Looking for the best Halloween events in London for kids? With Halloween falling right in the middle of the school holidays, there’s so much to do and this is one of my favourite times of year for family days out.
I’m a London mum of two boys (aged 7 and 3) and I’m constantly looking for family days out that are enjoyable for parents as well as children. I’ve personally visited lots of these spooky places and I’ve selected activities that I really think are worth doing and genuinely fun for everyone, rather than just listing everything!
This guide brings together the best family Halloween events in London for kids in 2026, including spooky events, pumpkin picking, exhibitions, theatre, free days out, toddler-friendly ideas and a few selected family activities just outside London. In London, Halloween season runs from early October until 1st November – conveniently coinciding with October half term.
For further inspiration see my guide to the best things to do in London with kids this autumn
My Top Halloween Picks for Families
Best overall: Halloween at Kew
Best traditional Halloween experience: Tower of London
Best for younger children: London Wetland Centre
Best for older children: London Dungeon
Best pumpkin picking: Willows Activity Farm
Best free Halloween activity: Hyde Park Discovery Days
Best Halloween day trip from London: Blenheim Palace
Best Halloween Events in London for Kids 2026
Halloween at Kew
What to expect: From the team behind Christmas at Kew, expect an atmospheric illuminated trail through the gardens with live actors, fire performers and plenty of spooky surprises.
SilverSpoon Tip: Although we haven’t experienced Halloween at Kew ourselves yet, it’s quickly become one of London’s most popular family Halloween events and looks seriously spectacular. You can actually choose your scare level so families with younger children can book the earlier Daylight sessions for a gentler experience, while Twilight and Moonlight sessions become progressively spookier.
Best for: 6 + / confident younger children
Dates: 16 October to 24 October 2026: 6pm to 10pm, 25 October to 1 November 2026: 4pm to 10pm
Price: From £23 per adult / £17 per child
Getting there: Take the London Underground or the London Overground to Kew Gardens Station
Booking: Book here Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Halloween at the Tower of London
What to expect: The Tower has served not only as a royal palace but also as a formidable fortress and notorious prison. This Halloween, there’s something spooky waiting around every corner. Expect ghostly residents in theatrical costumes, ghoulish make-up and atmospheric sound effects.
SilverSpoon Tip: The atmosphere of London’s famous prison is perfect for Halloween and this promises to be something very special!
Best for: Parental guidance. May scare some children.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Price: Included in admission
Getting there: 5 mins from Tower Hill Underground station
Booking: Book here
Hampton Court
What to expect: Discover Henry VIII‘s notoriously haunted palace this Halloween and October half term with atmospheric projections, eerie sound effects and magical spells. Keep your eyes peeled for restless spirits, you may even spot William Shakespeare. There’s also an autumnal trail filled with pumpkins, scarecrows, and seasonal surprises plus Halloween treats in the cafe.
SilverSpoon Tip: Don’t forget to visit the brilliant Magic Garden (children’s playground) and the famous maze. Make a weekend of it and stay at the nearby Mitre Hotel, you can read my review here.
Best for: Parental guidance
Dates: 24 October – 01 November 2026
Price: Included with entry.
Getting there: Take the train to Hampton Court station, the palace is about a two-minute walk from there.
Booking: Book here
London Dungeon
What to expect: The London Dungeon is running a brand-new, Egyptomania-inspired seasonal show called Curse of the Mummy for Halloween. Inspired by the true, dark Victorian myth of the “Unlucky Mummy,” this multi-sensory immersive experience is set in an 1889 London museum delivery bay where an ancient cursed artefact has just arrived.
SilverSpoon Tip: The London Dungeon is located on London’s South Bank so a visit can be combined with other activities such as The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, the Paddington Experience or SEA LIFE aquarium.
Best for: Older children. Recommended age is 12 +, under 5s will not be admitted.
Dates: 17 October – 1 November 2026
Price: Included in admission (£27 for an adult if purchased online)
Getting there: 5 mins from Waterloo Tube station.
Booking: Book here
Best Halloween Events in London for Toddlers and Preschoolers
If you’re looking for Halloween activities in London with a toddler or preschooler, I’d prioritise the gentler, daytime events rather than London’s scarier Halloween experiences.
Battersea Children’s Zoo
What to expect: There are mysterious animal encounters and family-friendly Halloween storytime at this little London zoo for half term. There’s minibeast mansion, (not so spooky) story time and a costume competition.
SilverSpoon Tip: This smaller zoo is great for little kids and also contains several playgrounds to burn off energy!
Best for: Toddlers and Preschoolers
Dates: October half term.
Price: Approx adult £17.50 / child £13.95. Halloween activities included in admission
Getting there: The zoo is located in Battersea Park and the closest park entry gate to the zoo is Chelsea Gate, situated on Queenstown Road
Booking: Book here
London Wetland Centre
What to expect: SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure. Explore the magical superpowers and folklore of the wetlands. There’s willow wand making, potion brewing and fungi hunting.
SilverSpoon Tip: A great choice for a less scary Halloween day out, and a great chance for city kids to learn and understand nature.
Best for: 3 +
Dates: 24 October – 1 November
Price: Included with admission
Getting there: The London Wetland Centre is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from Barnes Station.
Booking: Book here
Discover Children’s Story Centre
What to expect: There is ‘spooky’ storytelling and crafts for Halloween at the centre. There’s Creepy Crawlies with London College of Fashion – a mask making workshop and music, games and a special storytelling of ‘Who Said Boo’ by Jeanne Willis.
SilverSpoon Tip: There are two floors of storytelling fun to explore plus an outdoor playground. You can build your own adventure with the extra immersive experience, storytelling and shows. This is a great value day out.
Best for: All ages, but 0 – 8 are the main audience. There are even shows suitable for tiny babies.
Dates: Various special storytelling sessions throughout September and October
Price: £5.50. Additional storytelling and shows are extra.
Getting there: The Discover Children’s Story Centre is about a 10 minute walk from Stratford station.
Booking: Book here
Peppa Pig Halloween London Sightseeing Bus Tour
What to expect: Brigit’s Bakery presents a spooky afternoon tea experience through London’s most famous landmarks and Peppa-themed spooky treats.
SilverSpoon Tip: We’ve done the original Peppa Bus tour and it was a huge hit, the cakes are also genuinely tasty. If you’re worried about taking a toddler on a 90-minute bus tour – don’t worry – Noah was engaged throughout.
Best for: Little Peppa fans. Children must be 2 +
Dates: 19 October – 1 November
Price: From £54
Getting there: Catch the bus from Temple (Bus Stop N), Victoria Embankment, by Temple Tube Station
Booking: Book here
Here’s my full review of the Peppa Pig afternoon tea bus.
These are some of my favourite Halloween events in London for kids who prefer something a little less spooky.
Best Pumpkin Picking Near London
October half term is also peak pumpkin picking season, and there are several brilliant pumpkin patches within easy reach of London. Pick your favourite pumpkin and carve it into the spookiest face!
Willows Activity Farm, St Albans
Best For: A full family day out
Willows is brilliant with younger children as pumpkin picking is only part of the experience. There’s a full programme of events as well as the pumpkin patch itself such as arts and crafts, a Halloween maze, Character Shows including Patch the Pumpkin, Halloween disco, tractor rides and the chance to meet Peter Rabbit & Friends.
Bockett’s Farm, Leatherhead, Surrey
Best for toddlers and younger children
Bocketts Farm has Witches and Wizards week with a pumpkin village, a Reptile Roadshow, Science and Slime Shows, crafts, a spooky disco plus all the usual farm activities making it a fun autumn day out.
Tulleys, Crawley, West Sussex
Best for: The perfect Insta shot
Tulleys hosts Europe’s largest pumpkin festival, with 1.5 million pumpkins. It’s best for a more traditional pumpkin experience than a children’s farm day.
For a full comparison read my guide to the best pumpkin patches near London.
Best Halloween Theatre Shows for Kids in London
Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre
What to expect: Halloween is a great chance to see one of London’s most ‘Popular’ musicals. I saw it again recently and it’s one of the best in London. It showcases the journey of Elphaba, the infamous green girl who rose to become the Wicked Witch of the West as well as her friendship with Glinda the Good Witch.
SilverSpoon Tip: One of my favourite musicals in London but it’s definitely not suitable for younger children.
Best for: 6 +
Dates: Ongoing
Price: Varies
Getting there: The Apollo Victoria Theatre is located right next to Victoria Station.
Booking: Here’s the link to book Wicked and use my code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Franky at the Lyric Hammersmith
What to expect: This Halloween, join Prof Frankenstein and her lovable creation for a monstrously fun family adventure!
Best for: 3 +
Dates: 27 – 31 October
Price: From £12
Getting there: Hammersmith Tube station is about two minutes walk from the theatre.
Booking: Book here
Ghosts & Ghouls Family Tour at The Globe Theatre
What to expect: A special family-friendly guided tour of the Globe Theatre which brings to life the ghosts, spirits and scary occurrences in Shakespeare’s most chilling plays.
Best for: 8 +
Dates: Until 30th January
Price: Adult £28, under-16, £21
Getting there: Blackfriars station is a 10 minute walk
Booking: Book here
Best Free Halloween Events in London for Kids
London is brilliant at Halloween and one thing I’d suggest is simply having a walk around the pretty neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill, Belgravia and Chelsea and spotting the best-dressed houses!
Hyde Park Discovery Days: Hair Raising Halloween
What to expect: Head to the LookOut Discovery Centre in Hyde Park for a free Halloween-themed family day out with nature-inspired activities. It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for something seasonal without the price tag of many of London’s big Halloween events.
SilverSpoon Tip: Combine it with an autumn walk through Hyde Park or a visit to the nearby Diana Memorial Playground.
Best for: Families with younger children
Dates: 29 – 31 October, 11am–3.30pm
Price: Free
Getting there: The Hyde Park Learning Centre is in the centre of Hyde Park but is difficult to find. You can use this map to navigate to The Lookout https://goo.gl/maps/yWdmM6eZU4uz
Booking: Register here
Halloween Happenings on High Street Kensington
What to expect: Families can follow a Halloween trail around the neighbourhood, with spooky surprises, themed workshops and seasonal treats along the way. On 31st October, there’s a takeover at Holland Park and the free Playful Park of Peculiar, with spooky characters, immersive installations, interactive games and live entertainment.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a great option if you’re looking for something fun and Halloween-themed without the price tag of some of London’s bigger events.
Best for: all ages
Dates: 24 – 31 October
Price: Free
Getting there: Head to High Street Kensington Underground
Booking: There’s no need to book but you can find out more here.
Best Halloween Events Near London Worth Travelling For
Blenheim Palace
What to expect: Halloween at Blenheim Palace is set to return for 2026 with new characters, immersive installations and interactive photo moments.
This autumn, along the 1.3-kilometre after-dark trail set within the historic grounds of the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site, among the biggest new arrivals will be an enormous Spider Puppet, energetic Monster Disco and neon coffin selfie installations.
SilverSpoon Tip: The trail can be very lifelike and scary in places, so I recommend parental guidance. Children can also enjoy the adventure playground onsite.
Best for: 6 + and brave little ones
Dates: 22 October – 1 November
Price: Peak: £25 per adult and £19.50 per child / Standard: £23 per adult and £17.50 per child / Off peak: £19 per adult and £13.50 per child
Getting there: Travel from London Marylebone by Chiltern Trains to Oxford Parkway (then connect to Blenheim by Bus S7).
Booking: Book here
LEGOLAND Windsor
What to expect: Brick or Treat is LEGOLAND’s ultimate Halloween event, it’s the perfect autumn day out for families. Expect fang-tastic surprises, live entertainment, and over 55 rides and attractions. Returning for 2026, Lord Vampyre’s House Party is a show that’ll have everyone dancing!
SilverSpoon Tip: Read my full guide to LEGOLAND Windsor
Best for: There’s something for everyone at this popular attraction in Windsor.
Dates: 10 – 11 Oct, 17 Oct – 1 Nov
Price: £37
Getting there: Half an hour from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, via Slough on Great Western Railway. Or direct from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside on South Western Railway. Approximate journey time from London Waterloo is less than 1 hour.
Booking: Book here
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
What to expect: There is lots going on at one of the UK’s most popular attractions. Get ready for Hallowe’en with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London during the much-loved Dark Arts feature and explore the dark side of the wizarding world.
Discover the Great Hall with over 100 floating pumpkins above a sweet feast. Look out for Death Eaters throughout the Studio Tour in authentic costumes with sinister choreography.
SilverSpoon Tip: Book well in advance as this is one of London’s top attractions. Be aware it is in Watford just outside of London.
Best for: Older children
Dates: 16 September – 8 November
Price: From £58.50
Getting there: From Euston Station you can get the Overground train to Watford Junction. At Watford Junction a transfer from the studios picks you up for an approx. 15 – 20-minute drive.
Booking: Book here
Chessington World of Adventures
What to expect: HOWL’O’WEEN! There’s spooktacular Halloween entertainment this October with new Halloween shows, Enchanted Hollow – Trick or Treat, theme park rides at dusk and more spooky fun!
SilverSpoon Tip: Younger children will love the brand new World of Paw Patrol.
Best for: All ages
Dates: 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 October – 1 November
Price: £34
Getting there: Chessington South station is 35 minutes from London Waterloo. Outside the station you can pick up a bus to the theme park.
Booking: Book here
Alton Towers
What to expect: Scarefest is coming, an immersive world of spine-tingling Halloween attractions and sensational live entertainment. There are scare mazes and rides, plus spooktacular family fun for all ages. Guests can experience terrifying rides and attractions in darkness – including the all-new Nemesis Reborn, plus Wicker Man and The Smiler!
SilverSpoon Tip: Little ones will love Cbeebies Land including the new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!
Best for: Something for all ages
Dates: 26 – 27 September, 2nd – 4, 9th – 11, 16 October – 1 November
Price: From £37
Getting there: Stoke on Trent rail station is 15 miles from Alton Towers Resort (it’s actually only 1.5 hours to Stoke on Trent!)
Booking: Book here
Hever Castle
What to expect: Halloween Half Term Fun. This year the theme is Spooktacular Science: a Mad Scientists Halloween Trail, make-your-own scientist goggles and Dr Frankenstein’s Science Adventure Show, all included with admission. The Autumn Colour season runs 28 September – 1 November.
Best for: All ages
Dates: 17 October – 1 November
Price: Included in admission
Getting there: London Victoria to Edenbridge Town Station, and then it’s about three miles in a taxi.
Booking: Book here
More Halloween Activities in London for Kids
Chelsea Physic Garden
What to expect: Family Halloween activities include Slime-making, broomstick making, pumpkin carving and spooky sensory play.
SilverSpoon Tip: If you feel overwhelmed by London’s bigger gardens, I recommend Chelsea Physic Garden which is much smaller and more accessible.
Best for: Varies for different events
Dates: 19 – 27 October
Price: Approx. adult £15 / child £10
Getting there: Nearest tube station is Sloane Square
Booking: book here
Fulham Palace
What to expect: Young Archaeologists’ Club Witchcraft and Spooky Superstitions Halloween special exploring ancient superstitions and the ways people tried to ward off evil spirits.
Best for: This is for older kids age 8 – 16
Dates: 24 October
Price: £16
Getting there: District Line to Putney Bridge Station. The Palace is a 15 minute walk through Bishop’s Park.
Booking: Book here
Eltham Palace
What to expect: This historic palace is hosting a Great Pumpkin Party for Halloween half term. Families can enjoy interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and seasonal photo opportunities.
Best for: Great for younger children.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November
Price: Included with admission. Free for English Heritage members.
Getting there: Mottingham station is 0.5 mile (about 10 minutes’ walk) from Eltham Palace
Booking: Book here
Whether you’re looking for spectacular Halloween events, pumpkin picking, spooky theatre or something gentle enough for younger children, there’s plenty happening in and around London this Halloween.
I’ll keep updating this guide to the best Halloween events in London for kids as more 2026 events are announced, so do check back for new additions. And if you’re planning the rest of the school holidays, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in London with kids this October half term.
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