Take advantage of 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.
For those who’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 yr, so that you’ll discover some spooktactular days out – I’ve picked out a few of the greatest beneath.
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 by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Elevating Halloween
Wrap up heat and head outdoors with the household this half-term for an additional version of Hyde Park’s household discovery days.
The park’s Hair-Elevating Halloween Discovery Days will likely be full of loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful kids. You possibly can discover the eerie nature path, guess the ugly contents of the feely containers, take heed to spooky interactive tales, and study in regards to the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks house.
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.
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 yr’s theme is ‘Discover the Supernatural‘, to find how tremendous wetland pure will be – head off looking for fungi, weave a willow wand or craft your personal 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 personal creativeness (additionally 45 minutes, from 2.30pm) and the prospect to make your personal momentary piece of artwork (all day)
Runs from October 26-November 3. Actions are included in entry, no prebooking required (first come, first served),
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 appears at how birds have developed over historical past, the secrets and techniques to their success and their shocking (and infrequently surprising) techniques 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.
It’s also possible to meet the oldest trendy hen on this planet, discover out what a pigeon has in widespread with T-Rex, and extra about a few of the 11,000 species alive immediately – which do the whole lot from present the soundtrack to our mornings to ones which suck blood or bathe in acid…
Runs to January 5, 2025. Tickets value £16.50 for adults and £9.95 for youths, together with skip-the-queue entry to the museum. Prebooking is strongly really useful.
Chilly Battle Spies week at RAF Museum
Be part of Army Intelligence to trace down a secret Chilly Battle Spy on the Royal Air Drive Museum this October half-term, with a spread of themed actions for Chilly Battle Spies week, geared toward children aged 4-12.
Unpick the clues within the historic entrance room, or be a part of a Lego Berlin Wall workshop to create your personal wall (and mark the anniversary of the autumn of the actual one, ending the Chilly Battle).
It’s also possible to take a look at 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 area, amongst different actions operating from October 26-November 3.
You want extra tickets for the assorted actions (with a payment 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.
Barbie on the Design Museum
An excellent possibility for tweens, teenagers and anybody else who’s ever performed with a Barbie, this new exhibition on the Design Museum is about to be one of the vital widespread on this yr, because it marks the model’s sixty fifth birthday.
With greater than 250 reveals, together with uncommon and revolutionary dolls, the exhibition appears on the method Barbie’s design has developed from 1959 to the current day. Count on the whole lot from one of many very first dolls to the best-selling Barbie of all time, extra various and inclusive designs, in addition to her pals – not least Ken, but additionally everybody from Midge to her sister Skipper.
Add in Dreamhouses, autos, furnishings and extra from the Barbie universe and it’s a good way to get children curious about 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 gadgets to trace down, with enjoyable info and tales alongside the way in which.
Working from October 26-November 3, there’ll even be free craft actions, together with an opportunity to design, sew and beautify your personal collar, in addition to dealing with real gadgets worn and utilized by the ship’s cruise, some relationship again to the Nineteen Forties.
There’s additionally a return of its We Had been There household day on November 1. These occasions welcome some particular friends who will draw upon their private experiences at sea to fascinate children with their superb tales.
Get a reduction in case you e book by way of my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Dressed to Ship on the Postal Museum
Channel your internal 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, a great deed patch, or simply having fun with the storytelling classes.
Included within the commonplace museum ticket – get a reduction in case you e book by way of my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Classes are drop-in, so no have to 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 ought to be imagining T-rex with feathers moderately than the standard 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 briefly closed however the aquarium, butterfly home and gardens are additionally open to discover.
Horrible Histories: Horrible Thames Boat Journey
Soar aboard one of many last cruises of the Horrible Thames boat tour for 2024, to listen to the ugly and horrible historical past of one of the vital well-known rivers on this planet from the folks behind Horrible Histories.
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 fascinating method.
With loads of uncommon info and engrossing tales in regards to the capital that you simply gained’t hear on different excursions, the Horrible Histories boat journey is a novel exercise the whole household is certain to take pleasure in. From October 26-November 3.
Take a look at what we considered the boat journey in my evaluate of the Horrible Thames tour
Shakespeare’s Globe Household Workshops and Demonstrations
Be part of a household workshop led by one of many Globe’s proficient actors, academics, 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 numerous dates between October 28 and November 3.
You possibly can select between The Winter’s Story, Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet, with devoted classes for 5-8 and 9-12. The workshops will use quite a lot of actions and video games to attract out components of language, characters, and themes within the performs.
The workshops aren’t the one household occasions going down on the Globe this half-term. It’s also possible to take pleasure in household storytelling classes themed round Hamlet, Macbeth and The Winter’s Story on numerous dates from October 26-November 3, aimed age age 5-12 as nicely.
Or be a part of a Ghosts & Ghouls household tour on numerous dates over half-term, in addition to all through October. Some of the academic and weird half-term days out in London for households.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with children, try my ideas
Tales from Acorn Wooden, Finchley Arts Depot
For those who’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 by way of 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 time and again 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.
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 improbable approach 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 dwell 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 presents a relaxed household lounge, face portray, workshops, masks making, comedian creation, and different family-friendly actions. Plus, children underneath 10 go without cost!
Halloween enjoyable in London
For those who’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 publish, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.
Or you’ll be able to try my full checklist 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 certainly one of their nice Halloween household occasions this October half-term.
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.
Working 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 exhilarating family-friendly journey by way of 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 similar to Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, children will come head to head with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their last moments throughout the partitions (with the assistance of projectors and eerie sound results) – count on 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 see. It’s greatest to e book your ticket upfront to ensure entry in the course of the half-term holidays.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the Tower of London in case you e book by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise
Bear in mind, bear in mind the fifth of November… or moderately than remembering it, how about experiencing it for yourselves?
The Gunpowder Plot is an immersive layered actuality expertise during which you’ll journey again in time and try to 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 Evening in London with children try my picks
Halloween at Hampton Court docket Palace
If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head all the way down to Hampton Court docket Palace for an additional eerie expertise by Historic Royal Palaces.
At Hampton Court docket 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 will likely be remodeled with the assistance of some enchantments and there are ghosts to come across round each nook.
There’ll be ghost hunters readily available that will help you search out all of the spine-chilling spirits throughout the palace partitions, plus some spooky tales to take pleasure in 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 Court docket Palace in case you e book by way of 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 start out winter off with a shiver, with this yr’s new Halloween at Kew Gardens occasion.
Comply with the path because it leads you previous flickering flames in a fiendish hearth backyard the place hearth artists will go away 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 just a few extra stunned alongside the path, created by the identical individuals who design Christmas at Kew. There’s additionally marshmallows to toast, and scorching chocolate and scorching 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 faculties. Christmas at Kew, which has an extended run, at all times sells out so e book early for this.
Tips and Treats at Sea Life Aquarium
Enterprise into Sea Life London Aquarium for some Tips 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 largest assortment of piranhas, you’ll be able to be a part of Serafina the Sea Witch who’s set some magical problem to search out those that are worthy to hitch her military of ocean defenders.
As you study in regards to the methods some sea creatures can pull, fill within the exercise sheets and tackle the duties, you would 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 methods and treats at Shrek’s Journey this October half-term, as a part of Scared Shrekless.
Working from October 26-November 3, you’ll discover a witch alongside the standard inhabitants of Far Far Away, able to shock guests with some methods (and treats). There’ll be an opportunity to snap a photograph earlier than she flies away, in addition to some enjoyable frights to take pleasure in – 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.
Ghoulish tales on the Cutty Sark
Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting plenty of family-friendly occasions to assist preserve children entertained this October half-term – together with an opportunity to fulfill Nannie the witch, and find out how the historic clipper ship acquired its identify, 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 by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Extra days out with children in London: ongoing
Science museum
The vastly widespread Energy Up can also be giving children (and large children) the prospect to lose themselves in 5 a long time of gaming once more this October half-term.
With 160 consoles, and the most effective video video games of the previous 50 years, you’ll be able to tackle your loved ones at MarioKart, play retro favourites like Pong and Pacman, or showcase your Minecraft strikes. You’ll additionally want a day cross (or annual cross) to go to Energy Up.
Frameless
The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition opened in Marble Arch, Frameless lets children – and large children – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.
Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot area, 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 conventional gallery and the right method to assist households uncover the world of artwork.
Twist Museum of Illusions
There are some new reveals 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 reveals 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.
Take a look at our evaluate 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 area.
The museum guarantees to take you into an inexplicable and extraordinary world, the place nothing appears logical – count on the whole lot from optical illusions to difficult paradoxes.
Excellent for youths who’re curious in regards to the world – and a number of enjoyable for the entire household. Visits final round 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum relies at 90 Brompton Highway. Free for youths underneath 4.
Bubble Planet
Head to Wembley for one of the vital enjoyable actions in London this October half-term, at Bubble Planet.
Within the immersive expertise, now prolonged to the tip of October, you’ll cross by way of themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even strive a scorching air balloon flight simulator, in addition to utilizing VR expertise to take you to a different planet – with all 10 rooms having the widespread theme of bubbles.
For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with children, try my prime picks
Take an open-top bus tour
For those who get a transparent October day, wrap up and benefit from it on certainly one of London’s open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from, with totally different choices relying which routes and instances you need.
Tootbus (beforehand referred to as The Authentic Tour) has a particular 45-minute London Youngsters tour in addition to the London Discovery hop-on hop-off possibility.
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.
Comply with 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 approach to discover London with children, the hunts problem you to identify all types of quirky sights, from indicators and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a enjoyable fantasy design to remodel the actual life streets.
There’s additionally a lot extra to entertain children throughout October half-term in London on the common household sights – try my decide of the most effective 59 issues to do in London with children
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Principal picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels