Things to do in London with kids this October half term
October half-term is nearly here, and if you're already wondering how on earth you're going to keep the kids entertained for a whole week, we've got you covered!
From spooky adventures and hands-on workshops to free museums, creative activities and a few brilliant days out just beyond London, there's plenty to keep the whole family happy. We've rounded up some of our favourite ideas for the school holidays, including options for different ages and budgets.
Our super quick top picks this October half-term
Best for Halloween fans: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary's Halloween Festival
Best for creative kids: EcoFest workshops at Battersea Power Station
Best free family activities: London Museum Docklands
Best for a big adventure: The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station
Best for younger children: Mudlarks at London Museum Docklands
Best for a magical experience: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Best for a family theatre trip: Beetlejuice the Musical
What's on this October half-term in London?
Dates: Open throughout October half-term
Location: County Hall, South Bank, London SE1
Price: Ticket prices vary; advance booking recommended via link above for best deals
Best for: Older children, teenagers and families who enjoy spooky stories
For families who prefer their half-term adventures on the darker side, the London Dungeon brings gruesome tales from the capital’s past to life through actors, storytelling and immersive sets.
This one is better suited to older children and teenagers who enjoy a scare, rather than little ones who might find the experience too intense.
Our tip: Check the attraction’s age guidance and content information before booking, and consider combining it with another South Bank attraction for a full day out.
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Price: Book online to save £1.50 per person; check the website for current prices.
Best for: Families who love animals and Halloween fun.
If you're after a Halloween day out with plenty included, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is well worth the trip out of London. Families can enjoy a Pirate Treasure Trail, Spooky Barn, indoor pumpkin picking, creepy crawlies, Halloween arts and crafts and character walkarounds, alongside meeting the sanctuary's rescued animals.
Every paying child receives a free pumpkin and a goodie bag containing a free return voucher. There are both scary and not-so-scary areas, including a Fright-Free Zone for younger visitors.
Our tip: Hopefield has frozen its 2025 prices, and the festival runs whatever the weather thanks to its mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Dates: Open throughout October half-term
Location: County Hall, South Bank, London SE1
Price: Ticket prices vary; check availability before travelling via link above
Best for: Families with younger children and fans of Shrek
Enter the world of Far Far Away at Shrek’s Adventure! London, an interactive experience packed with characters, storytelling and fairytale mischief. It’s a fun choice for children who enjoy getting involved rather than simply looking at exhibits.
With the London Eye and SEA LIFE nearby, it’s another attraction that works well as part of a South Bank day out.
Our tip: Check age suitability and session availability when booking, especially if you’re visiting with very young children.
Dates: Throughout October, with selected workshops during half-term
Location: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms
Price: Varies by workshop.
Best for: Creative children, budding artists and families who enjoy trying something new.
Battersea Power Station is hosting EcoFest, a celebration of sustainability, art and creativity. The programme includes creative workshops and activities designed to encourage visitors to think differently about materials, nature and the world around them.
One highlight is the Sketch Walk with illustrator Lucia Vinti on Saturday 24 October, which combines exploring the local area with learning drawing techniques and creating your own artwork.
Our tip: Workshop dates and ticket prices vary, so check the individual listings before travelling. It's also worth exploring the wider Power Station, where you'll find shops, restaurants and riverside spaces.
Dates: 24–31 October 2026
Location: West India Quay, Canary Wharf
Price: Free activities and free general museum admission.
Best for: Families looking for affordable activities with a little history thrown in.
London Museum Docklands has a full programme of family activities this half-term, exploring London's legends, folklore and superstitions.
Children can make mythical creatures, sculpt clay charms, listen to stories and discover some of the stranger tales associated with the capital. There are also free creative activities, including Beastly Bookmarks, where children aged five and over can make their own cat or bat bookmark. It's a brilliant way to keep the children entertained without spending a fortune, and you can explore the museum's permanent galleries while you're there.
Our tip: All the half-term activities are free, but some need to be booked in advance. Check the individual event listings before visiting.
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Location: Battersea Power Station, London SW11
Price: Ticketed attraction; check the official website.
Best for: Families who love big views and unusual experiences.
Take the lift 109 metres up inside Battersea Power Station's north-west chimney for panoramic views across London.
During half-term, children can also take part in an I Spy London Landmarks challenge, using an activity sheet to spot famous sights from above. Complete the challenge to earn a stamp and sweet treat, with a daily chance to win a Charlie the Chimney soft toy.
Our tip: The activity is included with your Chimney Lift ticket, so there's no extra booking required for the challenge. Reserve your lift tickets ahead of time if you're visiting during the school holidays.
Dates: Open throughout half-term
Location: London Museum Docklands, West India Quay
Price: £4.95 per person during weekends and school holidays.
Best for: Children under eight who love hands-on play.
If you've got younger children who prefer playing to looking at displays, Mudlarks is a brilliant option.
This interactive gallery gives children the chance to play at being dock workers, move ships through water, transport cargo and explore the world of London's historic docks through imaginative play.
It's a great indoor option if October weather isn't playing ball, and it can easily be combined with the museum's free galleries.
Our tip: Sessions last around 45 minutes, and everyone entering the gallery needs a ticket. Book ahead to secure your preferred time.
Dates: Throughout October half-term, subject to availability
Location: Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Price: Paid attraction; check the official website.
Best for: Harry Potter fans of all ages.
For families who want a really memorable day out, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is hard to beat.
Step onto the original sets, see costumes and props from the films, explore the Great Hall and discover how the wizarding world was brought to life. The Studio Tour's seasonal Dark Arts experience adds an extra spooky atmosphere during the Halloween period.
It's a full experience rather than a quick visit, so allow several hours to explore everything properly.
Our tip: Tickets often sell out well in advance, especially during school holidays. Check availability before making plans, and remember that the Studio Tour is outside London.
Dates: Check the official booking calendar for October half-term performances.
Location: Prince Edward Theatre, Soho
Price: Varies by performance and seat.
Best for: Older children, teenagers and musical-theatre fans.
If you're looking for a theatre trip with a difference, Beetlejuice the Musical brings Tim Burton's supernatural comedy to the West End.
Expect outrageous characters, big musical numbers, spectacular staging and plenty of dark humour. It's a great option for teens who enjoy something a little more mischievous than the usual family show.
Our tip: Check age guidance and content information before booking, as the humour and themes are better suited to older children than little ones.
Dates: Selected dates until 1 November 2026
Location: Thorpe Park Resort, Chertsey, Surrey
Price: Fright Nights tickets from £39 per person when booked online
Best for: Thrill-seekers, teenagers and families with older children
Fancy a half-term day out with a seriously spooky twist? Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights is back for its 25th anniversary, bringing terrifying scare mazes, creepy characters, live entertainment and some of the UK’s biggest rollercoasters to the Halloween season.
New for 2026 is Tenement, a pitch-black scare maze where visitors must navigate the darkness, alongside returning favourites and frightening scare zones. And when night falls, the park’s big rides take on an extra-intense atmosphere.
This is definitely one for families who love their Halloween with a healthy dose of adrenaline rather than a gentle pumpkin trail!
Our tip: Check the operating calendar before booking, as Fright Nights runs on selected dates. The scare attractions are recommended for ages 13+, so check the details carefully if you’re visiting with younger children.
Dates: Throughout half-term
Location: Regent's Park, London NW1
Price: Paid attraction; check online ticket prices.
Best for: Animal lovers and families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Sometimes a classic family day out is exactly what you need, and London Zoo offers plenty to explore during the school holidays. From big cats and penguins to reptiles, primates and conservation exhibits, there's enough to keep children entertained for hours. It's also a lovely opportunity to learn more about wildlife and the work involved in protecting endangered species.
Our tip: Allow plenty of time to explore, dress for the weather and check the daily schedule for keeper talks or animal-feeding sessions.
Our London for Kidz half-term tips
Mix paid and free days out. Combine a big-ticket experience with free museums and creative activities to keep costs manageable.
Book popular experiences early. Theatre, the Studio Tour and limited-capacity workshops can fill up quickly.
Plan around your children's ages. Younger children may prefer hands-on play, while older children might enjoy theatre, art or more adventurous experiences.
Keep a rainy-day backup. Museums, indoor play areas and immersive attractions are useful when the weather turns.
Check dates carefully. Many events run throughout the week, but individual workshops may only take place on selected days.
Other useful reads for October Half Term:
Whether you're planning a week of Halloween adventures, looking for free activities or simply trying to get everyone out of the house, London has plenty to offer this October half-term.
Happy half-term planning!
