-friendly restaurants
A long day full of activities is sure to lead to some hungry stomachs asking for an indulgent meal. Our first pick of the patch is Heddon Street Kitchen, located just off Regent Street, its “Ramsay Kids” menu is perfect for tucking into comfort food and a drink for just £8. On weekdays, kids eat free if dining with a paying adult. It also has a designated ice cream bar so your little one can build their pudding from scratch. Another go-to for dining with the kids is The Avocado Show. A slightly healthier alternative but extremely tasty dishes, induct your kids early into brunch cuisine with colourful plating at this contemporary café.
5. Spring wardrobe refresh
Get your kids ready for spring with a breathable transitional new coat from Barbour. For more layering options, stock up on jumpers and loungewear from Uniqlo and top the look off with cosy slippers or boots from Uggs – an outfit made for snuggling up on a couch with the family after a fun day out.
For teens looking to find their own style, try Beyond Retro or H&M for standout pieces.
6. Cook up a storm
Team up with your sidekick to take over the kitchen at Sauce by The Langham’s cookery school. Learn the building blocks of cooking in a fun and inspirational environment for your junior chef. Create delicious, sweet treats like brownies, cookies, lemon cake or flip to the savoury side with homemade butter, pesto, cheese straws and savoury scones. Your bite-sized chef will leave the kitchen with a heart full of talent and a stomach full of their own creations.
For more ideas, whatever the occasion, take a look at our top things to do with kids in central London.