Half-term is just around the corner, but no need fret as there’s loads to fend off those dreaded tears and tantrums this autumn.
London is putting back on its cape and will be back to the rescue with an endless string and activities that will not just put a smile on the laiitle faces, but yours as well. From exhibitions, to art classes to theatre performances, we’ve chosen the top ones for you and your restless tykes to get stuck into - so get booked in!Amaze, Criterion Theatre
Following a successful stint at Marylebone Theatre this summer, magician Jamie Allan is bringing his critically-acclaimed show Amaze to the West End.
Blending innovative technology, gripping storytelling, and classic illusion techniques, Allan’s performance offers an interactive experience that redefines the art of magic.
Amaze is booking until November 23
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Natural History Museum
The iconic Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns to the Natural History Museum for its 60th edition.
This year's display features the finest entries from the competition, including The Swarm of Life, an award-winning image by Canadian marine conservation photojournalist Shane Gross, capturing a stunning view of western toad tadpoles.
For half-term, visitors can also explore the Visions of Nature mixed-reality exhibition, a new addition this year.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is booking until June 2025
Biodiversity Family Festival, Natural History Museum
The Museum offers a range of family-friendly activities at the Biodiversity Family Festival.
Running from Saturday 26 October to Saturday 2 November, the event focuses on educating children about the significance of biodiversity, which is all the different life forms in one area, iwhich is everyting from the mix of animals, plants, to fungi and microorganisms like bacteria.
The festival does this through engaging and hands-on experiences.
Biodiversity Family Festival is booking until November 2
The Paddington Bear Experience
Th experience launched at County Hall in June has proved hugely popular, and is it little wonder? Located near the London Eye, this immersive production, allows audiences to dive into the world of Paddington and the Brown family.
The journey takes you from the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station to 32 Windsor Gardens, with a scenic stop in the jungles of Peru, before joining a street party in celebration of Marmalade Day.
Directed by Tom Maller, who brings over a decade of experience creating immersive film productions with Secret Cinema, the show offers a unique blend of nostalgia and adventure.
The Paddington Bear Experience is booking until March 30; paddingtonbearexperience.com
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge
Forget your standard Thames sightseeing tours, Terrible Thames offers a darkly entertaining twist. This hour-long trip along London’s famous river swaps typical commentary for grimmer tales of the Thames’ past.
The storyline centres around a student named Billie, who embarks on a river adventure with her teacher. As they sail, the two engage in a battle of facts, with Billie’s knowledge of the river's eerie history, passed down by her family, clashing with her teacher’s more conventional wisdom.Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames is booking until November 3
The Elmer Adventure
Three pals go on a joyful mission through the jungle in this critically acclaimed magical, musical adaptation of David McKee's Elmer books.
The colourful world of Elmer comes to life through songs, storytelling and puppetry by Tall Stories, who brought us The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, live stag shows.
The Southbank Centre is encouraging attendees to “celebrate Elmer’s unique patchwork colours and wear all your colourful clothes when you see the show.”The Elmer Adventure is booking from October 30 – November 3
Toto Kerblammo!, Unicorn Theatre
Known for his experimental work in theatre, Tim Crouch brings his unique flair to children’s entertainment with Toto Kerblammo!
In this inventive show, audiences are invited to don headphones and dive into the story of Effy, a young girl navigating life with her aunt and uncle in a building that strictly forbids dogs. Though more accessible than some of his solo pieces, Toto Kerblammo! doesn’t shy away from Crouch’s hallmark creativity, making it an imaginative and immersive experience for younger audiences.
Don headphones and go to Toto Kerblammo! is booking until November 3
The Design Museum: World of Tim Burton
Older children with a taste for the gothic will find much to enjoy at the World of Tim Burton exhibition, opening at the Design Museum this October.
Curated in collaboration with the legendary director himself, the exhibit pulls from Burton’s personal archives, featuring drawings, paintings, and photographs, as well as sketches, set designs, and sculptural installations. It offers a deep dive into the dark and quirky, sometimes macabre, world of the Beetlejuice director’s cinematic vision.
The Design Museum: World of Tim Burton is booking from October 25 until April 21 2025
Horniman Museum: Dinosaur rEvolution
This exhibit offers a fresh take on what dinosaurs might have really looked like, featuring five giant animatronic models.
Dinosaur rEvolution explores the evolution of these ancient creatures in a fun, engaging way, making it a must-see for dino fans of all ages.
Horniman Museum: Dinosaur rEvolution is booking until November 3
The Formula 1® Exhibition, ExCeL London
Journey through the history and future of Formula 1® in this immersive experience hosted across six specially designed rooms.
Learn about the technology behind these famous race cars, including aerodynamics, engine advancements, and the evolution of Pirelli tyres. Free entry for under-fives.
The Formula 1® Exhibition, ExCeL London is booking until December 31The Gruffalo, Artsdepot
The Gruffalo, a regular on the London stage, is heading to Artsdepot in North Finchley this half term to celebrate his 25th anniversary.
This musical adaptation of the beloved picture book is perfect for children aged three and up.
The Gruffalo is booking from October 26-31st
Family Day – Make Your Mark, National Portrait Gallery
This October half term, the National Portrait Gallery invites families to get creative with a day of art and inspiration. Through playful, hands-on activities, children can learn about key figures in British history and share the mark they’d like to make on the world.
Children will learn how to do their initials in the British Sign Language alphabet and incorporating them into artwork, to “remixing” elements of different portraits and reimagining them to make a new artwork.
Family Day – Make Your Mark is free drop-in October 29, 11.00-16.00
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Polka Theatre has a fantastic lineup this October, including shows such as The Storm Whale and Everything Has Changed, based on the award-winning books. There’s also creative workshops and captivating shows and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Polka Theatre’s performances are booking from October 25 – November 3
Dogs Don't Do Ballet, Little Angel Theatre:
This charming adaptation of the best-selling book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie brings the story to life with beautiful puppets, ballet music, and theatrical comedy. Running at the Little Angel Theatre, Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is a delight
Dogs Don't Do Ballet is booking from October 17 to November 16
