October half term seems to come around faster and faster each year, or is it just me? As usual, I’ve handpicked an amazing array of family friendly activities to keep you and the minions busy over the next 10 days (and beyond). Battle any cries of ‘I’m bored’, by whipping out this list and taking to the streets… or museums, playgrounds, theatre etc. Happy half term!
BABES CHOICE
Science Museum: Power Up and Game On, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Back by popular demand, the Science Museum presents more than 160 consoles plus hundreds of retro and modern video games available for all ages to play. Bring your entire clan to challenge or go solo at Super Mario, Pac Man, FIFA, Halo, Minecraft, VR games and loads more. Also in Game On you can design your own gaming controller and hook up for play (Wed Oct 25-Fri Oct 27, 11am, 1pm & 3pm, for ages 7+). Power Up is recommended for ages 5+ but all ages welcome. 90 minutes sessions at 11am & 12.45pm (morning), 2.30pm & 4.15pm (afternoon); adult £10/child age 5+ £8/family discount £2 off per ticket/under 4s FREE; half-day passes available – morning half-day pass includes 11am & 12.45pm sessions; afternoon half-day pass includes 2.30pm & 4.15pm (Oct 20-31)
Harry Potter: A History of Magic, PACCAR Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston/Kings Cross St Pancras tube and rail)
Hocus pocus! Marking the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the library reveals rare books, manuscripts and magical totems. Discover original drawings by J.K. Rowling and illustrator Jim Kay; explore the giant 16th century Ripley Scroll explaining how to create a Philosopher’s Stone; gaze at Sirius in the night sky; and delve into the fascinating folklore of potion-making, dragons and unicorns. Spellbinding. Adult £16/child & concs. £5-£11, family tickets 20% discount (Oct 20-Feb 28, 2018)
Paddington at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
It’s a Paddington takeover at Museum of London over October half term. Hear Karen Jankel, daughter of Paddington’s creator Michael Bond, describe growing up with Paddington. Go on a Paddington trail, create a play in a day based on Paddington stories, make masks and mugs inspired by Paddington characters. Also meet and greet with the marmalade-loving bear himself (Oct 24 & 26). There will be a small display with original props and costumes from the film. It’s a full programme of activities suitable for all ages, all FREE (Oct 21-29)
A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons & Other Creatures, at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Enter the 3D technicolour world of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, in the UK’s first immersive exhibition of their stories. Sit in the cosy sitting room of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book. Spot the Gruffalo, Squash and Squeeze around a life-sized cow, rock hop through a Monkey Puzzle jungle, dive deep into the underwater world of Tiddler and the Snail and the Whale, and go on the ride of your life with Room on the Broom. Best for ages 0-8 (older kids and adults welcome too). 12pm, 3pm & 4pm (Mon-Thu term time); 10:15am, 11:05am, 11:55am, 12:45pm, 1:35pm, 2:25pm, 3:15pm, 4:05pm (Fri-Sun, or daily during school holidays); additional £1.50 per person + regular admission fee £6.50 adult/child, £22 family, child age 1 £2, under 1s FREE (Oct 21-Sep 2018)
Shakespeare’s Globe: Autumn Tales at the Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Are you sitting comfortably? Celebrate the oral tradition of storytelling at this October half term series. Hear tales from West Africa and the Caribbean, go on a Wild Norse journey with storyteller Emily Hennessey, take part in workshops that bring The Winter’s Tale to life, make shadow puppets with the Little Angel theatre and much more. Varying workshops and storytelling aimed at kids ages 5+ and ages 8+. From 10am, tickets £6-£10 (event times and prices vary) (Oct 24-28)
Fun DMC: DJ Yoda Film Special, at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
DJ Yoda brings his Camp Bestival show to the Fun DMC massive for this October half term special. He’ll present an audio visual mix of kids theme tunes and films, followed by Spin Doctor showcasing some favourite music videos. Fun DMC is the daytime block party created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders), where biggies and smalls bust a move to a radio-friendly playlist. Ages 0-10 and families. 1pm-4pm; adult from £6/walking kid from £4/family of 4 from £18/babies under 12 months FREE (Oct 26)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Institute of Imagination, multiple venues
As ever, there are some fantastic and enriching STEM events hosted by the Institute of Imagination. There’s a Tinkering Club for Lambeth residents (Oct 21); Lab Life: Coding Camp with FUZE (Oct 23-24); GOSH Arts Light Play (Oct 25); and the Lab Live: Cardboard Challenge (Oct 28, 10am-4pm, £8, ages 2-13). Plenty for the entire family to get busy learning and making. Various dates, times and prices (Oct 21-28)
Kidtropolis at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Prince Regent (for ExCel) DLR)
An October half-term jamboree stuffed to the rafters with fun for families and kids under 12. Catch the Basil Brush show, watch dance troupe Flawless, meet Peppa Pig, hang out with the Octonauts, slap socks with Sooty, see Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Captain Calamity and many more. Also rollerskating, inflatable assault course, activities including Tubers Video Academy, and tons of toy stalls. Early bird tickets from £13.50 (Oct 23-26)
Battersea Power Station: October Half Term fun at Battersea Power Station (Circus West Village), 188 Kirtling St, London SW8 5BN (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail/Sloane Sq or Vauxhall tube)
Head to Battersea for a week of entertainment, ranging from pumpkin carving and monster making, to Thriller Yoga to a DJ for adults. Make your own Halloween wind puppets, experiment on a digital graffiti wall and build a LEGO model of Battersea Power Station. Why not stop in for lunch at Mother, the Italian pizza restaurant from Copenhagen? Daily from 10am until around 6pm (event times vary); FREE entry (Oct 21-29)
Blackhorse SIDESHOW: October Half Term Activities, Forest Works, Forest Rd, Walthamstow, E17 6JF (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
Blackhorse SIDESHOW, the new creative hub in E17 is hosting half-term activities perfect for major and mini makers. Explore a giant interactive marble run, make magical masks (Tue Oct 24, 10am-12pm, ages 8+), have a go at creating Pegasus wheely toys (ages 5+, Wed Oct 25, 10am-1pm), create peculiar prints (Thu Oct 26, 10am-1pm, all ages) and don’t miss the special Halloween event, HALLOWE’E17, with pumpkin carving and face painting. Workshops range £0-£10 (Oct 24-28)
Making Routes Festival, South London Gallery, 65-67 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH (Peckham Rye overground/Oval tube then bus 36 or 436), also Oasis Play (Stockwell) and BAC (Battersea)
The first ever Making Routes Festival takes over three South London venues for a FREE weekend of theatre, visual arts and play for kids and young people of all ages and abilities. This October half term, head to Oasis Play for go-karting, beatboxing and a BBQ and gig in a tree house (Fri Oct 27, 10.30am-6pm); at South London Gallery, play with giant tyres and props or attempt the Mad House escape room (Sat Oct 28, 11am-5pm); and at Battersea Arts Centre, there’s pop up performance, alien games and a dance floor with live DJs (Sat Oct 29, 1pm-7pm). Ages 5-8. All activities are FREE but register your interest: mail@southlondongallery.org (Oct 27-29)
We also like
From a free family Bollywood movie night, to Fairytales for Terrible Children, there are loads of family friendly activities happening this weekend for Bloomsbury Festival (Oct 20-22); kids and families can have a go on the Pop Up Playground in Gillett Square in Dalston (Oct 21-28); take part in a Paddington inspired treasure hunt at View from the Shard, where this October half term, 2 Kids Go Free for every 1 adult ticket sold to Paddington 2! (Oct 21-29); enjoy family fun, market, food and crafting at Film Africa Family Day at Rich Mix in Shoreditch (Sun Oct 29)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
Playing Up at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG (Pimlico/Vauxhall tube)
We love anything that encourages more playtime with your family, like this activity tailored for kids and grownups. Playing Up Assistants provide the tips, props and any other materials you might need, before you go off as a family to play in and around Tate Britain. This might involve anything from dancing with animals, to searching for miracles, to operating your parents with a remote control! All ages welcome. 12pm-5pm, FREE (Oct 21-22 & Oct 28-29)
Royal Gunpowder Mills: Dr Gore’s Spooky Mad Lab, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY (Waltham Cross rail)
Throughout half term, you can visit Dr Gore’s Spooky Mad Lab for crazy experiments, all things slimy and gooey, make your own miniature broomsticks and witches’ hats, explore the acclaimed Armoury and let off steam in the play space. Tons of fun for ages 3+. Doors open 10am, last entry 3pm; adult from £10.50/child 3-15 from £8.50/family of 4 from £34.20/single parent family £24.75 (1 adult and 2 kids) (Oct 21-29)
Cutty Sark: She Tells Sea Tales, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Sail the high seas of your imagination at this storytelling festival on board the UK’s most famous clipper ship. Meet Cutty Sark characters like Captain Woodget and Nannie the ship’s figurehead. Hear tales of freak storms, giant waves, mysterious stowaways and more, then take part in crafting activities and a museum trail. From 10.30am-4pm daily; regular admission adult £13.50/child £7 (online discounts available) (Oct 23-28)
Geffrye Museum October Half Term: Home Thoughts, 136 Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
The Geffrye Museum’s outdoor space and gardens never lets us down. This October half term, you can explore how we make, keep and spend our time at home. Try anything from making your own chess board, to digital fun with animation, luminous light sculptures, crafting jigsaw puzzles and making your own spooky Halloween costume. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, drop-in, FREE (Oct 24-27)
Dulwich Picture Gallery: Moomins, Gallery Rd, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich rail)
Celebrate the Tove Jansson exhibition at events including family recipe swap with cookbook making; family mobile making; or make a magic Moomin-inspired world out of recycled materials and lights (Oct 24-27, 2pm-4pm, adult standard gallery entry/child FREE). Two day sessions include: create your own cuddly toy workshop for ages 6-9 (Oct 24-25, 10am-12.30pm, £35) and create a character workshop using mixed media, for ages 10-12 (Oct 26-27, 10am-12.30pm, £35). Finish off with a Museums at Night event to view the Moomins exhibition, enjoy show by Freshwater Theatre Company, then create your cuddly creature or Moominvalley-inspired world (6pm-9.30pm, child £20/accompanying adult FREE, Oct 28). Various times and pricing (Oct 24-28)
We also like
Explore your Memories of Teddy Bears at Museum of Childhood FREE workshops for all ages over October half term (Oct 21-27); last chance to check out the Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum (until Oct 29); camouflage masks at National Army Museum in Chelsea, and pop younger ones in their Play Base play space (Oct 21-29); digital learning for ages 5+, every weekend at British Museum (Oct 21-22 & 28-29); get creative with technology at V&A Museum Digital Kids October Half Term workshops, daily 10.30am-5pm (Oct 21-29); at Postal Museum, trace the journey of a letter, meet spooky postal ghosts, play in Sorted for ages 0-8, or ride Mail Rail! (Oct 23-29); design Georgian angel wings, life size dolls’ clothes or tokens for loved ones at Foundling Museum (Oct 24-27)
FAMILY THEATRE
Puppet Barge Theatre: The Three Little Pigs, Blomfield Road (opposite 35), W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue)
One of London’s most unique experiences for families, the Puppet Barge Theatre is a small, intimate venue that hosts a variety of charming productions for young and old. For October half term, the stage is set for The Three Little Pigs to huff and puff their way into your hearts, as they battle old wolf Captain Grimey, in this modern spin on the fairytale. Ages 3-8. 12.30pm; adult £12/child £8.50 (Oct 21-29)
Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Scamp Theatre’s acclaimed spin on Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s popular picture book is back at the West End from October half term through Christmas. Watch Stick Man snap and encounter all manner of mayhem as he tries to find his way back to the family tree. Music, puppetry and laughs for ages 3+ and their entourage. 10.30am & 2pm; adult £21.50/child £16.50/family £65 (Oct 21-Jan 7) NB: Stick Man is also playing at (Oct 21-22)
Arts Depot: Ready, Steady, Go!, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Ready Steady GO! is an immersive theatre show that lets kids cut out and colour their own cardboard cars, then speed through a story involving a bubbly car wash and road works, a hazardous snowy road, and a zebra crossing. For ages 3-9. Hurry, limited tickets available as shows are selling out fast! 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm (limited availability); £10-£12 (Oct 23-27)
DOT at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
After rave reviews around the world, this mind-bogglingly clever dance show makes it UK premiere. Enter a world of light, colour and imagination, with Spanish company CiaMaduixa. Using innovative light techniques, choreography and bespoke score, they’ve created a show to dazzle and inspire viewers of all ages. Family workshop activities are available before and after the show. Ages 3+. 11am & 3pm; £10/£8 concs/family £32 (Oct 26) NB: Dot is also playing at Arts Depot (Oct 22)
Sadler’s Wells Pinocchio, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jasmin Vardimon brings her magic back to Sadler’s Wells this October half term with her joyful and witty twist on the much-loved Collodi fairy-tale. Using a trademark choreographic style, with dancers whose physicality is set to stun audiences young and old, Pinocchio explores what it means to be human through the eyes of a marionette. Ages 7+. 2.30pm & 7.30pm; adult £18/child £12; family dance workshop before the show 1pm-2pm £2 (Oct 27-28)
We also like
Family concerts with Mini Maestro: Mozart at St Martin-in-the-Fields (Oct 21), Tommy Foggo: Superhero at Kings Place (Oct 22), Funharmonics at South Bank (Oct 22), Chamber Tots and a Family Day at Wigmore Hall (Oct 26 & 27); street dance and circus for ages 11-16 Zoo Nation and Upswing at The Albany in Deptford (Oct 24-25); visit Ovalhouse in Kennington Oval, for stereotype-smashing Princess Charming (Oct 24-28, 2.30pm) and hilarious Dr Zeiffal, Dr Zeigal, and the Hippo That Can Never Be Caught! (Oct 24-28, 2pm); jam-packed dance workshops for ages 3-5, ages 6-10 and ages 11-19 at The Place: October Half Term (Oct 25); Little Red Riding Hood at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon (Oct 25-29); Beowulf for ages 8+ at Unicorn Theatre (until Nov 5) and Dr Seuss’s The Lorax at the Old Vic (until Nov 5)
LONDON KIDS CINEMA LISTINGS
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Barbican Cinema Framed Family Film Club, Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants (U), 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Oct 21)
Winnie the Pooh Spooktacular Shorts (U) (Oct 28)
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Transylvania 2 at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Oct 21)
The Addams Family + Halloween Party (Oct 28)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Queen of Katwe at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Oct 21)
Moana Singalong (Oct 26, 11am)
London Korean Film Festival Kids Club: Lost in the Moonlight at 12pm (Oct 28)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
The Secret Life of Pets at 11.30am; £1.75 (Oct 21)
Trolls (Oct 28)
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Captain Underpants at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Oct 29)
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Whistle Down the Wind at 1pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Oct 22)
Heidi at 12pm (Oct 29)
BFI Holiday Workshops for Kids at 10.30am-4.30pm; £20/bring packed lunch) (Oct 24, 25 & 26)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
Kew Gardens: Artful Autumn October Half Term, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Discover why leaves change colour in autumn (Oct 21-29, 11am-3.30pm), see the Silk River scrolls on display (Oct 22-27, 10am-6pm), become an expert tree spotter on a guided walk through the gardens (Oct 21-29, 11am-3pm), and walk through breathtaking installation Rebecca Louise Law: Life in Death . Times and dates vary; regular admission adult £15.50/child 4+ £2.50/under 4s FREE (Oct 21-29)
Play Guess Who at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
How do you play Guess Who? By using your ID skills and powers of observation to figure out which wetland animal your partner has chosen. Just take your game card at the entry and find out more about the animals that live at the wetlands and then see them in real life! Free with paid admission. From 10.30am-5pm; adult from £12.26/child from £6.75/family from £34.36/under 4s FREE (Oct 21-29)
The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace (main pic), East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Last chance to visit the interactive play space before it closes for the season. The Magic Garden holds mythical creatures, battlements to storm, towers to lay siege to and a secret grotto to wander all over. All ages. Open daily 10am-6pm until Oct 30. Maze and Magic Garden adult £7, child under 16 £5.50; Magic Garden entry free with regular entry to Hampton Court Palace, adult £21/child under 16 £10-50/under 5s FREE (daily until Oct 29)
Kentish Town City Farm: Apple Day, 1 Cressfield Close, off Grafton Road, NW5 4BN (Kentish Town tube/rail, Gospel Oak overground)
Throughout half term, you can visit the farm animals, ride ponies (extra rides added for the holidays), carve pumpkins for Halloween and more. Don’t miss Apple Day, the annual apple celebration at the farm, where there’s stalls, food, music and traditional games to play. 12pm-4pm, FREE (Oct 29)
We also like
Nature Storytime at Camley St Natural Park in Kings Cross, for ages 2-6 (Oct 25); Ocean Invaders at Sea Life London Aquarium (ongoing, open daily); and can you believe it? The ice rink at Natural History Museum opens in October half term! (Oct 26-Jan 7)