The best things to do for October half-term in London

The eclectic Horniman Museum and Gardens in South London hosts loads of different activities for kids during half-term, taking advantage of its vast and varied collection. Highlights this year include panto storytelling, a kite flying workshop, a Spooky Fun Day on Halloween,  art displays, and more. Regular museum events will be running as well, so there's no shortage of choice.

The Go Ape treetop and high rope course, found at several parks in London, are hosting special sundown sessions for a limited time from mid-October to mid-November. You can expect all the adrenaline-pumping thrills found at Go Ape, with the added atmosphere of a night-time adventure beneath the stars. There are courses for kids of all ages and skill levels so no one is left out, and everyone gets a thorough safety briefing.

Kids can learn about life on the farm right in the heart of East London. At Hackney City Farm, families can meet charming animals like pigs and donkeys, wander through the gardens and grounds, and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. The farm also hosts a variety of activities, including weekly clubs for both under-12s and older children, giving them a chance to work with the animals.

Flip Out, an exciting trampoline park and indoor playground with several locations across London, is perfect for keeping children entertained. Bursting with bright colours and energy, it's ideal for a fun-filled few hours. Kids can explore different zones, including trampolines, obstacle courses, and soft-play areas for the littlest ones. During school holidays, extended hours ensure even more time for play.

Bubble Planet offers a whimsical, immersive experience featuring uniquely themed rooms filled with optical illusions, fantastical settings, and sensory elements like bubbles, lights, and virtual reality. Originally launched in cities such as Milan and Los Angeles, it has now brought its playful charm to London, aligning with the 'Kidulting' trend. Guests of all ages can explore rooms like the Bubble Getaway, Giant Bubble Room, and Infinity Room, promising a 60–90 minute escape filled with creativity, wonder, and photo-worthy moments.

Clay Time is a non-profit pottery studio that offers pottery-making, glazing, and ceramic-painting sessions for all ages and abilities, making it ideal for creative parties and group activities. With supportive staff and workshops ranging from beginners to experienced potters, you can try your hand at the pottery wheel or decorate pre-made ceramics. The welcoming studio also offers gift vouchers, volunteer opportunities, and works closely with schools, making it a perfect spot for both adults and kids to explore their artistic side.

One of the most famous galleries in the country, the National Gallery works going back as far as the 13th century. During the October half-term, it hosts a variety of free family-friendly activities. The gallery's team of educators will guide you through the gallery as you learn to decode pictures, listen to the sound of paintings, join drawing workshops, and learn to look at art from a new perspective.

The Science Museum is a popular attraction for families throughout the year thanks to its many interactive exhibits, and it's no different during the autumn half-term. Children can get hands-on experience covering loads of scientific topics, whether it's engineering discoveries such as space travel or pressing contemporary issues such as climate crisis. A trip to the gift shop afterwards will ensure the kids keep busy at home as well.

Dedicating to presenting and explaining the intricacies of London's transport network, the London Transport Museum is always a big hit with kids. During October half-term, visitors will be able to learn what it was like to travel through the underground tunnels for the first time from time-travelling Victorian passengers, explore the sensory Underground Zone, build a model bus, and more.

The Din Tai Fung restaurants are known far and wide for their dim sum master, with their handcrafted dumplings a delicacy that has even earned their Hong Kong branch a Michelin star. They're willing to impart their knowledge to future dumpling masters this half-term through their first-ever Kids Dumpling Masterclass. Guided by expert chefs, little ones will fold their way through basic dumplings, including the signature xiaolongbao. They'll get to eat their handiwork afterwards too, of course.

Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury has been a beloved spot for children in London since before WW2. Open to all under-16s, it provides an energetic and fun environment with multiple play areas spread across seven acres, including a sensory zone, an adventure playground featuring a zip wire, and a paddling pool. When the weather's right, it's a great place for kids to enjoy an active day out.

During October half-term, children can embark on a Halloween-themed adventurous quest at the Sea Life London Aquarium alongside Serafina the Sea Witch. They'll complete enchanted tasks to help safeguard her underwater realm and earn a place in her ocean defenders' team. Families can enjoy a fun and educational day out, filled with spooky fun and insights into marine conservation.

Why stay at home playing board games when you could instead supersize the experience? Monopoly Lifesized is a one-of-a-kind activity lets you move across a massive game board, bringing out your competitive spirit. With multiple boards to choose from, it offers something for everyone. Suitable for children aged nine and up, the venue also features an on-site restaurant where the whole family can grab a conciliatory meal afterwards.

This year, the London Literature Fest, held at the Southbank Centre, coincides with the October half-term, and there are lots of literary events for kids to explore. Little ones can celebrate the language of food with an interactive installation, seek Elmer the patchwork elephant on a musical jungle adventure, or attend a creative session, while their older siblings might enjoy talks by the likes of Susanna Clarke, Richard Dawkins, and Ghetts.

The Postal Museum presents Britain's postal system and heritage in fascinating detail, with fun interactive exhibits and surprises like the underground Mail Rail train. In addition to their regular play sessions and tours, the museum offers an inventive family programme during October half-term, designed to help kids unleash their creativity by making their own greeting cards.

Shakespeare's Globe, a faithful reconstruction of the historic Globe Theatre, hosts regular performances, including shows specially designed for children, along with family-friendly tours of the theatre. During half-term, families can take part in acting workshops, storytelling sessions, demonstrations, and guided tours tailored for different age groups, with this year's focus being “Macbeth”.

During October half-term, the Design Museum is hosting Design Camp – a series of workshops aimed at kids ages 8–11 and inspired by the works of acclaimed film director Tim Burton. Participants will be able to learn how to code text-based video games by writing interactive stories, explore architectural designs from around the world, learn about stop-motion animation, and more.

ZSL London Zoo invites all little monsters to join in a range of exciting, family-friendly Halloween activities and workshops this October. Among other things, youngsters can get creative with pumpkin decorating, wander through a graveyard of extinct species, explore the pumpkin patch in search of the Golden Pumpkin, and attend fascinating talks and demonstrations about scary creatures.

Brunel Museum is an educational charity presenting the lives and work of the Brunel engineering family, including the first tunnel under a navigable river. During special sessions this half-term, visitors will be able to put themselves in the shoes of the workers who dug the Thames Tunnel, braving explosions, smells, and generally disgusting conditions.

The Biscuiteers shops in West London let visitors buy beautifully decorated biscuits in creative designs, learn the art of biscuit icing, or simply enjoy a hot drink with a sweet treat. Different icing classes are available, including ones for kids. Participants can choose from a variety of biscuits to decorate and take their creations home in a lovely box. The tasty biscuits are unlikely to last a long time, but the memories just might.

Queens offers entertainment for both adults and children, with its vibrant atmosphere and sparkling lights. The highlight is the ice rink, where visitors can enjoy casual skating or take lessons, and there's also the chance to try curling in a friendly setting. Alongside the ice rink, Queens features an arcade, several bowling lanes with eye-catching decor, and food and drinks available throughout the day—perfect for parties and groups.

Bring the children to Kensington Gardens and explore the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, inspired by Peter Pan. This supervised play area is extremely popular, attracting over a million young visitors annually. Kids can discover the pirate ship, teepees, totem pole, and a sensory trail, all within an enchanting setting. The playground was thoughtfully designed to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy playing together.

The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury delves into London's history by telling the story of the UK's first home for vulnerable children, and also features an impressive art collection. Despite the somewhat grim topic, the museum is a great way for the whole family to spend an afternoon, thanks in part also to the kid-friendly creative workshops available during half-term.

The historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich invites families to meet colourful characters from its past roaming its deck this half-term. In addition to hearing astonishing stories about life at sea, kids can attend a junkyard ship building workshop and listen to the resident sea shanty group sing traditional maritime songs. Toddlers are also welcome – there will be special storytelling sessions just for under 5s.