February half term: Women at Work
Family fun this half term
This half term, bring your family to explore our galleries and discover the stories of pioneering women who paved the way for others in transport and engineering jobs in London.
In the 19th century, opportunities for women to work were limited and poorly paid. They were barred from many positions, including most transport roles. This year marks the 50th anniversary of London Transport first recruiting women as bus drivers in 1974, which would be followed by the recruitment of women as Tube train drivers in 1978.
Come and take part in fun activities celebrating the achievements of the women who have helped keep London moving. During your visit you can also hop aboard historic buses and Tube trains, and learn to ‘drive’ an Elizabeth line train. Little ones will also love our All Aboard play zones!
Kids go free!
Image gallery
What's happening?
‘Design a Sign’ Self-Guided Family Trail
(Daily) Suitable for children aged 5+
Margaret Calvert is a designer who began creating signs for the UK’s roads and railways in the 1950s, helping people navigate to their destinations. Now it’s your turn! Explore the Museum’s galleries to spot as many signs as you can, old and new, to inspire you to design your own transport sign.
Transport Heroine Zine-Making Workshop
(Weekdays; sessions last 45 minutes) Suitable for children aged 7+
Discover the stories of nine women who shaped London’s transport network as we know and love it today, including Helen Clifford, who became London Transport’s first woman bus mechanic in 1984, Susan Atyeo, the first signal woman to join London Transport in 1979, and Margaret Okwanga who joined as a Catering Supervisor in the 1970s. In this hands-on workshop, children can create a zine (a mini magazine) all about their chosen transport heroine. Take your zine home to share their story with your friends and family, or add it to a display in the Museum.
‘Dare to Dream’ – Global Poster Gallery family-friendly guided tours and crafts
(Daily at 10:45am, 11:45am, 13:45pm, 14:45pm and 15:45pm; sessions last approximately 30 minutes) Suitable for children aged 4+
Join a guided tour of the Museum’s new Global Poster Gallery with Simran, a puppet character from one of the posters on display by contemporary artist Esther Cox. Discover other great female artists featured in the How to Make a Poster exhibition, and how they portrayed London. Learn about influential women like Dora M. Batty, who began designing posters for the Underground in 1921 and embroiderer and designer Lilian Dring who produced posters from the 1930s. After the tour, kids can get crafty creating a wheel of their favourite things about London. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Climb on board!
Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard historic trains, trams and buses – including an iconic red Routemaster and vintage 1938 stock Tube train. Learn to ‘drive’ an Elizabeth line train in the Future Engineers gallery, and get hands-on with our interactive exhibits.
Fun for toddlers
In our All Aboard playzone, little ones will love playing bus conductors, repairing a mini Tube train with toy spanners, and working in the ‘Lost Property Office’.
Food and drink
Grab a tasty bite to eat for lunch or take a break with coffee and cake at our café bar Canteen, while enjoying the views over the Covent Garden Piazza.
Shopping
Browse through our shop for a memento of your day: choose from our exclusive ranges of transport-inspired toys, gifts, clothing, homeware and vintage posters.
Tickets
All family activities are free with your Museum admission - and kids go free!
Book your annual passes online in advance.
Location
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden
London
WC1E 2BB
United Kingdom