October half term in London always has plenty going on, especially with Halloween at the end of the month. The weather can be chilly, and the days are shorter, with the sun setting around 6 pm.
Whilst some local families will choose to jet off to a warmer climate, I quite love the autumn cosy vibes in London in October. From the South Bank attractions to all the amazing museums, you’ll be sure to entertain the kids for October half term holidays.
With pumpkin picking, kids’ crafts and exploring the museums, the October half term in London is always full of fun activities.
I love soaking up the spooky Halloween atmosphere in London before the festive period kicks in and everyone starts getting ready for Christmas.
October half term in London dates are from Monday 28th of October to Friday 1st November 2024.
When looking for things to do over the October half term in London, I recommend having some rainy-day indoor activities up your sleeve just in case the weather is miserable.
Here is my list of the latest activities coming up this October half term in London, which look like a lot of fun.
October Half Term London
1. Young V&A
This October half term in London, why not head to the relatively new Young V&A Museum in Bethnal Green?
It opened in July of 2023 and if you haven’t made it there yet with the kids, October is the perfect time to visit.
Incredibly, this space has been created especially for little ones. General admission to this imaginative space is free. It features three exciting galleries, which include imagine, play and design elements.
There is also a quiet reading room specifically designed with neurodivergent children in mind.
2. Howloween at Chessington
Celebrate this spooky time of year at Chessington World of Adventures! They are running their family-friendly Howloween events throughout October and during half term.
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 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!
3. Wonderlab at The Science Museum
The Science Museum is always a reliable go-to place on the half term. Again, it is free to enter the Science Museum. However, Wonderlab at the Science Museum offers an exciting range of interactive experiences perfect for curious children in the October half-term in London.
The interactive gallery has a day pass for £15 or an annual pass for £24. Family discounts are available and those under 3 go free.
With over 50 hands-on exhibits, children can dive into the wonders of science through experiments with light, forces, and electricity. The live science demonstrations are a big hit, showing spectacular experiments in real-time, making complex concepts easy for kids to understand.
There’s also the ever-popular friction slide, where children can experience the physics of movement firsthand.
Other highlights include the chance to create electric circuits, explore the chemistry bar, and take part in space-themed activities. It’s an engaging way for kids to spend the day learning, while parents can also enjoy the scientific playground.
The atmosphere is both fun and educational, with something to capture the interest of children of all ages. Wonderlab is a fantastic blend of excitement and learning that makes it an ideal choice for a family day out during the half-term.
The Wonderlad would also make for an amazing May half term activity since it is indoors, it is the perfect option for those summer rainy days!
4. Room On The Broom At Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved tale, Room on the Broom, to life this October half term! The interactive trail takes you through the gardens, on a magical adventure following the friendly witch and her friends on their broomstick journey.
Along the way, children can help solve puzzles, spot characters from the story, and learn about the plants and wildlife that surround them. The trail is beautifully set within Kew’s stunning landscapes, creating a fun and educational experience in nature.
Don your wellies, watch out for Dogs muddy paw prints, find Frog in the lily pond and work together to scare away the Dragon! With plenty of opportunities for sensory adventure and discovery, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the outdoors while connecting with the story.
Room on the Broom is a free drop-in event for all Kew Gardens visitors and families who like to spend the October half term in London outdoors. Running from the 19th of October to the 3rd of November, there is plenty of time to wrap the kids up warm and get out and about.
5. Pumpkin Picking
Another great way to spend the October half term in London and celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly activity is going pumpkin picking.
There are some great spots in and around London where you can take the kids and pick your own pumpkin for eating or carving.
Garsons Farm in Surrey is super popular so will need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment, although more tickets will be released each day. Tickets for children and adults are priced at £4 with under two-year-olds going free.
To get there, take the South Western Railway to Esher from Victoria Station in Central London. From there, the 458 bus towards Staines will get you to Princess Alice Hospice in 6 minutes, which is a short walk away.
Alternatively, plug Winterdown Rd, KT10 8LS into your sat nav if you are driving. Parking is available. Surrey is around an hour’s drive from the centre of London.
Also in Surrey, which is just outside of London, you’ll find pumpkins to be picked at Secretts Farm. This is another popular spot so I recommend booking in advance.
While you’re there you may also enjoy their huge selection of English wines and craft beers.
To the East of London, in Essex, Foxes Farm have sites in Colchester and Basildon with pumpkin picking beginning in late September and early October.
If you’re taking the train out of London to visit these pumpkin patches in Surrey or Essex, book your train with the Trainline for ease, convenience, and great prices. Their website and mobile app is really easy to use.
Also on the Trainline website or mobile app, you can purchase a UK Railcard. I would recommend this if you’re going to be travelling by train around the UK (outside of London) because you will get 30% off on every ticket.
Make sure to carry your Railcard with you (it can be stored in the Trainline app) as ticket inspectors may wish to see it upon boarding your train.
Psssst.. why not check out these awesome London Harry Potter Locations?
6. October Half Term, London Museum of Water
From October 26th to November 3rd from 10 am to 4 pm, the London Museum of Water & Steam will be holding an event with a bit of a Halloween Twist. Follow along on a ghost hunt, haunted tours and ghost crafts!
This event has an educational spin on it so head to the Waterworks gallery to complete some spooky crafts. Pay just £1 to participate in the ghost hunts, or book a family history tour.
The After Hours History Tour at the Waterworks offers a fascinating look into its past, as well as local legends and curiosities. Suitable for ages 10 and up, this guided tour delves into historical oddities, making it a unique experience for families.
The event runs from 5 pm to 6 pm each day and tickets must be prebooked. It is an amazing chance to explore the history behind this iconic location.
Regular admission fees apply, but the school holiday activities offered during the event do not require pre-booking, which makes it an ideal choice if you haven’t had time to plan this October half term in London.
7. Kids Eat Free at F1 Arcade
If you are looking for some fast-paced fun with a side of free food, then look no further than the F1 Arcade in St Paul. It’s fun for the whole family with fully adjustable full-motion racing simulators, so drivers over the age of seven will feel like real Formula 1 racers!
Just a short 2-minute walk from St Paul’s station and a 6-minute walk from City Thameslink it’s an easily accessible day out this October half term in London. It’s an affordable day out too, with children under the age of 16 getting a free kids meal, with every paid adult main meal.
Dishes available for the mini racers include Cheeseburgers & Chips, Fried Chicken Tenders & Chips, Plant-Based Burgers & Chips, Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza and Macaroni with Tomato & Cheese.
Children can also upgrade their free meal with either unlimited drink refills for £3.50 or an ice cream dessert for £2.50. This offer runs from October 28th to November 1st.
8. Dino rEvolution, Horiniman Museum
Dino rEvolution exhibition has been running since February. However, the last day is the 3rd of November 2024.
Horniman Museum members can enter the exhibition for free, and general admission to the rest of the museum is also free.
However, for non-members, Dino rEvolution entry costs £9 for adults, £6 for kids and under 3’s are free. In the past, we’ve found membership to be worth it.
The exhibition designed for families, has some of the largest creatures ever to roam the Earth to life in a scaled-down format.
When you think of a dinosaur, you might imagine them with green or brown scales and maybe some spikes. But new research shows us that dinosaurs were actually much more colourful and feathery, making them even more amazing than we thought!
Dinosaur rEvolution delves into the connection between dinosaurs and birds, featuring five large animatronic models, cast fossil skeletons and skulls to touch. Detailed graphics by acclaimed Luis V Rey, and interactive dress-up and games, make it an exciting activity for dinosaur fanatics this October half term in London.
There is a market within the grounds of the Horniman Museum on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm with nice food, perfect for lunch sitting in the garden.
Horniman Museum is ideal for those days when you’re not sure of the weather since it has indoor space and gardens to explore.
9. The Gruffalo, Pentland Theatre
From the 26th to the 31st of October, Julie Donaldson and Axel Shefflers ‘The Gruffalo’ will be brought to life on stage.
Featuring all your favourite Gruffalo characters, lively soundtracks, puppetry and so much more, this event is set to be perfect for children 3 and up who love the popular book this October half term in London.
There are multiple shows across the four days and booking tickets in advance is best.
10. The Puddle At The End Of The World
For one day only, on the 24th of October, there will be a fantastic performance named ‘The Puddle At The End Of The World’ at the Royal Albert Hall. The show is aimed at 6 to 12-year-old children.
It has an interesting storyline featuring Jamie and her nanna. Essentially the performance has an underlying message about climate change.
It is best to book tickets in advance.
11. Shakespeares Globe Events
There is quite a lot going on at Shakespeare Theatre this October half term in London. Each event has a specific age range. From storytelling events to a guided tour of the theatre for slightly older children, there is tonnes to enjoy.
Some of the story telling includes Macbeth Family Storytelling and Romeo & Juliet workshops for 5 to 8 year olds.
Check out this full list of family events in October here.
12. Halloween Trick Or Treat Trail, Covent Garden
Join the Halloween Trick or Treat Trail in Covent Garden this October half term before the area turns all Christmassy. Explore new areas, test your observation skills, and learn fun facts while collecting treats and offers.
There will be various contributors, including the Royal Opera House, Neuhaus Chocolate, and more.
The event is not just for kids, adults can enjoy drink discounts at selected pubs. Register for the trail and take part in a photo competition for a chance to win a special Halloween prize.
It will take place on Thursday, October 31st.
13. Twist Museum
Twist Museum is another relatively new addition to some of the best things to do in London with kids. If you haven’t visited yet, October half term in London is the perfect time to do so.
This indoor activity is a fully immersive experience developed by neuroscientists and philosophers. Featuring optical illusions, and face-to-face mysteries, it takes the brain a little bit of time to comprehend the experience.
Corridors can appear indefinite, whilst other exhibits can make you unsure if you are standing upright making it a super fun experience for kids!
It’s best to book a visit in advance and the museum is based on Oxford Street in Central London.
Why not combine a visit to the museum with a lovely afternoon tea making it a nice treat this October half term in London.
14. Kidzania London
Kidzania is a fun-filled role-play city, purpose-built for kids! This October half term in London, children aged 4 to 14 will love a day spent at KidZania, a world of discovery and learning.
There are so many role-playing activities for the kids to get involved in and explore in the city, from fashion designing to radio broadcasting to working as a florist.
Kidzania is located inside Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush in London. The entrance to the city of fun is on the first floor near Marks & Spencer’s.
To get there, it’s easily accessible on the Central Line to either Shepherd’s Bush or White City. The shopping centre is within easy walking distance from both of these stations.
The general Shepherd’s Bush area and the Westfield shopping centre get really busy around school holidays and half term, so keep this in mind when you are planning your trip.
If you need to travel by car, parking is available at the shopping centre. It is recommended to use Car Park A for Kidzania.
Tickets for children aged 4 – 14 start at £35.00 for a day of play. An adult with an adult ticket must accompany children below the age of 7. Children 8 and up can explore the city on their own!
This is a perfect activity for the October half term in London, especially on a rainy day.
15. Thorpe Park Fright Night
Throughout October, Thorpe Park hosts their famous Fright Night special events. Visit the park in the dark and get an extra fright on the already spooky rides!
Thorpe Park go all-out with the production for their Fright Night events to make sure everyone has a great time, and they make it genuinely scary.
This is a fun event for families with older children for this October half term in London. The scary attractions are recommended for kids aged 13 years and up.
This year’s event will be running from October 4th to November 3rd and is the perfect way to make Halloween extra spooky and fun during the October half term in London.
16. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour of London
When looking for family friendly things to do for October half term in London, you’re bound to want to visit some of London’s top attractions, particularly if you’re visiting from outside the UK.
If you’re going to be visiting multiple London attractions this half term October London then I would really recommend investing in a Go City London Pass. This amazing ticket will get you entry into many of the top attractions on just one ticket.
You may want to plan an itinerary ahead of time to make sure you fit in as much as possible, especially if you are only in London for a short trip. With the London Pass, you will fit the top sights and attractions into even a short trip.
To get from place to place in Central London during your trip, the hop on hop off bus tour is fantastic to achieve a lot in a short period of time.
The bus tour makes 22 stops around Central London, hitting all the most famous sites including the London Eye, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey.
Whilst on board you can choose to listen to a commentary which teaches you a little more about London and the history of the places you pass through. This is also available in multiple languages.
17. Create And Make at the Design Museum
This year at the Design Museum in North London, there is a fantastic opportunity that will appeal to kids who are into designing – or want to get into it! Why not check it out this October half term in London?
The museum will host playful paper craft sessions, where participants will help to create the tallest building. Anyone interested in paper hobbies and creating is sure to enjoy these workshops.
Also, the museum is located in a great spot for a day out in London. The Design Museum is on Kensington High Street, just inside the beautiful and idyllic spot, Holland Park.
Before or after your visit to the exhibition, be sure to have a walk around Holland Park and see what animals you and the kids can spot! There are peacocks, squirrels, and foxes all over the park and they’re used to visitors so you can get quite a close look.
Even though the weather is starting to get colder in October, it won’t be too cold with a heavy jacket for a day out in a London park.
To get to Kensington High Street and the Design Museum on public transport, I would recommend taking the Circle Line to High Street Kensington. From here, the museum is approximately 8 minutes’ walk.
I wouldn’t recommend driving in such a busy area unless you need to as the traffic will be considerable during the school holidays and half terms. If you do need to drive, check your route and the traffic in advance using Google Maps.
18. Skateboarding at a Skate Park
If it’s skateboarding your children are interested in, there’s a fantastic youth club in Wandsworth where children can take up group or private skate lessons, or teach themselves on the small and kid friendly ramps.
Kimber skate park is very popular during the after school hours and the school holidays. There is a small fee for some of the half term activities and skate club.
Skateboards, scooters, and bikes can be borrowed for the day at the park, or you can purchase a skateboard and helmet from the excellently stocked on-site skate shop.
Sometimes they offer free skate coaching, and there are loads of other activities going on if skating isn’t your child’s thing.
Recently the staff at the park organized a trip to the local The Font Wandsworth climbing centre to try out some bouldering. The Font offer climbing and bouldering coaching to under 18s, too.
Wandsworth is a leafy neighbourhood in South West London which may be a little out of the way if you are staying in Central London, but it isn’t difficult to get to.
The closest train station is Earlsfield which is served by regular trains from Clapham Junction or Waterloo. Alternatively, take the District Line to Southfields tube station and walk for around 14 minutes to the skatepark.
19. Foundling Museum Workshops
For some creative Halloween fun during the October half term, the Foundling Museum has a fantastic line-up of family workshops for kids aged 5-12. They’re offering Halloween-themed activities led by professional artists, where children can make lanterns, puppets, and even animations.
These workshops are a great way for kids to stay busy and creative, and the best part is they get to take their spooky creations home!
On Tuesday, 29 October, kids can make haunted house lanterns and join a spooky procession through the museum. Wednesday’s session offers spooky shadow animation, letting children craft shadow puppets and create their own Halloween story.
If your child loves puppets, Thursday’s workshop will have them making a moving monster puppet, complete with as many arms and legs as they like. For younger ones who enjoy hands-on crafts, Friday’s hand puppet workshop will help them design their very own Halloween puppet, perfect for putting on a show.
The workshops are affordable, and if you’re a Camden resident, they’re free, so it’s a great option for a creative day out with the kids.
20. Sporting Tours
London is home to some of the biggest football clubs in the Premier League and the world. It’s also home to the famous Wimbledon tennis and some excellent rugby grounds.
For this reason, one of the best things to do October half term in London for families with children who are interested in sports and their favourite team is to take a tour of the team’s sports grounds.
In West London, you can take a tour of Chelsea Football Club’s Stamford Bridge. The tour takes you around the Chelsea FC Stadium as well as the museum which is within the grounds.
This is a one-hour guided tour including access to the behind-the-scenes areas such as the players’ dressing rooms. An amazing and truly memorable experience for any young football fan!
To get to Stamford Bridge on public transport, take the District or Circle lines to Fulham Broadway from Victoria Station in Central London. Alternatively, take the London Overground to West Brompton and walk for around 15 minutes to the stadium.
Parking is available at the stadium if you will be getting there by car.
If it’s Arsenal FC or Fulham FC your family prefer, these clubs also offer similar tours. Go behind the scenes of the Emirates Stadium in North London, walk in the player’s tunnel, and explore the history of the Arsenal football club.
The Emirates Stadium tour also includes entry into the club museum.
The closest train or tube station to the Emirates Stadium is Drayton Park (3 minutes walk away), but you can also walk in approximately 10 minutes from Highbury & Islington Station.
21. London Walking Tours with London Museum
If you have curious young people who also love to get outdoors in the fresh air, then London Museum has the perfect activity for you this October half term in London. It covers a range of historical events such as the Great Fire of London and World War II, and it even travels back 2000 years to the streets of Roman Londinium!
The walks are approximately 60 minutes long and are recommended for primary school-aged children. London museum advises visitors to dress for British weather. Covering a range of dates until October 31st, it’s best to book through their website to avoid disappointment.
Tours price from £8 per ticket and are wheelchair accessible.
Visiting London Over October Half Term In London
If you are visiting London from abroad this October half term in London then I would imagine you’re interested in seeing all the top attractions which the city has to offer.
There are so many fun attractions, museums, and historical buildings to see and experience. Many of these are mentioned above.
The best area in London to stay in if you’re interested in the top attractions would be Central London. Although this might be more expensive, there are some great deals to be had on websites such as Booking.com.
There are also plenty of family friendly hotels in Central London which will be comfortable for your family, such as the Travelodge in Covent Garden.
This budget hotel is in a perfect location for visiting tourist attractions, the best family restaurants, and is really close to the best West End theatres.
If you are interested in the city’s famous West End theatres, why not go along for the London theatre walking tour this October half term in London?
The best and most budget-friendly way to fit lots of London attractions into even a short 2 day trip is to purchase a Go City London Pass. This way, you can see multiple attractions on just one ticket.
The pass is bought according to consecutive days, so it is a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in the city this October half term in London.
Weather In London In October
October is at the tail end of autumn heading into winter so the days are short and it can be a little chilly.
We all love the summer months but there is something lovely and cozy about the sun setting earlier and the autumnal leaves falling.
The average daytime temperature during October half term in London ranges from around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, temperatures can vary, and there might be occasional rainy and windy days. If you’re travelling to the UK from abroad during October I would recommend bringing a warm jacket and an umbrella.
Consider wellie boots for toddlers and kids who love to jump in puddles!
Daylight hours gradually shorten in October as the sun sets earlier, so we get around 10 to 12 hours of daylight.
As the leaves change colour, the London parks are a beautiful spot for a walk with the family or other outdoor fun (just remember to wear a coat).
It’s advisable to dress in layers with lightweight fleeces that you can put on or take off to stay comfortable throughout the day as the weather can be quite changeable during this month – sometimes it’s surprisingly warm!
Thank you for reading this blog post on October half term in London. I hope you found some interesting and unique October half term activities in London to keep your family entertained and off their screens.
Let me know by leaving a comment if you experience any of the things I’ve listed above.
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