Activities for Kids During Half-Term in The Capital

London is brimming with family-friendly events this half-term, from Halloween-themed workshops and immersive theatre to creative crafts and nature adventures. Whether you have babies, toddlers, older kids, or teens, there’s something to keep every member of the family entertained. Here’s our guide to the highlights:

Creative and Educational Activities

A Taste of Home – Imperial War Museum
Little ones can explore how food tells a story, tracing ingredients from farm to table, decorating plates to take home, and trying their hand at cooking.
Age: Child (4–12)
Dates: Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Location: Lambeth North

Hidden Wonders Hunt – Horniman Museum
Inspired by Chloe Savage’s latest picture book, this free trail encourages children to explore and discover hidden surprises throughout the museum.
Age: Child (4–12)
Dates: Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Location: Forest Hill

The Big Draw Festival – Wallace Collection
Part of the world’s largest celebration of drawing, this free event invites families to get creative with fun, hands-on activities.
Age: Baby–Teen (0–19)
Date: Sat 25 Oct, 11am–4pm
Location: Bond Street

RISE.365 Emoji Campaign – Hackney Museum
Celebrate representation in digital culture with a display on afro and textured hair emojis, then create your own designs.
Age: Child–Teen (4–19)
Dates: Sat 25 Oct & Sat 1 Nov
Location: Hackney Central

Play and Sensory Experiences

Mome London – Soft Play and Sensory Zone
With climbing frames, stepping stones, and imaginative play zones, Mome offers a space for children aged 0–4 to explore while adults relax. Cheapskate Kids readers can enter a competition to win a family ticket.
Age: Baby–Toddler (0–4)
Location: Angel

Alphabet Soup – Southbank Centre
A live installation exploring the language of food, perfect for curious kids interested in words and storytelling.
Age: Child (5–11)
Dates: Sat 25 – Thurs 30 Oct
Location: Waterloo

Woolwich Works ‘Crafternoons’
Create magic wands, sun-catchers, and even brew potions in this Halloween-themed craft series. Costumes encouraged.
Age: Baby–Child (0–12)
Dates: Mon 27 – Thurs 30 Oct
Location: Woolwich

Halloween and Seasonal Highlights

Trapped in IKEA – Escape Room
A Halloween-themed escape experience where families must solve puzzles in eight minutes to escape the flatpack furniture demons.
Age: Child–Teen (4–19)
Dates: Mon 27 – Thurs 30 Oct
Location: Neasden

London Museum of Docklands – Moon Madness
Explore folktales about the night sky, crafts inspired by moonlit mudlarking, and a storytime about the first African-American woman in space.
Age: Toddler–Child (1–12)
Dates: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct
Location: West India Quay

Regent’s Park October Roadshow
Nature meets Halloween with spooky walks, spider-themed crafts, and an introduction to replica bird skulls.
Age: Baby–Teen (0–19)
Dates: Tues 28 & Thurs 30 Oct
Location: Regent’s Park

Queen’s House – Spirits of the Deep
Create shadow puppets inspired by Mami Wata, the West African water spirit.
Age: Toddler–Child (1–12)
Date: Tues 28 Oct, 11am–1pm & 2–4pm
Location: Greenwich

Chiswick House & Gardens – Garden Volunteering
Kids aged eight and over can help maintain the gardens while learning about plants and wildlife.
Age: Child–Teen (8–19)
Date: Weds 29 Oct, 1.30–3.30pm
Location: Chiswick

Arts, Drama and History

Sculpture in the City – Guildhall Art Gallery
Creative activities inspired by the city-wide art trail, ideal for children aged 3–13.
Age: Toddler–Teen (3–19)
Date: Weds 29 Oct, 11am–4pm
Location: Bank

Charles Dickens Museum – Victorian Drama Workshops
Free drama sessions for kids aged 9–12, exploring Victorian theatre. Booking essential.
Age: Child (9–12)
Date: Thurs 30 Oct, from 10.30am
Location: Russell Square

Sir John Soane Museum – Walk Like an Egyptian
Design tiles inspired by the museum’s Egypt exhibit.
Age: Child (4+)
Date: Thurs 30 Oct, 11am–3pm
Location: Holborn

London Mithraeum – All Roads Lead to Rome
Learn about Roman children’s playtime and create toys to take home.
Age: Toddler–Child (1–12)
Date: Thurs 30 Oct, 10am–4pm
Location: Cannon Street

Festive Halloween Shows

Lauderdale House & Waterlow Park – Immersive Halloween Theatre
A spooky, interactive show featuring ghosts, witches, and wizards. Book in advance.
Age: Baby–Teen (0–19)
Date: Fri 31 Oct, from 5.45pm
Location: Archway

British Museum – Día de los Muertos
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with storytelling, mariachi performances, and Halloween workshops.
Age: Toddler–Child (1–12)
Date: Fri 31 Oct, from 11.30am
Location: Russell Square

Skyscanner Snack Tourism – Soho
Try over 50 international treats at a free, airport-lounge-style pop-up, from Matcha KitKats to Seaweed Pringles.
Age: Child–Teen (4–19)
Dates: Fri 31 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Location: Oxford Circus