Take advantage of autumn within the metropolis earlier than winter begins in earnest, with a number of the finest issues to do at October half-term in London with youngsters – and it’s not nearly Halloween. UPDATED FOR 2024
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
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 youngsters love animals or animation, getting outdoor or escaping rain at half-term in London.
In the event you’re wanting particularly for some ghoulishly good concepts for Halloween in London with youngsters, 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 number of the finest 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, primarily based on the much-loved guide 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 number of the winding paths of Kew, recognizing characters on the story, with some family-friendly actions to try to enjoyable installations to assist carry 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 actually 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 if you happen to guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Elevating Halloween
Wrap up heat and head exterior 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 can be full of loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful kids. You may discover the eerie nature path, guess the ugly contents of the feely containers, take heed to spooky interactive tales, and be taught concerning the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks house.
Fancy costume can be inspired if you wish to escape the Halloween costumes a bit early. The free half-term occasion will run day by 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 12 months’s theme is ‘Discover the Supernatural‘, to find how tremendous wetland pure could be – head off attempting to find 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 number of the hidden wonders of the wetlands.
Add in a 45-minute potion-making workshop, utilizing native vegetation (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 non permanent piece of artwork (all day)
Runs from October 26-November 3. Actions are included in entry, no prebooking required (first come, first served),
Birds: Sensible 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 time.
Birds: Sensible and Weird appears to be like at how birds have advanced over historical past, the secrets and techniques to their success and their stunning (and infrequently stunning) 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 – if you happen to’re courageous sufficient.
You can even meet the oldest trendy fowl on this planet, discover out what a pigeon has in frequent with T-Rex, and extra about a number of the 11,000 species alive at this time – 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 beneficial.
Chilly Struggle Spies week at RAF Museum
Be part of Navy Intelligence to trace down a secret Chilly Struggle Spy on the Royal Air Power Museum this October half-term, with a spread of themed actions for Chilly Struggle Spies week, aimed toward youngsters 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 true one, ending the Chilly Struggle).
You can even 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 house, amongst different actions operating from October 26-November 3.
You want further tickets for the varied actions (with a price of £3-£6.50), and prebooking is strongly beneficial, with some choices solely operating on chosen days. Entry to the RAF museum itself is free.
Barbie on the Design Museum
An excellent choice for tweens, teenagers and anybody else who’s ever performed with a Barbie, this new exhibition on the Design Museum is about to be some of the in style on this 12 months, because it marks the model’s sixty fifth birthday.
With greater than 250 reveals, together with uncommon and modern dolls, the exhibition appears to be like on the approach Barbie’s design has advanced 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 numerous and inclusive designs, in addition to her pals – 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 an effective way to get youngsters excited about design – realistically this isn’t for little ones who’re nonetheless taking part in 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 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 embellish your individual collar, in addition to dealing with real objects worn and utilized by the ship’s cruise, some relationship again to the 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 youngsters with their wonderful tales.
Get a reduction if you happen to guide via 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 probabilities to get fingers on, whether or not you fancy designing an outfit for a puppet, a superb deed patch, or simply having fun with the storytelling periods.
Included within the customary museum ticket – get a reduction if you happen to guide via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Classes are drop-in, so no must prebook, however it’s first come first served, so you should definitely get to the museum early. Exhibition is ongoing.
Dinosaur rEvolution on the Horniman Museum
The most effective 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 seemed like – maybe we needs to be imagining T-rex with feathers somewhat 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 youngsters (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
Bounce aboard one of many remaining cruises of the Horrible Thames boat tour for 2024, to listen to the ugly and horrible historical past of some of the 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 number 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 approach.
With loads of uncommon info and engrossing tales concerning the capital that you simply received’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 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 numerous dates between October 28 and November 3.
You may 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 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. You can even take pleasure in household storytelling periods 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 part of a Ghosts & Ghouls household tour on numerous dates over half-term, in addition to all through October. One of the academic and weird half-term days out in London for households.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, take a look at my ideas
Tales from Acorn Wooden, Finchley Arts Depot
In the event 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 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.
Youngsters’s theatre at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
There are a few beautiful new performs at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre for half time period, together with one aimed toward little or no theatregoers.
Smooth Or Spiky is aimed toward youngsters aged 6-18 months, and runs from October 19-November 24, full of shapes, sounds, textures and phrases exploring other 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 somewhat whale that washes up on the seaside. From October 25-November 3.
And All the pieces Has Modified is for ages 6-12, all about why change occurs and the best way to take care of it – fast-paced enjoyable, it appears to be like on the chaos of the previous few years and the way we deal with it. From October 30-November 3.
The Components 1 Exhibition
F1 followers ought to head to London’s Excel Centre for The Components 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 number of the iconic vehicles pushed by previous and current F1 legends on the exhibition, which is at the moment operating to finish of December.
Youngsters aged 12+ may also uncover what it’s like to sit down behind the wheel with The Quickest Lap Simulator (have to be prebooked), a 10-minute expertise which is as shut as you may get with out competing your self.
Batman Unmasked
Batman is popping 85 and to assist have fun 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 may enterprise contained in the Batcave, in addition to themed rooms to carry 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 numerous Supervillain fits, props and weapons – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr Freeze go well with is coming to the UK for the primary time.
There’s additionally an opportunity for youths to search out hidden Batman info throughout the exhibition and loads of picture alternatives (to not point out plenty of unique eighty fifth anniversary Batman merch on the finish). At present 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 technique to begin half-term in London with youngsters.
There’s one thing for all ages too. Older kids and teenagers can dress up of their finest cosplay, take heed to stay 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 affords a relaxed household lounge, face portray, workshops, masks making, comedian creation, and different family-friendly actions. Plus, youngsters beneath 10 go totally free!
Halloween enjoyable in London
In the event you’re in search of extra Halloween issues to do in London with youngsters at October half-term, I’ve picked a number of the finest spooky enjoyable on this put up, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.
Or you possibly can take a look at my full listing of Halloween days out in London with youngsters 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 among their nice Halloween household occasions this October half-term.
There’ll be a Halloween Quest with creepy clues to resolve, as you discover the grounds of the lavish historic home. When you’ve accomplished the hunt, youngsters may also hear unusual and supernatural tales from occasions 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 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 corresponding to Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, youngsters will come head to head with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their remaining 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 observe of the ghosts you see. It’s finest to guide 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 if you happen to guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise
Keep in mind, keep in mind the fifth of November… or somewhat 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 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 high 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 youngsters 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 an additional 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 reworked with the assistance of some enchantments and there are ghosts to come across round each nook.
There’ll be ghost hunters available that can assist you hunt down all of the spine-chilling spirits inside 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 Courtroom Palace if you happen to guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Halloween at Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens have been well-known for the Christmas mild 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.
Comply with the path because it leads you previous flickering flames in a fiendish hearth backyard the place hearth 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 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, good in case your youngsters have an earlier half-term than most London colleges. Christmas at Kew, which has an extended run, at all times sells out so guide 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 possibly can 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 methods some sea creatures can pull, fill within the exercise sheets and tackle the duties, you could possibly additionally earn your self some Halloween treats. Runs from October 19-November 3, included in entry. There a reduction on prebooked tickets (which can be beneficial 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 same old 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 principle ogre himself, encountering Princess Fiona and Donkey and an journey on the 4D flying bus.
Included in customary entry, most particular occasions happen after the principle Shrek meet and greet of the expertise. Prebooking beneficial.
Ghoulish tales on the Cutty Sark
Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting a variety of family-friendly occasions to assist hold youngsters entertained this October half-term – together with an opportunity to fulfill Nannie the witch, and learn the way the historic clipper ship obtained its identify, one of many characters on the Cutty Sark.
Plus older youngsters (12+) can get their hearts racing one other approach, 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 if you happen to guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Extra days out with youngsters in London: ongoing
Science museum
The vastly in style Energy Up can be giving youngsters (and large youngsters) the prospect to lose themselves in 5 many years of gaming once more this October half-term.
With 160 consoles, and the perfect video video games of the previous 50 years, you possibly can 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 youngsters – and large youngsters – 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 carry 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 approach 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 – good for a wet day throughout October half-term in London with youngsters (or a sunny one for that matter).
With over 60 reveals exhibiting 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 youngsters
Paradox Museum
The brand new Paradox Museum London opened simply in time for the summer time 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 the whole lot from optical illusions to difficult paradoxes.
Good for youths who’re curious concerning the world – and lots of enjoyable for the entire household. Visits final round 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum relies at 90 Brompton Street. Free for youths beneath 4.
Bubble Planet
Head to Wembley for some of the 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 via 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 frequent theme of bubbles.
For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Take an open-top bus tour
In the event you get a transparent October day, wrap up and take advantage of it on one among London’s open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from, with totally different choices relying which routes and occasions 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 choice.
There’s at the moment 20% off if you happen to guide on-line upfront
Or the hop-on hop-off route from London Large Bus Excursions additionally takes you previous most key landmarks, with some reductions on-line if you happen to purchase upfront.
Comply with a Treasure Map Path
These beautiful vibrant treasure hunt-style maps embody three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you employ the code MUMMYTRAVELS.
A enjoyable technique to discover London with youngsters, 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 remodel the true life streets.
There’s additionally loads extra to entertain youngsters throughout October half-term in London on the normal household sights – take a look at my choose of the perfect 59 issues to do in London with youngsters
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Principal picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast/Components 1 vehicles courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels