Half-term activities for kids this October
Prepare for a fun‑filled October half‑term with a selection of activities to do for kids and the family together. Our list includes limited‑time only activities, as well as plenty of kid‑must see experiences.
Some activities listed do require a booking and fee whilst others do not and are free entry.
1. Gruffalo’s Child Trail
The Gruffalo’s Child trail plots an enchanting journey through Kew Gardens. Adventurous visitors will encounter much‑loved characters from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book, including, Fox, Owl, Snake, The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and of course, the Big Bad Mouse.
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2. Walk with Amal
Little Amal is a young refugee puppet who has embarked on a remarkable journey taking her from Syria to Turkey and across Europe. As she arrives at her destination this week here in the UK, Walk with Amal is bringing together celebrated artists, major cultural institutions, community groups and humanitarian organisations, creating one of the most innovative and adventurous public artworks ever attempted.
🎟️ Donate to the fund, buy merchandise or get involved in other ways, here
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3. London Wetland Centre
‘Illuminature’ is WWT London Wetland Centre’s newest experience with a light trail through habitats of owls, geese and otters. Children and adults can dance under rainfall lights, skip along with fireflies, play in the blue waters of an immersive light tunnel, hop along responsive lily pads, create colourful shadow animals, and have plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Barnes
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4. Hackney City Farm
Experience farming in the heart of the city at Hackney City Farm. They offer children and grown‑ups the opportunity to get up close to a range of farmyard animals and at times run educational workshops. There is also a cafe nearby to grab a bite from. Since they are a charity they have free entry but do operate on generous donations.
📍 South Kensington
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5. Bekonscot Model Village
Bekonscot Model Village is the world’s oldest model village! With miniatures of homes, trains and a whole village, this location is perfect for a family day out. The village is currently in theme with the season and has many autumn leaves roaming around the village.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Beaconsfield
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6. Shakespeare’s Globe
Uncover the magic of storytelling in a family workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe where you can experience Shakespeare’s plays in a storytelling session, jump into the action in an on‑stage workshop and learn the secrets of the Globe on a family guided tour.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Millennium bridge
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7. Frozen the Musical
Prepare to fall in love with Disney’s Frozen all over again as a brand‑new theatrical experience arrives in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This is a great opportunity for all Frozen lovers to have an unforgettable experience with the characters they love most.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Covent Garden
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8. Aldenham Country Park
Aldenham Country Park is a not‑for‑profit farming, food, care and education enterprise with 175 acres of beautiful countryside. Enjoy the scenery, walks, explore the farm and 100 Aker Wood, home of Pooh Bear and friends.
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9. The Puppet Theatre
Puppet Barge is the UK’s only floating puppet theatre. Why not watch a puppet show together in a unique style. Currently running one of their most popular products “The Flight of Babuscha Baboon”.
🎟️ Box Office: 020 7249 6876
📍 Little Venice
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10. Science Museum
Experience science first‑hand at the Science Museum which has a range of interactive and thought‑provoking exhibitions, displays and shows. From space travel to IMAX, there’s something for all the family to see.
🎟️ Book free tickets here
📍 South Kensington
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11. Rainforest Cafe
Rainforest Cafe is designed as an exotic jungle that recreates the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest. This restaurant is perfect for taking the kids to an enjoyable and fun meal. Prepare yourself to explore the restaurant!
Halal status: Halal meat is available but please do ask your server on the day for exact dishes.
🎟️ Book your table here
📍 Leicester Square
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12. London Zoo
Checkout the newest addition to ZSL London Zoo which is the Giants of Galápagos. They have three new tortoises named Dolly, Polly and Priscilla who are roaming about in their new island home with a tropical atmosphere installation keeping them warm at 27 degrees.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Regents Park
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13. Warner Bros. Studios Tour
Experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at WB Studio Tour where you can explore iconic sets & discover what it took to bring the Harry Potter films to life at Warner. This location is great for all Harry Potter fans (including adults and kids).
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14. Go Ape
Go Ape Alexandra Palace is an outdoor adventure location which runs tree top ropes courses, challenges, zip trekking, as well as ground‑based segway safari with locations across the United Kingdom. This is a perfect activity for families and friends.
🎟️ Book tickets for Alexandra Palace here (or for other locations visit website)
📍 Multiple Locations
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15. Lost Jungle London
Lost Jungle London is Europe’s largest adventure golf course with 36 holes of extreme adventure golf and 9 holes of foot golf. This location is great for those slightly warmer days where you can enjoy some fresh air and play a competitive fun game.
📍 Edgware
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16. London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum brings together more than 500,000 objects including locomotives, horse‑drawn vehicles, scale models, prints and poster art. Head to the ground floor to find a family play zone, ideal for toddlers and children where they can dive into interactive activities, such as driving mini vehicles, dressing up in uniforms and more.
🎟️ Book tickets here – they’re valid for 12 months and allow unlimited visits (Free entry for children)
📍 Covent Garden
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17. Oxygen Freejumping
Visit The UK’s No.1 Trampoline Parks & The Home Of Freejumping Oxygen Freejumping. This is a great activity for kids to get active and have a fun time.
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Acton
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18. Clown Town
Clowntown Finchley is the largest and most popular indoor children soft play and activity centre in London. The location also offers a dedicated toddler area with ball ponds, small climbing soft play area and fun, as well as fun educational toys. This is a great place for letting the kids rto get active and enjoy their time.
🎟️ Book passes here
📍 Finchley
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19. Vauxhall City Farm
Visit Vauxhall City Farm is a little piece of the countryside right in the heart of London with all the sights, smells, sounds and experiences of rural life. The farm is run as a charity focusing on education, youth work, animal care and horticulture and is a centre for Riding for the Disabled. This Farm is a great way to both support a charity as well as allowing kids to be in touch with nature.
🎟️ Free Entry
📍 Vauxhall
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20. Queens
Queens London is a great location for a fun day out with the kids and family! This location has indoor bowling lanes, an ice rink and arcade. The area also has plenty of halal restaurants nearby to end the day with a tasty meal.
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21. Richmond Park
Richmond Park is one of the largest of London’s Royal Parks with a national and international importance for wildlife conservation. This location is perfect for a light picnic on those warmer days and what’s even more exciting, there are a number of deers roaming around the park for you to see!
📍 Richmond
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22. Frensham Ponds
Why not arrange a family day trip to Frensham Ponds and enjoy the beautiful scenic location.
📍 Waverley
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23. Picnic Play Centres
Picnic Play Centre is a unique play cafe where whilst parents enjoy some quiet time at a cafe, the kids are able to roam around and play at different stations. Kids can be whatever they want in this centre, be it a doctor, fireman, teacher and can even do their own play grocery shopping!
🎟️ Book tickets here
📍 Kingston Upon Thames
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