Can you believe it? October half term is here again (or on its way for some of you, our boys get two weeks off). I’ve found lots to keep you and your youngsters busy if you’re looking for October half term family activities in London. From exciting new exhibitions to banging Black History Month activities to hair-raising Halloween events, take a look (if you dare). Have a good one.
The Best October Half Term Family Activities in London 2023
BABES CHOICE
Disney 100, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
Mickey and Donald fans are in for a treat. This brand new exhibition invites visitors into a treasure trove of memorabilia from the Disney archives. View more than 250 artefacts, costumes, props and works of art. You can explore 10 themed galleries and relive classic films like Snow White, Frozen, Encanto and more recent Disney family faves e.g. Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. All ages. 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-7pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £24/child 5-15 £16.50/family £18.25/under 5s FREE (Oct 13-Jan 22, 2024)
Rumble in the Jungle Rematch, Dock X, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 2XU (Canada Water tube)
Are you ready to rumble? Speed back through the decades all the way to 1970s Kinshasa via the Rumble in the Jungle Rematch time portal!Immerse yourself in the historic clash of Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman. A theatrical retelling with all the fashion, colour and atmosphere brought back to life. Period dressing encouraged at this celebration of culture, live music and dancing. All ages welcome. 6.45pm, 7pm & 7.15pm (daily) and 1pm 1.15pm, 1.30pm (weekend matinees); adult £69.50/child under 16 £38.50 (Sep 14-Oct 29)
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at Science Museum, Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube).
Music lovers should hotfoot it to the Science Museum for one of the coolest-sounding October half term family activities in London. Learn all about the science behind some of our greatest tunes and what it is about certain music that grips us and won’t let go. Science Museum delves into the nitty gritty of making harmonies and beats, with opportunities to try out instruments, encounter robots and listen to the music of the future. All ages. At 10am-6pm daily; £10/family discounts available/under 5s FREE (Oct 19-May 6, 2024)
Pied Piper: A Hip Hop Family Musical, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
It’s the night before a mayoral election and Hamelin is in disarray. The kids are unhappy, the current mayor has imposed a music ban, and what’s with all the rats?! Watch as a mysterious visitor with a pipe (and a mic) attempts to help the kids find their beat and rid the town of rats. The BAC Beatbox Academy is back with this fairytale reimagined with beatboxers, musicians and special guests. All ages, best for 6+. 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm & 7pm; Pay What You Can (£12 recommended) (Oct 24-28)
Big Fish Little Fish Halloween Rave, at Fire & Lightbox, 39 Parry Street, SW8 1RT (Vauxhall tube/rail)
Dust off your dancing shoes and get those glow sticks waving for another Halloween party with the world famous family ravers. Tech house legend Terry Francis is on the decks at this mega-rave in a fabulous venue. As usual, there’s also a Villa Pia baby chill out area, Nitty Natty crafting, licensed bar and mini stalls, bubbles, balloons, glitter and a parachute dance finale. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. 1pm-3pm; adult from £12/child from £9/pre-walking infant FREE (Oct 29)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEATURED: Bask Book Club: Bringing Up Race with Uju Asika, Woking Library, Gloucester Walk, Woking, Surrey GU21 6EP (Woking rail)
Join The BookLady, Tobi as she speaks with a different author each month. Come along to this interactive event featuring Uju Asika (yours truly) discussing her acclaimed book Bringing Up Race. Drawing on often shocking personal stories of prejudice along with opinions of experts, influencers and fellow parents, Bringing Up Race explores when kids notice differences, what to do in the face of racism and how to have important conversations with your children about racism, bullying and prejudice of all kinds. 1.50pm/2pm start; £4 entry + books will be available to purchase on the day, cash only (Oct 28)
Mami Wata storytelling at Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD (Morden/Wimbledon tube)
Author Michelle Yaa-Asantewa leads this storytelling session based partly on her book ‘In Search of Mami Wata’. Learn about the African water deity, Mami Wata (yes Africans have mermaids too!) and her connections with rivers, lakes and oceans. Best for ages 3-6. 10am-11am & 11.30am-12.30pm; £3 per child (Oct 14/21/28)
City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour, Royal Exchange London, EC3V 3LL (Bank tube)
Take your whole family on an educational walk as part of Black History Month and October half term family activities in London. Learn about how Britain’s involvement with the Transatlantic Slave Trade affects the present day. Tours are led by social activist, historian, authors and speaker Darrel Blake of Black Rooted. All ages welcome but bear in mind that the tour takes 3 hours on average so might be best suited for families with older kids (or babes in pushchairs). 11.45pm meet, 12pm start (Sats); adult from £25/child under 16 FREE (Oct 21 & 28/ongoing)
Storytelling with Tọlá Okogwu and Chanté Timothy at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
On the morning of Nana’s wedding, Deji and Daddy are desperate for haircuts. It’s set to be a race against time to make sure both look fresh and clean enough to walk Nana down the aisle. Tọlá Okogwu (co-creator of Discover’s ongoing exhibition The Box Rocket) and Chanté Timothy present the latest book in their popular Daddy Do My Hair series. Come for storytelling and interactive draw along and some crafting! Best for ages 3-7. 11.30am-12.20pm; FREE with regular admission – adult/child £9/1 year olds £3/under 1s FREE/4 person ticket £31/concs available (Oct 24)
Black British Book Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
I was proud to be part of the inaugural Black British Book Festival roadshow this summer. Now following its successful national tour, the festival lands at Southbank Centre for a blockbuster series of talks, workshops, masterclasses and stalls. Kid-friendly highlights include: Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock reading from her memoir Believe (Oct 27); Black Book marketplace (Oct 28); Marvyn Harrison’s inspiring new picture book I Love Me! (Oct 28); Strictly champ Oti Mabuse reading from her new picture book (Oct 28); drawing and reading with Trish Cooke and Ken Wilson: Catch! (Oct 28) and much more. Also over that half term weekend, hear author and educator Jeffrey Boakye launch his brilliant new kids book Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer (Oct 27, 2pm). Various ages, times and prices (Oct 27-28)
The Missing Thread at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Don’t miss this carefully woven and inspirational journey through Black fashion, design, photography, music and visual art. Curated by the Black Orientated Legacy Development Agency (BOLD), the exhibition explores 4 main themes from the 1970s to the present day. 10am-6pm, last entry 5pm (Tue-Wed, Sat-Sun), 12pm-9pm (Thu-Fri); adult £12/concs £9.50/under 25s £5 (until Jan 7)
HALLOWEEN
Festival of Fright at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
Once again, the massive indoor city that’s designed just for kids is transforming into a ghost town bursting with Halloween and October half term family activities. Enter the city and discover a spine-tingling interactive trail along with role play activities to help conquer fears such as stage fright, public speaking, fear of doctors and the fear of flying. For ages 4-14. 10am-3.30pm (until Nov 4), 10am-7pm (Nov 5-6)), child ticket from £35/adult from £19.50 (Oct 12-Nov 5)
Halloween at the Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
Put on your big girl (or boy) pants and prepare to be spooked as you explore the Tower this Halloween. You might just spot a wisp of white on the stairs, the trail of a Tudor gown swishing past, or a medieval queen on a crooked throne. Spirits are waiting to be stirred on this eerie adventure that’s suitable for younger ones. Pick up a trail and keep track of the ghosts you spot. All ages welcome. Oct 21-29 opening hours: 9am-5.30pm (last entry 3.30pm); included with palace entry adult from £33.60/child 5-15 from £16.80/under 5s FREE (Oct 21-29)
Puppet Playcation: Let’s Make Halloween Town, Little Angel Studio, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
Drop your little monsters off for these fun holiday workshops. They’ll be creating a spooky city, including a graveyard and a haunted house, whilst learning puppetry skills along the way. Bring a packed lunch. Ages 5-9, no younger ones admitted. Hurry, limited availability! 10am-4pm; £48/additional sibling £25 (Oct 24-26)
Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill N6 5HG (Archway tube)
Hurry to get your tickets for these popular Halloween walks as they typically sell out quickly! Join a mix of curious (and creepy) characters at these haunted walks around Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park. All ages welcome, best for ages 5-9, not suitable to pushchairs. 5pm-6.30pm (sessions every 15 mins); adult £11/child £11/concs £8.50 (Oct 31)
Phantom Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
This Halloween, wander into the fantasy world of Phantom Peak. It’s an immersive steampunk town packed with 100+ adventures, stories and games. There are escape rooms and theatre, live gameplay, bars and restaurants, waterfall and lake and more. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 6pm (Thu-Sat) & 12pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £39.99/under 25 £24.99/under 16 £18.99 (until Oct 31)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Bloomsbury Festival, in and around Bloomsbury, WC1 (Russell Square tube/Euston tube/rail)
This well-loved family festival returns for another year, boasting 100+ events celebrating arts, culture, science and literature. Families and kids can enjoy live theatre, street food and flower markets, musical showcases, family trails and a Peter Pan adventure walk, under 5s workshops, a three-day Discovery Hub at Holborn Library and much more. All ages welcome (check guidance for individual events). 10am-late daily; various prices, many activities are FREE (Oct 13-22)
Family Film Week at Barbican Cinema, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Barbican Cinema presents another week of brilliant family films. Highlights include a sneak preview of stop motion film Oink + quiz (Oct 21), a relaxed drawing demo of Miles Morales as Spider-Man (Oct 24), preview screenings of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Oct 26-29) and an Aardman films model making workshop in partnership with Netflix (Oct 29). All ages, check film ratings for guidance. Various times and prices, book ahead and act fast as these events are super popular (Oct 21-29)
FUN DMC at Boxpark Wembley, Olympic Way, Wembley Park, HA9 0JT (Wembley Park tube)
The daytime block party for babies and their hip hop loving families returns to Wembley. DJ Spin Doctor and friends mix up radio-friendly hip hop, garage, D&B and old school jams. Take part in dancing competitions, graffiti train, hip hop colouring wall, face painting and food and drink on offer. All ages welcome (adults must be accompanied by a responsible child). 10.30am-1.30pm; adult £4/child £2 (Oct 22)
Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Do-si-do with your partner at this popular family event. You can swing around to Scottish and other folk music played by the band. A live caller will tell you where to put your feet. Suitable for all ages, from grandparents to babies in carriers. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. 3pm-4.30pm; adult £8.50/child £6.50,/under 2s £2.50 (Oct 29)
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 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)
MUST-SEE EXHIBITIONS
Japan: Myths to Manga, Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green/Mile End tube).
Are your kids into anime, manga and Japanese culture? Have you visited the revamped Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood)? This is a great opportunity to check out the new space and delve into the history of Japanese folklore. This exhibition promises a thrilling tour of the country’s pop culture, design and technology. All ages. Daily from 10am; tickets from £10 (opens Oct 14)
Skateboard at Design Museum, Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Come and see up to 90 rare and unique skateboards with hardware, magazines, VHS and DVDs, and other ephemera. This kick-ass new exhibition traces the skateboard’s journey from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the present day. All ages. 10am-5pm (8.45pm Sat); adult £16/child 11-15 £11/under 11s FREE (Oct 20-Jun 2, 2024)
Monet Expo: The Immersive Experience, Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU (Shoreditch High St overground)
Have you ever wanted to walk right into a Monet painting? Now you can have that experience at this 360 immersive exhibition that allows you to get right inside the master’s art. If you’ve loved the Van Gogh, Klimt and Frameless art experiences (still showing), then this one should appeal too. All ages welcome. 10am-9pm, last entry 7pm (Mon and Wed-Fri), 9am-9pm, last entry 7pm (Sat), 9am-8pm, last entry 6pm (Sun), closed Tues; adult £17/child under 13 £10/family concs. available (until Nov 26)
Marina Abramović at Royal Academy, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
The much-hyped and hotly anticipated exhibition has opened to rave reviews. This groundbreaking artist has spent decades pushing the boundaries of endurance, pain and even teasing with the possibility of death. Be prepared to be provoked at this show that’s most certainly not for everyone’s eyes. PG for some extreme content. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri); £25.50-£27.50 (until Jan 1, 2024)
Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto, V&A Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
One for the mamas and the fashionistas. Get an intimate glimpse into the world of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. The first exhibition of its kind in the UK, it follows her story from establishing House of Chanel to becoming a global icon. NB: Tickets are currently SOLD OUT but you can visit without booking if you become a V&A member. 10am-5.45pm (10pm Fris); from £24 (until Feb 25, 2024)
El Anatsui at Tate, at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube).
The latest Hyundai Commission features one of the art world’s most intriguing creators. El Anatsui is best-known for making cascading metallic sculptures using found and recycled materials. This bold new installation will reflect on urgent issues of environment, consumption and trade. All ages. From 10am daily; FREE (until Apr 14, 2024)
茶, चाय, Tea (Chá, Chai, Tea) at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Take a sip of history through this fascinating exploration of the drink known variously as 茶, चाय or Tea. Brewed from the camellia sinensis plant, it’s enjoyed by billions of drinkers on the daily and is Britain’s national drink. All ages although best suited for adults and older kids — maybe treat younger ones to the Brick Dinos exhibition while you’re there. 10am-5.30pm; FREE (until Jul 7, 2024)
MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS
UNIQLO Tate Play: Shadow and Light Holiday Make Studio, Tate Modern (East Tank), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
The latest UNIQLO Tate Play for families is all about casting shadows and enchanting light play. Enter the Tanks at Tate Modern and use immersive light, translucent objects and mirrored surfaces to help create magical images, shapes and projections. Grab a UV torch and make your mark on the glow walls. Create fascinating patterns and puppets to illuminate your dream-like scenes. Even the youngest in the family can join in and there’ll be soft spaces for tiny ones to read and reflect. This event is inspired by Tate’s exhibition A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography. All ages welcome. Weds 10.30am-3pm & Sat-Suns 10.30am-6pm (until Oct 18). Then 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm), closed for Relaxed Hours visitors on Tue Oct 24 at 10.30am-11.30am; FREE (until Oct 29)
Family Art Workshops at Royal Academy, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Inspired by the groundbreaking exhibition by Marina Abramović, Call the Shots is a family workshop for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Invent your own rules for a special performance, led by artist Cash Aspeek (Oct 15, 11am-1pm, FREE but booking essential). In the Early Years Colour Studio (Oct 18, drop-in 10am-11.30am & 12.30pm-2pm, FREE), families with younger ones can experiment with colour, light, layering and mixing in a child-led workshop with artist Amy Leung. Rounding off the October half term family activities, the Family Studio: Hand Portraits (Oct 29, drop-in 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, FREE) has artist Eva Jones leading a session of hand portraits with props and backdrops, inspired by Catherine Opie’s Portraits of Artists. Various timings; FREE (Oct 15-29)
Family Festival at Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Bring your crew along for October half term family activities at Museum of London Docklands, kicking off with a Family Festival of Jewish Culture (Oct 22-23). Inspired by new major exhibition Fashion City, it’s two days of interactive storytelling, a showcase by Jewish schools, art installations, cookery lessons and craft workshops. Half term week continues with sewing workshops, pottery making, crafting, toddler parties and workshops. Various times from 10.30am; FREE (Oct 22-27)
Celebrate! at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd tube, Euston tube/rail)
Come and celebrate with lawyer turned poet and author Laura Mucha as she launches her picture book, Celebrate!, written in collaboration with the British Museum. This lively story explores festivals from around the globe and how they bring us together. Hear extracts from the book, learn about diverse customs, beliefs and religions, and create your own Day of the Dead style marigold to take away. 11am-4pm, drop-in; FREE (Oct 23)
October Half Term Family Events at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
There’s lots of free fun for families at National Gallery this October half term. In Decoding Pictures (Oct 24, 11am-11.45am & 1pm-1.45pm/Oct 26, 12pm-12.45pm & 2pm-2.45pm), guests can ask questions about paintings and let Gallery Educators guide you to independently explore the Gallery. There are also Shared Storytelling (Oct 24, 12pm-12.45pm & 2pm-2.45pm) with a live storyteller drawing inspiration from the work of Paula Rego. For Drawn Together workshops (Oct 25, 11am-12.15pm & 1pm-2.15pm), you’ll use your body to find new viewpoints and try out playful drawing techniques to record your Gallery experience. All ages welcome. Various timings from 11am; FREE but arrive early as spaces are limited (Oct 24-26)
Safe Harbour at National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF(Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Come to the first in a monthly series of free events aimed at creating a safe space for foster and adoptive families with kids under 13. Pack a snack or lunch for the day and meet other families. After refreshments, you can join in with creative activities inspired by items around the museum. Drop-in and out as you like at these friendly sessions, created in consultation with local families and support organisations including We Are Family. Contact families@rmg.co.uk with any questions or to join the mailing list. 12.30pm-2.30pm (last Sats); FREE (Oct 28)
FAMILY THEATRE
Family Shows at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Head to Polka Theatre for a range of exciting family shows this October. Nest for ages 3-7 is a tale of a bird learning to fly, using clowning, original song and beautiful shadow play (Oct 11-15, 1.30am, £14); Under the Little Red Moon is an enchanting opera for babies 6-24 months, made in consultation with paediatricians (Oct 18-22, various times, £14); Oh No, George!, for ages 3+, adapts Chris Haughton’s book about a rascally dog, with acrobatics and slapstick (Oct 19-29, various times, £10) and the author himself is signing books on Oct 24 at 3.15pm; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for ages 6+ is a playful twist on Shakespeare’s play (Oct 25-29, various times, £14). Book ahead (Oct 11-29)
Big Bad Me at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
There are always two sides to every story, so this time round let’s hear it from the Wolf himself! This spin on the legend tells of a hungry and kind wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. He’s too shy to gobble up a grandma, too polite to tell you lies. Let this puppet show open your mind and remind you never to judge a book by its cover. For ages 6+ (younger ones welcome). Various times from 10am; adult £14/child £12 (age 1-17)/all tickets £8 on Fris 4.45pm (Oct 13-Nov 19)
Skydiver at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Are you ready to soar through fluffy clouds with birds and butterflies? Bring your babes along for this enchanting dance experience aimed at young audiences. Part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2023, Skydiver features Greek dance artist, dramaturg and director Xenia Aidonopoulou creating a multi-sensory performance filled with movement, sound and stunning visuals. 11am & 2pm; adult £18.50/child £12.50 – hurry, selling fast! (Oct 21)
There’s A Tiger in the Garden at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Nora is bored at home until she’s sent into the garden to look for a tiger. Join her as she finds dragonflies the size of her head, plants that might eat you, a polar bear who likes to fish and, just maybe, a tiger in her back yard. This Flock Theatre Makers production uses music, puppets and design to explore the power of the imagination. Adapted from Lizzy Stewart’s award-winning picture book. Best for ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; £15 (Oct 23-27)
Let’s All Dance Sleeping Beauty at Sadler’s Wells (Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Here’s another family friendly ballet from the company behind Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, The Magic Word and many more. This abridged version of the classic fairytale ballet is a lovely introduction for younger ones. Tchaikovsky’s score, sparkling costumes and dazzling dancers perform the tale of an envious fairy who casts a bad spell on a princess. Can true love save the day? Suitable for the whole family, best for ages 2-14. Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! 1pm & 3pm; from £18 (Oct 25-26)
Little Angel Theatre’s Miniature Travelling Circus at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES (Greenwich rail, Cutty Sark DLR)
George the ringmaster has put together a programme that’s set to razzle-dazzle. But where on earth is Flop? And why is Smelly Dog making such a fuss? Come to Little Angel’s Miniature Travelling Circus and discover gorgeous puppets, nostalgic magic and the teeniest acts from performing mice to acrobatic fleas! For ages 3-6. 11am, 2pm & 4pm (Wed-Fri) & 10am, 12.30pm & 3pm (Sat); adult £12.50/child £7.50 (Oct 25-28)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Wiggle into your wellies and get ready to squelch through mud, splash splash through rivers and swishy swishy through grass at this magical expedition through Kew Gardens. Go in search of bears on a sensory adventure inspired by the bestselling picture book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. This interactive trail will let you explore diverse landscapes and make muddy memories. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm daily and 3pm Sun Oct 29); adult £29/youth 16-29 £10/child 4-15 £5.50/under 4s FREE/family and concs available (Oct 21-29)
Boo at the Zoo at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Take part in mask making in the Bat Cave, pumpkin carving and decorating, a bubble boogie, spellbinding experiments in the Ghoul School, face painting and more. For an extra Halloween treat, try out the Sky Kids Animal Adventure Trail at London Zoo (Oct 21-Nov 4). Learn about endangered species with Sky Kids helpers along the way, like Scooby Doo, Pip and Posy and Dora the Explorer! Boo at the Zoo is included with regular zoo entry. 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm); adult tickets range from £31 standard- £38 flexi/child £21.70 standard-£28 flexi/under 3s FREE (Oct 21-31)
Half Term Fun at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
Head down to the city’s coolest farm, just by Brick Lane market for these October half term Farm 2 Fork sessions. It’s a cooking club for kids to learn more about the connections between food and nature, with activities focused on harvesting, cooking and eating together. For ages 5-12. 11am-1pm; FREE but limited spaces/booking essential (Oct 25-26)
Fright Week at Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald station, CM16 6BT (Epping tube, then heritage bus ride to North Weald station)
Buckle up for another spooky ride on the ghostly steam train from North Weird to Ongar and back. Intrepid riders can take part in a ghost hunt, visit a gruesome graveyard, meet a manic magician, 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. Departure times from 10.20am; adult £16-£18/child £10/under 3s FREE (Oct 25-28)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
All aboard the Horrible Histories voyage down the world’s most famous river, hearing all about the likes of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd. These raucous boats tours put a twist on history lessons for all ages. 45 minutes tours from 10.45am-3.45pm (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ from £25/child 4-15 £15/family £62/ages 0-3 FREE (until Oct 29)
We Also Like (Best for Grown Ups)
Have a look around Frieze London Art Fair, one of the world’s most influential contemporary art fairs, taking place annually in Regent’s Park (Oct 11-15); Barbican Encounters hosts Caroline Walker and Olga Rave: Narrative and Motherhood, a dialogue between two artists from different creative worlds exploring their processes, influences and experiences (Oct 19, 7pm, £15); fans of Spike will love Ally Pally’s Buffy Revamped, a vampire’s take on the cult 90s TV series (Oct 27); experience the finest in styles from the mother continent along with VIP catwalk and live performances, all part of Africa Fashion Week London 2023 (Oct 27-29); it’s your last chance to see the blockbuster Crown to Couture fashion exhibition at Kensington Palace (until Oct 29)
**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!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (October 5-8, 2023)
