Well, well, well. We truly are living through interesting times. I’m watching the catastrophe from overseas, in my birth country Nigeria where (let’s face it) the political landscape isn’t any less murky. Switch off the telly and get out and about with the kids for the October half term school holidays. Halloween is coming although it might not be as scary as what’s happening with our leadership. Whatever you do, stay safe and have a great break.
What’s on for the October Half Term School Holidays 2022
BABES CHOICE
Big Fish Little Fish Halloween Raves, multiple London locations
Uh oh, it’s murder on the dance floor as the wickedest ravers in town tear up multiple London venues this October half term school holidays. Thrill your kids with top DJs, fierce costumes, monster tunes and wicked fun from crafting to parachute dance finale. Tickets are selling out fast but you might just nab some in the nick of time. London Halloween raves in Wood Green (Oct 23), Hackney (Oct 29) and Vauxhall (Oct 30). Book ahead, tickets from £9, £0 for pre-walking humans. (Oct 23-30)
Jurassic World: The Exhibition, ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Enter a prehistoric fantasy world, based on the sci fi novels by Michael Crichton, with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and more than a few surprises. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat), 9am-6pm (Sun); from £15/child under 2 FREE (until Nov 3)
Secret Cinema X Marvel Studio: Guardians of the Galaxy, at Secret Location, Wembley Park, London (Wembley Park tube)
Enter the Marvel cinematic universe with some of your favourite space raiders. This one-of-a-kind sci fi cinema mission takes you right into the Guardians of the Galaxy storyline. Ages 18+ with selected matinees for ages 12+. Limited availability. 6pm (Wed-Thu), 5.30pm (Fri), 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 4.30pm (Sun); from £35 (until Dec 4)
My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Hugely anticipated and critically acclaimed, this stage adaptation of the best loved Studio Ghibli animation features live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Produced by Royal Shakespeare Company with score by composer Joe Hisaishi. For ages 6+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); £15-£125 (until Jan 21)
Cezanne at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (London Bridge tube/rail, Blackfriars rail)
A groundbreaking exhibition, tracking the maverick artists career from Aix-en-Provence to the heart of Paris. Expect plenty of landscapes, still lifes and paintings of bathers. 10am-4.30pm; £22/concs available (until Mar 12)
Africa Fashion at the V&A Museum (Gallery 40), Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Style, swagger, versatility. Experience the height of the African fashion scene through photos, texts, visual arts and music. This landmark exhibition showcases the global impact of everything from Adire (Yoruba tie dye) to Afrobeats. 10am-5.45pm (Sat-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri); £16/concs for under 25s (until Apr 16, 2023)
Science Fiction at the Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
What’s science fact and what’s pure fiction? Find out over the October half term school holidays at this landmark exhibition that explores the creation of your favourite sci-fi films, characters, gadgets and stories. Best for ages 8+. A10am-6pm (Wed-Sun), 10am-10pm (Fris); £20 (until May 4, 2023)
Hallyu! The Korean Wave at Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
From K-Pop to K-Drama, this first of a kind show explores the global impact of the Korean Wave on food, fashion, music, drama, cinema and beauty. 10am-4pm (Mon-Sun) & 10am-8pm (Fri); from £14 – advanced booking recommended (until Jun 25)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Untold Stories: Black Lives in British History, Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Storytellers Helen McDonald and Paula David lead a fun, interactive session that takes us from Tudor England to the Windrush, WW1 to Notting Hill Carnival, meeting doctors, designer, presenters, composers and other key figures from Black British history. Includes singing, drawing, songs and activity sheets to take home. Ages 6+. 11.30am-12.15pm; FREE with Session Pass: adult/child £8, 1 year olds £2.50/family of 4 £27/babies under 1 FREE (Oct 27-28)
Jeffrye Boakye and Nova Reid in Conversation at Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Two powerhouses in the movement for systemic equity and social change, authors and thought leaders Jeffrey Boakye (I Heard What You Said) and Nova Reid (The Good Ally) share the stage for the first time. They will be discussing their journeys so far, the role of education and what individuals can do to help transform our societies. 7.30pm; £15 (Oct 28)
Grime Stories at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
From the underground to the mainstream, this exhibition is co-curated by one of the scene’s first cameramen, Roony ‘RiskyRoadz’ Keefe. See photos, films, footage and memorabilia from Jammer to Skepta. All ages welcome – PG for some explicit content. 10am-5pm daily; FREE (until Dec 4)
Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
The Olivier Award winning musical biography is still going strong. Learn about the man behind the hits, with Arinze Kene as Bob Marley, written by Lee Hall and directed by Clint Dyer. Recommended for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat & Sun), 7pm (Sun); from £15 (until Jan 29, 2023)
Yinka Ilori at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington/South Kensington tube)
Funky, colourful, African inspired designs by the man making London pop. View 100 objects e.g. artworks, photographs and furniture, textiles, books and personal artefacts. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); FREE (until Jun 25)
HALLOWEEN
Ghost Raiders at the Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
Join a team of Ghost Raiders on October half term school holidays to investigate spooky goings-on and capture roaming spirits. Help protect the ancient monument and learn about its ghostly residents. Fun for ages 8-14 (younger ones welcome but parental discretion advised). 10am-4pm; adult £29.90/child 5-14yrs £14.90/under 5s FREE (Oct 22-31)
Festival of Fright at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
The indoor city built for kids is turning into a ghost town with six new Halloween-themed activities for ages 4-14, including a special Halloween BOO-gie. Ages 4-14 + families 10am-7pm (Oct 23-31), child ticket from £26/adult from £16 (NB no kids under 4 are currently admitted to KidZania London, please check the website for Covid terms and conditions). (Oct 22-31)
Halloween Family Fun Day, Little Angel Studio, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
Bring your little boos along to make shadow puppets with their own mini shadow theatre. The day includes making and learning puppetry techniques. Bring a packed lunch. Ages 5-9, no younger ones admitted. Hurry, limited availability! 10am-4pm; £48/additional sibling £25 (Oct 24)
Fright Week at Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald station, CM16 6BT (Epping tube, then heritage bus ride to North Weald station)
Pick up an activity pack and ride on a ghostly steam train from North Weird to Ongar and back over the October half term school holidays. Join a ghost hunt, visit a graveyard, then soothe your nerves with hot choc and treats from the Buffet Stop cafe. On your return journey, transfer to the Spooky Diesel Train for a ride into Epping Forest. Various departing times from 10.45am; adult £16/child £10/under 3s FREE (Oct 27-31)
FUN DMC Halloween Special at Colours, 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU (Old St tube)
Hey boo. It’s time to let your freak out for the hip hop block party aimed at everyone from babies to grandparents. Come in your scariest fancy dress and enjoy live DJs, big radio-friendly hits, dancing contests, graffiti wall, hip hop colouring plus food and drink to buy. All ages welcome. 12pm-3pm; adult £8/child £6/family £25 + booking fees (Oct 30)
Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill N6 5HG (Archway tube)
These popular Halloween walks are selling out fast! Meet a variety of freaky friends (and foes) around Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park. All ages welcome, best for ages 5-9, not amenable to pushchairs. 6.15pm & 6.45pm (last available at time of posting); adult & child £10.50/concs £8.50 (Oct 31)
Phantom Peak: Hallowed Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
Extended for the spooky season, visit the Halloween edition of this steampunk town, aka the world’s first fully immersive open-world experience packed with 100+ adventures, escape rooms, live gameplay and eateries. Fancy dress optional but encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 5pm-10pm (Wed-Sun), 11am-4pm (Sat-Sun); from £34/child under 3 FREE (until Nov 6)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Finding Diwali at National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF(Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Celebrate the festival of lights in Greenwich at this all day extravaganza connecting friends, family and community. Enjoy free live music, family workshops, art displays and more. As the sun sets, you can join the atmospheric lantern parade, then watch the Diwali light show projected onto the Old Royal Naval College colonnades and Queen’s House. All ages welcome. 10am-7pm; FREE (Oct 22)
Stranger Things: The Experience, Troubadour Brent Cross Studios, Tilling Rd, NW2 1LW (Brent Cross tube)
Are your kids (still) caught up in Stranger Things mania? Let them be part of the adventure, and join in too, at this immersive experience with ‘80s consoles, costumes, characters and surprises. All together now: ‘Running up that hill…’ Best for ages 13+ (under 5s not admitted). Best for ages 13+ (under 5s not admitted). Time slots 4pm-9pm (Wed-Fri) & 11am-9pm (Sat-Sun); from £41/discounts for ages 5-17 (until Dec 18)
The Gunpowder Plot at The Tower Vaults (next to Tower of London), 8-12 Tower Hill Vaults, EC3N 4EE (Tower Hill tube)
Trip back to 1605 for October half term school holidays to uncover Britain’s most notorious plot. A 360 Layered Reality experience with live theatre and digital technology. For ages 10+, some intense scenes (kids ages 10-15 need to sign a parental consent waiver and must be accompanied by an adult at all times).10.30am-9.30pm (Wed-Thu), 10.30am-10pm (Fri), 9.30am-10pm (Sat), 10.30am-8pm (Sun); £40-£70/child £10 discount (ongoing)
Klimt: The Immersive Experience, at The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU (Shoreditch High St overground/Aldgate East/Liverpool Rd tube/rail)
Dive into the vivid imagination of Gustav Klimt at this latest immersive, 360 exhibition showcasing the golden age of modernism. All ages welcome. At The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU (Shoreditch High St overground/Aldgate East/Liverpool Rd tube/rail). 10am-8pm weekdays, 9am-9pm weekends; from adult £19.90/child £11.50 (ongoing)
Soheila Sokhanvari: Rebel Rebel at Barbican Centre, Beech Street, EC2Y 8AE (Barbican tube)
As protests continue across Iran sparked by the killing of Mahsan Amini, explore the country’s pre-Revolution feminist icons as portrayed by Soheila Sakhanvari. 11am-7pm daily (6pm Oct 11/12), 12pm-6pm (Bank Holidays); FREE (until Feb 26)
Southbank Street Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Feed your family affordably and go on a global taste tour at this popular weekend food hub. Try everything from curries and pulled pork, to rotisserie chicken, pizzas, vegan nosh, crepes and other goodies. 12pm-9pm (Fri), 11am-9pm (Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday Mon); FREE entry (ongoing)
FAMILY THEATRE
Tutankhamun’s Shoes at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
What’s up, King Tut? Explore prehistoric Egypt with the English Touring Opera. Be prepared to bump into mummies (the wrapped kind) on this interactive family adventure. For ages 7-11. At Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube). Various shows from 11am-4.30pm; from £12 (Oct 19-23)
Jack Frost and the Search for Winter at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
The temperatures are plummeting and it is time for a mischievous boy made Jack Frost to make his appearance. He transforms the landscape with sparkling ice and snow, until the snow starts to melt and he becomes another ordinary boy. Join tutti frutti for this wintery tale by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho with important environmental themes and a touch of magic. Suitable for ages 3+. 11am & 2.30pm; from £12 (Oct 27-30)
Jasmin Vardimon Company: ALiCE at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
After the success of her Pinocchio adaptation, choreographerJasmin Vardimon returns with a sensory and kinetic reinterpretation of the Lewis Carroll classic fable. Watch a woman/child explore her topsy-turvy surroundings and discover the powers within her own changing self. Ages 7+. 7.30pm; from £15 (Oct 28-29)
Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Teeny ones will love this multi-sensory show full of sounds and images that have dazzled more than 5000 babies at the Unicorn since 2016! Perfect for ages 6 to 18 months. Various shows 9.30am/11.30am/1.30pm or 9.45am/11.45am/1.45pm; adult £12/under 18s £10 (until Oct 30)
WEST END SHOWS
Back to the Future: The Musical at Adelphi Theatre, 409-412 Strand, WC2R 0NS (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Great Scott! Marty McFly zooms to 1955 in a time machine built by Doc Brown and almost changes the course of history. Classic ‘80s movie reworked for the 21st century. Ages 6+ (under 4s not permitted). 7.30pm (select Mons, Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 3pm (Sun); tickets from £19.55 (geddit?) (until Feb 13, 2022)
Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
Two sisters, an epic battle for power and a musical number that launched a thousand YouTube videos. See it on London’s West End this October half term school holidays. Ages 6+ (under 3s not admitted). 7pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £39-£162 (until Jun 26, 2022)
Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS (Covent Garden/Leicester Square tube)
The singing nanny twirls onto the West End. Cameron Mackintosh musical brimming with songs from the popular movie. Recommended for ages 7+ (kids under 5 won’t be admitted). 7pm (Wed family night), 7.30pm (Thu-Mon), 2.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun) – NB schedule subject to change, check with box office; standard tickets from £27.50, family night from £17.50 (ongoing)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt at the British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
Find out how the Rosetta Stone gave archaeologists and historians the key to decode Egyptian symbols and learn more about the ancient civilisation. At British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube). 10am-5pm (8.30pm Fris); adult from £16/child under 16 FREE (Oct 13-Feb 19)
Alexander the Great at British Library, at PACCAR 1, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail).
For October half term school holidays, families are invited to discover a legend 2,000 years in the making. Various times from 9.45am-5.45pm; adult £17-£19/child 12-17 £7.50-£9.50/under 12s FREE (Oct 21-Feb 19)
UNIQLO Tate Play: Painterly Outdoors, Tate Modern (Clore Hub and South Landscape), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Bring your whole family for an interactive art session both indoors and outside over the half term holidays. Unleash your inner Pollock, squelch, squeeze, splash and explore your creativity (dress for mess!). The fun happens at the outdoor South Landscape and inside in the Clore Hub. All ages welcome. 10am-3pm (Wed), 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun, last entry 5.15pm); FREE (Oct 22-30)
Toy Stories at Tower Bridge (West Walkway), Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Recreate iconic Tower Bridge moments by making a classic Victorian toy. A thaumatrope creates an optical illusion that shows two pictures so quickly your brain thinks they are one. Learn more about Tower Bridge’s past and then bring them to life by designing your own version of this 19th century toy. All ages, best for ages 6-10. 10am-6pm; FREE with regular admission (until Oct 25)
Lucian Freud at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
The first major showing in a decade for one of Britain’s most notorious and legendary artists. Gawp at Freud’s large-scale canvasses and anticipate a fair bit of nudity (PG advisory). 10am-6pm (9pm Fri); from £24 (concessions available) (until Jan 22)
Family Day: Walk and Draw Tour at Royal Academy, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Join a 45 minute session with artist-educator Jake Garfield, part of the Family Day ‘Make Your Mark’, exploring the theme of drawing. Meet at the Collections Gallery entrance and walk through the gallery and around the RA. Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, and spaces are limited so the earlier the better. 10.15am-11am & 1.15pm-2pm; FREE (Oct 23)
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Mexico at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Escape to Mexico through a series of garden installations by Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero, designer Fernando Laposse and UK award winning garden designer Jon Wheatley. Over half term, it’s a Mexico Family Fiesta (Oct 22-31)! 10am-6pm (Oct 1-29) and 10am-4pm (Oct 30-31); included with regular admission fee: adult from £15/child 4-15yrs from £5/family tickets from £23 (until Oct 31)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Sail the world’s most famous river, learning all the horrors of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd (with the nasty bits left in)! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock! All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 9.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ from £25/child 4-15 £15/family £62/ages 0-3 FREE (until Oct 30)
Half Term Fun at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
Hop down to the city’s coolest farm, around the corner from Brick Lane market. Throughout October half term school holidays, daily family activities include meet and bleat animal encounters; farm to fork cooking club; printmaking and other workshops, and a pot luck feast. Varied times from 10am, morning or afternoon sessions; FREE entry (donations welcome) (Oct 22-30)
We also like
There’s lots on for half term at Southbank Centre including doodling with the Tom Gates creator Liz Pychon (Oct 21-30); go on a Top Trumps Trail at London Zoo, part of their activities for half term and Halloween (Oct 22-31); go swinging through the tree tops at a Go Ape adventure in London at Cockfosters, Battersea or Ally Pally (ongoing); or let the kids flip out at one of the city’s biggest trampoline parks (ongoing)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**