Half-Term in London: Things to Do with Kids and Teenagers

Half-term comes around quickly, and with it the question every parent knows: what are we going to do? London has more choice than anywhere in the country, but the best days out are simple to plan, work for different ages and don't depend on the weather. This guide brings together ideas for under-fives, primary-age children and teenagers, with a live basketball game at the centre of the day.

Planning a half-term day out in London

A little planning makes half-term days easier and cheaper. Three questions shape most good plans:

• Who is coming? A day that works for a toddler and a teenager needs variety and breaks.
• What if it rains? Have an indoor option at the centre of the day.
• How will you get there? Choosing one area cuts travel time and keeps children's energy for the fun part.

Half-term dates differ between schools and local authorities, so check your own school's calendar before booking anything. Popular activities and holiday camps often sell out, so book early once your dates are confirmed.

A basketball game as a half-term treat

A live London Lions game gives children something they don't get at school or at home: a professional sporting event, close up, with music, a crowd and plenty of action. Games at the Copper Box Arena are indoors and fully seated, so the weather doesn't matter, and the whole experience lasts around two hours.

Basketball is England's second most popular team sport after football, and more than a million children and young people play it every week. So many children will already know the game from school or the playground. Watching professional players shows them what it can become.

New to basketball? Our guide to your first London Lions game explains what happens on the night, which seats to choose and the rules in two minutes. Check the full fixture list to see whether a home game falls in your half-term week. Most men's home games are at the Copper Box Arena, but some domestic games are played at NCC Hackney. Always check the venue on the fixture list and your ticket before you travel.

Children's ticket rules

• Children aged two and under go free and don't need a ticket.
• Children aged three and over need their own ticket.
• Children under five can't sit in Courtside, Dugout or Baseline seats at the Copper Box.

For families with young children, the lower tier (the 100s) keeps you close to the action while staying near aisles and facilities.

Make a day of it at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The Copper Box sits inside Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the former London 2012 Olympic Park. It's free to enter every day, and there's enough to fill a whole day before an afternoon or evening game.

Free things in the park

• Tumbling Bay Playground and the park's other play areas are free and ideal for burning off energy before the game.
• Waterways and riverside paths are good for a walk, a scoot or a bike ride.
• The London Blossom Garden and the park's open lawns are a good picnic spot in fine weather.

Paid attractions

• ArcelorMittal Orbit: viewing platforms over east London and a tunnel slide for ages eight and up. Tickets are limited, so book ahead.
• London Aquatics Centre: the 2012 Olympic pool runs public and family swimming sessions.
• Lee Valley VeloPark: track cycling, BMX and mountain biking for older children.

The park publishes its own events through the school holidays. See the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park what's on page for current listings.

Where to eat with children

Westfield Stratford City is a short walk from the arena and fully under cover, with family restaurants and quick options. Hackney Bridge, on the Hackney Wick side of the park, has food stalls with plenty of choice. Food and drink are also on sale inside the Copper Box, but you can't bring your own in, so plan picnics for the park rather than the arena.

Indoor ideas for rainy half-term days

October and February half-terms in particular can bring wet weather. These options keep the day going whatever the forecast:

• A London Lions game at the Copper Box, which is fully indoor.
• A family swimming session at the London Aquatics Centre.
• The covered shops and restaurants of Westfield Stratford City between activities.
• The East Bank cultural quarter, home to V&A East and Sadler's Wells East.

Half-term ideas by age

Under-fives

Young children enjoy the noise, colour and music of a game, but the length matters. Arrive early to settle in before the pre-show, choose seats near an aisle so breaks are easy, and pack ear defenders if your child is sensitive to loud sound. Half-time is a natural moment for a walk.

Ages 5–11

Primary-age children often get the most out of a game. Encourage them to pick a favourite player in the warm-up and follow them through the game. If they're keen to play, the club's youth sessions are a good next step, and our Family Game Day page has more ideas for families.

Teenagers

Teenagers are often the hardest to please in the holidays. A live game with friends, a ride on the Orbit slide and food out make a full day that feels grown-up. Many teenagers follow the NBA online, so seeing professional basketball in their own city has real appeal.

Basketball sessions for children

If your children would rather play than watch, London Lions run basketball holiday camps through the school holidays, including the October, February and May half-terms. Camps are led by coaches from the Lions Academy and professional teams, and they welcome complete beginners as well as experienced club players. Places often sell out, so book early through the club's youth pages.

Away from the holidays, the club runs youth sessions across north, east, south and west London, with no experience needed. Head coaches hold an enhanced DBS check and a Basketball England coaching qualification.

Keeping costs down over half-term

Half-term can be expensive, but a day in east London doesn't have to be. The park itself is free, as are its playgrounds and riverside paths, so you can spend money only on the parts that matter most. Upper-tier seats at the Copper Box give a full view of the court and are usually the lowest-priced option for a game. Packed lunches can be eaten in the park before you go in, since outside food can't be taken into the arena. Children under 11 travel free on many London services, which helps families coming from across the city.

Practical tips for families

• Travel by public transport. There is no general parking at the Copper Box. Our guide to getting to the Copper Box Arena covers every route, including step-free options.
• Travel light. Bags must be roughly A4 size or smaller, and there's no bag storage.
• Bring a card or phone. The arena is cashless.
• Arrive when doors open. Doors open 60 minutes before tip-off, giving time for bag checks, toilets and snacks.
• Plan a break. Half-time is the best moment for a stretch with younger children.

A tip for parents

Children under 11 travel free on London buses and trams. On the Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line, up to four children under 11 travel free with each fare-paying adult. Older children need their own ticket, so check Transport for London's current rules before you travel.