Things to do near Kingston this February Half Term
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With February Half Term vast approaching next week, you might be looking for things to do to keep the little one's entertained while schools close.
Well, there's plenty to do in and around Kingston this weekend, so here's a list of half term activities to get the kids involved in.
Half Term Industry Day at Nix Academy
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Nix Academy, based in Hampton Wick, is hosting an Industry Day this February Half Term.
The day will run from 9am – 3pm on Monday, 17 February.
Nix's Industry Day consists of two workshops: a morning workshop and an afternoon workshop.
In the morning, there will be an Acting, Movement and Costume workshop with Nix Academy's tutors.
This will run from 9am - 12pm.
In the afternoon, from 1pm - 3pm, there will be a special CATS workshop and a Q&A with West End star Hazel Baldwin, who is from the international CATS tour.
Prices cost £30 for the full day or £20 for just the afternoon workshop.
Spaces are limited, so it is advised you book now.
You can book by emailing Nix Academy at [email protected].
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Elizabeth I's Spy Mission at Hampton Court Palace
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Make this half term extraordinary, and escape to a world of mystery at Hampton Court Palace with its Elizabeth I's Spy Mission, which is taking place from 15 – 23 February from 11am – 3.30pm.
The event description says: "Elizabeth I has now been on the throne for over 15 years and plots against her are increasing. There is still no royal marriage, no heir and threats of war from Spain!
"With suspicion rife around the palace the Queen needs to recruit spies to understand the danger and who she can trust - unfortunately there's a lot of funny business going on.
"Visitors will join the Queen's spy network for an undercover operation as she faces ever-growing threats to her throne.
"As suspicious characters roam the corridors, visitors will be tasked with decoding secret messages and reporting their findings back to the Queen.
"Delivered in partnership with HistoryRiot, visitors can explore Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor home as they enjoy entertaining performances across the palace."
Hampton Court Palace invites families to join Elizabeth I's spy network and go on an undercover operation for the Queen.
It needs as many agents as possible to quiz and spy on the suspicious characters going about the palace, help decode secret messages and report back your findings to the Queen.
The palace's ultimate playground in the Magic Garden is also reopening for February half term, where guests can discover the secret grotto, conquer a scary dragon and besiege the towers.
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Virtual Reality Experience at VRXtra
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Finding something fun for the kids to do during Half Term can be hard, but VRxtra in the Bentall Centre is sure to get the kids excited.
VRXtra is a new virtual reality experiences hub opened on the ground floor of the Bentall Centre on Sunday, 2 February.
Dubbed as "Kingston's most fun and immersive experiences", VRXtra has over 80 different experiences, including its Xtra Games, VR Escape Rooms, Smash Point, and the massively popular Arcade.
The hub is open from 10am – 7pm, with it staying open until 9pm on Thursdays, and 11am – 6pm on Sundays.
The Kingston store has 12 Tethered VR Headsets, toilets, customer seating, free Wi-Fi, and is available to book for parties.
If you book your session or visit the store before 4pm on weekdays, you can enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your experience.
Whether you're planning ahead or just popping in, it's the perfect way to make your day more exciting while keeping a little 'Xtra' in your pocket.
You can find out more about VRXtra Kingston and book your experiences via its website.
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The Koala Who Could at the Rose Theatre
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Seeing a pantomime at the Rose is the perfect half term treat for the kids and this February Half Term, The Koala Who Could is running from 13 February – 23 February.
This Rose Original Production, with Nicoll Entertainment, Lowry, Northern Stage, Unicorn Theatre, and MAST Mayflower Studios, is based on Rachael Bright and Jim Field's picture book of the same name.
The play's description says: "An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not.
"Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends the wombats and Kangaroo as they learn that "life can be great when you try something new"."
Book your tickets here.
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Art Classes at Cygnets Art School
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Looking for art lessons and classes for kids in Kingston?
Well, your search ends with Cygnets Art School, a dedicated fine art school offering a wide range of art classes for children aged five and above, including after school art classes; weekend art lessons, and holiday art workshops.
Cygnets Art School is committed to creating a comfortable and welcoming learning environment for students, where they're free to explore their imagination and develop their creativity.
From sketching and pastels, to painting and clay, it teaches an array of different art mediums; striving to help students develop professional-level skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Its artist-teachers are also available for one-on-one private art classes at home.
And this February Half Term, Cygnets Art School is holding half term workshops for ages five+.
Each workshop covers a different project, with a new skill or material to master.
Students can attend individual classes or full days/ weeks.
Find out more about Cygnets Art School and how to book a half term workshop here.
Discover Light Up Kingston
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Take your little ones to a captivating free light experience in the centre of Kingston and interact with installations that respond to your touch and movement.
Once the sun sets and the town lights up, pick up a postcard and explore the mesmerising light trail, while collecting stamps at every installation you visit.
After your light adventure, you can use your fully stamped postcard to claim exclusive discounts and offers like 25% off your food bill, Kids Eat Free or 30% off all games at a variety of local shops and restaurants.
It's the best way to enjoy Kingston's vibrant scene while experiencing an unforgettable event that's fun, colourful and the perfect activity for the whole family.
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Take a Boat Ride
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With the river flowing through the heart of Kingston, why not take advantage of its scenic beauty and embark on a leisurely boat trip with Turks Launches, where you can soak in stunning views of the River Thames all the way from Kingston to Hampton Court?
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Family-friendly Activities
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There are a variety of family-friendly activities around town to keep the little ones entertained this February Half Term, such as a trip to Kingston Museum, where interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring local history to life.
You can also visit Kingston's soft-play area, Wacky Kingdom, in the Bentall Centre, or Picnic in the Rotunda, where children can act out a wide variety of everyday activities.
Older children will love one of Kingston's escape rooms, either Escape Hunt or Kingston Escape Hunt.
Pop Playrooms is the newest addition to the Rotunda, so why indulge in a round or two of mini golf or AR darts?
Still undecided or think we missed anything?
Head over to our What's On page to find more events or even add your own February Half Term activities for FREE.
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