October half-term in London with children – 31 enjoyable issues to do

Benefit from autumn within the metropolis earlier than winter begins in earnest, with among the finest 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 outdoor or escaping rain at half-term in London.

If you happen to’re trying 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 among the finest under.

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 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 among the winding paths of Kew, recognizing characters on the story, with some family-friendly actions to attempt to enjoyable installations to assist convey 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 seek out alongside the best way, 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 in the event you guide via 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 one more version of Hyde Park’s household discovery days.

The park’s Hair-Elevating Halloween Discovery Days shall be filled with loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful youngsters. You possibly can discover the eerie nature path, guess the grotesque contents of the feely containers, hearken to spooky interactive tales, and be taught in regards to the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks house.

Fancy gown can be inspired if you wish to get away the Halloween costumes a bit early. The free half-term occasion will run every 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 may be – head off looking for fungi, weave a willow wand or craft your individual clay acquainted on the best way. There’s additionally a scavenger hunt card to identify among 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 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 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 smelly seabird egg – in the event you’re courageous sufficient.

You may also meet the oldest fashionable fowl on the earth, discover out what a pigeon has in widespread with T-Rex, and extra about among the 11,000 species alive at this time – 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 value £16.50 for adults and £9.95 for teenagers, together with skip-the-queue entry to the museum. Prebooking is strongly advisable.

Chilly Battle Spies week at RAF Museum

Be a part of Navy 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 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 Battle).

You may also check your expertise 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 assorted actions (with a price of £3-£6.50), and prebooking is strongly advisable, with some choices solely operating on chosen days. Entry to the RAF museum itself is free.

Barbie on the Design Museum

An important 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 probably the most fashionable on this 12 months, because it marks the model’s sixty fifth birthday.

With greater than 250 reveals, together with uncommon and progressive dolls, the exhibition appears on the means Barbie’s design has developed from 1959 to the current day. Count on every thing from one of many very first dolls to the best-selling Barbie of all time, extra various and inclusive designs, in addition to her mates – not least Ken, but additionally 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 children fascinated 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 information and tales alongside the best way.

Operating 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 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 superb tales.

Get a reduction in the event you 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 a complete vary of crafts, making and storytelling.

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

Included within the customary museum ticket – get a reduction in the event you guide via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Classes are drop-in, so no must prebook, however it’s first come first served, so be sure you get to the museum early. Exhibition is ongoing.

Dinosaur rEvolution on the Horniman Museum

Among the finest issues to do in London with youthful youngsters is to pay a go to to the Horniman Museum, for the Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition.

Asking questions on what dinosaurs actually regarded 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 youngsters (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

Soar aboard one of many remaining 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 earth from the individuals behind Horrible Histories. 

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

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

Take a look at 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 proficient 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 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 parts of language, characters, and themes within the performs.

The workshops aren’t the one household occasions happening on the Globe this half-term. You may also 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 properly.

Or be part of a Ghosts & Ghouls household tour on numerous dates over half-term, in addition to all through October. One of the crucial academic and strange 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

If you happen to’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 geared toward little or no theatregoers.

Comfortable 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 little bit whale that washes up on the seashore. From October 25-November 3.

And All the things Has Modified is for ages 6-12, all about why change occurs and tips on how to cope with it – fast-paced enjoyable, it appears on the chaos of the previous few years and the way we deal with it. From October 30-November 3.

The Formulation 1 Exhibition

F1 followers ought to head to London’s Excel Centre for The Formulation 1 Exhibition to see memorabilia, photographs 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 among the iconic automobiles pushed by previous and current F1 legends on the exhibition, which is presently operating to finish of December.

Children aged 12+ can even uncover what it’s like to take a seat 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 rejoice 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 authentic 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 convey Gotham Metropolis to life, plus there’s an opportunity to see a number of completely 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 teenagers to seek out hidden Batman information throughout the exhibition and loads of picture alternatives (to not point out plenty of unique eighty fifth anniversary Batman merch on the finish). At the moment 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 unbelievable approach to begin half-term in London with children. 

There’s one thing for all ages too. Older youngsters and teenagers can dress up of their finest cosplay, hearken 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 youngsters, The Treehouse affords 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

If you happen to’re in search of extra Halloween issues to do in London with children at October half-term, I’ve picked among the finest spooky enjoyable on this put up, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.

Or you may 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 one in every 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 can even hear unusual and supernatural tales from occasions 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 comply with 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, children will come nose to nose 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 monitor 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 in the event you guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise

Keep in mind, keep 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 through which you’ll journey again in time and try to cease the notorious plot to explode the Homes of Parliament. 

Appropriate for teenagers 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 try my picks

Halloween at Hampton Court docket Palace 

If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head right down to Hampton Court docket Palace for one more 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 shall be remodeled with the assistance of some enchantments and there are ghosts to come across round each nook.

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 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 the event you 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 start out 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 fireplace backyard the place fireplace 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 a number of extra stunned 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 guide 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 seek out those that are worthy to hitch her military of ocean defenders.

As you be taught in regards to the tips some sea creatures can pull, fill within the exercise sheets and tackle the duties, you can 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 advisable 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 standard 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 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 customary entry, most particular occasions happen after the primary Shrek meet and greet of the expertise. Prebooking advisable.

Ghoulish tales on the Cutty Sark

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

Plus older children (12+) can get their hearts racing one other means, 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 the event you guide via my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Extra days out with children in London: ongoing

Science museum

The massively fashionable Energy Up can 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 one of the 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 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 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 convey 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 means 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 exhibiting completely different illusions and shows to trick all of your completely different senses, the interactive expertise is enjoyable for all ages. Prebook tickets right here.

Take a look at 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.

Good for teenagers who’re curious in regards to the world – and plenty of enjoyable for the entire household. Visits final round 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum relies at 90 Brompton Street. Free for teenagers underneath 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 cross via themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even attempt 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 widespread theme of bubbles.

For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with children, try my prime picks

Take an open-top bus tour

If you happen to get a transparent October day, wrap up and benefit from it on one in every of London’s open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from, with completely different choices relying which routes and occasions you need.

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

There’s presently 20% off in the event you guide 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 the event you purchase upfront.

Comply with a Treasure Map Path

These beautiful 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 loads extra to entertain children throughout October half-term in London on the common household sights – try my decide of one of the best 59 issues to do in London with children

Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Essential picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast/Formulation 1 automobiles courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels

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