If you are looking for something to do this Halloween in London with kids we have everything covered here.
I absolutely love Halloween in London. I have seen it grow in popularity in the UK over the years! From fancy dress to trick-or-treating and spooky events to fun activities, this city always has lots going on!
Halloween falls on the 31st of October! Did you know it is an annual observance day in Ireland? It is not an official holiday in the UK. Therefore, some of the celebrations take place on the day or the weekend either side.
Guy Fawkes Day is not too long after Halloween on November 5th which has been traditionally celebrated in the UK for many years.
It’s a night of bonfires and fireworks which can be found around the city. Hence why Halloween has possibly not been celebrated as widely across the UK over the years.
If you want to head out of London for Halloween, check out what’s going on in Disneyland Paris on Halloween. You can also find other amazing things to do in London here.
* We’ve recently updated this post on fun things to do on Halloween in London to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Please note that a few locations are still being finalised, so stay tuned while we round up the latest details for 2024!
The Best Things To Do For Halloween In London With Kids
1 . Howloween at Chessington
Chessington’s Howl’o’ween event is an ideal Halloween adventure for families looking for fun things to do in London. Running from 12th October to 3rd November 2024, the park transforms into a spooky spectacle with family-friendly frights and thrilling attractions.
Chessington is the GOAT of Halloween celebrations, my husband remembers coming here as a child at Halloween some 35 years ago!
There will be plenty of Halloween decor, trick-or-treating, best-dressed competitions, Halloween shows, spooky characters and rides at dusk.
The Trick or Treating was my kid’s favourite, as they were taken through an enchanting underground burrow, with multiple doors to knock on. Behind each door was a woodland character who interacted with the children and gave them a treat!
The Banyan Theatre also offers a great show with a mysterious twist. The event is suitable for all ages, with plenty of spooky experiences that aren’t too overwhelming for little ones.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit, Chessington offers a deal for families who wish to stay overnight in one of their themed hotels. The Halloween Short Break package includes tickets to Howl’o’ween, an overnight stay at the hotel, and breakfast the following morning.
The Silent Disco and Cocomelon Show were also a hit with my little ones. They enjoyed exploring the rest of the rides and shows for the rest of the day.
Chessington is an awesome family day out, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a gentle ride such as the Gruffalo ride or if you have thrill seekers in your group, you will not be disappointed!
When: various dates in October – November 2024
Book your Howloween Adventure at Chessington here!
2. Pick a Pumpkin
There seem to be a few farms around the greater London area that grow pumpkins and allow you to pick your own. In most cases, they also have some Halloween entertainment for little ones. For places to go pumpkin picking near London click here.
Crockford Bridge Road
We visited Crockford Bridge Road ‘pick your own farm’. They have an abundance of activities for little ones including spooky forest walks and lots of lovely treats and performances.
If you just want to pick a pumpkin and not attend the festivities then book soon as pumpkin picking is only available from the 4th of October to the 1st of November.
They also have a Pumpkin Festival this year, which promises to be bigger and better than last year, inspired by the Wizard of Oz. Along with Festival Entertainment, there is a large outdoor area for kids to carve and decorate pumpkins.
Just remember that pumpkins are not included in your entry ticket.
3. Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park is one of the largest theme parks in the UK and is best known for thrilling rides and attractions. This Halloween Thorpe Park is hosting its award-winning Fright Nights event.
This year, the park has introduced an all-new scare maze, which will keep you on your toes with its spine-chilling scares, making it even more special. You can also enjoy wicked live music, entertainment and dance shows. Be advised that the scare attractions age recommendation is for +13.
Pre-book your tickets to save up to £20pp or choose a spine-tingling overnight stay at the Thorpe Shark Cabins.
Guests staying in a Thorpe Shark cabins will enjoy exclusive benefits like Fastrack tickets, buffet breakfast and free car parking. Plus, all official Thorpe Breaks include a 2-day entry into the Thorpe Park Resort.
4. Legoland Brick or Treat
This Halloween Legoland Windsor Resort is back with its biggest-ever family Halloween event, Brick or Treat. Featuring a cast of LEGO monsters, you can join them on an adventure that is sure to spook the senses.
This resort will run a monstrous 4D movie ‘The Great Monsters Chase’ with special effects galore.
The park will have one of its biggest Halloween transformations to date, including the dance show which is sure to entertain the whole family. They will also have the Haunted Lighthouse Halloween Show, where you can meet Scarecrow who joins other spooky characters exclusively for Brick or Treat.
Kids can collect a bag of awesome goodies as they take part in the trail, including their own LEGO pumpkin, plus ride all of their Halloween rides including the Haunted House Monster Party ride, live shows and attractions.
Guests can choose to sleep over at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel with extra-themed activities available in the hotels.
Brick or treat runs from the 27th of September to the 3rd of November, with tickets priced from £29pp, Children under 90cm tall go free!
For more information and tickets click here.
5. Alton Towers Scarefest
Alton Towers Scarefest is a family-friendly Halloween event that offers plenty of thrills and chills for all ages. From spooky mazes and immersive scare zones to live shows, there’s something for every member of the family.
Tickets for Scarefest 2024 are found here.
For younger children, CBeebies Land hosts a special Monster Ball where they can enjoy gentle, Halloween-themed fun. Meanwhile, older kids and adults can venture into terrifying haunted houses and spine-chilling attractions after dark.
The park also stays open late so that families can enjoy rides under the eerie glow of the night sky. Despite the spooky atmosphere, plenty of areas are designed to keep things lighthearted for younger visitors.
Be prepared for plenty of seasonal décor and themed entertainment. It’s a fantastic Halloween outing for those who love a mix of thrills, laughter, and a bit of scare, making it a perfect fit for families.
For 2024 Alton Towers has introduced two new attractions in the Scarefest lineup. Amigos in the After Life for the younger crowd and Compound, a live-action scare maze, for the more experienced visitors.
Scarefest will operate from October 11th to November 3rd and is an amazing fun thing to do on Halloween in London. Purchase tickets for family fun here.
6. The Ghost Bus Tour
Ride the historic Ghost Bus as it takes you on a tour of the dark side of London! See London’s historic places and famous sites on this unique tour which includes onboard commentary from the creepy conductor along with scary technical trickery.
Learn spooky facts about the most famous sights including Westminster Abbey, Fleet Street, The Tower of London, and London Bridge.
Only one child under 5 years old per adult may travel for free provided they do not occupy a seat to the exclusion of a fare-paying passenger.
Click here for tickets to the London Ghost Tour On A Bus.
7. Warner Brothers The Making Of Harry Potter
Discover the ‘Dark Arts’ as the iconic sets from the Harry Potter Film Franchise is transformed specially for Halloween this year! The lights will be dimmed to set the stage for the spookiest Halloween atmosphere.
Have Halloween at Hogwarts with over 100 floating pumpkins as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, vats of troll snot and much more, your kids will spend the whole day exploring, learning and having some Halloween fun.
Visitors can learn the defence against the dark arts in the studio tour as well as check out the wardrobe and props donned by a Boggart in the shape of Professor Snape.
Follow the symbol of the dark man Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters as you venture throughout the Studio Tour. Look out for the Dark Mark between the imposing trees of the Forbidden Forest or hidden within the turrets of the enchanting Hogwarts Castle model.
New for 2024, ominous Dementors will also be lurking throughout the Studio Tour, so keep a cautious eye out to find them cloaked by darkness in the Forbidden Forest and surrounding the Hogwarts Castle model.
For tickets to the Warner Brothers Studio tour of Harry Potter click here.
The event is on from the 13th of September until the 10th of November so there is plenty of time over half term and Halloween to enjoy the celebrations.
8. Monster Ball Halloween Family Rave
The Big Fish Little Fish brand is throwing the ultimate family event this Halloween in Hackney. Their award-winning unique family raves are dedicated to families with 0-8-year-olds. Yes, even babies and toddlers are welcome!
This Halloween-themed event has a dance floor filled with bubbles balloons and glitter – topped by the parachute dance. Creepy craft tables and chill-out play areas for the little ones.
There is a licensed bar so parents can have a little tipple whilst their kids play! Of course, there will be amazing face painters and something for all ages up to 8!
The Hackney event is being held on the 26th of October between 2 pm and 4 pm at Colour Box (kind of hilariously brings back memories of my early 20s party days!!!)
Make sure to book tickets in advance!
Don’t forget to wear fancy dress in your scary outfits!
9. Kids’ Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea
If you are looking to really spoil your little ones this Halloween, look no further than this kids science-themed afternoon tea in The Ampersands Hotel London. With pastry and cake-filled rockets imitating take-off with dry ice, to jelly-filled Petri dishes and edible spacemen.
This afternoon tea is designed to suit all of the fussy eaters out there and keep the kids entertained with interactive hands-on drink experiments and more.
The Kids Sci-fi afternoon tea is served Mon – Fri from 12 noon to 6:30 pm and from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm Sat and Sun.
For more information and tickets click here.
10. Wicked The Musical London
London’s number one musical Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West!!
Playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, close to Victoria Station, with an incredible display of costumes and special effects, Wicked is the perfect Halloween night out with the family.
Wicked has won more than 100 major awards and is one of the longest-running musicals in West End theatre history.
The show is recommended for children aged seven and above with children under three not permitted. The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes long with one interval.
For Tickets to the Musical Wicked click here.
A limited number of front-row stall seats for each night’s performance will go on sale at the box office every morning from 10.30 am, priced at £29.50 each.
11. Halloween At Hampton Court Palace
This Halloween in London with kids is a time for ghosts and goblins, witches and wizards. This year, Hampton Court Palace is celebrating Halloween with an event that promises to be spookier than ever before.
This Halloween from the 26 of October to the 3rd of November 2024, visit Hampton Court Palace after dark for a spooky adventure.
The Palace will be transformed into a terrifying world of spirits, creepy witchcraft and the supernatural. Visitors can experience the historic palace in a new light as they explore its shadowy corridors and secret passages for a spooky adventure.
Expect intricately carved pumpkins, and listen to spooky stories before heading to the Halloween-themed cafe for spooky treats
Take a seat at the fireplace for spooky stories. Expect ghostly story tales from the incredible storyteller.
Follow this map to find kings, queens and servants that have become trapped in their worst moments.
12. Halloween at the Tower Of London
This Halloween at The Tower Of London prepare to explore the Tower’s thousand-year-old history and seek out the ghosts of the past this Halloween.
As you navigate the Tower, you may witness ethereal apparitions, from a fleeting white figure on the stairs to the rustle of a Tudor gown passing through a doorway.
Spot a medieval queen on an uneven throne, glimpse a Roman soldier near the remnants of the London Wall, or catch a glimpse of the Wizard Earl brewing potions in his apothecary.
In the shadow of the White Tower, a ruined garden hints at a long-lost palace, now inhabited by spirits waiting to be awakened.
This family-friendly adventure is designed to provide thrills without overwhelming fright. Upon arrival, pick up a trail and keep a tally of the ghosts you encounter during your visit.
It will run from the 26th of October to the 3rd of November 2024.
For tickets to The Tower Of London click here.
13. Halloween at Kew Gardens
Halloween at Kew is an enchanting event held at the renowned Kew Gardens, offering one of the most magical fun things to do in London at Halloween with kids. This event transforms the already stunning gardens into a spooky yet beautiful wonderland.
Families can explore the gardens while encountering mysterious woodland creatures, participating in pumpkin decorating, and enjoying captivating storytelling sessions. Additionally, Kew’s iconic glasshouses will be lit up for a hauntingly beautiful night experience.
Additionally, you can purchase one of the sweet treats on offer, a hot toddy for parents or a hot chocolate for children. You can even toast a marshmallow with your little ghouls!
Perfect for families seeking an atmospheric and educational Halloween outing, this event offers a blend of nature, art, and Halloween fun.
The special Halloween-themed gardens will be running from the 18th of October to the 3rd of November. See the website for more information on the varying time slots.
14. London Wetlands – Eek weeks
To be confirmed for 2024
The London wetlands will be having a themed interactive trail this Halloween where children can explore the mysterious world of wetland nature this October half term.
There will be lots of interactive spooky activities to take part in as the kids venture around the wetlands while engaging all of their senses.
Free activities include pond dipping, natural potions and a rainbow art workshop.
This event will run from the 21st to the 29th of October 2023.
For more information and tickets click here.
15. Halloween at Eltham Palace and Gardens
A great value day out for the family this Halloween in London with kids is the Eltham Palace and Gardens Halloween trail.
Families can follow the quest and solve the creepy clues around the gardens, finishing with spooky tales from costumed performers.
The event is taking place from the 26th of October to the 3rd of November, from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased here and are free for English Heritage Members.
Eltham Palace and Gardens is located in Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP, London.
16. Belgravia Pumpkin Trail
This year, Belgravia is launching a free pumpkin trail with stunning floral installations.
There will be a full programme with tours and offers across the neighbourhood, including free ticketed ghost tours, Halloween treats from local bakeries and a pumpkin carving competition with Mosimanns.
Not to mention autumnal cocktails at Boisdales pumpkin-themed Negroni bar!
17. Boo At The Zoo
London Zoo is hosting Boo at the Zoo, a range of fun Halloween activities, designed to entertain and educate children. This year’s events feature themed trails, where kids can discover spooky animal facts and take part in interactive workshops.
Highlights include children getting creative with pumpkin carving, finding extinct species in the graveyard and partying in the bubble boogie.
A Halloween-themed show adds to the excitement, offering a fun blend of learning and entertainment. Costumes are encouraged, making it a festive and educational day out for families.
Boo at the Zoo activities are included with Zoo entry unless otherwise stated. Members and under 3-year-olds can visit London Zoo for free.
18. Let Kids Explore their Own City
To be confirmed for 2024
KidZania is a city run by kids, and they are going all out this half-term with a fantastic lineup of events.
As well as the children having to keep the city going by role-playing different jobs, the place is being transformed into a Ghost town for Halloween.
There is a Halloween Hike that takes kids on a terrifying trail where they follow the horrifying hints to the mystery locations ending up at a Haunted House.
The Halloween Parade gives kids a chance to show off their Halloween costumes and there is even a prize for best dressed.
Each activity takes on a Halloween makeover and kids also get to deliver petrifying parcels, hop on a ghost tour, and do a KidZania Halloween dance.
It is suitable for all kids of all ages and personalities. This year there is even a chance for the adults to take over the city for a night!
Due to social distancing, they are limited in the number of visitors, so booking is now required.
Get tickets for Kidzania here.
19. Boo-Bash Covent Garden Market
Join the Halloween fun in Covent Garden Market this October half term before the area turns all Christmassy. Dust off those costumes and get ready for treats, with candy and chocolates for kids dressed in their best.
There will be a bouncy castle, a kids colouring corner and live music from Larry Smith.
The event is not just for kids, adults can enjoy the festivities as well with food and drink from a number of stalls. There will be a Halloween-themed boo-tastic photo opportunity and much more.
The Boo-Bash market is on Sunday the 27th of October from 12 pm to 4 pm on the upstairs mezzanine.
20. The Harry Potter Photography Exhibition
Fans are invited to journey through the memories of the Harry Potter films in a display of behind-the-scenes images, never before seen in one place.
The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition houses hundreds of iconic photographs and takes fans behind the camera during key moments in the film series.
From Harry’s first journey from Platform 9 ¾ through to the Battle of Hogwarts from the final film in the series.
Click here for more information and tickets to the exhibition.
22. Spooky Season Dining
With 1000+ outdoor seats and heated terraces, dine outside or in this October. With family-friendly restaurants and Halloween-themed menus – Covent Garden is the ultimate dining destination this Halloween in London with kids.
23. The London Dungeon
Located on the London South Bank, a short walk from Waterloo Mainline and London Underground stations. The London Dungeon is a walk-through experience recreating London of days gone by.
Hear, touch, and smell over 1000 years of London’s darkest history with funny, cutting-edge storytelling.
There is no age limit for the London Dungeon. However, the recommended minimum age is 12 years old, while visitors aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years old or over.
This is due to the scary nature of some of the attractions and a perfect activity for those looking for some scares this Halloween in London with kids.
For tickets to the London Dungeon click here.
24. Madame Tussauds
The Star Wars gallery at Madame Tussauds is another good activity during Halloween in London with kids. The popular London attraction has created wax models of the favourite heroes and villains from the Star Wars franchise.
Get a selfie with Yoda in a swamp or hang out with Han Solo in the canteen. The exhibition is one of the last things you see as you make your way through an extensive tour of history and popular culture.
As expected of Madame Tussauds, the attention to detail is incredible and worth visiting this Halloween in London with Kids.
For tickets to Madame Tussauds click here.
25. Hyde Park Spooky Discovery Days
Hyde Park is offering a range of amazing activities this Halloween in London for kids. Families can explore spooky-themed trails and participate in interactive workshops tailored for young nature lovers.
Kids will enjoy crafting sessions where they can create their own Halloween-themed decorations. Nature-based storytelling events bring the environment of the park to life with ghostly tales.
Additionally, there’s a unique opportunity to learn about nocturnal animals (bats!) and their habitats.
These activities promise a fun and educational experience, perfect for children looking to celebrate Halloween in the outdoors. For more details, visit the Royal Parks Website.
26. London Bridge Experience
This Halloween in London with kids check out the London Bridge Experience’s Halloween Special.
It takes place throughout October and there will be two fantastic shows. Families can enjoy the daytime Halloween show designed with younger guests in mind.
Meanwhile, for those seeking a spine-tingling experience, don’t miss the ultimate evening scare maze, Dreadflix, exclusively for adults. Shows run on the 24th, 25th, 26th, 30th, 31st October and 1st and 2nd of November. Entry times are between 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
27. Go Ape Halloween & Fall Festivities
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween adventure with the kids at Go Ape in London this fall!
Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills with “Frights at Height,” looking to “EscAPE the Night” activity, or simply want some daytime fall fun minus the scares, Go Ape has all your Halloween 2024 needs covered.
“Frights at Height” is an adrenaline-pumping experience that transforms the forest into a chilling haunt filled with zombies, ghosts, and ghouls lurking beneath the Treetop Journey zipline and ropes course.
Conquer wobbly obstacles and epic ziplines while navigating the eerie darkness for a heart-pounding hour of excitement.
For those who dare, “Forest EscAPE the night” offers mind-bending puzzles of the Forest EscAPE, but with a nighttime Halloween twist! The challenges have been adjusted for scary season – so keep your wits about you.
The ground-based scare trail is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers looking for a Halloween adventure with a twist. Kids can enjoy scavenger hunts, costime competitions
One of our favourite Go Ape spots is inside Battersea Park playground.
28. Shrek’s Adventure
Shrek’s Adventure in London is located on Southbank beside the Sea Life Aquarium and the London Eye. Kids of all ages adore it but it is a big hit with the little ones and a perfect day out for Halloween in London with Kids.
Kids put on 4-D glasses and take a magical journey on a bus. They also run into other well-known characters from How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda
Tickets can be purchased on arrival but are more expensive at the door and you are not guaranteed entry.
Book your tickets to Shrek’s Adventure online here.
Where to get Halloween Costumes for Kids in London
Halloween is always a very busy time in London with so many events and attractions happening across the capital. Here we have compiled a list of some of the better shops to visit for Halloween in London with kids and find the perfect outfit.
Party and Celebrate Ltd
This southwest London fancy dress shop has been around for a long time and we have visited it for many Halloween costumes in the past. It is packed with everything fancy dress.
It has an extensive array of kids costumes perfect for Halloween including all of the extras to go with your outfit like makeup, fake blood, tattoos and capes etc.
Party and Celebrate Ltd, 268 -274 Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1LJ, Open Monday – Sunday, check out their website for timings.
Mad World Fancy Dress
For a fancy dress shop in North London try Mad World Fancy dress. They have a warehouse packed with unique costumes for hire, plus balloons & fancy dress accessories to buy.
There is an abundance of options that provide the most luxurious and over-the-top costumes for Halloween in London with kids.
Mad World Fancy Dress is Located near Old Street. 69-85 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4BD
(Entrance is on Singer Street, down steps to the basement.)
Nearest tube: Old Street
Activities Near London
Cammas Hall
This family-run farm in Hertfordshire is within easy reach of London and has gone all out with the Halloween decorations for your photo ops.
You can work your way around an impressive maze before stocking up on autumnal treats, Halloween craft packs and pumpkin carving supplies in the farm shop.
Continuing on from last year’s success, the farm will be opening up its pumpkin patch after dark for maximum spooky vibes.
The admission price starts at £5 and is located in Needham Green, CM22 7JT, click here for more information and to book.
Old Mc McDonalds Halloween Festival
The farm and fun park in Essex is packed with the best family rides and amusements.
The thrilling Doggy Dog Roller Coaster, Crazy Barn ride, themed tractor ride and Happy Horses pony adventure ride to name a few.
This year they are having a Halloween festival from the 26th of October to the 3rd of November. Expect a haunted house, Halloween arts and crafts, pumpkin carving stall and pick your own pumpkin with every child ticket.
Old Mcdonalds Farm is located on Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY
Do you know of any great London activities happening this Halloween in London with kids? Leave a comment to let us know!
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