October Half Term 2019

What’s the name of the monster who swallows up time? I don’t know, but she’s gobbled up 12 months in the blink of an eye. The Autumn term holidays are upon us again. But don’t panic, I’ve got you covered with 30+ events to make the most of October half term 2019 with the munchkins.

October Half Term 2019: 30+ Cool Things to Do with Kids

Go on a mission to Mars, let Zoo Nation hip hop dance theatre put you in a spin, settle in for a storytelling festival, catch classical concerts for the whole family, or head to a live gig you can take your baby to. There’s loads on in London as always, so here’s wishing you an amazing half term break.

BABES CHOICE

Babes about Town’s Halloween Guide, multiple locations around London
We’ve dug up (mwa ha) the freakiest yet most child-friendly Halloween activities to terrify your little monsters. From illuminated Dance of the Dead at King’s Cross to a steam train Ghost Ride through Epping Forest! (Oct 18-31)

Moving to Mars, Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
In its grand opening for October half term 2019, this blockbuster exhibition drops you in a full-scale Mars home. Explore the untouched landscape, imagine a zero-waste and clean energy-powered climate and how it might help future generations on Earth. The immersive experience features 200 objects with contributions from NASA, fashion designer Christopher Raeburn, the European Space agency and much more. It’s a multi-sensory adventure for every age. Meet prototype Mars rover Bridget on opening weekend (Oct 19/20)! 10am-last entry 5pm; adult £16 weekday/£18 Sat & Sun; child £8 weekday/£9 Sat & Sun; family of 1 adult + 3 kids £24 weekday/£29.30 Sat & Sun; family of 2 adults + 3 kids £36/£41 Sat & Sun (Oct 18-Feb 23, 2020)

Storystock Festival presents: Goldilocks and Arabian Nights at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Goldi-what? Goldi-who? Help Music House for Children look for the porridge-eating girl with the golden hair. Goldilocks (for ages 3 and under) is a musical storytelling adventure with songs, wiggles and lots of giggles. In Arabian Nights, bigger kids age 5+ can listen out for the greatest storyteller of all, Sheherazade. Using music, puppetry and magic, Story Pocket Theatre weaves tales of genies, villains, princesses, Ali Baba and 40 thieves. Throughout, the Music Foyer becomes a creative arts and crafts hub, with face painting, dressing up box and storybook characters reading books aloud. For ages 6 months to 3 years old: Goldilocks is at 10am & 11.15am; tickets from £8.50/babies under 6 months FREE. For ages 5+: Arabian Nights is at 11.30am & 1.30pm; tickets from £12.50. Fun in the foyer for all ages from 10am-3pm; FREE (Oct 19)

London Literature Festival, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
There are some fantastic and fantastical family events London Literature Festival for October half term 2019. Pick up some street dance tricks with the amazing ZooNation, in Fairy Tales of the Turntable (Oct 21, workshop 10.30am/DJ & MC 12.30pm, ages 3+). This free dance workshop is inspired by ZooNation’s hugely popular shows Into the Hoods, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Tales of the Turntable. Afterwards, bust a move with a free lunchtime DJ and MC set in Clore Ballroom. Throughout the festival, there’s also a Fairy Tale Trail (Oct 21-27); drumming and storytelling inspired by Anansi (Oct 22, 10.30am workshop & 12.30pm storytelling); I Believe in Unicorns on stage (Oct 22-23); lunchtime tales with Eoin Colfer (Oct 25, 11am) and loads more for all ages. Various times, dates and prices; many activities FREE (Oct 21-27)

Zoo Nation: Some Like it Hip Hop at Peacock Theatre, Holborn Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
We’re delighted to announce the return of Zoo Nation’s Some Like it Hip Hop (pictured). The award-winning, barrier-smashing dance theatre company have put their groovy twist on Some Like it Hot and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. If you’ve never seen the Zoo Nation: The Kate Prince Company perform, then run to Peacock Theatre and prepare to be blown away. For ages 7+ and anyone who loves good tunes and spectacular moves. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat – apart from Nov 6), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); £18-£55/discounts for under 16s (Oct 23-Nov 9)

Play Well at Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Rd, NW1 2BE (Euston Square tube, Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Babes about Town is all about how to raise your game, so an exhibition dedicated to play sounds right up our street. Kids (and kids at heart) can explore the history and meaning of play. Check out and interact with video games, building blocks, comic strips and more. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Thu); FREE (Oct 24-Mar 8, 2020)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Bloomsbury Festival, in and around Russell Square and Bedford Square, WC2 (Russell Square tube)
The wonderful Bloomsbury Festival continues through the first weekend of half term. Catch Music for Youth platform at Foundling Museum (Oct 17), playful poetry with Kate Wakeling (Oct 20) and a design workshop with New London Architecture (Oct 19). More activities at multiple venues/times between 10am-7pm daily (check website), all FREE (ends Oct 20)

Children’s Afternoon Tea with Daunt Books: Drawing with Frann Preston-Gannon at The Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA (Bond St/Oxford Circus tube)
The literary event for junior foodies returns with an exclusive event for October half term 2019. Children’s Afternoon Tea with Daunt Books (pictured) hosts a story-time and drawing session with author/illustrator Frann Preston-Gannon, based on her book In the Swamp by the Light of the Moon. Also enjoy an interactive afternoon tea made of jigsaw puzzle sandwiches and sweet treats. Each guest receives a signed copy of the book, or another pick from the mini library. For ages 3 to 12. Author Reading at 12pm (Oct 21); Children’s Afternoon Teat with Daunt Books available daily 12pm-5.30pm, adult tea £62/child £29.50 (Oct 21 and ongoing)

Half Term Tales at Shakespeare’s Globe at the Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
It’s all about magic, nature and the joy of storytelling at Shakespeare’s Globe this October half term. Go on a Globe Theatre Family Tour or take part in exciting workshops and activities. From Saying Spells: The Magic of Poetry to Drawing the Tempest, with an illustrated version of Shakespeare’s most mystical play. Many events are already SOLD OUT but if you hurry, you can still nab a ticket or two (or even book ahead for February half term holidays). Age range 5-12, varied times and prices, confirm with venue ahead of visit (Oct 22-26)

How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The indie lovers disco for kids and families returns for its monthly Sunday session. A favourite at End of the Road Festival, the How Does it Feel to be Loved children’s disco spins pop, rock and classic soul to appeal to a wide section. Think anything from the Supremes to the Rolling Stones. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Oct 27)

Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, Bow St, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Parents and families can go behind the scenes of Royal Opera House at their popular and free Family Sundays. Dive into the world of opera and ballet with activities including participatory singing and dancing, make-up or stage combat demos, backstage tours, dress-up and design led by professionals. Plus highlight performances from Royal Ballet dancers, artists and musicians. All ages welcome 11am-3pm; £8-£10 – advanced booking strongly recommended (Oct 27, Nov 10, Dec 8 & Jan 12, 2020)

FAMILY CONCERTS

Giant: A Climbing Concert in Epping Forest, Barn Hoppitt, Ranger’s Road, Chingford, E4 6BD (Chingford overground)
Epping Forest becomes a magical, theatrical stage at this ‘climbing concert’ where school kids will be singing from the trees. Hear kids and local choirs perform new works by Robert McFarlane and Oliver Weeks. The concert features music, poems and stories from Handel, Oscar Wilde, Benjamin Zephaniah, John Clare and Grace Nichols. Bring waterproof picnic blankets and dress warm! All ages, best for big kids ages 5+. 7.30pm; £5 (Oct 18 & 19)

HALFSIES: Wake Up Gigs presents Rothwell + Toby Johnson at the Ace Hotel, Shoreditch E1 6JQ (Shoreditch High St overground/Old St tube)
The concert series that invites baby makers to shake their moneymakers returns to the fabulous Ace Hotel for an October half term 2019 double act. Enjoy an afternoon of dancing to live music, where your baby/toddler or big kid are all welcome. Don’t forget the ear defenders for bubba! The event offers soft play, arts and crafts, baby changing, buggy space, licensed bar and food. All ages from babies upwards. All profits go to Barnardo’s. 12.30pm-2.30pm & 3pm-5pm; adult £5/child FREE (Oct 20)

FUNharmonics: Zog + OAE Tots at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Watch Magic Light Pictures’ animated film about Zog, the dragon created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The enchanting screening will be accompanied by live orchestral soundtrack performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Very little ones can join an interactive session for OAE Tots (ages 2-5, pictured) where they can get up close and hands on with the orchestral musicians. Zog is at 12pm; adult £18-£24/child £8-£12. OAE Tots at 12.15pm (limited availability, other performances SOLD OUT) – 30-45 mins approx, adult £8/child £1/under 2s FREE (Oct 27)

LSO Family Concert: Forests and Fairytales, Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
The London Symphony Orchestra invites you and your young ones to an interactive family concert that’s perfect for the Halloween season. Enter the enchanted woods of Eastern Europe and hear tangled tales of wolves and witchcraft. You can sing and play along at parts, and there are immersive workshops and free fun in the foyers before and after the show. Ages 7-12 and their grownups. 2.30pm; adult from £10-£16/child from £5 (Oct 27)

Mwalimu Express: African Dance & Cinema Party at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Mwalimu Express is a joyous celebration of African music, food, film and culture that’s inclusive of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. The monthly family club serves up delicious Senegalese street food, DJs spinning, parent/toddler dance workshops, market stalls, and a live African band jamming on stage. Hang out and mingle, then wind things down with an African movie. All ages welcome, from babies upwards. 2pm-6pm, FREE (Oct 27, Nov 24 & Dec 22)

FAMILY THEATRE

Arts Depot: Autumn Half Term, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Highlights for October half term 2019: Comedy Club 4 Kids ages 6+ (Oct 20, 12pm & 2.30pm, £9); The Big Draw family drawing festival, all ages (Oct 21, 11am-4pm, £4); Pirate School for ages 3-9 (Oct 22-26); watch out, it’s The Gruffalo, ages 3+ (Oct 22-27); eerie dance, mime and trickery in Hocus Pocus for ages 7+ (Oct 24); and singalong to the Ensonglopedia of Animals, ages 5+ (Oct 27). Shows around 11am & 2pm; average price £9 – NB: times, age range and prices may vary for shows, check when you book (Oct 20-27)

Pinocchio at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Nearly There Yet present a charming adaptation of the beloved tale about a puppet master and his boy. Join Pinocchio and a cast of colourful characters including a sly fox and a whale who swallows people whole. Journey from Geppeto’s workshop to the deep blue sea as they explore the ups and downs of growing up. Ages 3+. 11am & 3pm; £12.95/family £40 (Oct 22-26)

Dr Dolittle at The Cockpit theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH (Marylebone tube/rail)
Every last Saturday of the month, the Cockpit puts on a family show. Doctor John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh can talk to animals! After picking up this skill from his pet parrot Polynesia, Dr Dolittle sets off on a leaky ship to heal creatures everywhere. This beloved tale packs in lots of laughs, warmth and inspiration. All ages welcome, best for 4+. Show at 11.30am & 2pm; £7/family of 4 £24 (local discounts £5/£16 family of 4, for people living in Church Street Ward postcodes: NW1 5**, NW1 6**, NW8 7**, NW8 8**, W2 1**. Bring proof of address) (Oct 26)

Same Same… But Different, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
This lively, feel-good family show is inspired by an Anglo-Asian phrase meaning ‘yes, something similar but not the exact same thing’. Three dancer-musicians create a playful world, blending Kathak, contemporary and street dance with physical storytelling. The aim is to celebrate what makes us stand out, and what connects us all. All ages welcome. 11am & 2pm; adult £7, child £7/babies under 12 months FREE (Oct 26)

Anansi the Spider: The Greatest Tales Ever Spun, at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Meet Anansi, the trickster spider of West African and Caribbean legend, who’s great at spinning tales but sometimes gets caught in his own web of stories. Wind up Black History Month at an immersive show where adults and kids sit together on the floor, in the world of Anansi. For ages 3 to 7. Various show times from 10.30 (Tue-Sun); adult £10-£10/child £10-£14 (until Oct 27)

The Powder Monkey at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Chukwunenye, an Igbo boy who is the ‘powder monkey’ of the title, was born on a slave ship and is one trip away from buying his freedom. But during a Middle Passage uprising in 1788, Chukwunenye must choose between his people or his freedom. This powerful opera (pictured) uses live music, performance and animation to explore Britain’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Ages 10+. 1.30pm; adult £14/child + concs £10 (Oct 31)

We also like
Enchanting puppets perform at Little Angel Theatre and on the canal at Puppet Theatre Barge (Insect Circus playing Oct 21-27); see daredevil acts at Planet Circus on Clapham Common, just £4 per child (Oct 15-27); enjoy classic tales and magical projections in The Day I Fell into a Book at Battersea Arts Centre (Oct 22-24); go on a beatboxing adventure with Shlomo for all ages at Royal Albert Hall (Oct 23)

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

V&A Museum of Childhood: Make for Tomorrow, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Tube)
Join Extinction Rebellion in creative workshops as part of The Big Draw festival’s 2019 theme, Drawn to Life, exploring a better planet for all. Try live wood block printing with XR, also there’s nature collage, symbol design, pumpkin painting and more drop-in activities throughout October half term 2019. 10.30am-4pm; mostly FREE, some activities £7 per child (Oct 19-27)

What’s On at The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit the Postal Museum for a range of October half term 2019 activities. Go for Post Early, relaxed mornings for families with autism and neurodiverse people (Oct 21, 8am); hear mini detective tales (Oct 21, 11.30am); create your own Inspector Gadget style invention (Oct 22, 11am); listen to PG Bell read from The Great Brain Robbery (Oct 23, 11am); make your own Wanted poster (Oct 24, 11am); go on a detective trail, or make mysterious mail (Oct 25, 11am). And of course, book a ride on the Mail Rail train (included in ticket price)! Regular admissions 10am-5pm; adult £16 online/£17 door; child £9 online/£10 door; child + Sorted! play space £11 online/£13 door (Oct 21-25)

Behind the Scenes Magic at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Inspired by the groundbreaking Beasts of London exhibition at Museum of London? Then drop in on this family workshop, where you can create and stage your own beastly production. Learn theatrical tricks of the trade and discover new ways to tell London’s stories. 12.30pm-2pm & 2.30pm-4pm; FREE (Oct 19-27)

Also see: Teasing Trailers drop-in storyboard workshops at Museum of London (Oct 22-26) and Secret Rivers Shadow Puppets workshop at Museum of London Docklands (Oct 24, 11.30am & 3pm)

Horniman Museum: Brick Wonders, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
October half term 2019 is your LAST CHANCE to catch this amazing exhibition. Brick Wonders features wonders of the world recreated from half a million LEGO bricks! Explore 50+ models, like an Egyptian pyramid, a coral reef and an international space station. There are interactive play areas and a mini-cinema showing LEGO animation shorts. Pick up a combo ticket and visit the museum’s popular Butterfly House and Aquarium. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm; adult £8/child from £4.50/family 2 adults & 2 kids £18/child under 3 FREE (until Oct 27)

Half Term at Discover Children’s Storytelling Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Get your little ones along to the immersive Julia Donaldson exhibition at Discover over October half term. Enter the Tiger Who Came to Tea experience (pictured), where you’ll meet characters like Mog the Forgetful Cat. There are also storytelling workshops at Discover with Simon Mole, Sufiya Ahmed and others. Plus make Spooky Crafts with Jason Ford and his zombie friends for Halloween! For ages 0-8 (older ones welcome). 10am-5pm daily; adult £6.50/child £6.50/family £22/1 year old £2/under 1s FREE (until Jan 5, 2020)

We also like
Top Secret spy exhibition and Wonder Lab interactive galleries at Science Museum (ongoing); the Natural History Museum ice rink is open again for the season (Oct 19-Jan 12, 2020); see St Paul’s Cathedral illuminated in the WW2 memorial Where Light Falls (Oct 25-27, 6pm-10pm); celebrate Diwali: the Festival of Light at National Maritime Museum in Greenwich (Oct 26); or bed down at the British Museum for their Autumn family sleepover (Oct 26, £60, ages 8-15 and adult)

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

Kew Gardens: Autumn Antics, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Visit magical Kew gardens and learn about the people and legends behind plant names. You’ll hear stories of historical figures, gods and goddesses and explorers. Kids can discover more about fungi on special trails and interactive sessions. Also climb the pagoda, cross the treetop walkway and have a romp around the new Children’s Garden. All ages welcome. 10.30am-3.30pm; School of Comedy workshops 45 mins/storytelling 25 mins; adult from £16.50 online/£18 gate, child from £4.50 online/£6 gate, family from £40 online/£42 gate, child under 4 FREE (Oct 19-Nov 3)

Hedgehog Day at Battersea Park Zoo, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail; Sloane Square tube then bus 137/452)
Feeling a bit prickly? Head to Hedgehog Day at Battersea Park Zoo to learn all about our spiky pals. Discover what makes life harder for this endangered species, take part in arts, crafts and story time. You might even come face to face with an actual hedgehog (if he’s awake). All ages welcome. 10am-4.30pm; adult £9.95/child £7.95/family £32.50 (Oct 22)

Isis Education Centre Family Events at The Lookout, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
October half term 2019 brings more outdoor fun and learning in Hyde Park. Book the kids, ages 8-11, for a day-long Nature Explorers course where they can become Wild Filmmakers, in the footsteps of David Attenborough and others (Oct 22, 10am-3pm, £20). Or drop in for free Halloween Discovery Days for all ages, with bat boxes, witches’ den and potion making (Oct 23-24, 11am-3pm, FREE but donations welcome) (Oct 22-24)

Kentish Town City Farm: Apple Day, 1 Cressfield Close, off Grafton Road, NW5 4BN (Kentish Town tube/rail, Gospel Oak overground)
Celebrate the Great British apple with a mix of events, from apple bobbing and the longest peel contest, to arts and crafts and meet the animals in a special area. There’s a BBQ with live music, along with a traditional apple press to make your own fresh apple juice, games and pony rides (extra rides added throughout the holidays). 12pm-4pm, adult £1/child 50p (Oct 27)

Family Cinema

Our family cinema pick for October half term 2019 is A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. It’s another uproarious comedy that’s set to have you and your flock giggling from start to finish.

Also on general release: Abominable (U), Dora and the Lost City of Gold (PG), Maleficent Mistress of Evil (PG) and The Addams Family (PG, opening Oct 25)

Visit our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page for movies at £5 or less!

Don’t forget to check what’s happening in our Halloween guide for London Kids!