Things to do in October Half Term in London with Kids 2024
Are you looking for things to do with the kids in October half-term 2024? The kids get a whole week off – or in certain boroughs, two weeks so you’ll need lots of ideas for things to do to keep them busy. Fortunately, this is London, and so there’s plenty of things for youngsters to do, from enjoying the city’s many kid-friendly art galleries and museums, to enjoying the Halloween activities that our glorious city and the South East have to offer.
Whether you’re after some playgrounds to visit, pumpkin picking or some budget-friendly outdoor activities for families, London absolutely has you covered. Here’s our roundup of all the best things to do with your children this October half-term.
Exploring London during half term opens a treasure chest of exciting activities for families. The city’s renowned museums, such as the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, often host special hands-on exhibits tailored just for children. For a bit of outdoor adventure, why not venture to one of London’s sprawling parks? Places like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park often feature family-friendly events or even pop-up play zones designed to keep kids active.
Best October Half Term Activities for Kids in London
Squidsoup’s Lost In Light art exhibition – a 3-storey, 30,000sqft immersive light installation and art exhibition in the heart of East London opens Friday 25 October. (London EC2A 3PJ. The exhibition will run until until January 5th 2025. Book tickets here.)
The Storm Whale Polka Theatre: One of our favourite books has been turned into a stunning theatre show. There’s even a lantern making workshop on 29th October. (25th October-3rd November. Best for ages 4-8 years old. Tickets from £10.00)
The World of Tim Burton The exhibition explores the world of Tim Burton through over 600 items from his career, including sketches, props, set designs, and costumes. (Best for kids aged 5 upwards. Opens 25th October until April. W8 6AG. Book tickets via ticketmaster.)
Happy Wild Ones Family friendly forest school sessions in a magical woodland! Join us for bushcraft skills, fires, foraging, tool work, crafting, candle making, adventure games and lots of fresh air and fun. (21st October 2-5year olds there’s also a holiday club for 5-11 year olds. Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre Featherbed Lane, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 9AA. Book tickets here.)
Visit The Foundling Museum this October half term all of their family workshops will be Halloween themed. Featuring lantern-making, puppetry and spooky animation, we have plenty of activities to keep children busy. All workshops are led by professional artists, plus children can take their creations home with them. (From 29th October. Adult + Child £10, additional child £5, additional adult £5, Free for Camden residents and listed concessions. Tickets also include free entry to the Museum. Best for ages 5-12 year-olds. WC1N 1AZ)
Visit Room on the Broom at Kew Gardens: Follow the journey of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s witch in interactive installations, follow clues, find hidden wands, spot beloved characters, and pose on a broomstick. (9 October-3 November 2024. Included with paid entry.)
Visions of Nature at Natural History Museum: A VR experience where you explore resilient rainforests and Arctic Oceans, you’ll experience eight different ecosystems. (Best for ages 8 upwards. Book tickets here. SW7 5BD)
Monster Funfair at Discover Story Centre: Step into an immersive world of play and storytelling with fun, interactive exhibits designed for children ages 0-8. (Paid, book, E15 4QZ)
Cold War Spies Week at RAF Museum: Engage in interactive spy-themed activities like Robot Races, and a LEGO Berlin Wall workshop. Hunt for a Cold War spies! (26 October-3 November 2024. Paid, book. Best for kids aged 4-11. )
Design your own greetings card at The Postal Museum: Inspired by Georgina Fihosy of AfroTouch Design, create your own greeting cards using vibrant arts and crafts materials. (26 October-1 November 2024. Included with paid entry. Best for kids aged 5-11.)
Sun Printing and Kite Flying workshop at Horniman Museum led by artist Sarita Acosta Vargas.: Create nature-inspired art using the autumn sun and special paper, then build and fly a kite in Horniman Gardens. Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. This charming museum offers fascinating displays on natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments—all set against beautiful gardens perfect for a family picnic. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through nearby Dulwich Park for some outdoor fun. (30 October 2024. Paid, book. Ages 5+.)
FREE activities to do during October half term in London
Day of the Dead Celebration in Camden A whole host of free activities such as dancing, musical performances, arts and crafts for a vibrant and visual celebration of Dia de los Muertos.(FREE – 2nd November Camden Market NW1 8AF)
Merchant Square Activities: This Halloween, Merchant Square in Paddington is set to become the epicentre of eerie excitement, offering a cauldron of free, family-friendly activities guaranteed to bewitch West Londoners from 28th to 31st October. There’s a 5 day Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza with face painting for children and adults.
On Wednesday, 30th October at 3pm, Merchant Square presents a free outdoor screening
of Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” on the Big Screen. Moviegoers are encouraged to dress up
as their favourite characters and enjoy the film with complimentary blankets and hot
chocolate.
Bank of England Museum: A lesser known museum with exhibitions and creepy craft workshops this half term. (Best for ages 5+. FREE. Not open on bank holidays.) Check out all our favourite London museums for kids.
Southbank Centre: For those looking to combine fun with creativity, consider visiting the Southbank Centre, where you can find everything from free storytelling sessions to art workshops suitable for various age groups. This half term they’re running a live art installation called ‘Alphabet Soup’. It’s free but booking is required. Additionally, take advantage of London’s bustling street markets on weekends; markets like Borough Market offer delectable treats that even little ones can enjoy as they taste their way through vibrant food stalls. With so much on offer during half term in London, you’re sure to create lasting memories without breaking the bank!
Diwali Performances 27th October Trafalgar Square Celebrate the festival of Diwali with dance performances, dance workshops and even a yoga zone. There’s special children’s events including a puppet show. (27th October, Trafalgar Square)
Halloween Activities for Kids to do in London and South East
- Halloween Half Term Trail at Nymans, RH17 6EB. 19 October-3 November 2024.
- Hobbledown Adventure Park are running a special Hobble’ween line up at both their Hobbledown Heath and Epsom locations on October weekends. Enjoy Halloween-themed activities, a fancy dress monster ball, costume parade and more. Any tickets purchased for the half term include all Hobble’ween celebrations.
- Visit London Zoo for a fun family adventure this Halloween this October half term. Halloween-themed activities include spooky animal talks, making a mask and an extinct species graveyard. (19 October – 3 November 2024)
- Jock’s Pumpkin Party at Chartwell, TN16 1PS. 26 October-3 November 2024.
- ‘The Curse of the Clocktower’ Halloween Half-term Trail at Scotney Castle, TN3 8JN. 26 October-3 November 2024. Book car parking in advance.
- Children’s Autumn Craft at Knole, TN13 1HX. 29 October 2024. Pre-book to guarantee entry.
- See Merchant Square and Foundling Museum Activities above!
I love seeing what you get up to over half term, do let me know if you venture anywhere exciting this October half term. Either comment below or tag me @southeastwithkids on Instagram. I’ll be posting our own half term adventures over on my Instagram Stories.
