With half term just around the corner it’s time to start planning for a week of entertainment that embraces the best of the school break. Fun and festivities for the whole family are all part of the experience in Canary Wharf as we sip on hot chocolate, start seasonal shopping, and wrap up warm for winter activities. Here are some of the top things to do in London this half term.
Fun-filled family adventures
Get out and about with activities and entertainment across the Wharf to suit all ages and abilities this half term with a world of entertainment to explore. From ice skating to obstacle courses, burn off a little energy and work up an appetite with something for every age group.
Tropical paradise
For a walk in the park without worrying about the weather, Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a perennial favourite. One of the most impressive green spaces in Canary Wharf, it sits almost exactly on the Meridian line and is open until 9pm. It’s filled with exotic plants and hidden paths making it an ideal spot for a family stroll or a mini adventure where children can explore unique plant life from around the world.
Waterfront oasis
A new addition to the Wharf, Eden Dock Canary Wharf is newly open and ready for exploration. Formerly known as Middle Dock, the outdoor hub is a water-adjacent haven of pontoons and aquatic islands brimming with verdant plant life. It’s an environmental oasis where marine habitats exist alongside architectural excellence, offering escapism in the city, and space to unwind in the open air.
Family-friendly entertainment
Enquiring minds delight in family-friendly entertainment at all hours of the day, from art to cinema complete with interactive activities and plenty of snacks to keep energy levels up and interests engaged.
Movie magic
Enjoy movie magic at the Canary Wharf Everyman Cinema in Crossrail Place, where three screens and ultra comfy seats offer the perfect place for entertainment. Tuck into kid-friendly snacks and cosy up with friends and family to enjoy a host of films. You can also join them every Friday or Saturday for their toddler-friendly cinema screenings for ages one to five with their Toddler Club. They show childhood favourites, such as The Addams Family, as well as new releases, complete with a warm drink and a slice of cake or a small popcorn included in your ticket price.
Children’s Old Flo Quiz & Art
Test your knowledge of Henry Moore’s Draped Seated Woman, affectionately known as Old Flo, which has been displayed in Canary Wharf for over three years. Our quiz helps children explore the sculpture’s history and the process behind creating art.
Challenge yourself and your kids by downloading the quiz and art, or request a copy to be sent to your home.
Family-friendly places to eat in Canary Wharf
With all that entertainment, family-friendly eats Canary Wharf to rest, recharge and refuel are essential. Across Canary Wharf, family-friendly dining is available in abundance, from a stylish setting with a diverse menu at The Ivy in the Park, to contemporary Mexican fare at Wahaca.
Diverse dining
Head to Canada Square where you will find The Ivy in the Park, offering casual refinement and all-day dining. Fusing British classics with an Asian twist, the popular eatery offers family-friendly feasts, complete with a children’s menu – The Ivy Chocolate Bombe with honeycomb and hot caramel sauce is always a crowd pleaser.
Mexican marvels joys
A vibrant, feel-good, family-friendly favourite, Wahaca at The Park Pavilion is known for bringing a taste of Mexico to Canary Wharf. Small plates and big flavours abound in an easy going environment serving superb tacos, cocktails, quesadillas, sides, churros and desserts, mocktails and more. There’s also a dedicated kids menu for little ‘Mexi-fans’ up to the age of eight, with the chance to build your own taco, and finish up with a babychino!
Comfort food
Warm and comforting, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta offers an authentic Italian experience that’s perfect for bringing families together over wholesome meals. Generous, warm and relaxing, it’s pasta that offers the comfort of home.
Zizzi’s pizza and pasta
Laid back and lots of fun, Zizzi’s is famous for its rustic pizzas, mozzarella garlic bread, sharing boards and more. Their Cabot Place location is a family-friendly haven offering a warm welcome and a convivial environment for quality time together. Wholesome and heartwarming, they even have a ‘Bambini’ menu with flavourful fare from a Kids Pasta Penne Pomodoro to Sweet Potato Fries.
Mediterranean mezze
Meet a Mediterranean welcome at Gallio Canary Wharf, where a warm and convivial greeting awaits alongside a menu of excellent mezze platters, pizza, wraps or their signature bowl food. Naturally, the experience is complete with plenty of gelato as well.
Shop for children’s clothes in Canary Wharf
Not only is Canary Wharf a hub of entertainment, it also offers plenty of retail therapy and shopping opportunities. Stock up on winter coats and comfy jumpers, from affordable high street brands to luxury favourites. Be prepared for any weather and occasion, with children’s clothes shops in Canary Wharf.
Swedish style
A Swedish lifestyle brand for little ones, shop at Newbie Canary Wharf to find Hygge in abundance. Sustainability is at the heart of what they offer, with comfy, nostalgic style and timeless design featuring natural shades and hand-drawn prints.
High street favourites
Always popular and reliably fashionable, Zara Canary Wharf is the perfect place for trendy, affordable, children’s clothes for every occasion. Their wide range of clothing and accessories is both practical and party-ready as we head towards the holiday season.
Luxury style
The White Company Canary Wharf is known for its high quality and relaxed elegance. Soft fabrics and contemporary design offer classic good taste for parents seeking both comfort and style for their children. Located at Jubilee Place, head over for everything from baby-grows to woolly jumpers and winter socks.
Quality comfort
The best burger joints in town
For cosy comfort there’s nothing quite like a burger and fries, and whether you’re looking for fast food or the ultimate American-style experience, Canary Wharf is home to the best burger joints in town. Rock up with friends and family for fun, flavour and plenty of fries.
Fast food favourite
Grab a quick bite at Burger King, which arrived at the Atrium Kitchen on Cabot Place this summer. Globally renowned for their hamburgers since 1954, it’s the home of the classic Whopper, signature recipes and skinny fries.
Shake things up
Open from breakfast and all the way through the day, Shake Shack at The Park Pavilion offers fun and plenty of flair when it comes to food and drink, serving up burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes and more. Start the day with a Brazilian coffee, and at lunch tuck into quality fare from the best farmers, bakers and artisan producers.
Five Guys Canary Wharf
Five Guys Canary Wharf takes the cake for the greatest variety of topping combinations around. Priding themselves on their high-quality Scottish beef, they boast more than 250,000 possible combinations of fresh toppings, and if that doesn’t take your fancy there’s also their hot dogs and sandwiches to choose from. The reputation of their famous ‘boardwalk style’ fries, hand-cut on site each day and cooked in 100% peanut oil, precedes them, and you can even spice things up with their Cajun fries. Top it all off by creating your own flavoured shakes with a range of over 1,000 different mix-ins.
Make this half term unforgettable
From adrenaline-fuelled fun to relaxing with your favourite people, whatever you want to do this half term, Canary Wharf has it all. For fun with the whole family, entertainment with friends, shopping for essentials or watching the world go by, spend time inside, outside and enjoying the bits in between.
Discover what’s on in Canary Wharf
