Looking for fun and exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this October half-term? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re after a creative day out or something to burn off their energy, I’m here to help you plan a fantastic week full of adventures. From museum workshops to theatre shows and hands-on activities, many of these are free or low-cost, making it easy to keep everyone happy without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly events happening near you!
Museum of London
As always, the Museum of London has prepared a variety of interesting sessions and activities this October half-term!
From a dance party to a craft, check out the museum website here for the whole event!
26 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
Museum of the Home
Diwali Family Day
2 Nov 11am-4pm
From making, dancing, and storytelling!
FREE
More information here
National Gallery
FREE drop-in
Click each photo below for the event details page or here for the entire list.
Old Royal Naval College
This half term they prepared a variety of chocolate themed activities as below!
(More information here)
31 Oct 10am-5pm
Hot Chocolate Lolly Making Workshop
£3.50
Booking required (book here)
11am–12pm, 1pm–2pm & 3pm–4pm
Spooktacular Storytelling
FREE, Drop-in, first come first served.
(Adults will need to purchase a £3 entry ticket to the Visitor Centre)
11.15–11.45am, 12.15–12.45pm & 2.15–2.45pm
The Great Chocolate Pumpkin Activity Trail
Free (adults will need to purchase a £3 entry ticket to the Visitor Centre)
10am–5pm
Cutty Sark
Meet the Characters
Weekends and Fri-Mon in school holidays | 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Included with entry to Cutty Sark
Book here
Royal Observatory
Ted’s Space Adventure (Planetarium show)
for under 7’s
weekends and holiday weekdays
Adult £12 | Child £6
Book here
Out of This World: Moons (family workshop)
29 Oct 2024 | 10:30am – 12pm
£5 per child
Natural History Museum
Jurassic Encounters (Animal Show)
1 Nov various times
Adult £8 | Child £8
T.Rex Show with Teach Rex
28 Oct 2024 various times
Adult £12 | Child £12
Book here
Dino Snores for Kids (sleepover at the museum)
19 Oct & 15 Nov 2024 18:30-10:00
Adults £80 | Child £80
Book here
National Portrait Gallery
Family Day
29 Oct 2024 11am – 4pm
Free, drop-in (limited capacity, first come first served)
Hands and faces | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Stand out and shine | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Radical rosettes | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Portraits remixed | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
More details here
British Library
Family Workshops | 20 Oct 2024
(all Free, ticketed: click the time slots below for booking links)
– Magical Moths 11:00-12:30 | 13:30-15:00
– Creepy Creatures 11:30-12:30 | 13:30-14:30
– Mysterious Monsters 12:30-13:30 | 15:00-16:00
(For more information)
Postal Museum
Mini Designers: Design your own greetings card
26 Oct – 1 Nov, 10am – 4pm
It would be even nicer to combine it with a train ride – Mail Rail – and post officer role play – Sorted!
(More details here)
London Transport Museum
Depot Family Tours
30 Oct & 1 Nov 2024, various times
Adult £12 | Child (4-17) £6
Book here
Bank of England Museum
October half term: Creepy crafts
28 Oct – 1 Nov
FREE drop-in
“Scare off any thieving hands and keep prying eyes away from your money by decorating your very own scary and gruesome money box.”
(More info here)
Museum of the Order of St John
Seasole Sessions Family Activity: Herbal Pomanders
29 Oct 11:00-15:30
Free, booking essential (Book here)
Bats in the Belfry
30 Oct 11:00-15:30
Free, drop-in (more info)
Royal Academy of Arts
Family Studio: Cut-Out Worlds
27 Oct 2024 11am-1pm, 2-4pm
Free, drop-in
(More info)
National Army Museum
Make Your Own Ration Kit
29 Oct – 1 Nov 2024 10:30am – 12:30pm, 1:45pm – 3:45pm
Free, drop-in
(more info)
Drumming Orders
29-30 Oct 2024, various times
Free, drop-in
(more info)
Orleans House Gallery
Let’s Get Creative (family activity)
29-30 Oct 2024
Details for the event, including whether you need to book will become available closer to the time.
(more info)
Chickenshed Theathre
Halloween Tales (show)
28-31 Oct 2024, various times
From £7
(more info)
Polka Theathre
The Storm Whale
25 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
From £10
(Book here)
Everything Has Changed
30 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
From £14
(Book here)
Little Angel Theatre
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
13 Sept – 16 Nov 2024
Adult £15 | Child £13
(Book here)
The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre
21 Sept – 17 Nov 2024
Adult £15 | Child £13
(Book here)
Syon Park
Bat Walks
Until 31 Oct 2024, after dusk (see individual dates for exact times)
£2
(Book here)
Kew Garden
Halloween at Kew
18 – 26 Oct 2024, 6pm to 10pm
Adult £20 | Child £15 (Family tickets available)
(Book here)
Room on the Broom
19 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
Included with entry
(More info)
Expressions in Blue (exhibition)
26 -28 Oct 2024
Included with entry
Westminster Abbey
Voice and Verse Family Day: Get Creative!
1 Nov 10:00-12:00
(Book here)
Fulham Palace
A Tour for the Curious
29 Oct 11am – 12pm
£10.50 (a child and their accompanying adult included)
(Book here)
Community Bulb Planting
2 Nov 2024 11:00-12:30
£7
(Book here)
Wigmore Hall
Family Workshop: Woodland Harmonies
31 Oct 2024 10am
Adult £12 | Child £10
(Book here: currently sold out, but check out for possible availability)
Family Concert: Blown Away
3 Nov 2024 3pm
Adult £12 | Child £10
(Book here)
I hope you and your little ones have a fantastic time, creating wonderful memories together! Enjoy every moment! 😊