Ah, October half term. A week that creeps up on parents every year — the kids have only been back at school for a few weeks, but it’s already time to kiss goodbye to the term-time routine you spent the summer holidays dreaming of.
There’s no need to fret, though. This half term comes at the perfect time with Halloween celebrations already underway, and a whole host of activities across London for any family to get stuck into. As you prepare to celebrate the end of the week in style (safety-pinning costumes, cleaning up pumpkin seeds and blue-tacking plastic to the walls), we’ve put together a guide to some of the capital’s best activities to keep you — and the kids — busy, from Swan Lake in the cinema to ghostly afternoon teas.
Museums, theatre and attractions
Dino pursuits at the Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum has long been a safe bet for birthdays, rainy Saturdays and half terms, and this Halloween the South Kensington landmark is going all out. The sixtieth Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has just arrived at its halls (and runs until June), promising a feast for eyes of all ages. If your children are into the more pre-historic side of things, you’re in luck, as several dino-themed activities will run this half-term. Get up close and personal with a life-like Tyrannosaurus rex (and snap a selfie at the meet and greet) during an immersive Teach Rex show, or get hands-on with their modern-day relatives (think spiders, lizards and snakes) at a special Jurassic Encounters Animal Show.
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs from October 11 to June 29 2025, nhm.ac.uk
Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show will be held on November 1, nhm.ac.uk
A seance at The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon celebrates its fiftieth birthday this half-term — and what better way to mark the occasion than with a Victorian-themed seance? Offering education with a side of spook, prepare as famous psychic Agnes Guppy and her trusty Ouija board bring your family face to face with one of Britain’s most prolific female killers, Mary Ann Cotton. Make sure to enjoy the rest of the dungeon’s attractions too, from the Drop Dead ride to the Whitechapel Labyrinth.
Until November 3, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminister Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, thedungeons.com
Sea Life Tricks & Treats
Purchase a ticket to Sea Life between October 19 and November 3 and not only can you explore marine life and the UK’s largest coral display, but the young ones can embark on a mission to help protect and defend the oceans with Serafina the Sea Witch, topping up their knowledge of sea conservation, climate change and underwater ecosystems along the way.
October 19 to November 3, Sea Life London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, visitsealife.com
The Storm Whale and Everything Has Changed at the Polka Theatre
Specifically dedicated to inspirational, child-centred theatre, the Polka Theatre has been a Wimbledon institution since 1979, with The Storm Whale and Everything Has Changed on the listing this October half term. The former — puppet-heavy and perfect for 4 to 8-year-olds — tells the heartwarming story of how the lives of Noi, his dad and their six cats change after Noi rescues a washed-up whale (which is followed by a lantern-making workshop on October 29). Better suited for children up to 12, Everything Has Changed is a joyful lesson in how children can deal with change healthily when it happens.
The Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, SW19 1SB
The Storm Whale: October 25 to November 3, polkatheatre.com
Everything Has Changed: October 30 to November 3, polkatheatre.com
Days outdoors
Magic at the London Wetland Centre
The Barnes wildlife preserve is dialing up the magic this October. There are potion workshops using local plants, scavenger hunts, a competition for the best magical costume (with a prize of two free family tickets up for grabs) and even the chance for your family to create clay creatures. Plus, you’ll get to explore the ponds, lakes, pools and sprawling wildlife that have made the nature reserve one of the UK’s favourites.
October 26 to November 3, WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 9WT, wwt.org.uk
The Spooky Trail at Kew Gardens
Since 2013, Kew Gardens has drawn in thousands of families to witness its famous Christmas light show — but this year marks the first edition of its spookier sibling, which resembles a trail of haunted woods, toothy pumpkins, resident witches and “larger than life” spiders. So as not to mentally scar younger children for years to come, the slots get scarier as the night wears on: you can pick from daylight (up to 6pm), twilight (6pm-7.30pm) and moonlight (after 7.30pm) slots.
October 18 to November 3 (Daylight trail available from October 27), Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB, kew.org
Film
The Wild Robot
In his latest film, Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods) tells the story of a shipwrecked robot named Roz, who is faced with navigating relationships with local wildlife (and adopting an orphaned goose) after washing up on a remote island. It’s a touching story bolstered by a star-studded voice cast, which includes Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor and Catherine O’Hara.
From October 18
Swan Lake
If you missed Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall in June, the production — which showcases the remarkable talents of 60 of the English National Ballet’s ballerinas — will be screened in cinemas for the first time from October 30. Offering a 360° view of one of the most famous ballets of all time, you’ll get all the spectacle and its showstopping Tchaikovsky score for a fraction of the price, all from the child-friendly comfort of a cinema.
October 30 to November 3, various London cinemas, enbswanlakecinema.com
Afternoon Teas
Children’s Halloween Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London
Not only is Pan Pacific London known for its elegant suites and wellness amenities, but it’s also one of the city’s most child-friendly hotels. Between October 3 and November 10, the hotel’s restaurant Straits Kitchen invites families to mark spooky season with a Halloween-themed afternoon tea, with menu highlights including coconut hot chocolate, cheesy apple slaw sandwiches and chocolate macarons. Kids will be able to decorate pineapple cupcakes and orange biscuits with the help of icing pens and sprinkles, too.
October 3 to November 10, Pan Pacific London, EC3A 7AB, afternoontea.co.uk
The Twits Afternoon Tea at London County Hall
Roald Dahl’s The Twits has been brought to life by London County Hall in a limited-time-only afternoon tea dedicated to the iconic children’s novel, featuring Muggle-Wump brownies, wormy spaghetti and maggoty green cheese and mouldy cornflakes (that’s orzo, cheddar and chive arancini to you and me). Even better, there’s a boozier menu available for adults and a 30 per cent discount on bookings made for the October half-term.
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, thetwitsafternoontea.com
And a trip outside the capital
Girls go free to Silverstone
If you’re looking for a trip outside the capital, then a visit to the Silverstone Museum is a great option. The museum is working to inspire more girls to pursue motorsport careers and has a Girls Go Free offer until November 3. Events during half-term include a Q&A and book-signing with F1 broadcaster Lee McKenzie (October 29) and an insight session on STEM in eSports and Karting (October 30). The museum is based at the entrance to the racing circuit and showcases the best of British motor sport. The exhibits include the chance for visitors to operate a replica wind tunnel, have a go on a wheel gun, climb into a replica grand prix car and see if they have got what it takes to commentate on a race. The museum also includes iconic cars and bikes that have featured at the race track, including Nigel Mansell’s iconic Williams ‘Red 5’ and Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki motorbike.
Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN
More information silverstonemuseum.co.uk/learn/girlswill/
