A Fun-Filled Half-Term for Families

Looking for exciting activities this February half-term? The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is the perfect family-friendly destination. With a mix of free and ticketed events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from Friday 14 to Sunday 23 February 2025.

The Robot Zoo – A Must-See Exhibition

Daily from 14 February – 2 November 2025
Step into The Robot Zoo, a fascinating exhibition where animals are brought to life with mechanical parts, showcasing their unique adaptations. Discover how chameleons change colour, why grasshoppers jump so high, and how bats see in the dark. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, including jet-propelled squid racing and a chameleon tongue-gun! Tickets are available now at horniman.ac.uk.

Creative Family Fun

Family Craft Saturdays
Every Saturday from 2–4pm, enjoy craft activities inspired by the museum’s collections. On 15 and 22 February, children can create white-tailed eagle headbands while learning about the UK’s largest bird of prey. Free entry – no booking required.

Special Half-Term Workshops

Curl Power Workshop with Charlotte Mensah
Monday 17 February – Parents and beginners can join award-winning stylist Charlotte Mensah for a curl care masterclass at the stunning Horniman Conservatory. Get expert tips on managing textured hair and styling children’s curls, plus enjoy refreshments and a free gift. Tickets £45.

Powered by Nature – with Wild Fangs
18, 20 & 21 February – Meet real-life creatures and learn how their bodies work, linking perfectly with The Robot Zoo exhibition. Children can even get hands-on with some of the animals! Tickets £9.50 per child.

Storytelling & Recycling Fun

Maya and Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up
Wednesday 19 February – Join author Laura Henry-Allain for an engaging storytelling session about recycling, followed by crafts and a book signing. Tickets £7.50 (includes one free adult).

Plan your half-term visit now at horniman.ac.uk!

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.