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October half-term in London with kids – 31 fun things to do

October half-term in London with kids – 31 fun things to do

Benefit from autumn within the metropolis earlier than winter begins in earnest, with a few of the greatest issues to do at October half-term in London with children – and it’s not nearly Halloween. UPDATED FOR 2024

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You’ll discover actions for toddlers and teenagers, in addition to loads of inspiration for days out in London for October half-term, whether or not your children love animals or animation, getting open air or escaping rain at half-term in London.

When you’re wanting particularly for some ghoulishly good concepts for Halloween in London with children, the spooky enjoyable coinciding with October half-term in London this 12 months, so that you’ll discover some spooktactular days out – I’ve picked out a few of the greatest beneath.

October half-term in London with kids – 31 fun things to do

Room on the Broom at Kew Gardens

It’s time to enterprise right into a magical world of witches, cats and pointy hats at Kew Gardens this half-term, based mostly on the much-loved e book Room on the Broom – and scroll down to take a look at the brand new Halloween at Kew illuminated path too.

The brand new October half-term path will take you thru a few of the winding paths of Kew, recognizing characters on the story, with some family-friendly actions to attempt to enjoyable installations to assist deliver the story to life – spot the frog hiding on this lily pond, be careful for canine’s muddy paw prints and scare off the dragon collectively.

There’ll be hidden wands to search out alongside the way in which, plus an opportunity to pose on the really magnificent broomstick on the finish of your journey. Runs from October 19-November 3, included with entry to Kew Gardens.

There’s a reduction on tickets for tickets to Kew Gardens in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

View of a flowerbed with yellow flowers, with pond and buildings in the background at Kew Gardens - one of the best places for a family day out in London at October half-term

Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Elevating Halloween

Wrap up heat and head exterior with the household this half-term for one more version of Hyde Park’s household discovery days.

The park’s Hair-Elevating Halloween Discovery Days can be filled with loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful kids. You possibly can discover the eerie nature path, guess the grotesque contents of the feely bins, take heed to spooky interactive tales, and be taught concerning the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks dwelling.

Fancy gown can also be inspired if you wish to get away the Halloween costumes a bit early. The free half-term occasion will run each day from October 29-31, between 11am and three.30pm.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Discover the supernatural at WWT London

Head to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes and there’s some spooky enjoyable to get you within the temper for Halloween.

This 12 months’s theme is ‘Discover the Supernatural‘, to find how tremendous wetland pure could be – head off looking for fungi, weave a willow wand or craft your individual clay acquainted on the way in which. There’s additionally a scavenger hunt card to identify a few of the hidden wonders of the wetlands.

Add in a 45-minute potion-making workshop, utilizing native crops (takes place at 11.30am) in addition to clay modelling impressed by actual life creatures or one thing from your individual creativeness (additionally 45 minutes, from 2.30pm) and the prospect to make your individual momentary piece of artwork (all day)

Runs from October 26-November 3. Actions are included in entry, no prebooking required (first come, first served),

My daughter walks across the wild walk ropes course at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes - there are special activities taking place at October half-term in London with kids

Birds: Good and Weird on the Pure Historical past Museum

IIt’s time for birds to step into the highlight on the Pure Historical past Museum, with their new exhibition operating all through the summer season.

Birds: Good and Weird seems to be at how birds have advanced over historical past, the secrets and techniques to their success and their shocking (and infrequently stunning) ways to outlive.

There’s loads of interactive enjoyable, together with swirling round with a murmuration, chirping to the daybreak refrain and sniffing a pungent seabird egg – in case you’re courageous sufficient.

You may as well meet the oldest trendy chook on the planet, discover out what a pigeon has in frequent with T-Rex, and extra about a few of the 11,000 species alive right now – which do every thing from present the soundtrack to our mornings to ones which suck blood or bathe in acid…

Runs to January 5, 2025. Tickets price £16.50 for adults and £9.95 for youths, together with skip-the-queue entry to the museum. Prebooking is strongly really useful.

Chilly Conflict Spies week at RAF Museum

Be a part of Navy Intelligence to trace down a secret Chilly Conflict Spy on the Royal Air Power Museum this October half-term, with a spread of themed actions for Chilly Conflict Spies week, geared toward children aged 4-12.

Unpick the clues within the historic entrance room, or be part of a Lego Berlin Wall workshop to create your individual wall (and mark the anniversary of the autumn of the actual one, ending the Chilly Conflict).

You may as well check your abilities at piloting a helicopter (no, not an actual one) to drop important provides to east Berlin, construct a rocket and launch it into house, amongst different actions operating from October 26-November 3.

You want extra tickets for the varied actions (with a charge of £3-£6.50), and prebooking is strongly really useful, with some choices solely operating on chosen days. Entry to the RAF museum itself is free.

Some of the vintage planes on display at the RAF museum in London - with a special series of Jet week events during October half-term in London

Barbie on the Design Museum

An amazing choice for tweens, teenagers and anybody else who’s ever performed with a Barbie, this new exhibition on the Design Museum is ready to be probably the most common on this 12 months, because it marks the model’s sixty fifth birthday.

With greater than 250 displays, together with uncommon and modern dolls, the exhibition seems to be on the method Barbie’s design has advanced from 1959 to the current day. Anticipate every thing from one of many very first dolls to the best-selling Barbie of all time, extra numerous and inclusive designs, in addition to her associates – not least Ken, but in addition everybody from Midge to her sister Skipper.

Add in Dreamhouses, automobiles, furnishings and extra from the Barbie universe and it’s a good way to get children fascinated by design – realistically this isn’t for little ones who’re nonetheless enjoying with dolls. Barbie®. Journey into the Barbie universe runs till February 2025.

Household actions at HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast has some nice nautical enjoyable once more over October half-term, together with a free household path to assist one unfortunate sailor discover his misplaced package – with 10 misplaced objects to trace down, with enjoyable information and tales alongside the way in which.

Operating from October 26-November 3, there’ll even be free craft actions, together with an opportunity to design, sew and adorn your individual collar, in addition to dealing with real objects worn and utilized by the ship’s cruise, some relationship again to the Nineteen Forties.

There’s additionally a return of its We Have been There household day on November 1. These occasions welcome some particular company who will draw upon their private experiences at sea to fascinate children with their wonderful tales.

Get a reduction in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

View of HMS Belfast warship museum on the Thames with Tower Bridge just seen in the background - there are some fun family activities taking place at October half-term in London with kids

Dressed to Ship on the Postal Museum

Channel your interior designed this October half-term on the Postal Museum, with an entire vary of crafts, making and storytelling.

Impressed by the postal uniforms in new exhibition, Dressed to Ship, there are many possibilities to get arms on, whether or not you fancy designing an outfit for a puppet, an excellent deed patch, or simply having fun with the storytelling periods.

Included within the commonplace museum ticket – get a reduction in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Periods are drop-in, so no must prebook, but it surely’s first come first served, so make sure to get to the museum early. Exhibition is ongoing.

Dinosaur rEvolution on the Horniman Museum

Top-of-the-line issues to do in London with youthful kids is to pay a go to to the Horniman Museum, for the Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition.

Asking questions on what dinosaurs actually appeared like – maybe we must be imagining T-rex with feathers quite than the same old greens and browns, and asks whether or not they had been higher off having horns, spikes and even quills!

There are 5 giant animatronic fashions, an opportunity to see casts of fossil skeletons and skulls and even some touchable graphics, to not point out dress-up and video games.

Entry to the Horniman Museum is free, however tickets to Dinosaur rEvolution prices £9 for adults, £6 for kids (free for under-threes). Runs to November 3.

The museum’s pure historical past gallery is quickly closed however the aquarium, butterfly home and gardens are additionally open to discover.

Horrible Histories: Horrible Thames Boat Journey

Bounce aboard one of many ultimate cruises of the Horrible Thames boat tour for 2024, to listen to the grotesque and horrible historical past of probably the most well-known rivers on the planet from the folks behind Horrible Histories. 

View of the Terrible Thames boat tour from Horrible Histories on the Thames with the Shard in the background - the last tours take place in London at October half-term

This immersive Thames boat tour takes you alongside the river to discover a few of the capital’s most well-known websites whereas listening to fascinating tales from extremely entertaining actors. Tailor-made towards youthful kids, the tour brings London’s historical past alive in a enjoyable and interesting method. 

With loads of uncommon information and engrossing tales concerning the capital that you just gained’t hear on different excursions, the Horrible Histories boat journey is a singular exercise your entire household is certain to get pleasure from. From October 26-November 3.

Try what we considered the boat journey in my overview of the Horrible Thames tour

Shakespeare’s Globe Household Workshops and Demonstrations

Be a part of a household workshop led by one of many Globe’s gifted actors, lecturers, or administrators and get the little ones within the nation’s most iconic playwright, Shakespeare himself.

Over the October half-term in London, the Globe is operating a collection of sensible Household Workshops on varied dates between October 28 and November 3.

You possibly can select between The Winter’s Story, Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet, with devoted periods for 5-8 and 9-12. The workshops will use a wide range of actions and video games to attract out parts of language, characters, and themes within the performs.

The workshops aren’t the one household occasions going down on the Globe this half-term. You may as well get pleasure from household storytelling periods themed round Hamlet, Macbeth and The Winter’s Story on varied dates from October 26-November 3, aimed age age 5-12 as properly.

Or be part of a Ghosts & Ghouls household tour on varied dates over half-term, in addition to all through October. One of the vital instructional and weird half-term days out in London for households.

For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with children, take a look at my ideas

Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank in London, a recreation of the original Elizabethan theatre - there are various workshops and events taking place this October half-term for kids in London

Tales from Acorn Wooden, Finchley Arts Depot

When you’re in search of methods to entertain toddlers and preschoolers throughout half-term, The Gruffalo is again in London, as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story celebrates its twenty fifth birthday.

As Mouse units off via the deep, darkish wooden, making an attempt to evade being eaten by Fox, Owl and Snake, everybody’s favorite crafty little creature saves his furry pores and skin repeatedly by telling tales of the Gruffalo – as everybody is aware of, there’s no such factor as a Gruffalo. Or is there?

Takes place on the Pentland Theatre, on the Arts Depot in Finchley, appropriate for ages 3+. Runs from October 26-31.

Kids’s theatre at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

There are a few pretty new performs at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre for half time period, together with one geared toward little or no theatregoers.

Delicate Or Spiky is geared toward children aged 6-18 months, and runs from October 19-November 24, filled with shapes, sounds, textures and phrases exploring alternative ways to attach and perceive one another.

For age 4-8, The Storm Whale tells the story of Noi who lives together with his Dad and 6 cats by the ocean, and what occurs when he rescues a bit of whale that washes up on the seashore. From October 25-November 3.

And The whole lot Has Modified is for ages 6-12, all about why change occurs and how you can take care of it – fast paced enjoyable, it seems to be on the chaos of the previous couple of years and the way we deal with it. From October 30-November 3.

The Method 1 Exhibition

F1 followers ought to head to London’s Excel Centre for The Method 1 Exhibition to see memorabilia, pictures and interviews with key F1 figures in an exhibition exploring the game’s previous, current and future.

There are interactive actions in addition to the shows in addition to an opportunity to be wowed by a few of the iconic vehicles pushed by previous and current F1 legends on the exhibition, which is at present operating to finish of December.

Youngsters aged 12+ may uncover what it’s like to sit down behind the wheel with The Quickest Lap Simulator (should be prebooked), a 10-minute expertise which is as shut as you will get with out competing your self.

Blurred view of two Formula 1 cars speeding along a track, with the number 1 visible on the front of one car - the new Formula 1 exhibition is one of the fun days out at October half-term in London with kids

Batman Unmasked

Batman is popping 85 and to assist have a good time the tremendous hero’s anniversary, new expertise Batman Unmasked has opened in London in time for autumn.

Designed to take you on a journey via the Caped Crusader’s historical past in movie, there are unique props, automobiles and costumes on show – together with the Batpod from The Darkish Knight Trilogy and the Batmobile from The Batman.

You possibly can enterprise contained in the Batcave, in addition to themed rooms to deliver Gotham Metropolis to life, plus there’s an opportunity to see a number of totally different Batsuits worn by actors together with Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson and Michael Keaton, in addition to varied Supervillain fits, props and weapons – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr Freeze swimsuit is coming to the UK for the primary time.

There’s additionally an opportunity for youths to search out hidden Batman information throughout the exhibition and loads of picture alternatives (to not point out a number of unique eighty fifth anniversary Batman merch on the finish). Presently operating to November 3 at Wellington St close to Covent Backyard.

MCM Comedian Con London

MCM Comedian Con is again at London’s Excel Centre from October 25-27, with a three-day celebration of all issues popular culture and a implausible strategy to begin half-term in London with children. 

There’s one thing for all ages too. Older kids and teenagers can dress up of their greatest cosplay, take heed to reside panels and duties, play on the consoles and retro gaming machines, compete in board video games and RPG tournaments, and even meet a few of their favorite TV and movie stars. 

And for youthful kids, The Treehouse gives a relaxed household lounge, face portray, workshops, masks making, comedian creation, and different family-friendly actions. Plus, children beneath 10 go at no cost!

Halloween enjoyable in London

When you’re in search of extra Halloween issues to do in London with children at October half-term, I’ve picked a few of the greatest spooky enjoyable on this submit, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.

Or you may take a look at my full record of Halloween days out in London with children right here.

Halloween Household Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens

Seize your broomstick and head to English Heritage’s Eltham Palace and Gardens, which is as soon as once more internet hosting one in every of their nice Halloween household occasions this October half-term.

The great hall at Eltham Palace, the oldest part of the site - there's a special family trail to explore this Halloween in London with kids

There’ll be a Halloween Quest with creepy clues to unravel, as you discover the grounds of the lavish historic home. When you’ve accomplished the search, children may hear unusual and supernatural tales from instances previous.

Operating from October 26-November 3, tickets are free for English Heritage members, in any other case there’s a reduction for reserving upfront.

Halloween on the Tower of London

There’s one other spooky Halloween expertise to be discovered at one of many capital’s most well-known sights, the Tower of London, as you observe within the footsteps of a few of its notorious prisoners.

Halloween on the Tower of London is an exciting family-friendly journey via the landmark’s haunted previous, operating from October 26-November 3, promising a hauntingly good time.

As you tour the Tower’s most infamous websites comparable to Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, children will come nose to nose with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their ultimate moments inside the partitions (with the assistance of projectors and eerie sound results) – anticipate stressed spirits starting from Roman troopers to the Wizard Earl.

The ghoulish Halloween Tower Tour is designed to spook not terrify although, and included in common admission, with a path to maintain monitor of the ghosts you notice. It’s greatest to e book your ticket upfront to ensure entry through the half-term holidays.

There’s a reduction on tickets for the Tower of London in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

The White Tower at the Tower of London after dark, lit up against a deep blue nighttime sky - the Halloween events are one of the best things to do in London at October half-term

The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise

Keep in mind, keep in mind the fifth of November… or quite than remembering it, how about experiencing it for yourselves?

The Gunpowder Plot is an immersive layered actuality expertise through which you’ll journey again in time and try and cease the notorious plot to explode the Homes of Parliament. 

Appropriate for youths aged 12+, the Gunpowder Plot makes use of a mixture of VR expertise, particular results, immersive theatre, and bodily sensations to take you again to London in 1605. 

The expertise takes place within the Tower Vaults, beneath the Tower of London, the place Man Fawkes and his fellow trailers had been imprisoned and tortured after their plan was foiled.

And simply to prime all of it off, Man Fawkes himself is performed by Harry Potter star Tom Felton.

For extra concepts for Bonfire Night time in London with children take a look at my picks

Halloween at Hampton Courtroom Palace 

If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head right down to Hampton Courtroom Palace for one more eerie expertise by Historic Royal Palaces.

At Hampton Courtroom Palace, this Halloween households can uncover the numerous darkish secrets and techniques of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. With creepy sound results and eerie projections, the palace can be remodeled with the assistance of some enchantments and there are ghosts to come across round each nook.

View of the front entrance of Hampton Court Palace illuminated in purple and blue lights after dark - one of the many places to enjoy Halloween in London with kids

There’ll be ghost hunters available that will help you search out all of the spine-chilling spirits inside the palace partitions, plus some spooky tales to get pleasure from and Halloween-themed treats within the cafe.

Ths hair-raisingly enjoyable expertise is appropriate for all ages, and runs from October 26-November 3.

There’s a reduction on tickets for Hampton Courtroom Palace in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Halloween at Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens have been well-known for the Christmas gentle path for years, and now there’s an added deal with to begin winter off with a shiver, with this 12 months’s new Halloween at Kew Gardens occasion.

Observe the path because it leads you previous flickering flames in a fiendish fireplace backyard the place fireplace artists will depart you open-mouthed, and enterprise into the haunted woods, illuminatd with creepy cobwebs, depraved witches and beastly creatures.

Spy grinning pumpkins as they glow within the nightfall, be careful for ghastly ghouls and be prepared for a couple of extra shocked alongside the path, created by the identical individuals who design Christmas at Kew. There’s additionally marshmallows to toast, and sizzling chocolate and sizzling toddies to drink.

Timed entry slot on dates from October 18-November 3, excellent in case your children have an earlier half-term than most London colleges. Christmas at Kew, which has an extended run, at all times sells out so e book early for this.

Methods and Treats at Sea Life Aquarium

Enterprise into Sea Life London Aquarium for some Methods and Treats this Halloweeen, and also you’ll discover a string of creatures to provide the amazed shivers too.

In addition to the UK’s greatest assortment of piranhas, you may be part of Serafina the Sea Witch who’s set some magical problem to search out those that are worthy to affix her military of ocean defenders.

As you be taught concerning the tips some sea creatures can pull, fill within the exercise sheets and tackle the duties, you might additionally earn your self some Halloween treats. Runs from October 19-November 3, included in entry. There a reduction on prebooked tickets (which can also be really useful throughout half-term).

Scared Shrekless at Shrek’s Journey

Look out for tips and treats at Shrek’s Journey this October half-term, as a part of Scared Shrekless.

Operating from October 26-November 3, you’ll discover a witch alongside the same old inhabitants of Far Far Away, able to shock guests with some tips (and treats). There’ll be an opportunity to snap a photograph earlier than she flies away, in addition to some enjoyable frights to get pleasure from – in addition to assembly the primary ogre himself, encountering Princess Fiona and Donkey and an journey on the 4D flying bus.

Included in commonplace entry, most particular occasions happen after the primary Shrek meet and greet of the expertise. Prebooking really useful.

View of the Cutty Sark clipper ship in Greenwich - there are special family activities if you're looking for things to do at October half-term in London with kids

Ghoulish tales on the Cutty Sark

Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting a lot of family-friendly occasions to assist maintain children entertained this October half-term – together with an opportunity to fulfill Nannie the witch, and find out how the historic clipper ship bought its title, one of many characters on the Cutty Sark.

Plus older children (12+) can get their hearts racing one other method, by climbing the ship’s well-known masts within the thrilling Cutty Sark Rig Climb Expertise. 

There’s a reduction on tickets for the Cutty Sark in case you e book via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Extra days out with children in London: ongoing

Science museum

The massively common Energy Up can also be giving children (and massive children) the prospect to lose themselves in 5 a long time of gaming once more this October half-term.

With 160 consoles, and the very best video video games of the previous 50 years, you may tackle your loved ones at MarioKart, play retro favourites like Pong and Pacman, or exhibit your Minecraft strikes. You’ll additionally want a day go (or annual go) to go to Energy Up.

Frameless

The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition opened in Marble Arch, Frameless lets children – and massive children – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.

Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot house, with 4 separate galleries, guests can uncover key moments in artwork historical past, with state-of-the-art projection and movement sensor expertise to deliver to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

With the prospect to the touch, transfer and work together with the work, it couldn’t be farther from a standard gallery and the right method to assist households uncover the world of artwork.

My daughter inside a room with apparently warped floors and walls at the London Museum of Illusions - one of the best things to do in London for October half-term

Twist Museum of Illusions

There are some new displays becoming a member of the illusions at Twist Museum – excellent for a wet day throughout October half-term in London with children (or a sunny one for that matter).

With over 60 displays displaying totally different illusions and shows to trick all of your totally different senses, the interactive expertise is enjoyable for all ages. Prebook tickets right here.

Try our overview of a go to to Twist Museum London with children

Paradox Museum

The brand new Paradox Museum London opened simply in time for the summer season holidays and there’s nonetheless probability to defy gravity and play with the boundaries of house.

The museum guarantees to take you into an inexplicable and extraordinary world, the place nothing appears logical – anticipate every thing from optical illusions to difficult paradoxes.

Excellent for youths who’re curious concerning the world – and a number of enjoyable for the entire household. Visits final round 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum is predicated at 90 Brompton Highway. Free for youths beneath 4.

Bubble Planet

Head to Wembley for probably the most enjoyable actions in London this October half-term, at Bubble Planet.

Within the immersive expertise, now prolonged to the top of October, you’ll go via themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even strive a sizzling air balloon flight simulator, in addition to utilizing VR expertise to take you to a different planet – with all 10 rooms having the frequent theme of bubbles.

For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with children, take a look at my prime picks

Take an open-top bus tour

When you get a transparent October day, wrap up and take advantage of it on one in every of London’s open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from, with totally different choices relying which routes and instances you need.

Tootbus (beforehand known as The Unique Tour) has a particular 45-minute London Youngsters tour in addition to the London Discovery hop-on hop-off choice.

There’s at present 20% off in case you e book on-line upfront

Or the hop-on hop-off route from London Huge Bus Excursions additionally takes you previous most key landmarks, with some reductions on-line in case you purchase upfront.

Observe a Treasure Map Path

These pretty vibrant treasure hunt-style maps embrace three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you employ the code MUMMYTRAVELS.

A enjoyable strategy to discover London with children, the hunts problem you to identify every kind of quirky sights, from indicators and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a enjoyable fantasy design to rework the actual life streets.

There’s additionally lots extra to entertain children throughout October half-term in London on the traditional household sights – take a look at my decide of the very best 59 issues to do in London with children

Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Foremost picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast/Method 1 vehicles courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels

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