Fun Things to Do in the Royal Docks this February Half Term
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative activities, or a relaxed family stroll, the Royal Docks has plenty to offer during the February half-term break. Enjoy free activities, green spaces, local attractions, and fun experiences for all ages.
Thames Barrier Park
Outdoor Adventures
- Join the official opening of the new play area in Beckton District Park South, 20 February from 11am – 2pm. The new play area features swings, a seesaw and a plane-shaped climbing frame for children to enjoy. On the day, there will be arts and crafts activities and free goodie bags (while stocks last).
- Explore the Floating Garden, Thames Barrier Park, Royal Victoria Gardens, Lyle Park, Beckton Meadows for playtime, cycling and scooting. Visit Itchycoo Pond in Beckton District Park South to see beautiful wooden animal sculptures and spot the terrapins, large flocks of parakeets and more.
- Go for a stroll round the docks and explore the area. Taking your dog too? Read our guide tolocal dog-friendly venues where your furry friend can join you.
Sports, Art and Culture
- Keep kids active this February half term with free multisport sessions for ages 5 – 16, led by Better Newham Active Communities coaches. The free sessions take place at Newham Leisure Centre, 9am –1pm and Shipman Youth Zone 2 – 4pm, booking required.
- Have a climbing adventure! Kids aged 3 plus can climb with supervision, and ages 7 – 16 can join expert-led group sessions at Rise Climbing where you can do climbing, bouldering, and training walls.
- Book a junior padel session at Rocket Padel Beckton. Advance booking is required via the Padel Mates app, and each session costs £8. Sessions are available for ages 3 – 5 from 4 – 4.30pm, ages 5 – 8 from 4.30 – 5.30pm, and ages 9 – 11 from 5.30 – 6.30pm.
- Calling all anime fans! Visit to the Mahou Nippon anime pop-up at Crafted Corner in Canning Town on Saturday 14 February, 11am-6pm. Find rare treasures like collectible figurines, posters, exclusive prints, and stickers. Don’t miss new stock, special sale items, and a free print only available at the event (while stocks last)!
- Try something new at Shipman Youth Zone! The centre offers sports, music, dance, arts, cooking, and wellbeing activities for young people in state-of-the-art facilities, open six days a week.
- Pop into Custom Made a community venue on Freemasons Road for half-term fun with art and crafts, workshops, and wellbeing sessions.
Creative Activities
- Join free art classes at Art in the Docks’ Saturday Kids Club, exploring hands-on creative themes with led by professional artists.
- Take a trip to Beckton Globe, North Woolwich, or Custom House Libraries to explore books, free activities, and use the quite learning spaces.
Experiences
- Visit The Last Days Of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition at Immerse LDN and explore the once-forgotten city through a multi-sensory journey featuring virtual reality, a 360-degree show, detailed artefacts and a metaverse adventure set in 79 AD.
- Experience breathtaking views of the Royal Docks on the IFS Cloud Cable Car including the Glass Floor Experience allowing passengers to see 90 meters directly below while crossing the Thames. Newham residents also can enjoy a discount, just bring along proof of address.
- Explore City Hall to see cutting-edge architecture, a 2012 Olympic torch, and enjoy lunch at London’s Kitchen Café.
Food and Drink
- Kids eat free at The Fox Excel this half term! Enjoy a free kid’s meal with every adult meal purchased, 14 – 22 February, 12 – 5pm.
- Little ones can enjoy a free babyccino at Starbucks Royal Wharf or Starbucks Excel, both great family-friendly place to stop for a cuppa. Read our guide for more great coffee shops and cafes in the Royal Docks.
- Enjoy sourdough pizza at Heroica Lounge, served on the top deck of a converted double-decker bus!
