October half term 2024 runs Saturday 26 October-Sunday 3 November for most London schools. We've selected some family-friendly events and things to do in London — however old your kids are and whatever your budget.
Family-friendly exhibitions in October half term
DINOSAURS: Last chance to see Forest Hill's Horniman Museum's current exhibition Dinosaur rEvolution. It features five large animatronic dinosaurs, and highlights discoveries from recent decades which have changed the way we picture dinosaurs — with an array of colours, feathers, quills and spikes, instead of as scaly green reptiles. Until November
BIRDS: BRILLIANT AND BIZARRE: The current big exhibition at the Natural History Museum gives us a closer look at the only surviving dinosaurs. Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre delves into the world of birds, looking at how different species have evolved to survive, and how the way we live is affecting them. The museum describes it as 'a hoot for all the family'. Until 5 January
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: Older kids and teenagers, especially those who love animals or are handy with a camera, might enjoy Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. It's one of our annual favourites, and the latest incarnation opens in mid-October, just in time for half term. Until summer 2025
October half term events in London
Several events taking place during half term are Halloween-themed, with ghosts, pumpkins and witches making regular appearance. If that gets your bat flapping, have a look at our full guide to Halloween events in London, for both kids and adults.
HALLOWEEN AT KEW: New for this year is Halloween at Kew, a family-friendly light trail through the gardens after dark. It features a fire garden, glowing pumpkins, illuminated haunted woods and other attractions. It's by the team behind the Christmas at Kew trail, which is always spectacular, so we've got high hopes for this one. 18-26 October
BOO AT THE ZOO: London Zoo has a host of family-friendly spooky activities included in its ticket price this Halloween. Boo at the Zoo events include a pumpkin patch where children can pick and decorate their own gourd, and spooky animal talks about species including bats and spiders. 19 October-3 November
FAMILY CONCERT: Aimed at children aged 5+ and their families, Southbank Centre hosts a family concert. London Philharmonic Orchestra and presenter Polly Ives tell the story of Stan and Mabel, based on the book by Jason Chapman with plenty of audience interaction. 26 October
AMAZING ANIMALS: Take the whole family along to the Royal Institution for an amazing animals themed family fun day. Take part in activities and experiments led by volunteers, scientists and researchers to learn about several different species. It's aimed at children aged 7-12. 27 October
CBEEBIES ADVENTURE: Aimed at 0-6 year olds, CBeebies Rainbow Adventure at Westfield London is a 55-minute interactive experience featuring theatrical roleplay, problem solving, puppetry, music and surprises. Visit the interactive rooms of Hey Duggee, Bluey, JoJo & Gran Gran and Mr Tumble and Friends as you search for the missing colours of the magical CBeebies Rainbow. Until 3 November
HALLOWEEN FAMILY RAVE: Legendary family rave organisers Big Fish Little Fish take over Woolwich Works for a Halloween-themed party. Dance away to classic rave tunes, with face painting, balloons and bubbles to keep little ones entertained. Spooky fancy dress optional. 3 November
PADDINGTON BEAR EXPERIENCE: Ongoing at County Hall, the Paddington Bear Experience is an interactive event themed around the beloved bear and the Brown family. Visit replicas of Paddington station, and the family's colourful house at 32 Windsor Gardens, where you can get involved with the Marmalade Festival. The new Paddington film is released in early November, so this could be a great precursor to seeing that. Booking until March 2025
Family-friendly London theatre shows in October half term
MUSICALS: A few of London's long-running musicals are great for family theatre trips, including The Lion King and Matilda. Older kids and teenagers might enjoy Mamma Mia!, Wicked, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
THE GRUFFALO: Oh help! Oh no! It's a Gruffalo! A regular of the London stage, children's character the Gruffalo has chosen to visit ArtsDepot in North Finchley this half term, to mark his 25th anniversary. The show, a musical adaptation of the picture book, is suitable for ages 3+. 26-31 October
DINOSAUR SHOW: Which dinosaur had teeth as big as a banana? Which dinosaur weighed the same as 10,000 cats? Find out the answers to these questions and more in the Great Big Dinosaur Show at Jackson's Lane. It's inspired by poet Simon Mole's new book, and he's joined on stage by musician Gecko for poems, raps and songs. 29-31 October
ELMER: Colourful patchwork elephant Elmer gets the musical treatment at Southbank Centre, where you can witness hos story in a new show featuring songs, storytelling and puppetry. 30 October-3 November
Free things to do in London in October half term
PUMKPIN FESTIVAL PARADE: Legendary toy store Hamleys is celebrating Halloween with a daily pumpkin festival parade. Everyone's welcome to join in with dancing around every floor of the Regent Street store at 4pm every day. FREE, 28 October-3 November
PLAYGROUNDS: If the weather's playing nice, few things bring a smile to young children's faces like a playground — and they're usually free, so it's a win for parents and carers too. Check out our map of playgrounds in central London; there are more than you might think, and many are handily located near tourist attractions, so little 'uns can burn off excess energy on a day out.
MUSEUMS: Plenty of London's museums are free entry all year round, and while you may have to pay for temporary exhibitions, there's generally plenty to entertain all ages in the permanent collections. Try Science Museum for aeroplanes and space, Natural History Museum for animals, and London Museum Docklands for the Mudlarks interactive gallery. Check booking requirements before you go, and be aware that you may have to queue during school holidays.
FREE MAZE: Ever been to the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze? The labyrinth is constructed of 2,000 yew trees, has been around for more than two decades, and is free to visit. It's a 10-minute walk from Hanwell station on the Elizabeth line, and there's a free playground and Hanwell Zoo (small entry fee) right next door. Goes without saying that this one is best left for a day when the weather's decent.
Family-friendly activities in London in October half term
SWIMMING: A kiddie favourite, London has plenty of options for swimming, whatever the weather. From an Olympic venue to local leisure centres, these are some of London's best indoor pools.
ICE SKATING: London also has year-round ice rinks, including one slap bang in the middle of the Central line. And though you may think it's too early for festive ice rinks, Canary Wharf's winter pop-up rink opens on 26 October, just in time for half term.
DAY TRIPS: Fancy getting out of London for a day or two? Take a gander at our Beyond London section for inspiration. Particularly child-friendly is a visit to the real-life Hundred Acre Wood, as featured in AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh books. Wellington Country Park is also an excellent bet for energetic kids. Otherwise, wear them out by sending them searching for the dozens of frogs hidden down this back street, or the entire solar system within sight of the M25.
AUTISTIC KIDS: Looking for things to do over half term with autistic children? Check out our guide, which includes museums, theatres, sensory rooms and more.
TEENAGERS: Older kids and teenagers can be trickier to entertain, but have a read of our things to do in London with teenagers, covering everything from museums and exhibitions to shopping trips, a little-known neon art gallery, street art, and more adventurous days out.
