October half-term in London: Top experiences kids will love

Hampton Court Palace is a fun spot to visit any time of year, thanks to its vast rooms and exhibitions, as well as its outdoor spaces, including the famous maze. Henry VIII’s former royal residence is notorious for ghostly encounters, making Halloween a particularly atmospheric time to visit.

This October eerie projections and magical spells will transform the palace, with ghostly encounters inspired by famous figures from its past. Outdoors, younger explorers can follow an autumnal trail, while daily storytelling sessions in the King’s Guard Chamber offer another way to experience the palace’s spooky side. You can also stop at the cafe for a Halloween-themed treat.

Best for: Families looking to combine palace history with a seasonal Halloween experience.
Good to know: The Halloween activities are included in standard palace admission. Storytelling takes place daily in the King’s Guard Chamber, so check the times before visiting. Although the experience is family-friendly, the ghosts will be in full ghoulish get-up, which some visitors may find scary.

Combine sightseeing with a traditional English afternoon tea with a twist on the Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Instead of classic sandwiches and sweet treats, you’ll tuck into themed creations including the Scream and Gore cupcake, a strawberry iced tea served in a blood bag, the Magic Macaroon and fangtastic rice crispies.

As you travel through London, classic Halloween music and spooky tunes provide the soundtrack while you take in some of the capital’s best-known landmarks, including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Best for: Halloween fans who want to combine London sightseeing with a themed afternoon tea.
Good to know: Dietary requirements must be sent at least 24 hours in advance. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and the experience is not suitable for children under five.

The Tower of London is a great option for families who love delving into royal history, along with some gruesome tales from the past. Don’t skip a tour by the famous Beefeaters, who bring the formidable fortress’s history to life.

For October half-term, visitors can discover more chilling tales and haunting history, with the Tower’s legendary past coming back to life. From poets and pirates to bears, there will be plenty of curious characters to encounter in the Haunted Forge.

Best for: Budding historians and curious kids who enjoy their history with a spooky twist.
Good to know: Ghostly gatherings in the Haunted Forge take place daily at select times, so check the schedule before visiting.

Kew Gardens is transformed into a wondrous autumnal trail for Halloween, complete with spooky installations. Dracula lurks in the darkness, fire performers light up the night and brave visitors can venture into the cursed tomb. There are also devilish delights to enjoy, including monster marshmallows roasted over an open fire.

Also taking place at Kew Gardens over October half-term is the Hey Duggee takeover, giving younger children the chance to meet their favourite pooch and his friends. Running from 17 October to 1 November, the interactive autumn event includes a family trail aimed at ages three to seven. Children can explore the landscape through the Squirrel Club, taking on challenges, learning about nature and earning badges along the way.

Best for: Families with children of different ages, with a choice of spooky thrills or gentler autumn adventures.
Good to know: Access is limited through timed entry, so book ahead to secure your preferred slot. The scare factor increases later in the evening, although the event remains suitable for families. If you’re visiting with younger children, aim for an earlier slot up to 6pm. Last entry is strictly 8.30pm, and there are different entry gates, so check which one you need before setting off.

There's nothing quite as wholesome as a trip to a pumpkin patch during the autumn months. For some, you might have to travel a little way out of the city, but once you’re there, you can easily while away a few hours exploring the patch and getting involved in other autumn activities.

From the free Pumpkin Trail in Parson’s Green to the charming Hobbledown Heath, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a simple seasonal outing or want to make more of a day of it.

Best for: Families who want to spend some time outdoors and make the most of the autumn season.
Good to know: Pumpkin patches can be outside central London, so check the location and travel arrangements before setting off. Some activities may also require advance booking, so check the individual venue before visiting.

This October half-term, some of London’s prettiest parks, including Hyde Park, Bushy Park, Brompton Cemetery and The Regent’s Park, are welcoming the spooky season with fun autumnal activities for the whole family.

For a hair-raising half-term, join a Discovery Day at the Hyde Park Learning Centre for a range of fun and free creepy-crawly-themed experiences. Investigate ‘feely boxes’ and explore the nature trail, or head to one of the Nature Roadshows run by the Help Nature Thrive team, where you can get involved with animals, crafts and interactive games.

Best for: Families looking for free ways to get outdoors and enjoy some seasonal activities.
Good to know: Expect some outdoor, muddy fun, so wear sensible footwear. Check the individual event details for dates, times and booking requirements.

Become part of the Wizarding World at the Dark Arts takeover at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, just a short journey from London.

The Great Hall is transformed with 100 hand-carved floating pumpkins, each with its own unique design. As you explore, look out for sinister Death Eaters in authentic costumes, then put your duelling skills to the test in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. In the Forbidden Forest, keep your wits about you in case you encounter a Dementor – and have that Patronus Charm at the ready!

New for 2026, Secrets of Sound Effects reveals the craftsmanship behind some of the films’ darkest moments, while the Creatures Workshop shares behind-the-scenes secrets about Nagini.

Best for: Harry Potter fans who want to experience the Wizarding World with an extra dose of Halloween atmosphere.
Good to know: Expect lighting, sound effects and pyrotechnics throughout. Demonstrations run at various times, so check ahead. Themed food and drink is available, or book a Hogwarts Table dinner or afternoon tea for an extra treat.

Celebrating 100 years of the original lovable bear, London Zoo is bringing the tales of Winnie-the-Pooh to life with a special storybook trail, while also marking ZSL’s 200th anniversary.

A Little Boy and His Bear follows Pooh and Eeyore on an adventure through the Zoo as they try to find their way back to Christopher Robin. Along the way, children can discover beautifully illustrated pages while encountering iconic landmarks and friendly animals.

Best for: Winnie-the-Pooh fans and younger animal lovers who enjoy stories, trails and exploring the Zoo.
Good to know: The trail is included with standard entry, which also includes expert zookeeper talks and walk-through habitats. Entry is free for children under three.

Expect a jump scare or five at the London Dungeon, where some of London’s grizzliest history is brought to life through infamous characters from the capital’s past. It’s worth visiting if your children enjoy being spooked, as the theatrical sets, characters and storytelling make the darker side of London’s history feel much more immersive than a traditional history lesson.

During the holidays, visitors will be transported to Victorian London at Curse of the Mummy, where an ancient curse has been unleashed. Amateur archaeologist Thomas Douglas Murray brings a mummy back from Egypt, unknowingly releasing an evil curse that puts anyone who comes into her possession at risk.

Best for: Older children and teenagers who enjoy horror, jump scares and gruesome tales.
Good to know: The Halloween experience is included in the standard entry ticket.

Tucked away in west London, the London Wetland Centre is a trove of natural beauty and intriguing wildlife, making it a great choice for a wild day out at any time of year.

During October half-term, families can explore the magical superpowers and folklore of the wetlands at SUPER Natural. Get stuck into seasonal crafts, including handmade willow wands and marshland potions, join a fungi hunt and discover a magical fairy mushroom ring. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet the animals that call the wetlands home, with the otters being a particular highlight. It’s worth visiting for the chance to combine getting outdoors, meeting wildlife and trying something a little different together.

Best for: Curious kids who love getting hands-on, exploring nature and meeting wildlife.
Good to know: Kids under three go free and family tickets are available. Save by booking online in advance, although tickets are available on the day. Indoor activities are available, but dress for the weather.

The Postal Museum brings London’s postal history down to a child-friendly level, with hands-on exhibitions and the Sorted children’s play area. This half-term, kids can make their own shadow puppets as part of the Jolly Postman exhibition, before heading to the Mail Rail Depot to create their puppets and use them in the shadow puppet theatre.

The Mail Rail is another highlight, taking you along the underground postal routes while bringing the history of the network to life through interactive displays on the tunnel walls. It’s an easy way to combine creative play with a bit of London history, especially on a rainy day.

Best for: Younger children who enjoy making things, playing and getting hands-on with history.
Good to know: The shadow puppet workshop is included with standard admission but is first come, first served. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are in separate buildings.

Get lost in a mind-bending world of optical tricks and immersive rooms at the Museum of Illusions, where strange perspectives and visual puzzles will have you questioning what’s real.

With more than 70 exhibits to explore, it’s an easy way to fill an hour or two this half-term. Lean into a wall of a thousand moving pins, see your reflection shapeshift through mirrors and explore rooms where everything is not quite as it seems. There are plenty of playful photo opportunities too, so parents can capture some memorable snaps along the way.

Best for: Curious kids who love optical illusions, interactive experiences and taking plenty of photos.
Good to know: Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the museum. Due to the building and nature of the exhibits, some areas may not be fully accessible to everyone.

The Paddington Bear Experience is an immersive family attraction that takes you into the world of the beloved bear, with interactive scenes inspired by the films. You’ll journey through Paddington Station, Mr Gruber’s Antique Shop, Windsor Gardens and all the way to Peru, meeting familiar characters along the way.

This October half-term, Windsor Gardens gets an autumnal makeover, with an exclusive Trick or Treat experience for children. Dress up in your favourite fancy dress and collect treats from the Brown family’s neighbours as you explore.

Best for: Younger children who love Paddington and getting involved in imaginative play.
Good to know: The Trick or Treat experience is an additional-cost upgrade and includes a souvenir bucket, sweets, biscuits, a Paddington postcard and exclusive Paddington Bear ears.

Activate at The O2 is an interactive gaming experience where electronic wristbands keep track of your points as you take on a series of challenges based around skill, knowledge and teamwork. With different games to tackle, it’s a good way for older kids and teenagers to burn off some energy while competing against each other.

Make more of your trip to The O2 by pairing it with another nearby experience. You could take on Up at The O2, experience the sensation of flying at iFLY in its indoor wind tunnel, or head to Hollywood Bowl for arcade games and ten-pin bowling, which often has family deals during the holidays.

Best for: Competitive teenagers and energetic kids who enjoy challenges, teamwork and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Good to know: Allow extra time if you’re planning to combine Activate with another experience at The O2. Check individual attractions for opening times, availability and any holiday offers before visiting.

FRAMELESS is an immersive art experience where famous artworks are projected across vast spaces, allowing you to experience art in a completely different way. This October half-term, you can celebrate three years of FRAMELESS with the Visitors’ Choice Awards, voting for your favourite artworks as you explore the galleries.

Younger visitors can also join a Multi-Sensory Tots Class, led by talented West End performers who bring storytelling to life. Expect to drift through clouds, float among balloons and discover more playful installations as the surroundings become part of the experience.

Best for: Creative children and families who enjoy art, storytelling and experiences that encourage them to look at things differently.
Good to know: Book the Multi-Sensory Tots Class in advance. There’s a cafe and all the usual facilities on site. Evening sessions tend to be adults-only, so make sure you leave enough time to visit during the day.

Treat the family to an iconic West End musical and make half-term one to remember. Wicked follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, while The Lion King brings the beloved Disney story to the stage with its memorable characters and music. Matilda is another popular choice, following the clever young heroine as she takes on the formidable Miss Trunchbull.

Best for: Families looking for a classic West End musical, with options to suit different ages and interests.
Good to know: Look out for matinee performances, particularly if you’re visiting with younger children. Several shows also have themed afternoon teas in the city or nearby, making it easy to turn your theatre trip into a full day out.

Step into the Wizarding World once again with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a West End stage adventure that picks up the story 19 years after the events of the Harry Potter books. Follow Harry, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his son Albus as they navigate family, friendship and the consequences of the past.

With the play changing from two parts to one in October 2026, this is a great option for families with children who want the full Harry Potter experience in one shorter theatre visit.

Best for: Older children, teenagers and Harry Potter fans who are ready for a more immersive theatre experience.
Good to know: From 9 October 2026, the show becomes a one-part production lasting around 2 hours 55 minutes. It’s recommended for ages 8+, and under-15s must be accompanied by an adult.

Cirque Berserk brings the excitement of circus to the stage, combining traditional circus skills with daring stunts and theatrical spectacle. It’s a good alternative to a musical if your family prefers something fast-paced and visual.

Expect an action-packed performance designed to keep the whole family watching, with impressive circus skills and plenty of thrills along the way.

Best for: Families who prefer stunts, spectacle and high-energy entertainment to traditional theatre.
Good to know: Check the performance details and age guidance before booking, particularly if you’re visiting with younger children.

Twenty years after the Disney Channel original, High School Musical arrives in London as a new stage production at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Follow Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan as they navigate friendship, first love, school, basketball and their musical auditions.

The production puts audiences right in the middle of the East High action, with familiar songs including Breaking Free, Get’cha Head in the Game and We’re All in This Together. It’s a fun way for fans of the original film to see the story brought to life on stage, while introducing a new generation to the Wildcats.

Best for: Disney fans, nostalgic parents and kids who love singing along to familiar songs.
Good to know: The show is recommended for ages six and over. The theatre is in Wembley Park, with plenty of places to eat and other experiences nearby if you want to make a day of it.

The Young V&A is one of the most hands-on museums for younger children. Instead of simply looking at objects, children can build stories, dress up, create and play, turning the galleries into an imaginative playground.

This October half-term, the museum is focusing on play in the city, with free hands-on activities encouraging children to build, design and reimagine London. Drop into the Open Studio for zine making, help create a playful cityscape, explore sound and structures with the Acoustic Pavilion, or meet designers in The Shed. There are also bookable family workshops for older children, including Underground City and Mini Cityscape.

Best for: Imaginative toddlers who enjoy role play, storytelling and hands-on play.
Good to know: Most activities are free and drop-in, while the family workshops need to be booked in advance. Adults are required to participate alongside children.

A trip to Greenwich gives families plenty to pack into one day, from exploring the National Maritime Museum and historic Cutty Sark to running around Greenwich Park.

There’s plenty happening across the museums this half-term. At Cutty Sark, meet famous seafarers and discover more about life aboard the historic ship. Over at the Queen’s House, there are family activities to get involved with, while the National Maritime Museum has a programme of free, drop-in activities exploring bugs and creepy crawlies. For some outdoor fun, head to The Cove, where children can climb, explore and spin on the compass roundabout.

Best for: Families with children of different ages who want to mix museums, outdoor space and hands-on activities.
Good to know: National Maritime Museum activities are free and drop-in, with no advance booking required. The Cove playground is open daily, while Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House have their own half-term activities.

Channel your inner adventurer with Go Ape, where you can tackle treetop courses, high ropes, zip wires and bridges across several London locations. It’s a chance to swap the usual sightseeing for something more active, with courses designed to get everyone climbing, balancing and navigating their way through the trees.

For October half-term, look out for Sundown Adventures, Go Ape’s autumn high ropes experience after dark. As the sun sets, the courses light up, adding glowing lights and a different atmosphere to the usual treetop challenge. The experience is available from sunset at participating locations and takes around an hour.

Best for: Active teenagers and families who like outdoor adventures, challenges and a bit of adrenaline.
Good to know: Sundown Adventures is for ages six and over, with a minimum height of 1.2m. Check the supervision requirements for younger participants before booking.

London’s Natural History Museum and Science Museum sit next to each other in South Kensington, making it easy to combine two free museums in one family day out. From dinosaurs and wildlife to space, engineering and hands-on science, there’s plenty to discover for different ages.

This October half-term, the Science Museum has family activities including the new Bubble Explorers show, object hunting on the Star Trek Warp Trail and interactive galleries. Younger children can explore Pattern Pod and The Garden, while older kids can try Wonderlab or Power Up. Over at the Natural History Museum, spot dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs Gallery, see the giant blue whale Hope and explore the Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery. There are also plenty of free family activities to dip into during your visit.

Best for: Families looking for an affordable day out with plenty of things to see and do across different ages.
Good to know: Both museums are free, but book a time slot in advance. Some experiences, including Wonderlab and Power Up, cost extra and can sell out during half-term.

The London Transport Museum explores the history of London’s buses, trains and Tube, with historic vehicles to climb aboard, interactive displays and plenty to keep younger visitors interested. The All Aboard gallery is designed for under-fives, while older children can try out the Tube driving simulator and discover more about the capital’s transport network.

It’s a great-value choice because children aged 17 and under go free with a paying adult. The museum is also right in the heart of Covent Garden, so you can browse its excellent transport-themed shop before heading into the Piazza to watch the street performers, explore the market or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Best for: Transport-loving kids and families looking for a central day out that won’t cost a fortune.
Good to know: Buggy parking, lifts and baby-changing facilities are available.

London Museum of Docklands explores the capital’s history as a port and trading city, taking families from the docks’ working past to Victorian London and beyond. The museum’s free permanent galleries include Sailortown, while Mudlarks provides a dedicated space for younger children to play and explore.

There’s plenty happening for families over October half-term, with a programme of free activities inspired by the moon. Children can listen to stories, create a paper cityscape lit by the night sky, contribute to a collaborative moonlit foreshore and even dance to lunar tunes at a family silent disco.

Best for: Families looking for free activities, with a mix of creative sessions, storytelling and museum exploring.
Good to know: All the half-term activities are free, although some require advance booking.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens combines a museum, aquarium, gardens and family-friendly outdoor spaces, making it easy to spend several hours here without needing to pack in lots of separate attractions. There’s plenty to explore indoors, while the gardens give children space to run around and enjoy the outdoors.

For October half-term, there are plenty of family activities to get involved with, including the Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman trail, Octonauts Storytelling and Craft and the Hidden Wonders Hunt. On 31 October, families can also join the daytime Day of the Dead Family Festival. You can also visit the Aquarium, Butterfly House and Animal Walk while you’re there.

Best for: Families who want to combine museum exploring, outdoor play and affordable activities in one day.
Good to know: Access to the museum and gardens is free, with paid attractions and exhibitions available within.