Thursday, October 24, 2024

October half-term in London with youngsters – 28+ enjoyable issues to do

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Take advantage of autumn within the metropolis earlier than winter begins in earnest, with a number of the finest issues to do at October half-term in London with youngsters – and it’s not nearly Halloween.

View of Big Ben and Westminster Bridge on a sunny day with orange autumn leaves visible - the best things to do at October half-term in London with kids

You’ll discover actions for toddlers and teenagers, in addition to loads of inspiration for days out in London for October half-term, whether or not your youngsters love animals or animation, getting outdoor or escaping rain at half-term in London.

Should you’re trying particularly for some ghoulishly good concepts for Halloween in London with youngsters, I’ve bought a separate publish with a number of the finest concepts, together with some which run all through October half-term in London.

Image showing a graphic of the London Eye on the Essential Guide to London with kids ebook cover, and the words 'click to buy my 33-page guide to London. Itineraries, tips and all you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my the London with kids shop page

Japan: Myths to Manga on the Younger V&A

An amazing possibility for teenagers, the brand new exhibition on the Younger V&A – Japan: Myths to Manga – takes guests on a visit by Japanese historical past.

Opening on October 14, in time for half-term, the exhibition explores how Japan’s folklore and panorama have influenced the whole lot from tradition and design to know-how.

That includes the whole lot from My Neighbour Totoro and the well-known print, Within the Hole of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa, to quirky vogue and gaming, it’s one of many first main exhibitions on show because the Younger V&A reopened in July.

Prebooking is extremely advisable. Tickets value £10 for adults and kids aged 4+, concessions obtainable.

View of a flowerbed with yellow flowers, with pond and buildings in the background at Kew Gardens - one of the best places for a family day out in London at October half-term

We’re occurring a bear hunt at Kew Gardens

It’s time for an journey of discovery at Kew Gardens this half-term, based mostly on the much-loved ebook We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.

Wander by the swishy swashy grass, squelch squelch within the mud, and splash splosh by rivers to see if you could find a bear as effectively.

Passing the lake and taking you into the arboretum at Kew Gardens, there’s an opportunity to identify big bushes, uncover wildlife and let your imaginations run free. Wellies suggested!

Runs from October 21-29, included with entry to Kew Gardens.

There’s a reduction on tickets for tickets to Kew Gardens should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Dressed to Ship on the Postal Museum

Channel your interior designed this October half-term on the Postal Museum, with a complete vary of crafts, making and storytelling.

Impressed by the postal uniforms in new exhibition, Dressed to Ship, there are many probabilities to get arms on, whether or not you fancy designing an outfit for a puppet, a great deed patch, or simply having fun with the storytelling classes.

Included within the customary museum ticket – get a reduction should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Classes are drop-in, so no must prebook, nevertheless it’s first come first served, so make sure you get to the museum early. Chosen dates and instances from October 21-27,

Half-Time period enjoyable on the Cutty Sark

Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting a lot of family-friendly occasions to assist hold youngsters entertained this October half-term. 

Households can meet vibrant character actors from Cutty Sark’s previous, together with Nannie the witch, to learn the way the historic clipper ship bought its title, certainly one of a number of characters on the Cutty Sark who’ll be making an look on chosen dates throughout half-term.

Plus older youngsters (12+) can get their hearts racing one other approach, by climbing the ship’s well-known masts within the thrilling Cutty Sark Rig Climb Expertise

There’s a reduction on tickets for the Cutty Sark should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

View of the Cutty Sark clipper ship in Greenwich - there are special family activities if you're looking for things to do at October half-term in London with kids

Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Elevating Halloween

Wrap up heat and head exterior with the household this half-term for one more version of Hyde Park’s household discovery days.

The park’s Hair-Elevating Halloween Discovery Day shall be filled with loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful youngsters. You possibly can discover the eerie nature path, guess the grotesque contents of the feely bins, hearken to spooky interactive tales, and study in regards to the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks residence.

Fancy gown can also be inspired if you wish to get away the Halloween costumes a bit early. The free half-term occasion will run each day from October 24-26, between 11am and 3pm.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT London

Gather an illustrated information stuffed with Quentin Blake’s drawings to see nature by completely different eyes as you journey across the wetlands – certainly one of a group of latest seasonal trails being launched, every with a unique illustrated information to gather and hold.

In addition to having fun with the attractive wetlands and the play areas, there are additionally a string of artwork and illustration actions, nature-inspired inventive challenges and extra household enjoyable deliberate.

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT is included in entry – tickets may be prebooked on-line nevertheless it’s not important. Runs to January 1, 2024.

For half-term, you can too get pleasure from some spooky enjoyable with the return of Eek!Week – the interactive path runs from October 21-29, together with potion making and nature artwork workshops.

My daughter walks across the wild walk ropes course at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes - there are special activities taking place at October half-term in London with kids

Observe the Dodger path, Museum of London Docklands

The Dodger household path remains to be working on the Museum of London Docklands this half-term, based mostly on the adventures of Dodger (plus Fagin and the gang) from the BBC sequence of the identical title.

The story is impressed by the occasions of Charles Dicken’s traditional Oliver Twist however set earlier than the novel’s story, with the free path map taking you across the museum’s galleries, serving to Dodger keep one step forward of the police, who’re chasing him for a criminal offense he didn’t commit.

In addition to heading into the immersive Sailortown gallery, a recreation of a ramshackle London district from the time that Dickens printed his personal novel, you’ll uncover extra items linked to town’s previous as a significant port.

There are additionally a string of workshops and performances going down on the museum from April 1-16, housed in a nineteenth century sugar warehouse on West India Quay. Entry and the actions are all free.

Try our assessment of a earlier time out on the Museum of London Docklands with youngsters

Science Fiction: Energy Up

The massively in style Energy Up is giving youngsters (and massive youngsters) the possibility to lose themselves in 5 many years of gaming once more this October half-term. With 160 consoles, and one of the best video video games of the previous 50 years, you possibly can tackle your loved ones at MarioKart, play retro favourites like Pong and Pacman, or exhibit your Minecraft strikes.

There’s childhood nostalgia for the grown-ups, and the possibility on your youngsters to beat you arms down in multiplayer battles, in addition to the chance to strive some next-gen digital actuality experiences.

Entry to the museum is free (although prebooking suggested), however you’ll want to purchase a day move (or annual move) to go to Energy Up.

MCM Comedian Con London

MCM Comedian Con is again at London’s Excel Centre from October 27-29, with a three-day celebration of all issues popular culture and a implausible strategy to spherical off half-term in London with youngsters. 

There’s one thing for all ages too. Older youngsters and teenagers can dress up of their finest cosplay, hearken to reside panels and duties, play on the consoles and retro gaming machines, compete in board video games and RPG tournaments, and even meet a few of their favorite TV and movie stars. 

And for youthful youngsters, The Treehouse provides a relaxed household lounge, face portray, workshops, masks making, comedian creation, and different family-friendly actions. Plus, youngsters below 10 go at no cost!

Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank in London, a recreation of the original Elizabethan theatre - there are various workshops and events taking place this October half-term for kids in London

Shakespeare’s Globe Household Workshops and Demonstrations

Be a part of a household workshop led by one of many Globe’s proficient actors, lecturers, or administrators and get the little ones within the nation’s most iconic playwright, Shakespeare himself.

Over the October half-term in London, the Globe is working a sequence of sensible Household Workshops on numerous dates between October 21 and 28.

You possibly can select between The Winter’s Story, Macbeth, or Romeo & Juliet, with devoted classes for 5-8, 9-12, and 12+ yr olds. The workshops will use quite a lot of actions and video games to attract out components of language, characters, and themes within the performs.

The workshops aren’t the one household occasions going down on the Globe this half-term. You too can get pleasure from particular guided household excursions in addition to some particular workshops for older teenagers. Probably the most academic and weird half-term days out in London for households.

For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, take a look at my ideas

Halloween Household Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens

Seize your broomstick and head to English Heritage’s Eltham Palace and Gardens, which is as soon as once more internet hosting certainly one of their nice Halloween household occasions this October half-term.

There’ll be a Halloween Quest with creepy clues to unravel, as you discover the grounds of the lavish historic home.

When you’ve accomplished the search, youngsters can meet costumed performers and listen to unusual and supernatural tales from instances previous.

Working from October 21-29, tickets are free for English Heritage members, in any other case there’s a reduction for reserving upfront.

View of the Terrible Thames boat tour from Horrible Histories on the Thames with the Shard in the background - the last tours take place in London at October half-term

Horrible Histories: Horrible Thames Boat Journey

Soar aboard one of many ultimate cruises of the Horrible Thames boat tour for 2023, to listen to the grotesque and horrible historical past of probably the most well-known rivers on this planet from the folks behind Horrible Histories. 

This immersive Thames boat tour takes you alongside the river to discover a number of the capital’s most well-known websites whereas listening to fascinating tales from extremely entertaining actors. Tailor-made towards youthful youngsters, the tour brings London’s historical past alive in a enjoyable and fascinating approach. 

With loads of uncommon information and engrossing tales in regards to the capital that you simply gained’t hear on different excursions, the Horrible Histories boat journey is a novel exercise the whole household is bound to get pleasure from. Ebook tickets right here.

Try what we considered the boat journey in my assessment of the Horrible Thames tour

The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise

Keep in mind, bear in mind the fifth of November… or moderately than remembering it, how about experiencing it for yourselves?

The Gunpowder Plot is an immersive layered actuality expertise by which you’ll journey again in time and try and cease the notorious plot to explode the Homes of Parliament. 

Appropriate for youths aged 12+, the Gunpowder Plot makes use of a mixture of VR know-how, particular results, immersive theatre, and bodily sensations to take you again to London in 1605. 

The expertise takes place within the Tower Vaults, beneath the Tower of London, the place Man Fawkes and his fellow trailers had been imprisoned and tortured after their plan was foiled.

And simply to prime all of it off, Man Fawkes himself is performed by Harry Potter star Tom Felton.

For extra concepts for Bonfire Evening in London with youngsters take a look at my picks

The White Tower at the Tower of London after dark, lit up against a deep blue nighttime sky - the Halloween events are one of the best things to do in London at October half-term

Halloween on the Tower of London

There’s one other spooky Halloween expertise to be discovered at one of many capital’s most well-known sights, the Tower of London, as you observe within the footsteps of a few of its notorious prisoners.

Halloween on the Tower of London is an exciting family-friendly journey by the landmark’s haunted previous, working from October 21-29.

As you tour the Tower’s most infamous websites resembling Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, youngsters will come nose to nose with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their ultimate moments inside the partitions (with the assistance of projectors and eerie sound results), from Roman troopers to the Wizard Earl.

The ghoulish Halloween Tower Tour is designed to spook not terrify although, and included in common admission. It’s finest to ebook your ticket upfront to ensure entry through the half-term holidays.

There’s a reduction on tickets for the Tower of London should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Halloween at Hampton Courtroom Palace 

If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head all the way down to Hampton Courtroom Palace for one more eerie expertise by Historic Royal Palaces.

At Hampton Courtroom Palace, this Halloween households can uncover the various darkish secrets and techniques of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. Children can meet the palace’s ghosts, see portraits come to life within the Gallery of the Damned, and even take part in a séance to listen to voices from past the grave.

With witches and alchemists infesting elements of the palace, and intricately carved pumpkins within the Haunted Backyard, there’s additionally the possibility to hearken to spooky tales and luxuriate in a couple of Halloween treats.

The spooky and academic expertise is appropriate for all ages, and runs from October 21-29.

There’s a reduction on tickets for Hampton Courtroom Palace should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Archway and tower with ornamental clock and part of the red brick buildings at Hampton Court Palace - one of the best places to visit in London for October half-term

Boo on the Zoo at London Zoo

Boo on the Zoo is again at London Zoo once more to maintain the children entertained this October half-term and Halloween.

With the whole lot from hair-raising animal information to some conventional Halloween crafts, there’s even an opportunity to get pleasure from a session in sorcery this yr.

Some actions are perfect for little ones, together with being remodeled right into a black cat or different creepy creature by the zoo’s fearsome face painters (for a charge), whereas older youngsters can really feel a real shiver as they navigate the extinct species graveyard.

Plus there a pumpkins to brighten, menacing masks to craft and loads of devilish demonstrations as effectively. Free with zoo entry, the occasions run from October 21-31.

Methods and Treats at Sea Life Aquarium

Enterprise into Sea Life London Aquarium and also you’ll discover a string of creatures to provide the shivers this Halloween.

In addition to the UK’s greatest assortment of piranhas, this October sees a deal with the spooky creatures hiding beneath the waves from the fearsome Wolf Fish to the mysterious Octopus.

Add in challenges, fill within the exercise sheets and you might earn some Halloween treats too. Runs from October 21-31, included in entry. There a reduction on prebooked tickets (which can also be advisable throughout half-term).

Scared Shrekless at Shrek’s Journey

Look out for tips and treats at Shrek’s Journey this October half-term, as a part of Scared Shrekless.

Extra particulars nonetheless to be revealed, however it is going to be working from October 27-November 5, simply in time for the top of half-term.

Count on the additional actions and probability to pose for images as a part of the go to, in addition to the standard enjoyable for Shrek followers, to discover the world of Far Far Away, encountering Princess Fiona and Donkey and an journey on the 4D flying bus.

Included in customary entry, most particular occasions happen after the principle Shrek meet and greet of the expertise. Prebooking advisable.

View of HMS Belfast warship museum on the Thames with Tower Bridge just seen in the background - there are some fun family activities taking place at October half-term in London with kids

Household actions at HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast has some nice nautical enjoyable once more over October half-term, together with a return of its We Had been There household day on October 27.

These occasions welcome some particular visitors who will draw upon their private experiences at sea to fascinate youngsters with their wonderful tales.

Get a reduction should you ebook by my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Jet and House week at RAF Museum

Wannabe astronauts ought to made a date for the Royal Air Drive Museum this October half-term, with a variety of themed actions for Jet and House week, aimed toward youngsters aged 4-12.

In addition to spying some iconic plane, there shall be challenges, crafts, puzzles and actions to get pleasure from, the place you possibly can problem your science abilities and discover out extra in regards to the universe – with the whole lot from cosmic robotic races to a paper jet designing content material and an ‘out-of-this-world’ planetarium.

Happening on choose dates from October 21-29, some actions are included in admission, others have a charge of £3-5. Prebooking suggested. Entry to the RAF museum itself is free.

Mini Monsters at London Museum of Water & Steam

For probably the most uncommon summer season days out in London with youngsters, head to the little Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford, west London, the place the Mini Monsters shall be invading on October 21.

Particularly the monster micro organism as soon as discovered within the River Thames, with an opportunity to find the science behind cleansing up the water in a Soggy Science present.

There’s additionally storytelling, crafts, and a group artwork mission, for an opportunity to study whereas having plenty of enjoyable.

The actions are included in admission and don’t must be prebooked, though you possibly can ebook entry to the museum, together with annual passes. The museum is strolling distance from Kew Bridge station.

Halloween enjoyable in London

Should you’re on the lookout for extra Halloween issues to do in London with youngsters at October half-term, I’ve picked a number of the finest spooky enjoyable on this publish, devoted to all issues spine-chillingly good.

Extra days out with youngsters in London: ongoing

Frameless

The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition opened in Marble Arch, Frameless lets youngsters – and massive youngsters – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.

Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot house, with 4 separate galleries, guests can uncover key moments in artwork historical past, with state-of-the-art projection and movement sensor know-how to deliver to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

With the possibility to the touch, transfer and work together with the work, it couldn’t be farther from a standard gallery and the right approach to assist households uncover the world of artwork.

My daughter inside a room with apparently warped floors and walls at the London Museum of Illusions - one of the best things to do in London for October half-term

Twist Museum of Illusions

There are some new reveals becoming a member of the illusions at Twist Museum – excellent for a wet day throughout October half-term in London with youngsters (or a sunny one for that matter).

With over 60 reveals exhibiting completely different illusions and shows to trick all of your completely different senses, the interactive expertise is enjoyable for all ages. Prebook tickets right here.

Try our assessment of a go to to Twist Museum London with youngsters

Meet Titanosaur on the Pure Historical past Museum

Come nose to nose (nearly) with one of many greatest creatures that ever lived, on the ongoing exhibition on the colossal titanosaur, becoming a member of the much-loved dinosaurs of the Pure Historical past Museum.

4 instances heavier than Dippy the Diplodocus and 12 metres longer than Hope the blue whale, who hangs within the Hintze Corridor, the interactive exhibition offers guests the possibility to see this gigantic dinosaur shut up as you observe its life from football-sized egg to totally grown grownup.

Children can get arms on dealing with a number of the specimens within the shows in addition to studying simply how a behemoth this measurement might have survived (and thrived) on earth – measure your self towards its thigh bone, peer into its huge cranium… and you’ll even scent its poo.

On show in Europe for the primary time, the exhibition runs to January 2024. Tickets embody Museum entry and prebooking is strongly advisable.

Brick Dinos on the Horniman Museum

It’s the final probability to see Brick Dinos on the Horniman Museum, top-of-the-line issues to do in London at October half-term with youthful youngsters.

At Brick Dinos at Horniman Museum, there’s the possibility to see a string of different prehistoric giants in addition to different dinosaur fashions created from Lego – luckily recreated in miniature type. Look out for the life-sized flying pterosaur, in addition to different not often seen specimens from the Horniman’s assortment.

There are alternatives for youths to get arms on too, together with constructing your individual dinosaur and digging for fossils.

Entry to the Horniman Museum is free, however tickets to Brick Dinos prices £9 for adults, £4.50 for youngsters (free for under-threes). Runs to October 29.

The museum’s regular galleries, together with the pure historical past part, plus the aquarium, butterfly home and gardens are additionally open to discover.

Georgian court dress, both male and female, on display in the King's Gallery at Kensington Palace - there's one of the last chances to see the exhibition in London at October half-term with kids

Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace

In case your youngsters are extra enthusiastic about ballgowns than Lego bricks, the spectacular Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace combines vogue and royalty to take guests from the glittering world of the royal Georgian court docket to right this moment’s purple carpet.

With over 200 objects on show – from the well-known Silver Tissue Robe worn on the court docket of Charles II proper by to Girl Gaga’s luminous inexperienced MTV Awards gown, the exhibition additionally seems to be at how 18th century aristocrats are nonetheless influencing right this moment’s excessive vogue.

Included with admission, prebooking is advisable. The exhibition runs to October 29.

Try my assessment of the Crown to Couture exhibition with youngsters

Re:imagining Musicals on the V&A

Theatre-loving youngsters and teenagers shall be fascinated by the Re:imagining Musicals exhibition on the V&A in South Kensington, nonetheless working over half-term.

Trying on the approach musical theatre has advanced and a number of the craftsmanship involving in iconic exhibits, it’s a celebration in addition to an opportunity to find extra – anticipate the whole lot from Miss Saigon and My Truthful Girl to fashionable classics SIX the Musical, and All people’s Speaking About Jamie.

Free to go to.

Observe a Treasure Map Path

These beautiful vibrant treasure hunt-style maps embody three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you employ the code MUMMYTRAVELS.

A enjoyable strategy to discover London with youngsters, the hunts problem you to identify every kind of quirky sights, from indicators and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a enjoyable fantasy design to remodel the true life streets.

There’s additionally a lot extra to entertain youngsters throughout October half-term in London on the regular household sights – take a look at my decide of one of the best 59 issues to do in London with youngsters

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Predominant picture/Globe Theatre/HMS Belfast courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels

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