While Netflix might be brimming with children’s films and loveable characters, there’s nothing more wonderful for a half-term treat than a trip to the cinema – especially as the nippers probably haven’t been near one for most of a year. The popcorn and pic ‘n’ mix will be fresh, the screen spring-cleaned and on the big screen are a few cinematic delights to enjoy, both old and new. Here’s a few to put to a family vote.
RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to half-term in London for more ideas
The bunny is back! The first Peter Rabbit film was a big hit and the second one should follow in its paw-steps with the same giddy blend of family fun and bunny shenanigans. James Corden, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki return to provide the voices. Hop to it.
Out now
Disney’s latest origin story represents the middle bit in the unlikeliest of Venn diagrams, with kids on one side and ’70s-influenced fashionistas on the other. The Central St Martins set will get a kick out of Emma Stone’s young fashion-forward Cruella de Vil, a Dalmatian-bothering villainess-in-the-making in a punk-era London. Kids will love the anarchic energy promised by the movie’s trailer. Dogs will be nonplussed.
Out May 28
If you have a car, kids who are happy to sit in it and you’re based in south west London, Black Cinema UK is a new drive-in in Surrey’s Apps Court Farm that has a few half-term-friendly screenings lined up. There’s the most recent ‘The Lion King’ (2pm, Sat May 29) and the Will Smith ‘Aladdin’ (1.15pm, Sun May 30) and best of all, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2pm, Mon May 31). A car costs £39.95 for five people (do not take five people unless you drive a monster truck), with a range of food and drink offerings on site.
A rare CG animation from ‘Spirited Away’s makers Studio Ghibli, who normally deal only in hand drawn techniques, this might upset purists but it should keep you brood happy for an hour or two. It tells the story of Earwig, a feisty young girl who, much to her disgust, is adopted by a blue-haired woman called Bella Yaga and her towering, devilish companion Mandrake. It turns out Earwig’s new ‘mum’ is a neighbourhood witch...
Out May 28
There’s a ’90s flavour to Drive In Film Club’s programme this half-term, surely all the excuse any parent will need to bore their children with pre-millennial tales while they’re literally trapped in a car. Head up to Alexandra Palace to watch ‘The Addams Family’ (2pm, Sat May 29), the animated ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2pm, Sun May 30), ‘The Iron Giant’ and ‘Cool Runnings’ (2pm and 5pm, Mon May 31). Run by Rooftop Film Club since early in the pandemic, it’s a well-grooved drive-in offering now, with a 40-foot screen upfront and tasty, car-delivered food behind.
There need never be a dull moment in this city – London is jam-packed with fantastic experiences and days out for families and kids. Here are 101 of the best things to do with children in London.
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