October half-term in London with kids – 53 fun things to do

Make the most of autumn in the city before winter starts in earnest, with some of the best things to do at October half-term in London with kids – and it’s not just about Halloween. UPDATED FOR 2026

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You’ll find activities for toddlers and teens, as well as plenty of inspiration for days out in London for October half-term, whether your kids love animals or animation, getting outdoors or escaping rain at half-term in London.

If you’re looking specifically for some ghoulishly good ideas for Halloween in London with kids, the spooky fun coincides with October half-term in London, so you’ll find some spooktactular days out, as well as some of the earliest bonfire night celebrations and fireworks displays, to go with my pick of the best October half-term days out in London.

Winnie the Pooh at London Zoo

Celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh alongside the 200th anniversary of ZSL, there’s a special new storybook trail at London Zoo this autumn.

Based on a new story inspired by AA Milne and EH Shepard, Pooh and Eeyore set off on an unforgettable night-time adventure through London Zoo after the pair are accidentally left behind by Christopher Robin – the very zoo that was home to the bear which inspired the stories in the first place.

Running from October 2-November 1, you’ll find real-life history among the beautiful illustrations, along with the usual animal attractions. Included in entry.

Hey Duggee at Kew Gardens

Join Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club on an autumn adventure at Kew Gardens this half-term, based on the much-loved CBeebies TV show – and scroll down to read about the Halloween at Kew illuminated trail too.

The new October half-term trail will take you through some of the winding paths of Kew, with a whole string of interactive challenges to try.

Pick up an activity leaflet with a trail map as you enter, including space to collect special Duggee badge stamps at each challenge station – and you can get an exclusive Kew Gardens badge stamp too if you complete them all.

Finish with a Duggee hug alongside a sculpture of Duggee, plus there are suggestions of extra activities to try at home. Runs from October 17-November 1, included with entry to Kew Gardens.

There’s a discount on tickets for tickets to Kew Gardens if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6

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).

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.

Jurassic Ocean: Monsters of the Deep at the Natural History Museum

Meet the goliaths of the prehistoric oceans at latest exhibition at the Natural History Museum, focused on some of the ancient monsters of the deep.

You’ll encounter the pliosaur – a gigantic, gnarly toothed creature – and the ichthyosaur, a majestic and speedy, dolphin-like predator alongside the fiercest hunter to ever rule the waves, the mighty mosasaur, called the T-Rex of the sea,

Check out my review of Jurassic Oceans and what you can expect inside

The Jurassic Ocean exhibition features fossils that are millions of years old, lots of bite-sized science and plenty of fun facts as you discover how marine reptiles evolved and decide who was the most ferocious, along with touching shark skin and even fossil poo.

Recommended for underwater adventurers aged 8+ but suitable for all ages. Runs to January 3, 2027.

While you’re visiting the museum, keep an eye out for the Baa-Ewe Tapestry – inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and created to celerating the release of Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, it shows Shaun’s latest adventure in stitched form and will stay on display until November 1.

Along the Piccadilly Line at the London Transport Museum

Happy birthday to the Piccadilly Line! Opened in 1906, the dark blue line is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year and the London Transport Museum is marking the occasion with a series of family-friendly events.

With 53 stations set over 70km of line, it was also the first tube line to reach Heathrow, stopping at Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square along the way, as well as Hyde Park, some of the city’s best-known museums, and Green Park, just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace.

There’ll be activities celebrating the line’s history as well as the people and places it connects us to, from storytelling and arts and crafts to a chance to make your own flying Tube.

Runs from October 24-November 1, included in admission – some events only run on certain days.

Jet and Space week at RAF Museum

It’s time to reach for the stars with Jet and Space Week at the Royal Air Force Museum this October half-term, with a range of themed activities for future rocket pilots, aimed at kids aged 3+.

From stepping inside a giant planetarium to battling it out in laser tag and solving a museum mystery, there’s something for all ages too.

Enjoy an experience that’s out of this world with a 45-minute show in the immersive planetarium, transporting you to the stars (best for 6+), or track down all the mischievous clones scattered around Hangars 3, 4 and 5 (suitable for age 3+).

Or kids aged 7+ can dodge lasers from behind inflatable obstacles as you compete for the highest score in the laser tag adventure.

You need additional tickets for the various activities (with a fee of £5-£6.50), and prebooking is strongly recommended, with some options only running on selected days between October 24 and November 1. Entry to the RAF museum itself is free.

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A

It’s the last chance to see the current exhibition at the Young V&A – Wallace & Gromit and Friends – taking you behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters and worlds are brought to life.

Celebrating Aardman’s 50th anniversary, you’ll meet everyone from Morph and Shaun the Sheep to Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw et al among in the 150 items on display, with everything from models to storyboards, some never seen before.

Along the way, you can see the whole process of how a film is made, from the initial sketches to how modelmakers build sets and puppets, and how animators work with directors and film crew to bring these miniature worlds to life.

Plus there are hint and tips about how to create your own stop-motion animation video, as well as changes to get hands on.

Prebooking is highly recommended. Tickets cost £11 for adults and children aged 4+, concessions available. Entry to the museum itself is free. Runs to November 15.

Check out my full review of the Aardman exhibition at the Young V&A

Bubble Explorers & Pokemon at the Science Museum

The fun interactive Bubble Explorers show is taking place every day again during half-term at the Science Museum.

Aimed at age 7 and under, the 30-minute show explores the world of bubbles with some exciting experiments, a few wow moments and a chance to practice your own science skills, including making your own bubble mixture at home.

You can even try to answer the biggest bubble question of all: can a person fit inside one? Tickets available for dates until late October, runs daily during school holidays.

Don’t miss the Pokemon Space trail while you’re there. RUnning from October 2-January 3, 2027, the trail has multiple stops across the museum

For older kids, Becoming America is another great option at the Science Museum – marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition looks at how science shaped the earliest days of the United States

The Big Story Festival at the Imperial War Museum

There’s an exciting new addition to the London October half-term line-up with the Big Story Festival coming to IWM London.

The two-day event will be bringing together a line-up of award-winning storytellers, including an appearance by Dame Jacqueline Wilson, for author talks, creative workshops and interactive family activities.

Completely free to attend, there are also lots of free drop-in activities such as illustration workshops and musical performances, as well as some ticketed special events. Takes place from October 25-26 – check out the complete line-up including timings and details of how to book.

The festival’s are inspired by the ongoing exhibition Childhood in War (running to February 28, 2027), the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to exploring the impact of conflict on young people from the First World War to the present day – save time to visit while you’re at the museum (recommended for age 8+).

Spooky fun at the London Museum Docklands

Dive deeper into London legends and spooky superstitions at London Museum Docklands this October half term with a series of fun, free family activities.

You could set sail with superstitious sailors, sculpt clay lucky charms, learn about London’s loneliest griffin, explore fairytale forests and even write your own 10-word stories with former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE

Running from October 26 until November 1, try everything from baking a soul cake – small biscuits which were given out around Halloween in the days before trick or treating – to storytelling with Fairies Tale, crafting a cat or bat bookmark, designing your own mythical monster and even enjoying a spooky silent disco.

Check the full listings for October half-term here – some activities are recommended for different age groups and some may require prebooked tickets, although all the events are free.

Caribbean Voices trail at the London Museum Docklands

You can also follow the free Caribbean Voices trail around the London Museum Docklands this half-term to learn more about the Caribbean community’s contributions to the local area, looking at everything from the way Second World War veterans contributed to how Caribbean produce has shaped Britain.

Pick up the guide on the Third Floor before finding the six stops of the trail on the Second Floor – runs to January 2027.

Magic Lantern Show, Florence Nightingale Museum

Enjoy a taste of a Victorian Halloween at the Florence Nightingale Museum this half-term, with a Magic Lantern Show on October 26.

Using original glass slides from the 19th and 20th century alongside modern slides, the show will feature an authentic triple magic lantern, combining three projections in a single device – with its spectacular effects, this will captivate audiences today just as much as the Victorians.

Family-friendly performances take place at 2pm and 4pm.

The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum

Celebrate 40 years of the much-loved children’s book, The Jolly Postman, in a new interactive exhibition at the Postal Museum.

Step inside the story to meet the Jolly Postman, as he sets off on his rounds with letters for everyone from Goldilocks to the Big Bad Wolf. You’ll join the adventure as he wanders from the Three Bears’ Cottage to Cinderella at the royal palace, and inside the Wicked Witch’s gingerbread bungalow, with original artwork and notes to discover along the way.

Running until January 2027, there are some additional activities including arts and crafts taking place over October half-term.

Included in the standard museum ticket – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Voyage to the Deep at the Horniman Museum

It’s the last chance to travel to the depths of the ocean with the exhibition at the Horniman Museum in south-east London inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

As part of Voyage to the Deep, you’ll board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine and embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure, exploring uncharted waters, encountering fantastic sea creatures, and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.

This interactive adventure lets you take the helm of the Nautilus as you discover how submarines navigate, before decoding ancient secrets in Atlantis, coming face to face with a giant squid and plenty of other hands-on challenges.

Tickets cost from £9.80 for adults, £7 for kids and from £20.20 for a family ticket. Prebooking is advised. Runs to November 1.

The museum’s natural history gallery is temporarily closed but the aquarium, butterfly house and gardens are also open to explore.

Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman

There’s another fun challenge to discover at the museum, with a series of Octonauts mini missions to complete. As an Octocadet, you’ll help the Octonauts crew search for shells, mimic musical instruments and design your own underwater vehicle. Along the way, there are some fun facts to discover and a sticker to pick up at the end once your mission is complete.

As a bonus, there’s an extra adventure outside in the Sound Garden. And as an added bonus, the fun won’t cost a penny – both the trail and entry into the museum and gardens are completely free. Until November 1.

Half-term at the National Maritime Museum

You’ll find a string of fun free activities at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich this October half-term for kids, looking at the way insects can both help and hinder scientists.

With everything from storytelling to craft workshops and interactive fun, each day has a theme, from the Bug Detectives show on October 27 to Bugs at Sea on October 30, as well as stories about how spiders have helped astronomers map the night sky.

Some are designed specifically for younger visitors but most are suitable for all ages. All sessions are free and there’s no need to prebook, just drop in.

Family workshops at the Foundling Museum

There are some great creative family workshops at the Foundling Museum this half-term, perfect to get you into the Halloween spirit.

All the workshops are aimed at kids aged 5-12 and led by professional artists, priced £12 for an adult and child (£5 for each additional child or £7 per adult) including entry to the museum. Booking is essential with limited numbers and two sessions per day, from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

The workshops include Trick or Treat totes on October 27, to make the perfect spooky bag to collect sweets in, followed by Mysterious Mobiles on October 28, and Giant Haunted Hands on October 30, as well as another workshop for age 8-12, Freaky Films, where you can animate your own spooky stop-motion story.

We Go Way Back at the Francis Crick Institute

If you’re looking for free things to do at October half-term in London with kids, head to the Francis Crick Institute just opposite St Pancras for some hands-on science.

The exhibition We Go Way Back invites families to move, touch and smell their way through the story of ancient DNA.

For toddlers, there’s the Explorer Trail to follow, and or kids aged 7+ can take on the Discovery Trail. Along the way are a giant tooth wordsearch, a shadow puppet theatre and puzzles to solve, and if your kids are inspired by what they’ve seen, they can also check out the DNA activities on Crick Kids, the institute’s science website for 7-11-year-olds.

Open Wednesday-Saturday, there’s a cafe (and you’re welcome to bring your own lunch), as well as games, playmats and a buggy park.

Family workshops & 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 (with some less scary workshops if you prefer).

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.

Or you can join a family workshop led by one of the Globe’s talented actors, teachers, or directors and get the little ones interested in the country’s most iconic playwright, Shakespeare himself.

Over the October half-term in London, you’ll find Family Workshops themed around Macbeth and Twelfth Night, with options for different ages from 5-11 on dates between October 26 and October 31.

For more things to do on the South Bank with kids, check out my tips

Family tour at Westminster Abbey

Step inside one of London’s most famous landmarks with a fun family tour, Souls, Saints and Stories at Westminster Abbey.

There’s a chance to discover more about some of the 3,000 people buried and remembered at the Abbey, with tales of curious burials, surprising ends, kings, queens and a saint.

Recommended for age 5+ but best for older kids or those not fazed by tales of graves and tombs, it runs from October 26-30. Limited numbers so prebooking is strongly recommended.

Booking opens on October 2 and if you want to explore more after the tour, you’ll need a separate ticket for general entry to Westminster Abbey.

Luminescence at Westminster Cathedral

See Westminster Cathedral in a new light thanks to the Luminescence immersive experience taking place this autumn.

Using light projections and live classical music, plus a specially created script read by Hugh Bonneville, this dazzling 360° video projection concert transforms the interior of the building.

Runs on various dates until October 31, including some performances featuring live musicians. The experience lasts for around 50 minutes.

Power, Perfume and Scandal at Kensington Palace

Travel back to the reign of George II, when Kensington Palace was the ultimate party palace, packed with the most fashionable, ambitious and talented people of the day, all competing for popularity and power.

With Queen Caroline ruling in the king’s absence, you’ll need to win her good favour to get anywhere – which means outwitting the powerful, perfumed and scandalous aristocrats that surround her.

See some of the palace’s most colourful characters brought to life, and even challenging each other to a duel at weekends until November 22, wth 15-minute performances at 11:00 and 14:00 in the Drawing Room. Included in entry.

Family trail at Trent Park House of Secrets, Enfield

Head out to north London to discover the first family trail at Trent Park House of Secrets, the north London museum which opened in July, revealing the story of the Second World War ‘Secret Listeners’.

Amazing Creatures Explorers, aimed at under-8s, is a fun way to find out more about the interwar years at the House and this glamorous slice of Trent Park’s history.

Then families can head down to the hands-on basement, to find out more about how the Secret Listeners eavesdropped on captured German generals, including chance to hear excerpts from an officer’s diary, and the Playback room where kids can listen, record and spot keywords in English and German.

There’s even a chance to try the air-raid siren, peek into a 1940s kitchen and dress up in Secret Listener uniform. Look out for the scale model of the House as it would have been in 1942 before you leave too.

Family activities at the Royal Mews

There are always some fun family activities at the Royal Mews during school holidays in London, inspired by the regal carriages and horses housed in the mews.

And for October half-term, you can follow the Crowns and Carriages Quest, with some cryptic clues to decipher and some colouring to enjoy along the way. Aimed at children aged 5-10, it’s suitable for age 3+ and included with tickets.

Plus you can also see some of the historic carriages used by the Royal Family, including the 260-year-old Gold State Coach, which took the King and Queen back to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey after the Coronation, kids can sit in a replica carriage, tack up a wooden pony and dress up in livery.

Meet the characters on the Cutty Sark

Get set for the high seas as you meet some colourful characters aboard the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, listening to astonishing stories about life at sea in the age of sail.

With three separate characters to meet on different days between October 24 and November 1, you can find them on board the ship for roaming encounters between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, with static performances in the Dry Berth at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Cruise along the Thames

See some of the biggest sights in London from the water, with a great deal on City Cruises boat tours including sightseeing tours and themed cruises. Kids go free with a 24h river pass

Check out the complete set of Thames cruises and experiences to book.

A Squash and a Squeeze, Finchley Arts Depot

If you’re looking for ways to entertain toddlers and preschoolers during half-term, Dear Zoo is on at the Finchley Arts Depot, along with a string of family activities for half-term.

With puppets and songs, the 55-minute performance sees the characters write to the zoo for a pet, and receive an unexpected array of animals – a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy.

For age 1+, at the Pentland Theatre from October 23-27.

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The Smeds and the Smoos, Southbank Centre

The Smeds and the Smoos is coming to London’s South Bank this half-term, with Julia Donaldson’s much-loved story brought to life from October 28-November 1 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The hour-long show, aimed at kids aged 3+, is part of the London Literature Festival, and follows the charming adventure of one Smed and one Smoo, who confound their families by falling in love. After all, the Smeds and the Smoos simply don’t get along.

Look out too for The Southbank Parade, the new installation from Quentin Blake, created as part of the Southbank’s 75th anniversary celebrations, paying tribute to some of the stars of the stage as well as the Londoners who fill the riverfront every day

Children’s theatre at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

There are a couple of lovely new plays at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre for half term, including one aimed at younger theatregoers.

Toto is for kids aged 3-8, and runs from October 10-November 1, about a young donkey who’s full of dreams and aspirations, and who sets off to the city to try to become an astronaut.

Or At Sea, for age 6-12, mixes puppets, projections and music to tell the tale of a sailor who loses their way after having their heart compass stolen, venturing through a coral reef, a siren’s lair and to the very bottom of the ocean as they strive to find their way back to the surface. From October 28-November 1.

And for age 8-11, You’ll See takes on James Joyce’s Ulysses, with paper design and live performance bringing the story to younger audiences (and anyone else who hasn’t got around to reading it yet). From October 23-25.

Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold exhibition

If you’re fascinated by all things Ancient Egypt, the new Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold exhibition at Battersea Power Station is unmissable, with 180 treasures on display in the UK for the first – and only – time.

Containing 3,000-year-old artefacts from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the exhibition looks at Ramses II who ruled for nearly 70 years, reshaping the landscape of ancient Egypt and campaigning across continents. There’s a fun digital scavenger hunt for kids too.

Highlights include the pharaoh’s own coffin and other royal treasures, as well as immersive galleries that transport visitors more than 3,000 years into the past.

Takes place at Neon at Battersea Power Station, currently booking to end of October.

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience

Swap London for outer space with a new free-roaming VR experience based on NASA missions at Space Explorers: The ISS Experience.

You’ll (virtually) travel 250 miles above earth to the Interntional Space Station to find out what daily life in space is really like – walk alongside astronauts and gaze down onto earth using footage filmed in space.

The VR experience lasts for around 40 minutes and takes place on Wednesday to Sunday until the end of October at Eclipso London in Camden. Suitable for age 8+.

The Timewalk Exhibition

Take a sensory journey across the rise and fall of ancient civilisations in the Timewalk exhibition this half-term in London

You’ll discover ancient civilisations and their beliefs, discover how mythology, astronomy, ritual and memory has shaped these civilisations, as well as a glimpse of daily life.

Visit Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known ritual sanctuary, as well as Babylon, Egypt, Maya and Rapa Nui along the way. Takes place at Immerse LDN at Excel, currently booking until the end of November.

MCM Comic Con London

MCM Comic Con is back at London’s Excel Centre from October 23-25, with a three-day celebration of all things pop culture and a fantastic way to start half-term in London with kids. 

There’s something for all ages too. Older children and teens can get dressed up in their best cosplay, listen to live panels and tasks, play on the consoles and retro gaming machines, compete in board games and RPG tournaments, and even meet some of their favourite TV and film stars. 

And for younger children, The Treehouse is back again – a relaxed family lounge with face painting, workshops, mask making, comic creation, and other family-friendly activities. Plus, kids under 5 go for free, with reduced prices for age 5-10.

Halloween fun in London

If you’re looking for more Halloween things to do in London with kids at October half-term, I’ve picked some of the best spooky fun in this post, dedicated to all things spine-chillingly good.

Check out my complete list of Halloween days out in London with kids here.

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.

For more ideas for Bonfire Night in London with kids check out my picks

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.

There’s a discount on tickets for the Tower of London if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Halloween at Kew Gardens

At the Royal Botanic Gardens 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. You can also book tickets via Fever.

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.

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.

Find more ideas of Halloween days out in London with kids here.

More days out with kids in London: ongoing

There are some great activities and exhibitions running in London this year, which are also taking place throughout October half-term.

For more ideas of the best things to do in London with kids, check out my top picks,

Take a bus tour

If you get a clear October day, wrap up and make the most of it on one of London’s open-top bus sightseeing tours to choose from, with different options depending which routes and times you want.

The Original Tour (previously called Tootbus) has a special 45-minute London Kids tour, which gets a Halloween makeover, as well as the London Hop hop-on hop-off option.

The hop-on hop-off route from London Big Bus Tours also takes you past most key landmarks, with some discounts online if you buy in advance.

And whether the weather is good or bad, the afternoon tea sightseeing bus tours from B-Bakery are a great option – you can choose the classic tour or a themed version, including Peppa Pig, Paddington and a few special Halloween options as well.

Get 5% off standard seats on the B-Bakery afternoon tea bus tours when you book using my code MumTravels5 (min spend £115)

Moco Museum

Discover the world of modern and contemporary art at Moco Museum near Marble Arch, with collections featuring everyone from Picasso and Warhol to Banksy, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and plenty more.

Packed with colourful and thought-provoking pieces, there’s also plenty of information to introduce kids (and adults!) to some of the biggest names in the art world over the past five decades. Best for tweens and teens.

Check out my full review of a visit to Moco Museum with kids

Frameless

The UK’s largest, permanent digital art exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets kids – and big kids – experience artworks like never before.

Set within a 30,000 square foot space, with four separate galleries, visitors can discover key moments in art history, with state-of-the-art projection and motion sensor technology to bring to life work from artists including Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

With the chance to touch, move and interact with the paintings, it couldn’t be further from a traditional gallery and the perfect way to help families discover the world of art.

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

Museum of Illusions

The new Museum of Illusions opened in May as the latest eye-teasing attraction in London, so save time to boggle your brains this half-term.

You’ll find interactive illusion rooms, installations designed to trick your perception, optical illusions and plenty of great photo opportunities if you want pictures of yourself apparently defying gravity, shrinking or cloning yourself.

Located on Tottenham Court Road, prebooking is recommended, although you can also get tickets on the door if it isn’t too busy.

Paradox Museum

There are new dates running to the end of November for Paradox Museum London so you’ve still got chance to defy gravity and play with the boundaries of space – plus some added Halloween fun, with interactive storytelling from October 17 until November 1.

On selected October half-term dates, a real Potion Lab will also come to life – step into a witch’s laboratory where every ingredient has a magical name and every reaction looks like a spell coming to life.

The museum promises to take you into an inexplicable and extraordinary world, where nothing seems logical – expect everything from optical illusions to challenging paradoxes.

Perfect for kids who are curious about the world – and a lot of fun for the whole family. Visits last around 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum is based at 90 Brompton Road. Free for kids under four.

Bubble Planet

Head to Wembley for one of the most fun activities in London this October half-term, at Bubble Planet.

In the immersive experience, now extended to the end of November, you’ll pass through themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even try a hot air balloon flight simulator, as well as using VR technology to take you to another planet – with all 10 rooms having the common theme of bubbles.

For more things to do at Wembley Park with kids, check out my top picks

Escape from Prison Island

If your kids love escape rooms, the Escape from Prison Island immersive experience will tick all their boxes, with a mix of brain-teasing puzzles, physical challenges and tasks to test all their skills.

Located near Holloway Road tube station, the new experience is home to 32 cells, each containing a different type of challenge, with 90 minutes inside to take on as many as you can and score as many points as possible.

It’s huge fun (and guaranteed to bring out everyone’s competitive streak), whether you’re desperately trying to balance, are working out clues or trying to beat the clock.

Get 10% off until September 30, 2026 using my code MUMMYTRAVELS10  

Crystal Maze

Whether you’ve got your own fond memories of the Crystal Maze or fancy something a bit unusual to do in London with kids, the Crystal Maze Live immersive experience on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End has a new addition, letting you try the exciting Ocean Zone.

Bringing the iconic TV show’s underwater world to life, you’ll get plunged into an adventure beneath the waves where Victorian-era submarine aesthetics meet fantastical deep-sea exploration. Descending through a submarine entry hatch onto the vessel’s command bridge, you’ll discover working navigation tools as you venture further in.

Beyond the submarine, parents will enjoy travelling back in time into the iconic 90s TV show, while kids will love running around the maze with the highly-enthusiastic Maze Masters, completing a series of silly themed challenges, from riding a giant buckaroo-ing spaceship to decoding riddles – it’s suitable for kids 13+. 

Once you’ve finished all of the challenges, you’ll even get to head inside the Maze’s centrepiece, the Crystal Dome, where you’ll jump around and collect gold tokens that add points to your final score.

For more things to do around Leicester Square with kids, check out my top picks

Mundo Pixar Experience, Wembley Park

The exciting new Mundo Pixar experience lets fans enter the universes of some of Pixar’s most iconic films at Wembley Park – and while it’s not the cheapest thing to do in London with kids, there’s plenty for fans of all ages.

On show in the UK for the first time, after touring in Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and Spain, you can discover 14 Pixar universes including more than 25 sculptures, with favourites such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Coco, Up and more.

Shrink to toy size in Andy’s room, explore the Scar Floor with Mike and Sully or soar through the skies with Carl from Up, as well as exploring the headquarters of Riley’s emotions along the way.

Beyond the immersive sets, there’s also a special Pixar Ball Treasure Hunt, searching for the yellow ball with a red star that’s hidden throughout the exhibition – a nod to the Easter Egg from many of the films. Runs to January 3, 2027.

Check out my full review of Mundo Pixar Experience in London

Wild Science at the Chimney Lift, Battersea Power Station

There’s some half-term fun adding to the views from the Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station this October.

From October 27-29, Wild Science: Frightfully Static sees some hair-raising experiments and floating foil ballons as part of the fast-paced Halloween-themed science show.

Or join in the I Spy London Landmarks challenge, from October 26-November 1, with a sweet treat and chance to win a Charlie the Chimney soft toy every day.

Flight club & Electric Shuffle

If you’re looking for something a little different to do with teenagers this half term, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are now allowing kids aged 12+ to play alongside adults from Sunday-Friday until 4.30pm.

With a modern update on classic games – Electric Shuffle puts a high-tech spin on shuffleboard, with camera-tracked games and automatic scoring, while Flight Club brings a modern twist to darts with interactive games designed for groups – it’s great fun for a bit of friendly competition.

Add in retro styling and locations across London, and it’s also a perfect option for a rainy day during October half-term in London.

Films for the Family, Garden Cinema

You won’t be short of places to see the latest releases in London, but the Garden Cinema near Covent Garden has a few added temptations for families.

Screenings of family films every weekend, and on weekdays during the school holidays, are pay what you can – useful if budgets are tight. On Sundays, there are also some free creative activities for kids as some bonus fun.

Look out too for the Bring Your Baby screenings, for the littlest theatregoers under 12 months.

Follow a Treasure Map Trail

These lovely colourful treasure hunt-style maps include three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you use the code MUMMYTRAVELS.

A fun way to explore London with kids, the hunts challenge you to spot all kinds of quirky sights, from signs and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a fun fantasy design to transform the real life streets.

There’s also plenty more to entertain kids during October half-term in London at the usual family attractions – check out my pick of the best things to do in London with kids

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Main image/National Maritime Museum/Globe Theatre/Westminster Abbey/Eltham Palace/Battersea Power Station/Spaceman/doubledecker bus courtesy of Depositphotos, Jolly Postman as credited, Trent Park © James O.Davies, City Cruises courtesy City Cruises, Treasure Map Trail courtesy Treasure Map Trails, all other images copyright MummyTravels

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