We’re in a Tier 2 lockdown in London and while we try to wrap our heads around what all that means, there’s a ton of good stuff happening around town and online. Here are things to do in London with your kids and family in October half term 2020.
Family Favourites
Gruffalo at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Head into Kew’s deep dark wood and who will you bump into? Pick up your trail pack and discover which furry creature is hiding out in the woodland. Follow footprints, marks and feathers, and discover a secret world of plants and animals along the way. You might just run into some familiar characters including the Gruffalo himself. Trail-hunters are invited to dress up as the little brown mouse. 10am-9pm; (Oct 17-Nov 1)
Half Term Fun at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Enjoy October Half Term at London Zoo (pictured at top) with your little monsters. Meet some fantastic beasts, hear tales from Grim Keepers, explore the ghoulish side of nature and more fun. Don’t forget to come in a creepy costume too. All ages welcome. 10am-4pm; max prices adult £35/child £22.75/under 3s FREE (Oct 24-Nov 1)
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea and Bus Tour, departs from Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Ride on a bus enjoying the sights and scenes of London and the city’s very first Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea experience in London. Special tablets will provide a Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour. Enjoy sing-a-long songs, activities and more plus a delicious menu. 12.15pm, 2.45pm & 5.30* (*occasional dates); from £45-£55 per child/£55-£65 per adult (ongoing)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Author/illustrator Eric Carle’s bestselling picture book adapted for the stage in this vibrant and captivating show for all ages. Socially distanced seats, come in your bubbles and enjoy the music and colour of the production. 11am, 2pm & 4pm (Sat-Sun), 11am & 2pm (Mon-Tue); £9 (Oct 24-27)
The Snail and the Whale at Pleasance Theatre (Virtual Performance) and touring (online)
Catch a live streamed version of Tall Stories’ much-loved adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book The Snail and the Whale. An adventurous girl and her seafaring father recreate the epic journey of a tiny snail’s around the world trip on the tail of a humpback whale. Music, storytelling and plenty of audience interaction and it’s live, so anything could happen! Ages 4+. NB: This show is touring and each performance is presented in partnership with a different UK regional venue so support your local theatre (or pick any performance you prefer). 10.45am; £10-£20 (Oct 26)
We also like
Hunt for the iconic Billy Brown at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden (Oct 17-Nov 1); try robot coding for ages 7+ at National Army Museum (Oct 27-31); make spooky Halloween lanterns and other crafts at Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury (Oct 27-30); go on a Family Day: Building History at Westminster Abbey for ages 5+ (Oct 30); or a Spooky Family Tour at Chelsea Physic Garden (Oct 28-30)
Special Events
The Kanneh-Mason Family in Concert, Barbican Centre (online)
Dubbed, ‘Britain’s most musical family’, the Kanneh-Mason siblings play a programme of piano and strings compositions from the past 300 years and a Fiddler on the Roof Medley, arranged themselves. There’s also conversation between the kids and their parents and insights from Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason’s new book, House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons. In-person tickets are SOLD OUT but you can get tickets to watch the live broadcast from 8pm at https://www.barbican.org.uk/barbican-broadcasts, available for 48 hours; online tickets £12.50 (Oct 22)
London Restaurant Festival: Socially Distanced for 2020, multiple locations (also delivery and online)
If you’re not comfort eating like a bear through autumn, are you even part of this whole pandemic shizz? And here comes the London Restaurant Festival to tempt you into more establishments. Discover neighbourhood gems and London legends with socially distanced tables and food to make you cry with happiness. For those who aren’t keen on sharing space with strangers, the LRF is bringing the festival into your home with chef’s experiences, virtual masterclasses and restaurant-quality food delivered straight to your door. Tuck in. (until Oct 30)
Virtual Family Fun
Big Fish Little Fish Kitchen Raves, (online)
Party from your kitchen (or wherever you are) with the award winning, baby friendly ravers. More than than 500k visitors have joined their virtual Kitchen Raves since lockdown began, with live DJs every weekend. Kitchen Raves are Suns at 2pm. NB: All live streams are FREE (never pay to access or it’s a fraudulent link) — view via the links on BFLF website or their Facebook page (ongoing)
Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage: Family Workshops (online)
The Digital Stage presents shows and workshops from Sadler’s Wells to your home. Join in dance sessions for kids aged 2 to 6 years (older kids welcome). The series of 10 different movement activities are led by Cherie Coleman, who runs the popular Family Fridays sessions at Sadler’s Wells. On YouTube. (ongoing)
Little Angel Theatre: Watch Online (online)
Throughout lockdown, the Little Angel Theatre’s virtual puppet theatre has attracted more than half a million views worldwide. Currently playing on their YouTube channel: Scoop’s Space, Moon River, The Little Fish, Flyboy and Mr Robot, There’s a Bear on My Chair and Mr Gobble’s Garden. Best for ages 1+ and families. FREE but donations welcome. (ongoing)
Shebaa’s Adventure to Jopplety How, Stratford Circus (online)
Shebaa has no wool so she goes on a quest to find The Wisdom Cow of Jopplety How and ask him to grant her greatest wish. 25 mins multi-sensory show aimed at audiences living with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Available 24 hours online for up to a year after download; FREE (until Mar 31, 2021)
Black History Month
An Ode to AfroSurrealism at Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Exploring surrealism, mythology, identity and symbolism, this 25-strong photo series is the first collaboration between artist photographers Hamed Maiye and Adama Jalloh. The show highlights the spiritual bond between twins and the significance of the number 2. Part of a series of Black History Month activities throughout October. 10am-5.30pm; FREE (Oct 17-Sep 19, 2021)
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Check out the work of more than 110 emerging and established artists from Africa and the diaspora at this sweeping exhibition now in its 7th year. You can see some of the works on show at Somerset House and the rest available to browse online. Also look out for artist talks, film screenings and panel discussions. 10am-8pm; adult £10-£25/under 12s FREE (until Oct 10 at Somerset House/also online until Oct 12)
Black History Month Exhibition: Honour, Remember, Inspire, Zari Gallery, 73 Newman Street, London, W1T 3EJ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Zari Gallery presents works by British and international Black Artists in celebration of Black History Month sent in response to an open call. The Zari team has carefully curated these talented artists each with their own story. 9am-5pm; FREE entry but booking ahead required (Oct 1-30)
Black History Month at Museum of London Docklands, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Stories of Black Londoners are told in bitesize digital talks performed by knowledgeable Hosts. Access via QR codes positioned in the galleries throughout October. All ages. From 11.30am (opening hours 11.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat-Sun); FREE but require ticket booked in advance. (until Oct 31)
Windrush: Portrait of a Generation, Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ (Brixton tube)
A poignant photo story by award-winning social documentary photographer Jim Grover, part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the arrival of SS Windrush. Photos taken in clubs, homes, churches, cemeteries and memorials around Clapham, Brixton and Stockwell portray the lives of the first wave of Caribbean migrants, now in their late 60s to 90s. Signed copies of the accompanying book and transcripts of interviews with twelve members of the Windrush Generation, will be available to buy at the Library. Book your viewing slot: 020 7926 1058. (Oct 1-Dec 2020)
Dub London: Bassline of a City at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Beats and basslines are the heart of this exhibition spanning 50 years of dub, from its roots in Jamaican reggae to how it’s shaped London communities and identities. Explore a speaker stack that’s been at Carnival since ’83, a bespoke record shop, hear stories from London locals and icons, and browse a curated audio selection (bring your own wired earphones/headphones to listen). An entertaining history lesson for you and your little listeners. 10am-5pm; FREE with general museum entry (Oct 2-Jan 31)
Drive-in Movies
Drive-In Film Club at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Watch movies on the big screen from your motor vehicle. Half term and halloween screenings include Jurassic Park, Black Panther, Ghostbusters and The Shining (this one’s definitely NOT for kids). All ages welcome but check ratings for movies before you book. Popdogs plant-based hotdogs and other refreshments available, delivered by skaters – contactless payments only. Various times and programmes (check ratings and film times online); £24.50-£27.50 per vehicle (Oct 17-31)
The Luna Drive-In Cinema: Halloween Season, Allianz Park Greenlands Ln, Hendon, London (Mill Hill East tube)
It’s Halloween time at the popular Drive-in cinema with some freaky films on the menu. Catch a mix of gore for grownups and family friendly horrors like Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family, from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Refreshments served and contactless payments only. Various times and films (check age ratings for movies); from £29.50 per car (2 people) (from Oct 23)
The Drive In London, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
Feel the magic of the great American drive-in experience with contact-free family fun. This October half term and halloween in London, movies include Knives Out, Hotel Transylvania and Zootropolis. Various screenings, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; £35 per movie/live event prices vary (until Dec 24)
Halloween Events
Pumpkin Carving at the Wizard Exploratorium, 26 Greek St, Soho, W1D 5DE (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube)
Adults and kids alike are called on for a Jack-o-lantern carving session at The Wizard Exploratorium on Greek Street in Soho. Sip on a warm mug of The Cauldron’s signature HallowCream, served with or without alcohol (and always topped with homemade butterscotch whipped cream). NB: Mixed households are not permitted.11am-4pm; £14.99 (non-alcoholic) & £17.99 (until Nov 1)
MAOAM Mischief Manor at Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
A COVID-safe experience that promises to fill your day with frisky fun. Discover the wall of zombie hands, the hall of mirrors and more trickish treats in keeping with the sweetie brand’s spirit of mischief. Masks essential, grunge station for sanitising hands on entry. 10am-7pm (Sat) & 12pm-6pm (Sun), then touring venues around the UK; FREE entry (Oct 17-18)
Forbidden Forest Cinema, Unit 8 Copeland Park (next to the Bussey Building), Peckham SE15 3SN (Peckham Rye rail)
Pop Up Screens invites you into an immersive cinema experience guaranteed to scare the bejeezus out of you. Watch matinee films for older kids at 4pm, including The Goonies, The Craft and Beetlejuice and book ahead for a special parent, baby and family friendly screening of Hocus Pocus (Nov 5, 12.30pm). Various ages, times and prices – pre-booking essential (Oct 23-Nov 8)
Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search at Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Join Horniman Museum for a hair-raising hunt around their hallowed halls and gardens. It’s part of Where’s Wally? The Big Museum Hunt, organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books, marking release of the new Where’s Wally? book, Spooky Spotlight Search. Grab your activity sheet at the entrance and search for Wally in the galleries. All ages welcome. 10.30am-5.30pm; FREE (Oct 24-Nov 1)
Halloween Treasure Hunt at Whitehall Historic House, Whitehall Historic House, 1 Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8QD (Sutton rail)
Go on a socially distanced Halloween hunt at the Grade II listed property. The Whitehall Witch has misplaced her potion ingredients and needs your help to find them. Follow the clues dotted around the magical 500-year-old building. Face masks required. Ages 4-10 year olds and families. 1 x Treasure Hunt Activity pack included in cost of ticket. 11am-5pm; from £1 (Oct 24, 29 & 31)
Trapped in a Room with a Zombie: Escape Room Game, Corner of Honour Lea Avenue & Sunrise Close, East Village, Stratford, E20 1DU (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Will you make it out alive? Get Trapped in a room with a Zombie (ages 6+, from £30pp, groups of 4-6 max) this half term and, if you survive, you can try 40 minutes of Halloween themed laser tag at sister site, Star Command! Or older kids might enjoy MI6 inspired escape game, Trapped Undercover (ages 10+, from £35pp, groups of 4 max), in a state-of-the-art surveillance van, followed by the Virtual Reality quest of your choice. Half term off peak rates £5 per person available Mon Oct 26-Fri Oct 29 (Oct 26-29 and ongoing)
Halloween and Day of the Dead at The Stratford Hotel, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London, E20 1FD (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Bring your support bubble and celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead with movies and fun at The Stratford. Halloween movies include family favourites Coco, Hocus Pocus, Casper and The Witches. Day of the Dead feast (bubble of 6 max) in The Mezzanine is a Mexican inspired sharing menu with tapas, nachos, guac and more (Adobo Pork, grilled shrimp and pulled Jack Fruit), plus an immersive dinner party experience with House of Dinosaur. Films on Fri Oct 30 4pm & 7pm; Sat Oct 31 at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm; Feast on Sat Oct 31 3.30pm & 7pm (Oct 30-31)
A Celebration of Slytherin, at The Making of Harry Potter, WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Walk through a Great Hall decorated in Slytherin colours, see the Slytherin Common Room up close and a 25-foot section of the set with imposing stone walls and authentic props. Visitors age 11+ must wear face masks or coverings for the duration of their visit. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £47/child from £38/family £150/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (extended until Nov 12)
Visual Arts
Face to Face, King’s Cross Tunnel, The Outside Art Project, King’s Cross (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Walk through King’s Cross Tunnel and view the exhibition Face to Face curated by Ekow Eshun. A free, public exhibition of social documentary and portrait photography spanning everything from Black Lives Matter to the effects of a pandemic on diverse communities. Guaranteed to make you stop, look and think. 7am-8pm daily; FREE (Oct 7-Nov 1)
Words to the World Exhibition, Lewis Cubitt Square, Stable Street, King’s Cross N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
A joyful exhibition from lockdown, based on a collaborative project carried out by kids from King’s Cross Academy, parents, staff, authors, poets and artists including Michael Rosen, Konnie Huq, Shirley Hughes, Benji Davies, Viv Schwarz and Andy Leek, as well as countless adults from the King’s Cross Community. Inspired by the Oliver Jeffers’ picture book Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth. All day, FREE (Oct 8-Dec 31)
Alice in Hackneyland: Octagon 300, Orleans House Gallery, Orleans Road, Twickenham, TW1 3BL (Twickenham rail)
The art collective Alice in Hackneyland are all about creating immersive experiences aimed at both adults and kids. Their latest collaboration sees them reimagine the Grade I listed Octagon Room (pictured) at the Orleans House Gallery. One of the installations, Play Baroque, uses forced perspective to create the illusion of shrinking and growing in size. Curiouser and curiouser. 10am-5pm (Tue-Sun); FREE (Oct 13-Mar 21)
Museum Highlights
Brass, Steel and Fire: the beauty of locomotive engineering and 100 years of model making at Science Museum (Oct 22-May 3); Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights at British Library (Oct 23-Feb 21); Turner’s Modern World at Tate Britain (Oct 28-Mar 7); Ai Wei Wei: History of Bombs at the Imperial War Museum (until May 24, 2021)
London Kids Weekend Scoop (October 10-11) + Black History Month 2020
