Benefit from 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 children – and it’s not nearly Halloween. UPDATED FOR 2024
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You’ll discover actions for toddlers and youths, 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.
In the event 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 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 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 number of the winding paths of Kew, recognizing characters on the story, with some family-friendly actions to attempt 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 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 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 filled with 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, hearken 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 escape 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 12 months’s theme is ‘Discover the Supernatural‘, to find how tremendous wetland pure may be – head off trying to find 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 number 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 possibility 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 time.
Birds: Good and Weird appears to be like at how birds have developed over historical past, the secrets and techniques to their success and their shocking (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 case you’re courageous sufficient.
You can too meet the oldest fashionable fowl on the planet, discover out what a pigeon has in frequent with T-Rex, and extra about a number of the 11,000 species alive right now – which do all the pieces 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 advisable.
Chilly Warfare Spies week at RAF Museum
Be part of Navy Intelligence to trace down a secret Chilly Warfare Spy on the Royal Air Drive Museum this October half-term, with a spread of themed actions for Chilly Warfare 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 true one, ending the Chilly Warfare).
You can too 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 area, 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 awesome 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 one of the crucial in style 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 appears to be like on the manner Barbie’s design has developed from 1959 to the current day. Anticipate all the pieces 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 in addition everybody from Midge to her sister Skipper.
Add in Dreamhouses, autos, furnishings and extra from the Barbie universe and it’s an effective way to get children serious 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 gadgets to trace down, with enjoyable details 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 embellish your personal collar, in addition to dealing with real gadgets worn and utilized by the ship’s cruise, some relationship again to the Forties.
There’s additionally a return of its We Had 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 case you e-book by 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, an excellent 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 my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Classes are drop-in, so no must prebook, however it’s first come first served, so remember to 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 appeared like – maybe we ought to be imagining T-rex with feathers slightly 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 massive 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
Leap 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 crucial well-known rivers on the planet from the individuals 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 fascinating manner.
With loads of uncommon details and engrossing tales concerning the capital that you just received’t hear on different excursions, the Horrible Histories boat journey is a singular exercise your complete 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 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 may 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. You can too take pleasure in household storytelling classes 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 a part of a Ghosts & Ghouls household tour on varied dates over half-term, in addition to all through October. Probably the most 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
In the event you’re searching for 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 the deep, darkish wooden, attempting 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.
Tender 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 along 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 things Has Modified is for ages 6-12, all about why change occurs and the 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 present operating to finish of December.
Youngsters 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 by the Caped Crusader’s historical past in movie, there are authentic props, autos 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 varied 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 details 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 unbelievable strategy to begin half-term in London with children.
There’s one thing for all ages too. Older kids and youths can dress up of their finest cosplay, hearken 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 gives a relaxed household lounge, face portray, workshops, masks making, comedian creation, and different family-friendly actions. Plus, children beneath 10 go totally free!
Halloween enjoyable in London
In the event you’re searching for extra Halloween issues to do in London with children at October half-term, I’ve picked a number of the finest spooky enjoyable on this submit, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.
Or you’ll be able to try my full listing 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 considered 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 hunt, children can even 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 points of interest, 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 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 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) – 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 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 by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise
Keep in mind, bear in mind the fifth of November… or slightly than remembering it, how about experiencing it for yourselves?
The Gunpowder Plot is an immersive layered actuality expertise by 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 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 will help you hunt down 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 Courtroom Palace in case you e-book by 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 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 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 colleges. 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 greatest 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 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 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 also 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 commonplace 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 lot of family-friendly occasions to assist hold children entertained this October half-term – together with an opportunity to satisfy Nannie the witch, and learn the way the historic clipper ship obtained its identify, one of many characters on the Cutty Sark.
Plus older children (12+) can get their hearts racing one other manner, 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 my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Extra days out with children in London: ongoing
Science museum
The vastly in style Energy Up can also be giving children (and massive children) the possibility to lose themselves in 5 many years 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’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 massive 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 carry to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
With the possibility to the touch, transfer and work together with the work, it couldn’t be farther from a standard gallery and the proper manner to assist households uncover the world of artwork.
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 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 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 time holidays and there’s nonetheless likelihood 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 – anticipate all the pieces from optical illusions to difficult paradoxes.
Excellent for youths who’re curious concerning the world – and numerous 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 one of the crucial 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 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 children, try my prime picks
Take an open-top bus tour
In the event you get a transparent October day, wrap up and profit from it on considered 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 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.
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 utilize 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 true life streets.
There’s additionally loads extra to entertain children throughout October half-term in London on the traditional household points of interest – try my decide of one of the 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
Predominant picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast/Components 1 vehicles courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels
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