February half term falls on 16-20 February 2026 for most schools in England, and the West End will be packed with families looking for that perfect theatre trip. The good news? There's an exceptional lineup of family-friendly shows playing this year. The challenge? Everyone else has the same idea, so booking smart matters.

Here's your guide to the best shows for families this half term, plus practical advice for navigating the busiest week of the winter theatre calendar.

What's Playing for Families This February

The West End's family lineup for February 2026 is genuinely strong. Rather than just listing every show with "under 3s not admitted," we've focused on productions that will actually delight children of different ages, with honest guidance about who they suit best.

For Ages 6+: Disney's Hercules

Disney's Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the newest Disney musical to hit the West End, and it's already proving a massive hit with families. The beloved 1997 animated film has been transformed into a spectacular stage show featuring Alan Menken's original songs alongside new numbers written for the production.

The story follows Hercules as he discovers his true identity as the son of Zeus and embarks on a journey from zero to hero. Casey Nicholaw's direction keeps the energy high throughout, and The Muses, who narrate the story in gospel-influenced style, are absolute scene-stealers. Children who know the film will be thrilled to hear "Go the Distance" and "I Won't Say I'm in Love" performed live.

At 2 hours 10 minutes with interval, it's one of the shorter major musicals, which works well for the 6-10 age group. Theatre Royal Drury Lane is beautifully located near Covent Garden, and the venue itself is worth arriving early to explore.

For Ages 5-9: Disney's The Lion King

Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre remains the gold standard for family theatre. After more than 25 years in the West End, it continues to deliver that moment when children (and adults) gasp as the animals process down the aisles during "Circle of Life."

Julie Taymor's staging transforms performers into giraffes, elephants, and wildebeest through innovative puppetry and costume design. It's theatre as spectacle, and children who've grown up with the film will be transfixed seeing it reimagined this way.

Running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with interval. The story's themes of loss and responsibility mean it works best for children 5 and up who can handle Mufasa's death (you know it's coming, but it still lands). The Lyceum's location near Covent Garden makes for easy pre-show dining.

For Ages 6-10: Matilda The Musical

Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre remains one of the cleverest family musicals ever written. Tim Minchin's witty, wordy score rewards children who love language, and the story of a brilliant girl triumphing over terrible adults resonates deeply with its target audience.

The show celebrates reading, cleverness, and standing up to bullies. Miss Trunchbull is genuinely scary in a theatrical way that children find thrilling rather than traumatic. At 2 hours 40 minutes with interval, it's a full evening, but the energy never flags.

Children who've read Roald Dahl's book will love seeing it brought to life. Those who haven't will want to read it immediately afterwards.

For Ages 7-11: Back to the Future

Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre turns the beloved 1985 film into a spectacular stage musical. The flying DeLorean genuinely flies, the clock tower sequence is heart-stopping, and children who know the film will be thrilled seeing it realised on stage.

This works for slightly older children who can follow the time-travel plot and appreciate the 1950s/1980s setting. The show is packed with visual effects and runs 2 hours 35 minutes with interval. It's pure entertainment with enough nostalgia for parents to enjoy alongside their kids.

For Ages 8-12: Wicked

Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, and it's absolutely spectacular. The staging is lavish, the songs are memorable, and Elphaba's journey from outcast to "wicked witch" resonates powerfully with children approaching their teenage years.

Running at 2 hours 45 minutes with interval, it's a commitment, but one that rewards attention. Children who've seen the recent film will be excited to experience the stage version, which has been running in London since 2006 and remains one of the West End's most popular shows.

The themes of friendship, acceptance, and questioning what society tells you is "good" or "wicked" make this particularly meaningful for the 8-12 age group.

For Ages 8+: Starlight Express

Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre closes in May 2026, making this February half term one of your last chances to catch Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skating spectacular. The award-winning revival surrounds the audience with a track where performers race past at speed, creating genuine thrills.

The story of trains competing to be the fastest might sound simple, but the spectacle is anything but. This is sensory theatre at its best, and children with energy to burn will love the pace. At 2 hours 30 minutes with interval, it maintains momentum throughout.

Getting to Wembley Park requires a bit more planning than central West End venues, but the unique experience justifies the journey. Take the Metropolitan or Jubilee line to Wembley Park station.

For Ages 10+: Hamilton

Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre works brilliantly for older children and teenagers, particularly those studying history or interested in hip-hop and musical theatre. The sung-through score is dense with wordplay and historical detail, rewarding repeated listening.

At 2 hours 45 minutes with interval, it demands attention, but the energy and innovation keep audiences engaged throughout. Parents who've been meaning to see it will find half term the perfect excuse, and sharing it with an older child makes it even more special.

Shows to Catch Before They Close

February half term 2026 offers some last-chance opportunities:

Starlight Express closes in May 2026 before touring internationally. If your children haven't experienced trains racing around them on roller skates, this is running out of time.

Cirque du Soleil OVO at the Royal Albert Hall runs until 1 March 2026. Cirque du Soleil OVO offers family-friendly acrobatics with a colourful insect theme. It's not technically West End, but the Royal Albert Hall is worth the trip for something different.

Planning Your Half Term Theatre Trip

Booking Strategy

Half term is the busiest week of the winter for West End theatres. Shows that normally have good availability will be selling out, and popular family musicals like The Lion King and Matilda will have limited seats remaining if you're booking in late January or February.

Book now if you haven't already. Seriously. The best seats at the most popular shows sell months in advance for half term week.

Browse the full range of family-friendly West End shows to see what's available for your dates.

If your preferred show and date is sold out, try these approaches:

Check different performance times. Wednesday and Thursday matinees sometimes have better availability than weekend shows.

Consider the first Monday back at school (23 February). Some families extend their half term plans, meaning slightly better availability, and your children get an extra day off.

Look at less obvious choices. Shows like Back to the Future or Starlight Express may have better availability than The Lion King while still delivering exceptional family entertainment.

When you book through tickadoo, the free tickadoo+ membership earns you rewards on every booking. For families planning multiple outings across the year, those rewards add up.

Best Days and Times

Matinees work best for younger children (ages 4-7). They're more alert in the afternoon, and you avoid the late-night journey home.

Evening performances suit older children (8+) and create more sense of occasion. Just ensure they can handle a 10pm finish without meltdown.

Midweek shows (Tuesday-Thursday) typically have slightly better availability than weekend performances, even during half term.

Saturday matinees are the most competitive for availability. Book these furthest in advance.

Making It a Full Day Out

Theatre works best as part of a bigger adventure. Here's how to build your day:

Morning: Arrive in central London with time to explore. The Natural History Museum (free entry, South Kensington) or Science Museum work brilliantly before an afternoon show. For shows near Leicester Square, the National Gallery offers free entry and a chance to stretch legs before sitting for 2+ hours.

Lunch: Pre-theatre menus aren't just for evenings. Many restaurants near West End theatres offer lunch deals, and eating properly before the show prevents interval hunger emergencies.

Show: Afternoon matinee (typically 2:30pm) or evening performance (typically 7:30pm).

After: Ice cream, a walk along the South Bank, or simply the journey home with the show still buzzing in everyone's minds.

Practical Tips for Theatre with Children

Arrive early. West End theatres get crowded before half term performances. Arriving 30 minutes before curtain gives time for toilet trips, finding seats, and settling in without stress.

Use the toilet before the show starts. Even if they say they don't need to go. The interval queue will be long, and missing the start of Act Two because of bathroom emergencies is frustrating for everyone.

Explain theatre etiquette beforehand. Children who understand we stay quiet during the show, we don't kick the seat in front, and we save snacks for interval are much easier to manage than those discovering these rules in the moment.

Bring quiet snacks for emergencies. Soft sweets or fruit snacks that don't rustle or crunch. Most theatres allow you to bring food in, and a discrete emergency snack can save a situation.

Check age recommendations carefully. "Under 3s not admitted" means just that, and you won't get in with a baby. Age recommendations (like "recommended 10+") are guidance rather than rules, but they exist for good reasons.

Sit on the aisle if you have concerns. Aisle seats allow discrete exits if needed. Worth requesting when booking if you're unsure how your child will manage.

Dress in layers. Theatres vary in temperature, and children uncomfortable from being too hot or cold won't enjoy the show.

Accessibility During Half Term

All West End theatres offer accessible seating, but during busy periods like half term, these need booking well in advance. Most venues have:

- Wheelchair spaces (usually in stalls, sometimes dress circle) - Step-free access to at least some seating areas - Hearing loops - Audio described performances (check specific dates) - Relaxed performances (some shows offer these for children with autism or sensory processing needs)

If you have specific access requirements, contact the theatre's access line directly rather than booking through general channels. They can advise on the best seats and ensure appropriate support is in place.

The Savoy Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, and Apollo Victoria all have good accessibility provision, though the historic nature of West End buildings means some areas remain challenging.

What About Younger Children?

Most West End shows aren't suitable for very young children (under 4), but options exist:

The Gruffalo plays at various London venues and is specifically designed for ages 3+, with a short runtime that suits little ones.

Children's theatre venues like the Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge programme specifically for young audiences during half term, with age-appropriate shows and relaxed atmospheres.

Matinee performances of family shows work better than evenings for younger children, but realistic expectations matter. If your 3-year-old has never sat still for two hours at home, they won't magically do so in a theatre.

February Half Term Beyond the West End

If West End tickets prove elusive, London offers other options:

Cirque du Soleil OVO at the Royal Albert Hall offers spectacular family entertainment in a stunning venue. The colourful insect theme appeals to all ages, and the acrobatics will leave everyone amazed. This closes 1 March, so half term is one of your last chances.

The Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington offer free entry and make excellent companions to an afternoon matinee. Arrive when they open, explore for a few hours, grab lunch, then head to your show.

Pantomimes run through February at some venues. While traditional Christmas entertainment, they offer genuine family fun with audience participation that children love.

Ready to Book?

February half term in the West End creates memories that last. That moment when the lights dim and your child leans forward in anticipation, the shared experience of gasping at a spectacular effect, the songs hummed for weeks afterwards. Theatre gives families something screens can't replicate.

Book early, plan your day, and prepare for a little magic.

Browse all family-friendly West End shows on tickadoo and join the free tickadoo+ membership to earn rewards on every booking. Half term is busy, but it's also brilliant. Get your tickets sorted and look forward to it.