40+ Brilliant Things to Do in London for Half Term in October

Gasp. It’s half term in October already? No worries, I’ve put together another bumper guide of 40+ brilliant things to do in London with kids over the school holidays and Halloween. I’ve also included some Diwali lights, Bonfire Night sparks, and activities for Black History Month. Save it, share it, and don’t say I didn’t arm you with the best family activities in town. Enjoy the school break!

40+ Brilliant Things to Do in London for Half Term in October

BABES CHOICE

Diwali in Greenwich Peninsula,  Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ (North Greenwich tube/DLR)
Put on your brightest colours and celebrate Diwali in Greenwich Peninsula at this all day event. From Peninsula Square through the Design District and culminating in Barton Yard, it’s a feast of light, food, music and creativity. There’s everything from lantern workshops to drumming and dancing processions, Bollywood DJs and an illuminated rickshaw. Bring the whole family!2pm-7pm; FREE (Oct 18)

Campfire Adventures at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Bring your kids for a sleepover style event at Discover that’s designed for the big kids. Visit the centre after hours for scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, Monster Funfair and hot chocolate around a story time campfire. And you’ll still get home in time for bed Ages 5-11 and their grownups. 5.30pm-8.30pm; £31pp (Oct 18 & Nov 22)

Festival of the Girl at Business Design Centre, Upper St, London N1 0QH (Highbury and Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
International Day of the Girl is over but the festival for girls is kicking off this weekend with talks, workshops and more. The annual event champions girls and helps fight stereotypes, with skateboarding, martial arts and politics at the top of this year’s agenda. Best for ages 7-11. 10.30am-1.30pm (SEND session) & 2-5pm (Sat); 9.45am-4.15pm (full day) or 9.45am-12.45pm & 1.15pm-4.15pm (Sun); adult £12.50 or £20 (Sunday full day)/child 5-15 £17.50 or £30 (Sunday full day)/under 4s FREE (Pay what you can options available) (Oct 18-19)

Zog at Kew, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling picture book character Zog inspires this interactive family trail at Kew Gardens over half term in October. Hidden among the trees, there are 5 dragon themed activities based on the book. Learn to roar, fly, breathe fire and more! The trail starts with a wooden sculpture of Zog to welcome you and ends with a life-sized scene that’s ideal for family snaps. All ages welcome. 10am-4pm; included with admission: adult from £22/child from £6/family from £29/under 4s FREE (Oct 18-Nov 2)

Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0ET (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
Paddington leaves Peru and meets a family in London who take him in. This musical tale of an immigrant bear welcomed by the Browns is based on Michael Bond’s books and the hit movies. Best for ages 6+ (ages 4-104 welcome, babe-in-arms not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £30 (previews from Nov 1)

Wallace & Gromit with a Live Brass Band at Fireworks Factory, Woolwich Works, 11 No 1 Street, SE18 6HD (Woolwich tube/rail)
Love Wallace & Gromit? Catch a special double bill of two classic animated films: The Wrong Trousers (2pm) and A Grand Day Out (4pm) accompanied by the Fairey Band. They’ll be performing Julian Nott’s complete live brass musical score. Also enjoy space-themed scores to open A Grand Day Out, including Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra (AKA 2001 A Space Odyssey), alongside legendary compositions by John Williams. 2pm & 4pm; £16.50/family tickets 10% discount for 4 tickets and get 15% discount for both films (Nov 2)

We also like
Bloomsbury Festival returns with another busy lineup of music, art, theatre and family events (Oct 17-19); New Scientist List returns to ExCel London for a weekend of STEM activities (Oct 18-19); Barbican Centre’s Family Film Club is showing The Wizard of Oz followed by Family Film Week with Hola Frida, Zog and K-Pop Demon Hunters on the programme (Oct 18-Nov 2); kids can meet Peppa Pig at Battersea Power Station (Oct 20-31); and go back in time to WW2 at Tower of London with Flight, Camera, Action! (Oct 25-Nov 2)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube, Blackfriars tube/rail)
Critics are raving about this big, bold and beautiful retrospective of Nigerian modernist artists. The exhibition showcases works by 50+ renowned names including my late uncle, Ben Enwonwu MBE. All ages. From 10am-6pm daily; from £18/concs available (Oct 8-May 11, 2026)

Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots at Somerset House (Terrace Rooms), the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Don’t miss the first major solo show by pioneering photographer Jennie Baptiste. It spans 3 decades and stars the likes of Ms Dynamite, Roots Manuva, Estelle and NAS. Jennie’s street photography, her series on Black identity, and her portraits from London’s hip hop DJ scene are showcased alongside DJ-curated mixes, talks and creative responses from the community. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 12pm-8pm (Thu & Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat); Pay What You Can (Oct 17-Jan 4)

Black British Book Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Europe’s biggest celebration of books by Black authors returns to the Barbican Centre with another massive lineup. From Lenny Henry to Jordan Stephens, Kelechi Okafor to Bolu Babalola, talks and workshops on publishing, crime writing, and more, the programme is jam-packed with activities. For families, there’s a kids’ zone and children’s storytelling and alongside headline events, visitors can experience lots for free including a Black book marketplace and a music session with none other than DJ AG (of TikTok and Instagram fame). Come out and enjoy and support! All ages welcome (PG for some sessions). 10am-9pm; festival pass from £15, VIP (all events + goodie bag) £45, many activities are FREE (Oct 19)

Anansi the Spider at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
The Unicorn Theatre’s critically rated production of Anansi the Spider is back on stage. Learn more about this West African and Caribbean legendary trickster, in tales respun for a modern audience. Ages 4-8. 11am or 2pm (Tue-Sun); adult £18.50-£26.50/child £16.50-£20.50 (until Nov 16)

Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at Royal Academy, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Breathtaking in scale and beauty, Kerry James Marshall’s paintings capture Black life in full glory, exploring science fiction, civil rights, history and more. The RA’s blockbuster exhibition is the largest showcase of his work outside the US. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri); adult £23.50-£25.50/under 16s FREE (until Jan 18)

We also like
Go on a Black History Steam Train Tour from London to the coast and back with Black History Walks (Oct 18); Black Lives in Music: Classically Black at Kings Place presents a FREE Children’s and Young People musical workshop performance (Oct 18); check out the Family Threads exhibition at Horniman Museum (until Nov 25)

HALLOWEEN

Halloween at Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
Eltham Palace is a great day out at any time of year and this half term in October you can bring the kids for a Halloween treat. They’ll find scary (ish) surprises and gruesome games, with creepy close to solve around the palace and gardens and more frightful fun. 10am-5pm; adult from £17.70/child from £10.90/under 5s and members FREE (Oct 25-Nov 2)

Spooky Skeletons and Sugar Skulls at British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube)
Visit the British Museum over half term in October for a join celebration of Day of the Dead and Halloween. This free, 5-day family festival includes hands-on activities, seasonal storytelling and play led by artists and educators. Design your own skeletons, create Halloween head pieces and join in with an all-female Mariachi band. Various ages and times between 11am-4pm; FREE (Oct 27-31)

Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill N6 5HG (Archway tube)
Grab your ghouls and dash for tickets to these popular Halloween spooky walks (some timings already selling out)! You’ll take a kid-friendly stroll around Lauderdale House and beautiful Waterlow Park, stopping for performances from 20+ professional actors. The walk finishes back at the House with a song and Halloween goodies. All ages welcome, best for ages 5-9, not suitable to pushchairs, kids under 12 must be accompanied. 5.15pm-6.45pm (sessions every 15 mins); adult £12.50/child £12.50/concs £9 (Oct 31)

Halloween at Phantom Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
In the immersive fantasy steam punk world of Phantom Peak, Halloween is known as the Lunar Festival. Step inside for 100+ adventures, stories and live game play with escape rooms, waterfall and lake, bars, restaurants and more. Fancy dress encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 6pm (Thu-Sat) & 12pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £45/child from £25/infants FREE (until Oct 31)

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt at Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB (sat nav TW7 4RD) (Isleworth rail)
Boo! There are ghosts about at Osterley Park and House and you and your kids are invited to hunt them down. Follow a spooky trail (based on the bestselling kids’ books of the same name), race broomsticks, play Halloween hoopla and keep an eye out for warty toads. 10am-5pm; FREE with regular admission from adult £9.50-£18.70/child £4.75-£9.40/family £23.75-£46.80/under 5s FREE (until Nov 2)

We also like
Frankenslime workshops will leave kids sticky at Gootopia in Brixton (Oct 17-Nov 2); the inflatable Halloween Bounce House is back at Big Penny Social (Oct 27-31); make monsters or aliens at Halloween Puppet Playcation workshops run by Little Angel Theatre in Angel (Oct 28-31); or have a go at Halloween lanterns and other spooky crafts at Foundling Museum (Oct 28-31); and why not take the critters on a Halloween trick or treat trail around Covent Garden? (Oct 31)

FAMILY DISCOS AND RAVES

How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Gather your little movers and groovers for another session of the popular monthly party. The HDIF Kids Disco attracts a fun-loving crowd to dance and unwind to the sounds of The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes and other classic indie, rock, soul and pop. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Oct 26)

Big Fish Little Fish Halloween Raves, in Hackney, Deptford and Ealing (multiple locations)
Join our favourite family ravers on the dance floor for some dastardly DJ mixes this half term in October. In Hackney Wick there’s a Spooktacular Family Rave with DJ HiFi Sean (Oct 26, 2pm-4pm); and roll up for Day of the Dead family parties in Deptford with DJs Mark Force and Atlanta Allure (Nov 1); and Ealing with DJ Ben Archbold (Nov 2, 3-5pm). As ever, BFLF parties come with baby chill out area, Nitty Natty crafting, licensed bar and stalls, bubbles, balloons, glitter and a parachute dance finale. Fancy dress highly encouraged! All ages, best for ages 0 to 8. 2pm-4pm; adult from £10/child from £8/pre-walking infant FREE (Oct 26-Nov 2)

Fly-Kid Family Raves at SetList, Somerset House (Charing Cross tube/rail) and Pop Brixton (Brixton tube)
Supa Dupa Fly are bringing 2 special family parties to your fun loving crew this half term. Start off with Pop-Kid Halloween at cool new restaurant SetList in Somerset House (Oct 26). Here, they’ll be playing ‘80s pop tunes to belt your heart out with your little monsters. Then the Fly-Kid monthly rave at Pop Brixton (Nov 2) also takes on a Halloween theme, with costumes, DJs spinning hip hop, old school and dance floor fillers. Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 11am-2pm (Oct 26) and 11am-3pm (Nov 2); adult from £11/child from £6/family from £29/babies under 1 FREE (Oct 26 & Nov 2)

FUN DMC at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
The daytime family block party brings the funk back to the Elgar Room. Come for live DJs spinning feel good tunes, with something for all ages. There’s also hip hop colouring, graffiti train and a chance for young turntablists to scratch the decks! All ages welcome (0-100). 1pm-3pm; adult from £13.50/child from £9 (Oct 28)

SUPER NATURAL AND OUTDOORS

Halloween at Kew, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Back after a roaring success last year, the Halloween at Kew experience is presented by the hugely popular Christmas at Kew team. Discover Kew after dark on this spooky trail filled with Jack o’Lanterns, bats, neon cobwebs and giant spiders and more than a few surprises. Finish with freaky fries, hot toddies and hot chocolate with marshmallow. 6pm-10pm (Oct 17-25), 4pm-10pm (Oct 26-Nov 2); tickets (not incl. in regular admission) adult £18.50 off peak, £22.50 peak/child £13 off peak, £16 peak/under 4s FREE/family and member discounts available (Oct 17-Nov 2)

Boo at the Zoo at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
It’s baaaack. Get into some nocturnal fun at London Zoo for their annual Halloween experience. This year’s highlights include marshmallow toasting, crafting ‘flapping bats’, creepy face painting, Spooky Species Live, and a Silent Disco with UV lights. All ages. Included with regular zoo entry. 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm); adult tickets from £30.50-£38/child from £21.35-£26.60/under 3s FREE (Oct 25-Nov 2)

Fright Week at Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald station, CM16 6BT (Epping tube, then heritage bus ride to North Weald station)
Fright Week returns on the heritage steam and diesel railway. All aboard the ghost train from North Weird through Epping Forest and meet a Manic Magician among other spooky delights. All ages. Departure times from 10.40am; adult from £20/child from £10/under 3s FREE (Oct 25-26 & 29-31)

Halloween Discovery Days at Hyde Park Learning Centre, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Creepy crawly entertainment is on offer at these scarily popular Discovery Days. Go on a hair-raising nature trail, learn about bats in the Royal Parks, investigate ‘feely boxes’ in the Witches Den’ and listen to a terrifying tale. Fancy dress encouraged. All ages welcome, best for ages 3+. 11am-3.30pm, storytelling at 12pm, 1pm & 2pm; FREE – NB: free tickets are sold out online but the event is still open to all, however expect some queueing (Oct 28-30)

We also like
Immerse yourself in glowing diyas and colourful garlands in Diwali at London Zoo (Oct 17); families can get crafty with half term in October workshops at Spitalfields City Farm (Oct 28-30)

FAMILY THEATRE

Wendy and Peter Pan at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Fly away with Wendy, Peter Pan and Tink to Neverland in this dazzling reworking of JM Barrie’s classic children’s story. The Royal Shakespeare Company brings Neverland to east London with Captain Hook, Tiger Lily and others adding to the magic and mayhem. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Oct 21-Nov 22)

Little M: A Reimagining of The Little Mermaid at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Dive below the surface of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic The Little Mermaid in this reimagined tale that introduces Little M and their friend Punk the Puffer Fish. They find a suitcase full of treasure that leads them to wonder about the ‘world above’. Little M combines dance, puppetry and magic for a coming of age story celebrating difference and acceptance. Ages 8+. 2pm & 7pm (Fri) and 11am & 2pm (Sat); adult £14/concs £12/child £10/family of 4 £40 (Oct 24-25)

James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks at Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft,St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SR (Holborn/Tottenham Court Rd tube)
From the comic brain who invented proper stand-up for kids in 2001 comes this action-packed live show that’s guaranteed to get the whole family giggling. James has spent years touring, writing funny books and raising his own kids, and now returns to the festival circuit with a show that promises songs, gags, and maybe exploding penguins. Ages 6+. 3.30pm; £12 + booking fee (Oct 25-26)

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Puppets, magical props, live music and interactive storytelling drive this fast-paced show inspired by Kristina Stephenson’s best-selling picture book. Kids become storytellers as they help build a wild adventure for the pint-sized hero known as Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. Best for ages 3-10 and their grownups. 11am & 2pm; £15 (Oct 27-31)

Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show at Arts Depot,  5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
If your child is as obsessed with Tom Gates as mine were then they will go ape for his EPIC stage show. It promises live drawing and music for fans of Liz Pichon’s best-selling illustrated novels. Ages 7+. 11am & 2pm; from £15 (Oct 29)

Mog the Forgetful Cat at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Have you met Mog? She’s a very forgetful cat. But sometimes Mog’s forgetfulness can come in quite handy… See the Wardrobe Ensemble’s enjoyable adaptation ofJudith Kerr’s beloved picture book, crammed with songs and creatures. Part of London Literature Festival. Best for ages 3+, younger ones welcome, under 12s must be accompanied. 11am & 2pm; from £16-£32 (Oct 29-Nov 2)

We also like
See family friendly ballet The Ugly Duckling for ages 2-12 and families at Jacksons Lane (Oct 19); watch movies with live orchestral accompaniment with Back to the Future (Oct 26) and How To Train Your Dragon in Concert (Nov 2) this half term in October at Royal Albert Hall; Upstream is a magical puppet adventure for ages 4-11 by award winning company Smoking Apples at WWT London (Nov 1)

FAMILY FRIENDLY EXHIBITIONS & WORKSHOPS

Sumo Exhibition at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
The Grand Sumo Tournament at Royal Albert Hall is fully sold out, but you can watch on BBC iPlayer and Pluto TV and for keen fans, don’t miss this accompanying exhibition. It features 50 striking photographs of the daily life of rikishi (sumo wrestlers) by Tokyo-based photographer Manami Takahashi. All ages. Open to the public 10am-3pm (Sat); FREE (also accessible daily through the tournament for ticket holders). (Oct 18)

Making Egypt, Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
Head east to Young V&A for the grand finale of their Making Egypt exhibition which they’ve turned into a mini family festival. Learn all about the ancient land of the Pharaohs and take part in activities from story papyrus and wearable art workshops to tales from Egypt. All ages welcome. All ages. Daily from 10am (last entry 4.15pm); workshops £15/storytelling FREE (Oct 25-30)

UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: Home, Tate Modern (East Tank), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Make marks, shapes and patterns or experiment with textures in this holiday edition of the Tate Modern open studios for families. Draw inspiration from the people and places that make you feel at home and help create a shared artwork that will grow over time. All ages welcome. 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm), closed for Relaxed Hours visitors on Tue Oct 29 at 10.30am-11.30am; FREE (Oct 25-Nov 2)

Welcome Space at National Gallery (Roden Centre for Creative Learning), Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Bring your brood along to these weekend and school holiday events. Families are invited to explore paintings, try drawing prompts, dress up, build, and dive into play boxes and resources designed by artists. Baby changing, lockers and buggy park available. 10am-6pm; FREE (drop-in) (ongoing)

The Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
LAST CHANCE: This highly rated exhibition showcases animals reanimated with gadgets and machine parts. Find out why chameleons change colour, how bats use their radar and more. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9.75/child from £6.50/family from £19.50/under 3s FREE (until Nov 2)

We also like
Pirates at National Maritime Museum lifts the cloaks of Captain Hook, Jack Sparrow and other legends (until Jan 4); discover more about the world beyond us at Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? at Natural History Museum (until Feb 22, 2026); Power Up offers 5 decades of gaming fun for all ages at Science Museum (ongoing)

BONFIRE NIGHT

Ally Pally Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
The city’s biggest, baddest fireworks and drone display fills the skies again at this weekend festival also featuring German Bier Festival, music from DJ Luck and MC Neat, tribute bands for Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton, spooky bonfire, theatre ghost tour, street food, funfair and ice rink disco! All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 6pm-10.30pm (Fri) & 4pm-10.30pm (Sat); adult entry from £18/child 11-15 from £12 /child 0-10 £6.50 daily (Oct 31-Nov 1)

Fireworks at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY (Waltham rail)
Hurry as early bird tickets are gone but second release tickets are still available for this banging night out. Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night at the Royal Gunpowder Mills with a stunning fireworks show along with children’s entertainment, funfair rides, food and drinks. Gates 3.30pm; adult £12.50/child 3-15 £10.50/under 3s FREE £1 (Nov 1)

Battersea Park Fireworks: Family Night, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ (Queenstown rail/Battersea Park tube)
Prepare for another explosive weekend at South London’s most dramatic display. See live performances and enjoy street food, fairground attractions and more. Sunday is Family Night with Shrek tribute band and LED Dance experience. Gates 6pm, gates close 8pm, fireworks 8.30pm, event close Midnight; adult from £14.20/child 5-15 from £9.50/under 5s FREE (Nov 1-2)

Richmond Family Fireworks Night, Richmond Athletic Ground, Kew Foot Rd, TW9 2SS (Richmond tube/overground)
The annual fireworks event returns with food and funfair, mulled wine, and an after-party. The fireworks theme is ‘Rock & Roll’ so get ready to jam. NB: No tickets at gate, so buy online ASAP before they sell out. 4.30pm gates, 7pm fireworks; grandstand £17.50/adult £12.50/child £7.50/under 5s FREE (Nov 2)

Coram’s Fields Fireworks, 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Russell Square tube)
Not strictly during half term in October but I’m adding it here as it won’t make the cut for next weekend’s Scoop. These fireworks are a bit less noisy and sparky so that babies and toddlers can enjoy the fun too. Turn up early as it’s a popular event. Includes live music and dance, rides, food and drink stalls. All ages. 3.30pm-7pm, performances from 4.15pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Nov 5)

**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!**