Looking for the best things to do in London with kids this October half term 2026? 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 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 activities in London for October half term 2026, including Halloween activities, pumpkin picking, exhibitions, theatre, free days out and a few selected family activities just outside London. For this guide I’ve focused specifically on events and activities taking place during October half term from 17th October to 1st November 2026, allowing for the variation for different school holidays.
If you’d rather have the whole week planned out for you, I’ve also put together a 3-day October half-term itinerary in London for primary-school children.
My Top Family-Friendly Picks for October Half Term 2026
Best Overall: Halloween at Kew
Best for Halloween: Tower of London
Best Pumpkin Patch: Willows Activity Farm
Best for preschoolers: Halloween at Battersea Zoo
Best for older kids: Warner Bros Studio Tour – Dark Arts
Best for rainy days: London Transport Museum
Best theatre or show: Wicked
Best free activity: Hyde Park Discover Days
Best special treat: Brigit’s Bakery Halloween Afternoon Tea bus
Best trip outside of London: Legoland
Halloween Things to Do in London With Kids 2026
Kew Gardens – Halloween at Kew is one of London’s most popular and sell-out events. The gardens will transform into a thrilling, illuminated trail packed with scary encounters, surprises and shocking moments for brave visitors of all ages.
Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Dates: 16 October – 24 October 2026: 6pm to 10pm, 25 October – 1 November 2026: 4pm to 10pm
Best for: 6 + / confident younger children
Price: From £23 per adult / £17 per child
SilverSpoon Tip: I haven’t experienced Halloween at Kew myself, but from the footage I’ve seen it does look genuinely scary in places, I’d recommend parental guidance when booking for young children.
Tower of London – chilling tales and haunting history at the Tower of London this October half term for a Halloween adventure.
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 throughout parts of the Tower and there are spirited gatherings at 11.15, 12.45 and 14.45.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Best for: Parental guidance. May scare some children.
Price: Included in admission
SilverSpoon Tip: The atmosphere of London’s famous prison is perfect for Halloween and this promises to be something very special!
Hampton Court – 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.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Best for: Parental guidance
Price: Included with entry.
SilverSpoon Tip: Don’t forget to visit the brilliant Magic Garden (children’s playground) and the famous maze.
I’ve rounded up all the best Halloween events for kids in London here.
London Wetland Centre – 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.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November
Best for: 3+
Price: Included with admission
SilverSpoon Tip: A great choice for a less scary Halloween day out, and a great chance for city kids to learn and understand nature.
Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour with Brigit’s Bakery. A good way of combining sightseeing with a Halloween experience.
Dates: 19 October – 1 November 2026
12:00, 14:30, 17:00
Best for: 5 + , under 5s are not allowed on the bus
Price: £45 adult / £37 child
Eltham Palace – 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.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November
Best for: Great for younger children.
Price: Included with admission. Free for English heritage members.
Fright on the Thames
What to expect: A 60-minute Halloween river cruise with live actors telling spooky stories from London’s past. Hear tales of Captain Kidd, Jack the Ripper and haunted Old London Bridge as you sail past the city’s landmarks. Tickets include a hot chocolate or a glass of prosecco.
SilverSpoon Tip: Bear the 7pm start in mind with younger children, and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Best for: Children aged 5+ who enjoy ghost stories.
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026, daily at 7pm
Price: £24.50 per adult; £23.50 per child
Getting there: London Eye River Cruise, Boarding Point 2, South Bank
Booking: Book here. Tickets are for the cruise only and don’t include the London Eye.
The Ivy’s Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet – For a Halloween breakfast with a Silverspoony twist, The Ivy is hosting a Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet on Sunday 1 November. Expect breakfast, seasonal treats and spooky surprises, with a Halloween toy and treats for children. Fancy dress is encouraged, so the little ones can make an occasion of it.
Dates: 1 November
Best for: Little foodies
Price: £32.50 for adults and £27.50 for children.
Once upon a Villain Afternoon tea – The villains are taking over the Disney Princess afternoon tea at Park Corner Brasserie for Halloween. Expect treats inspired by Snow White’s apple, Dr. Facilier’s top hat and Maleficent’s hat, alongside a little role for children to play. As honorary Princess Consultants and official taste testers, they vote for their favourite creations using a royal voting card and take home a certificate.
SilverSpoon Tip: Oscar loved spotting the characters in the treats, and I loved that he had something to get involved in alongside eating them! Dress up as you favourite baddie for extra fun.
Dates: Available for a limited time; check when booking
Best for: Disney fans and children who enjoy a themed afternoon tea
Price: £70 per adult; £45 per child
Location: Park Corner Brasserie, London Hilton on Park Lane
Halloween Family Fiesta Brunch at Treehouse Hotel London
What to expect: Madera’s Family Fiesta Brunch is getting a Halloween makeover with Sharky + George. Children aged 4–10 can enjoy 90 minutes of games, giant bubbles, dancing and Halloween challenges in a dedicated entertainment space beside the restaurant, while parents settle in for brunch and views over London. Costumes are encouraged!
SilverSpoon Tip: There are two entertainment sessions, so book your brunch around the 12pm or 1.30pm slot.
Best for: Families with children aged 4–10.
Dates: Sunday 25 October 2026; entertainment at 12pm and 1.30pm
Price: To be confirmed
Getting there: Madera, 15th floor, Treehouse Hotel London, Marylebone
Booking: Find out more and book here.
PAUL’s Half-Term Kids’ Meal Deal
What to expect: A handy lunch stop between half-term activities. PAUL’s kids’ meal deal includes a soft roll filled with cheese or ham, an apple, a Cawston Press juice carton and a slice of chocolate cake, all for £3.95.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a useful grab-and-go option, but check your branch is participating before heading in.
Dates: 17 October–1 November 2026
Price: £3.95 per meal deal
Getting there: Selected PAUL bakeries in London
Booking: No booking needed; find your nearest PAUL here.
Moomin Brunch at Hilton London Bankside
What to expect: Enjoy a Moomin-themed brunch at OXBO Bankside, part of the hotel’s Moomin takeover, which also includes a dedicated family craft area. The final brunch takes place at the start of October half term, before the takeover ends later in the month.
SilverSpoon Tip: The brunch finishes on 25 October, so plan this for the first weekend of half term.
Best for: Families who love the Moomins.
Dates: Until Sunday 25 October 2026
Price: Check with the restaurant when booking
Getting there: OXBO Bankside, Hilton London Bankside
Booking: Book directly with OXBO Bankside.
ROKA Aldwych – Half-Term Family Brunch
What to expect: One of our favourite restaurants is hosting a family-friendly Japanese brunch. ROKA Aldwych has complimentary face painting, colouring activities and balloons to keep little ones entertained while parents enjoy the restaurant’s signature Han Setto Sunday Brunch or à la carte menu.
SilverSpoon Tip: Children under five eat free, while children aged 5–10 can enjoy brunch for £16.50 when the whole table chooses the brunch menu.
Location: ROKA Aldwych, Covent Garden, London
Date: Sunday 25 October & Sunday 1 November 2026
Time: 1pm–3pm (children’s activities)
Age: All ages
Price: Children’s activities are complimentary. Under-fives eat free; children’s brunch £16.50 for ages 5–10, subject to the brunch menu conditions.
Booking: ROKA Family-Friendly Half-Term Brunch
Best October Half Term Activities for Preschoolers in London
Paddington Bear Experience, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd – Step into Paddington’s world with an adventure through London and Peru! Explore interactive sets with live performances, and themed activities inspired by everyone’s favourite bear.
For Halloween it’s Trick or Treat at Windsor Gardens with autumnal decorations and an exclusive trick-or-treat package including: Paddington Bear Ears, a souvenir pumpkin sweet bucket and a selection of sweets. The experience lasts around 70 minutes.
Dates: Open daily from 10am. 17 October – 1 November for the Halloween special
Best for: Everyone will enjoy a day out with Paddington, even parents!
Price: From £39
SilverSpoon Tip: The experience ends with the Marmalade Day which gives the opportunity for free play and the chance to meet Paddington himself.
Battersea Children’s Zoo – There are mysterious animal encounters and family-friendly Halloween storytime at this little London zoo for half term.
Dates: October half term.
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers
Price: Approx adult £17.50 / child £13.95
SilverSpoon Tip: This smaller zoo is great for little kids and also contains several playgrounds to burn off energy!
Kew Gardens – Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club is heading on an autumn adventure. An outdoor trail features interactive challenges that encourage fun, exploration and learning in nature.
Dates: 17 October to 1 November 2026 (times vary)
Best for: Preschoolers
Price: Included with entry to the Gardens. This autumn £10 entry to Kew Gardens every Tuesday.
SilverSpoon Tip: A brilliant way to explore London’s famous gardens with little kids.
The Smeds and the Smoos – On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? We love this book, and the stage adaptation is brilliant for younger children. At the Southbank Centre.
Dates: 28 October – 1 November
Best for: 3 + (but fine for all ages)
Price: £22
SilverSpoon Tip: Tall Stories is brilliant theatre company that always creates amazing family productions.
Peppa Pig Halloween London Sightseeing Bus Tour from Brigit’s Bakery, a spooky afternoon tea experience through London’s most famous landmarks and Peppa-themed spooky treats.
Date: 19 October – 1 November
Best for: Little Peppa fans
Price: From £54
SilverSpoon Tip: We’ve done the original Peppa Bus tour and it was a huge hit, the cakes are also genuinely tasty.
SEA LIFE – London’s Biggest Aquarium is always a great choice if the weather doesn’t go as planned! For Halloween, the brilliant sea sorcerers have arrived for a frighteningly fun time! They love looking after their ocean home and helping keep their fellow sea creatures safer.
Click here to check availability and pricing.
Dates: Halloween activities 17 October – 1 November
Best for: all ages
Price: From £36 per adult.
Science Museum – Bubble Explorers – This live show is designed for younger children, with bubbles to watch, experiments to join in with and a playful introduction to science. Little ones can see how bubbles form, move and change with help from the museum’s Explainers.
Dates: Daily; times vary
Best for: Ages 7 and under, including babies and toddlers
Price: £4.50; ages 2 and under go free
SilverSpoon Tip: Babies and toddlers will love watching the bubbles and older kids will love learning the science behind it.
Looking for more? Read my complete guide to the things to do in London for babies and toddlers this September and October.
I’ve also put together a 3-day October half-term itinerary in London for toddlers and preschoolers.
Special Museum Events during October Half Term
London Transport Museum – October half term – Along the Piccadilly Line. This half term take part in fun family activities celebrating this historic Underground line and the people and places it connects us to.
Dates: Check website for dates in October.
Best for: All ages
Price: Included in museum ticket.
SilverSpoon Tips: One of our favourite museums in London. Don’t forget to visit the cafe for pancakes!
RAF Museum – October half term is Jet and Space Week. From stepping inside a giant planetarium to battling it out in laser tag and helping Percy & Mr Fox solve a museum mystery.
Dates: 24 October – 1 November
Best for: 3 +
Price: From £5
Maritime Museum – Unboxing the Universe is a multi-sensory live science show that turns big space questions into exciting moments of discovery and wonder.
Dates: 26 & 27 Sept | 24 & 25 Oct
Best for: 7 +
Price: £8
The museum is running free family workshops and storytelling sessions themed around bugs and creepy crawlies. Activities include sensory spider storytelling, the interactive Great Big Bug Show, crafts and the chance to become a museum Bug Detective.
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Best for: Younger children and primary-school-age families
Price: Free
SilverSpoon Tip: Kids will love the Ahoy! Soft Play and Cove Playground at the Maritime Museum, you can make a full day of a visit to Greenwich and visit the Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House.
Florence Nightingale Museum – Magic Lantern Show: Victoria Halloween. Lanternists, Jeremy and Carolyn Brooker, as they present a bespoke show that captures the magic of a Victorian Halloween!
Combining original glass slides from the 19th and 20th century paired alongside modern slides of their own creations.
Dates: 26th October
Best for: All ages
Price: Children £7.50, adult £15
Love museums? Read my complete guide to the best museums with kids.
Science Museum – Pokémon Space Trail – Pokémon fans can explore the museum’s galleries on a space-themed trail created with the European Space Agency. It pairs familiar characters with real space science, and there’s a dedicated Pokémon x ESA Gift Shop to visit afterwards. If your children play Pokémon GO, they can also look out for Astronaut Pikachu.
Dates: 2 October 2026 – 3 January 2027
Best for: Pokémon fans of all ages
Price: Free; timed tickets required for the gift shop
SilverSpoon Tip: October half-term tickets are due to open on 2 October, so check the museum’s website before you go. The museum’s Power Up gaming experience is a separate, ticketed add-on.
Science Museum – Wonderlab – Wonderlab’s hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations make it a brilliant choice for curious children. Two new shows are included with admission: Are We There Yet? explores the science of engines, speed and transport, while Is That Light? uses experiments to show how light and waves work. Both give children a chance to interact.
Dates: Daily; show times vary
Best for: Ages 7–14
Price: Ticketed; prices vary, with family discounts and annual passes available
SilverSpoon Tip: Book early for a cheaper Wonderlab ticket. Both live shows are included, so check the day’s show times when planning your visit.
Horniman Museum – ‘Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures.’ Inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Seas’, families are invited to board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine and set off on an underwater adventure. Includes an Octonauts adventure trail.
Dates: Until 1 November
Best for: Preschoolers
Price: Adult £9.80, £7 child (under 3s are free)
SilverSpoon Tip: The nature playground is now open (and is free!) brilliant for the autumn months.
Octonauts story time and coral reef craft at the Horniman – Listen to an Octonauts adventure set in the Great Reef City, then make a colourful 3D coral reef from recyclable materials. Children will also learn why reefs matter and what happens when coral bleaches. Adults need to stay and help with the craft.
Dates: 27–28 October 2026, at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm
Best for: £8.50 per child, including one accompanying adult
Price: Best for ages 4–7
British Museum – For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry is returning to England.
Dates: 10 September 2026 – 11 July 2027
Best for: Older children
Price: Free. Tickets are currently sold out but watch out for releases
SilverSpoon Tip: The British Museum is a London icon but, I warn you, it can be a little boring for younger children
The British Museum is marking the opening of The Bayeux Tapestry with a weekend of medieval-inspired workshops and drop-in activities for children and adults. The full programme is still to come.
It’s worth booking a free timed Museum entry ticket for priority entry during busy periods. The activities do not include admission to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition; that needs a separate ticket.
Dates: Saturday 10–Sunday 11 October 2026
Best for: 6+
Price: Free. First come, first served
October Half Term at Twist Museum
What to expect: Twist Museum is getting a spooky makeover, with Halloween surprises alongside its 80+ interactive illusions. Children can follow a free UV Ghost Trail, collect a UV keychain and prizes, and enter the costume competition. There’s also Halloween candy for children and daily magic shows from 24 October–1 November.
Dates: 17 October–1 November 2026
Best for: Children who enjoy interactive exhibits, illusions and magic
Price: Halloween extras included with admission; check ticket prices when booking
Location: Twist Museum, Oxford Street
October Half Term at London Museum Docklands
What to expect: London Museum Docklands is filling half term with London legends, fairy tales and spooky superstitions. Children can make mythical creatures and lucky clay charms, meet some very superstitious sailors or dance at a spooky silent disco. There’s plenty for younger children too, including Little City: Spooky City and a fairy tale themed Tots at the Docks session.
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026, with activities on selected days
Best for: Families with children of different ages; check each activity’s age guidance
Price: Free
Location: London Museum Docklands, Canary Wharf
Free Things to Do This October Half Term
Hyde Park Discovery Days Hair-raising Halloween. 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.
Dates: 29 – 31 October, 11am–3.30pm
Best for: Families with younger children
Price: Free
SilverSpoon Tip: Combine it with an autumn walk through Hyde Park or a visit to the nearby Diana Memorial Playground.
Halloween Happenings on High Street Kensington – For a brilliant free Halloween activity in London, head to High Street Kensington. From 24th–31st October 2026, 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.
Dates: 24 – 31 October
Best for: All ages
Price: Free
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.
Diwali on the Square – Free event in Trafalgar Square, with 200 dancers, music and performances from Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, plus sari/turban tying, yoga, meditation, puppet shows, dance workshops and food stalls.
Dates: 25 October
Best for: All ages
Price: Free
Westminster Abbey – Family tour: Souls, saints and stories. Hear about the tales of surprising ends, unusual burials, kings, queens, a saint and the fascinating connections between the Church calendar and this most mysterious time of year.
Dates: 26th – 30th October 2026
Best for: 5+
Price: Free
SilverSpoon Tip: Westminster Abbey works surprisingly well with children.
Tate Modern – UNIQLO Tate Play: Holiday Make Studio. Children can use everyday objects to build a shared installation, then return another day to find the space transformed. It’s an open-ended, hands-on option for October half term, with no set outcome or right way to make something.
Dates: 24–31 October 2026, 10.30am–6pm
Best for: All ages
Price: Free
Barbie | Royal Ballet Half-Term Pop-Up
What to expect: Enter the world of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House with free Barbie and Royal Ballet activities. Follow a trail of Nutcracker dolls, collect stamps in an activity passport and pose against a Barbie in The Nutcracker backdrop. Free ticketed activities also include storytelling, dressing up, puppet making, dolls, puzzles and colouring.
SilverSpoon Tip: The trail and photo opportunity are drop-in, but book ahead for the ticketed activities.
Best for: Children who love Barbie, ballet and imaginative play.
Dates: 28–31 October 2026; storytelling on 29–30 October
Price: Free
Getting there: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; storytelling takes place in the ground-floor 1858 Foyer
Booking: Find out more and book here.
We Go Way Back at the Francis Crick Institute
What to expect: We Go Way Back is a free exhibition where children can move, touch and smell their way through the story of ancient DNA. There’s a giant tooth wordsearch, shadow puppets and puzzles, with an Explorer Trail for toddlers and a Discovery Trail for children aged seven and over. Playmats, a buggy park and a café make it an easy option with little ones, and you can bring a packed lunch.
Dates: Ongoing throughout October half term. Wednesday 10am–8pm; Thursday–Saturday 10am–4pm
Best for: Toddlers and primary school children, with separate trails for different ages
Price: Free
Location: Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, opposite St Pancras
Nature Heroes: Help the Humble Hedgehog
What to expect: A free family workshop with Groundwork London, exploring how to help hedgehogs and other wildlife this autumn. Children can join creative activities and make something to take home, while families can ask the community gardener about growing plants on balconies and in small spaces. Refreshments are provided.
SilverSpoon Tip: It’s a drop-in session, so you can arrive any time between 1pm and 4pm and stay for as long as you like.
Best for: Children aged 5–11, accompanied by a parent or carer.
Dates: Tuesday 27 October 2026, 1–4pm
Price: Free
Getting there: Nico’s Annex, Hackney Bridge, E15 2SJ
Booking: Find out more and book here.
For more budget-friendly ideas, see my guide to the best free things to do in London with kids
Theatre and Shows for October Half Term
Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre – 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. Here’s the link to book Wicked and use my code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Dates: Ongoing
Best for: 6 +
Price: Varies
SilverSpoon Tip: One of my favourite musicals in London but it’s definitely not suitable for younger children.
Franky at the Lyric Hammersmith – This Halloween, join Prof Frankenstein and her lovable creation for a monstrously fun family adventure!
Dates: 27 – 31 October
Best for: Ages vary
Price: from £12
Puppet Theatre Barge – Little Venice
Anansi & The Lost Sun – a West African tale told through puppetry, spoken word and traditional West African music.
Dates: 17 – 18 October
Best for: 3 – 7
Price: Adult £15 / child £12
The Town Mouse & The Country Mouse
Dates: 24 October – 15 November
Best for: 3 – 7
Price: Adult £15 / child £12
SilverSpoon Tip: Kids will love the unique venue itself is only a 40-seat theatre inside a converted barge.
The Globe
As You Like It family workshops with separate versions for ages 5–8 and 9–11. These are one-hour practical workshops using games and activities to explore the characters, language and themes. October family workshops also include entry to the Globe’s exhibition.
Dates: 27 – 30 October
Best for: 5 – 8 and 9 – 11, culture vultures!
Price: £13
SilverSpoon Tip: Don’t miss the guided walking tour of The Globe too.
Family Film Week at the Barbican
What to expect: Family Film Week brings family screenings, crafts and workshops to the Barbican this half term. Highlights include a 30th anniversary screening of Matilda with bookmark making, and a preview of Papaya with pre-film collaging. There are also short films, a draw-along and a quiz, plus books, games and toys in the Cinema Café.
Dates: October half term 2026; check the programme for individual dates
Best for: Film-loving families; age guidance varies by screening
Price: Check individual screenings
Location: Barbican, City of London
October Half Term Day Trips from London 2026
LEGOLAND Windsor – 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. Buy tickets here.
Returning for 2026, Lord Vampyre’s House Party is a show that’ll have everyone dancing!
Dates: 10 – 11 October, 17 October – 1 November
Best for: There’s something for everyone at this popular attraction in Windsor.
Price: £37
SilverSpoon Tip: Read my full guide to LEGOLAND Windsor.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour – Lots going on at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London this autumn. 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.
Dates: 16 September – 8 November
Best for: Older children
Price: From £58.50
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.
Chessington World Of Adventures: 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! Book tickets here.
Dates: 3 – 4 , 10 – 11, 17 October – 1 November
Best for: All ages
Price: £34
SilverSpoon Tip: Chessington is surprisingly easy to get to from London.
Another event just outside London and this one sounds brilliant. Halloween at Blenheim Palace is set to return for 2026 with new characters, immersive installations, 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.
Dates: 22 October – 1 November
Best for: 6 + and brave little ones
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
SilverSpoon Tip: The production feels very lifelike and scary so I recommend parental guidance.
Hever Castle – 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.
Dates: 17 October – 1 November
Best for: All ages
Price: Included in admission
For more ideas on days out, I have a full list of ideas for day trips less than two hours from London.
Pumpkin Picking During October Half Term
October half term is also peak pumpkin picking season, and there are several brilliant pumpkin patches within easy reach of London.
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.
Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey
Best For: A more traditional pumpkin picking experience
For a more traditional pumpkin-picking experience, Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey welcomes you into the growing fields to choose your pumpkin directly from the crop.
Bockett’s Farm, Leatherhead, Surrey
Best for toddlers and younger children
Bocketts Farm have 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
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.
October half term is one of my favourite times of year in London with my boys. Between Halloween events, autumn walks, theatre, museums and pumpkin picking, there’s so much to do – whether you want a big-ticket family day out or something free.
I’ve deliberately kept this guide curated rather than including every event taking place in London, focusing on the October half term activities I genuinely think are worth considering for families.
I’ll keep updating this guide throughout October 2026 as new events and activities are announced, so bookmark it and check back before half term.
PIN IT!!
