26 thrilling things to do at Halloween in London with kids
As the evenings get darker and winter approaches, it’s time for all things gruesome, ghoulish and guaranteed to make you scream – and if you’re spending Halloween in London with kids, there’s plenty of spine-chilling fun. UPDATED FOR 2026
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This year, Halloween falls right at the end of October half-term in London, so you’ll find plenty of family activities have an added helping of spookiness throughout the holiday week.
But whether you’re visiting with teens who are keen to be terrified or younger kids who are all about the pumpkins, you’ll find plenty of scarily good fun this Halloween in London.
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The London Dungeons
Where better to start your terrifying trip than a visit to the London Dungeon? This Halloween in London, you’re transported back to Victorian London, when an ancient curse has fallen on the city.
After an archaeologist brought the mummy of a High Priestess back to London, an unknown evil is striking everyone who has disturbed her restless spirit.
Do you dare to unwrap the story behind one of London’s most unsettling legends, the curse of the Unlucky Mummy?
Included in entry, needless to say, this one is better for older kids (recommended for 10+), and it’s well worth prebooking tickets as it does sell out over Halloween. The fearsome fun runs from October 17 – November 1, while you can also brave plague and plots as you travel through London’s darkest history…
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs further along the riverside remains closed and won’t be open this Halloween
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
It’s hard to beat a haunted royal residence at Halloween, head down to Hampton Court Palace for an eerie experience from Historic Royal Palaces.
At Hampton Court Palace, this Halloween families can discover the many dark secrets of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. With creepy sound effects and eerie projections, the palace and gardens will be transformed with the help of a few enchantments and there are ghosts to encounter around every corner.
Check out the eerie new outdoor trail in the Wilderness, keep an eye out for the ghost of William Shakespeare, listen to some spooky storytelling in William III’s apartments, then enjoy some ghoulishly good treats in the cafe.
This hair-raisingly fun experience is suitable for all ages, and runs from October 24-November 1. Included in entry.
There’s a discount on tickets for Hampton Court Palace if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Halloween at the Tower of London
The Tower’s spooky reputation has endured for centuries, and there’s no better place to step into a world of Chilling tales and haunting history than Halloween at the Tower of London.
Designed to delight, rather than terrify, you’ll encounter ghostly residents complete with ghoulish make-up and some spine-chilling sound effects, with everyone from a poet and a pirate to a queen, astronomer and even a bear.
Learn more about the Tower’s past as a formidable fortress and notorious prison, with not all those who passed through its ancient walls making it out alive. Discover the Haunted Forge, the Enchanted Wishing Well, or the Raven’s Observatory.
Incidentally, while the ghosts will be dressed to spook, visitors aren’t allowed to enter if they’re wearing costumes so don’t be tempted to join in. From October 24-November 1, included in entry.
Halloween at Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens have been famous for their Christmas light trail for years, and Halloween at Kew Gardens is starting winter off with a shiver once more, back for its third year.
Follow the eerie illuminated trail as it leads you through haunted woods, where legendary creatures lurk and fire performers light up the night. Beware Dracula hiding in the darkness, see the Headless Horseman ride and explore a brand new cursed tomb – if you dare.
Survived the scares? You’ll also find also marshmallows to toast, and hot chocolate and hot toddies to drink.
Timed entry slot on dates from October 16-November 1, perfect if your kids have an earlier half-term than most London schools.
A Shrektacular Halloween at Shrek’s Adventure
TBC for 2026 Step into Shrek’s Adventure this Halloween and there’s usually some extra magical mischief to enjoy in Far Far Away.
Watch out for Rumpelstiltskin, a series of wicked witches and Cinderella’s stepsister, with some added spooky adventures as you voyage through the swamps of Shrek’s world.
For more ideas of things to do on the South Bank with kids, check out my top picks
Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – the Harry Potter tour
If you want to guarantee wizards and witches this Halloween, you can always head to Hogwarts – or the next best thing, at The Making of Harry Potter tour in the Warner Bros studios near London.
Previous special Halloween events have included A Celebration of Slytherin, looking at the house which turned out more dark wizards than any other, but this year the focus is once again on the Dark Arts, from September 16 to November 8.
Along the way, you can also spy some of the creatures which appeared in the wizarding world, as well as trying your hand at flying a broomstick: probably the closest you can get to magic within half an hour of the capital!
Needless to say, tickets book up well in advance for this London Halloween day out, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’ve got your heart set on this magical Halloween – check out my tips for finding tickets to the Harry Potter Studio tour.
For more ideas of days out for Harry Potter fans in London, check out these magical suggestions too…
Jump on the ghost bus
For a ghost tour with a difference, hop on board London’s Ghost bus tour – it’s family friendly (although best for around age 7+), as you cruise on the ‘orrible omnibus’ to the West End, around the city and south of the river.
Check out my review of the Ghost Bus Tour of London – with kids, or without
There are spooky facts about some of London’s best known landmarks, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with a creepy conductor providing the commentary.
Set abroad the only Necropolis Bus left, the sole survivor of a 19th century private funeral bus service – painted midnight black – the rest were destroyed in a mysterious fire.
If you don’t already have shivers down your spine, you’re sure to by the time you step off…
Take a Halloween bus tour
TBC for 2026 There are usually some special Halloween-themed Kids Tours from The Original Tour (formerly Tootbus) in October, with decorations, fun scary masks to wear, spooky themed sweets, some creepy music and guided commentary with a ghostly spin.
As well as seeing some of the key sights, including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, there’ll be a Best Halloween Costume
The 45-minute tour normally runs from mid October to early November. And as it’s aimed at younger kids so you can expect the emphasis to be on spooky fun rather than terror.
Enjoy Halloween afternoon tea
Some of the B-Bakery afternoon tea bus tours are getting a spooky look for Halloween – and you can get 5% off the cost of standard seats if you book using my code MumTravels5 (min spend £115).
Tuck in to a monster spiced orange macaron and pumpkin tart (among other frightfully good treats) on the Spooky Halloween afternoon tea sightseeing bus tour – suitable for age 5+, although the menu is probably better for older thrill-seekers. From October 19-November 1.
Or for little ones, try the Peppa Pig Halloween afternoon tea, where the emphasis is on magic and mischief, for age 2+. From October 19-Nov 1.
Get 5% off standard seats on afternoon tea bus tours when you use my code MumTravels5
Tricks and Treats at London Sea Life Aquarium
Enjoy some tricks & treats as you venture into the underwater world of Sea Life London Aquarium this Halloween, to discover the magical challenges conjured up by sea sorcerers as they work to protect their fellow ocean creatures.
Included in standard entry, you’ll learn more about some of the weirdly wonderful inhabitants of the underwater world, and why some of the scariest aren’t actually too terrifying after all. Runs from October 17-November 1.
Ghosts and Ghouls tour at Shakespeare’s Globe
Double, double, toil and trouble… Are you brave enough to head to Shakespeare’s Globe for a special family-friendly spooky Ghosts and Ghouls guided tour, bringing to life some of the ghosts, spirits and scary happenings of Shakespeare’s play.
From the Three Witches in Macbeth, to Hamlet’s father’s ghost, something wicked this way comes, with plenty of spectres and supernatural sightings, as well as some real-life history that’s almost as scary – from the medical practices of the time or traditional ways to protect yourself against evil spirits as well as folktales about mysterious London creatures.
The hour-long tour takes place on various dates in October, although the tour on October 17 is almost sold out if your kids have their half-term early as is Halloween itself, but there’s still availability for the week of October 24.
Madame Tussaud’s
Where could be more spine-chilling than a visit to the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussauds this Halloween?
Scaring Londoners since 1818, this rogue’s gallery includes some of the city’s darkest crime scenes from the past 150 years, with authentic relics and death masks. Needless to say, this really isn’t one to visit with younger kids – it’s recommended for 16+ thanks to the content.
If your teens decide against is at the last minute, there’s plenty of less blood-curdling fun too, with everyone from celebrities to superheroes to the royal family on display.
Prebooked tickets are advised – if you buy direct, you can reschedule for free plus there are online discounts for booking in advance. You can also buy combination tickets with the London Dungeon
Halloween Family Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Grab your broomstick and head to English Heritage’s Eltham Palace and Gardens, which is once again hosting their great Halloween half-term fun this October.
There’ll be a Halloween trail to follow as well as interactive storytelling and spooky games among the seasonally frightful fun.
Running from October 24-November 1, tickets are free for English Heritage members, otherwise there’s a discount for booking in advance.
Ham House, Surrey
Ghostly ladies are ten a penny but there aren’t quite as many historic houses that can boast a ghostly dog as Ham House can.
Add in mysterious cold spots, ghostly footsteps and a 17th century looking glass which some people refuse to stare into for fear of who (or what) might gaze back and its a perfect Halloween day out in London.
A woman in black has also been spotted on the stairs of the house, while a lovelorn nobleman is thought to scream here – you might even smell pipe smoke, the favourite of the Duke of Lauderdale… who has been dead for well over three centuries.
There’s also the Cabinets Unlocked sensory trail running during half-term, from October 24-November 1.
Halloween Trick or Treat trail, Covent Garden
Nothing screams Halloween in London like a visit to Covent Garden at Halloween, and there are usually a string of spine-chillingly fun events planned – TBC for 2026.
Last year saw a free Halloween Trick or Treat Trail, designed to send you to areas of Covent Garden which you might not have explored before, plus a chance to pick up some frightfully good treats along the way.
Or Seven Dails Market had its own themed food and events, with crafts and activities on some dates during half-term, and even a magician performing live. Details of this year’s events are still to follow, but you can expect family fun and pumpkins galore.
Pumpkin picking at Parsons Green
You needn’t venture too far if you want a pick your own pumpkin experience with 10,000 squashed into the London pumpkin patch in Fulham’s Parsons Green during half-term week.
And this year there’s a new play zone planned with plenty of games to entertain little ghouls and goblins – try pumpkin bowling or a Jack-O-Lantern toss, plus a smash day on November 1 (with everything recycled into eco-friendly biofuel after you’ve had fun getting messy).
Beyond the enchanted archway, the trick or treat adventure for age 3+ is back with character actors behind each door – designed to give families a proper trick or treat experience, when not all neighbourhoods run something (and without knocking on endless doors to find some treats!)
Or wander past spooky displays and some seasonal surprises as you explore the Pumpkin Patch, before choosing your perfect pumpkin to take home.
Runs from October 24-November 1. Prebooking essential, with separate tickets for the different experiences.
For more ideas of places to pick pumpkins near London, check out this post for the best pumpkin picking locations
Halloween Pumpkin Carving at Chelsea Physic Garden
What’s Halloween without a pumpkin? And at Chelsea Physic Garden, you can learn all about pumpkin plants before carving your own to take home.
Aimed at kids aged 5+ (who must be accompanied by an adult), you’ll get everything you need to create your own jack-o-lantern during the sessions taking place on October 23, 27 and 28, 2026.
Tickets are priced £20 for adults, £15 for children, and include entry to the Garden. Sessions run from 1-2.30pm inside the garden’s spooky shed. Prebooking tickets is essential.
There are a string of other Halloween events taking place too, from crafts to workshops, storytelling and more. Must be prebooked as events sell out well in advance.
Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Raising Halloween
Wrap up warm and head outside with the family this half-term for another edition of Hyde Park’s family discovery days.
The park’s Hair-Raising Halloween Discovery Days will be packed with plenty of fun and educational hands-on activities for younger children. You can explore the eerie nature trail, guess the gruesome contents of the feely boxes, listen to spooky interactive stories, and learn about the many bats that call London’s Royal Parks home.
Fancy dress is also encouraged if you want to break out the Halloween costumes a bit early. The free half-term event will run daily from October 27-29, between 11am and 3.30pm.
Explore the supernatural at WWT London
Head to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes and there’s some ‘super natural’ fun to get you in the mood for Halloween – perfect if your kids don’t like spookiness or scares.
This year’s theme is ‘SUPER natural‘, to discover how magical the wetlands can be – weave a willow wand, make a potion or head off on a fungi hunt. There’s also chance to spot some of the hidden wonders of the wetlands and explore the wild walk.
Or try one of the extra activities, such as carving your own pumpking or making a familiar out of clay.
Runs from October 24-November 1. Activities are included in entry, no prebooking required (first come, first served).
Old Operating Theatre, London
If you’re looking for blood and gore this Halloween, London’s Old Operating Theatre is an eye-opening experience with a look back at genuine medical and surgical practices of long ago.
Set in the attic of an 18th century church of the old St Thomas’s Hospital, it’s the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe and takes you back to the days before anaesthetics, when 150 medical students might have crammed in to learn
This Halloween, swap the mythical monsters for a genuinely chilling look at the origins of surgery before antiseptics and anaesthesia. Best with older kids.
Spy famous names in a cemetery
The idea of going for a walk in a cemetery might seem an odd one, but it’s actually a fascinating day out with kids in London, especially if you visit one of the Magnificent Seven, the ring of seven graveyards created mostly in the Victorian age and inspired by Pere Lachaise in Paris.
Brompton Cemetery has an unusual attraction for younger children – Beatrix Potter used to live nearby and some names on the tombstones apparently inspired characters in her stories: keep an eye out for Peter Rabbett, Jeremiah Fisher, Mr Nutkins, Mr Brock and Mr McGregor as you visit.
You’ll also find Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, Victorian adventuress Elizabeth Le Blond and pioneering physician Dr John Snow, plus this cemetery has made countless appearances in films, including Bond movie Goldeneye and Sherlock Holmes.
Kensal Green is London’s largest and oldest public cemetery, with giant mausoleums as well as the grave of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, plus tightrope walker Charles Blondin, best known for crossing the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope.
Bunhill Fields is a Nonconformist burial ground which dates back to the 1660s, with the graves of writers, artists, intellectuals and radicals, including John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and William Blake.
The best-known of the cemeteries, Highgate, isn’t free (unless you’re a grave owner). Some of its catacombs are Grade II listed. It’s the final resting place of Karl Marx, George Eliot and poet Christina Rossetti.
Halloween at High Street Kensington
Follow a Halloween trail around High Street Kensington from October 24-31 for a chance to discover some curious characters and spooky goings on, finishing with Holland Park’s transformation into the Playful Park of Peculiar on October 31.
Expect surreal and spooky installations, interactive games and monochrome characters roaming the grounds, including the Day of the Dead-inspired Skeleton Serenade parade, complete with 9ft dancing skeleton puppet.
If you’ve got older kids and teens, there’s also a goth-inspired vintage flea market earlier in the day on October 31, perfect to get some dress-up inspiration. Takes place on Phillimore Walk from 10-4.30pm.
Trick or treat at the The Paddington Bear Experience
There’s a Halloween twist to the Paddington Bear Experience in the County Hall building on London’s South Bank this October, perfect for Paddington fans looking for some gentle thrills.
There’s a chance to upgrade to enjoy a Trick-or-Treat adventure, including a souvenir pumpkin sweet bucket, a pair of Paddington ears and a few sweet treats, as well as meeting characters from the stories who’ll be handing out the treats, finishing with a Halloween celebration in Windsor Gardens.
Running from October 17-November 1, alongside the usual fun of the immersive experience which sees Paddington and the Browns prepare for the Marmalade Day festival.
Visiting Paddington Station, Windsor Gardens and even Darkest Peru, the experience lasts around 70 minutes, before visiting Mr Gruber’s shop – or a variation on it! – to pick up some souvenirs.
Halloween at Twist Museum of Illusions
There are some Halloween extras alongside the illusions at Twist Museum this autumn – perfect for a rainy day during October half-term in London with kids (or a sunny one for that matter).
Explore how we see in the dark in the colour-stripping Colourless Room and the silhouette-bending Shadow Room, and enjoy the UV Ghost Trail – hunt hidden ghosts around the museum that only reveal themselves under UV light.
There’ll also be some Halloween-themed magic shows included in admission, plus a costume competition if you fancy dressing up.
Not to mention over 60 exhibits showing different illusions and displays to trick all your different senses, the interactive experience is fun for all ages. Prebook tickets here.
Check out our review of a visit to Twist Museum London with kids
Chessington World of Adventures Howl’O’Ween
If you’re happy to travel slightly outside central London, Chessington’s ‘Howl’O’Ween’ Halloween event is always a good one for families – and tickets include access to the full theme park and zoo entry.
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, trick or treat experience, Enchanted Hollow, is back again, where the animal residents unleash their mischievous streak with a few cheeky tricks along with the treats as you explore.
The terrifying scare zone, Stone Watchers: Vampire’s Lair is back; cross the line and the Stone Watchers come to life, ready to ward out any evil spirits – are you brave enough to sneak through?
There are some fun shows and interactive experiences, including Dr Frankfun’s Haunted House Party, or watch mummified monsters come to life to summon their leader, not to mention rides at dusk. Runs from October 3-4, 10-11 and 17-31, as well as November 1, separate ticket required for Enchanted Hollow.
Brick or Treat at Legoland Windsor
The Lego Monsters are taking over, with the return of Brick or Treat to Legoland Windsor. And that’s only the start of the Halloween themed fun at the theme park, which is being transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland from October 10-11 and 17-31 plus November 1.
Last year’s new show is back, and Lord Vampyre’s House Party is sure to get everyone dancing, or watch the Monster Jam show, brave the Haunted House Monster Party and more spooky surprises. You can even get your groove on while you’re on the rides, with a disco on The Dragon.
Plus all the usual fun, and some great themed Lego builds to be found. Prebooking is highly recommended during half-term.
For more ideas of the best things to do at October half-term in London with kids, check out my top picks
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Warner Bros Studio Tour/Cutty Sark/Ghost bus copyright MummyTravels; Spells Kitchen courtesy Livat Hammersmith; all other images courtesy of Depositphotos
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