October Half Term: Best Things To Do With Kids In London & Beyond
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2 days ago
These are the family-friendly activities not to miss this autumn break
As the October half term approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be keeping the kids entertained over the autumn break. Luckily, there’s no end of activities and events on throughout the week; we’ve rounded up the best of the best, from animal adventures to spooky trails on the run-up to Halloween. There’s plenty for all ages, both in and out of London – so read on for some inspiration for your half-term diary.
Looking for fun days out beyond half term?
Best Family-Friendly Days Out: October 2026 Half Term
The much-loved Totoro show ends its run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in January
Catch My Neighbour Totoro In The West End (London)
It’s your last chance to see everyone’s favourite cuddly forest spirit in real life: the much-loved Totoro show ends its run in January. This magical Studio Ghibli adaptation, which follows two sisters as they explore the ancient forests near their new home, features enchanting music, endearing creatures (including the 12-legged inflatable Catbus) and awe-inspiring puppetry.
Where? Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW
When? Matinee and evening performances Tues-Sun
BOOK: From £20pp, totoroshow.com
Get To Know Animals, the UK’s only fully interactive indoor animal sanctuary, is hosting Halloween Spooktacular adventures this half term
Make Friends With Exotic Animals At GTKA (Essex)
Fancy getting up close and personal with reptiles, skunks and giant insects? The UK’s only fully interactive indoor animal sanctuary is hosting Halloween Spooktacular adventures this half term. Each ticket includes entry to the Get To Know Animals mini-zoo, an hour-long animal handling show, and the chance to meet and hold up to ten exotic creatures. And worry not: all the animals here are rescued ex-pets, meaning they’re well-socialised to not only tolerate but enjoy being handled.
Where? Get To Know Animals CIC, Forest Lodge Commercial Complex, Epping CM16 5HW
When? Monday 26 to Friday 30 October
BOOK: £25pp, gtka.co.uk
London Zoo’s special adventure trail celebrates 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, who was based off a real bear at the zoo
Walk The Winnie-The-Pooh Trail At London Zoo (London)
The first of November is the final day of London Zoo’s special Winnie-the-Pooh adventure trail, celebrating 100 years of the beloved cherished yellow bear and 200 years of ZSL. Inspired by A Little Boy and His Bear, a new book in which Pooh and Eeyore explore London Zoo at night, the real-life trail sees explorers retrace the duo’s steps and discover some of the story’s most memorable scenes and furry characters.
Where? London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
When? Daily until 1 November
BOOK: Zoo entry £24.50 per child and £35 per adult (trail map is free), londonzoo.org
Explore Dark Skies At Exmoor National Park (Somerset)
Somerset is home to some of the blackest night skies in the UK – and this season, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival returns for a sparkling tenth anniversary programme. The half-term week includes e-bike night rides, nocturnal crafting, stargazing, fireside storytelling, wildlife spotting and more – plus education sessions with esteemed astronomers that might just leave you star-struck.
Where? Various locations around Exmoor
When? Activities daily throughout half term
BOOK: Individual activities from £2pp, exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
October half term is the perfect time to go pumpkin picking
Pick Your Own Pumpkin (Nationwide)
Make the most of pumpkin season and flick through our guide of the best pumpkin patches to pick your own. Whether you’re searching for a great one to carve for Halloween or on the hunt for sweet-looking selection for family dinners, our list rounds up the best places to go, all easily accessible from London.
Where? Nationwide
When? Dates vary by location
BOOK: Check individual locations for details
Get Spooky At The Lakes By Yoo (Gloucestershire)
In the heart of the Cotswolds, The Lakes by Yoo’s half term programme is packed with outdoor adventures and spooky pursuits to get guests in the Halloween spirit. The agenda includes bushcraft sessions, zip-wiring across the lake, bonfire cooking, and the Halloween Spooktacular – a family party featuring pumpkin carving, spooky games, a ‘treat or treat’ treasure hunt and a witchy disco.
Where? The Lakes by Yoo, High Street, Lechlade GL7 3DT
When? Activities daily throughout half term
BOOK: From £25pp, thelakesbyyoo.com
Down Hall Hotel’s Mini Me treatments have been crafted specially for young skin
Indulge In Mini-Me Spa Treatments At Down Hall (Essex)
A week off school means deserved downtime for the kids. Treat them to some spa time at Down Hall Hotel, whose Mini Me treatments have been crafted specially for young skin. Choose from a head and scalp massage (from age five) or facial (from age nine), both of which use hypoallergenic products and will leave your little one relaxed and calm. Plus, there’s plenty to choose from on the grown-ups’ treatment list while you’re there.
Where? Down Hall Hotel and Spa, Matching Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS
When? Available Thurs-Mon
BOOK: From £25pp, downhall.co.uk
At Melt in Notting Hill, a variety of mouthwatering chocolate-making workshops are running over the break
Make Your Own Chocolate Treats At Melt (London)
As the weather gets colder, chocolate is the ultimate comfort, so why not try your hand at making your own? At Melt in Notting Hill, a variety of mouthwatering workshops are running over the break: learn to make the best hot chocolate, create your own bonbons from scratch, or lean into the delicious Dubai chocolate trend.
Where? Melt London, 59 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA
When? Various classes throughout half term
BOOK: From £39.99pp, meltchocolates.com
Paint The Town Red At Paperdoll Art Studio (London)
Let loose and get messy at Paperdoll, an art studio in Wimbledon offering gloriously chaotic paint splattering classes. Children are guided by professional artists to splash, flick and drip to their heart’s content (parents are welcome to join the fun too) with the aim of creating a multicoloured canvas to show off back at home.
Where? Paperdoll Art Studio, 10 Riverside Yard, London SW17 0BB
When? Kids’ sessions on Saturdays and Sundays
BOOK: From £55pp, paperdollartstudio.co.uk
Try Family Cooking Classes At The Gordon Ramsay Academy (Surrey)
This half term, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is running junior chef workshops (suitable from age six), tackling dishes like pasta and pastry as well as cuisines from Japanese to Mexican. The special Cook Together sessions mean mum or dad can join too – a great opportunity to get the kids involved in family cooking.
Where? Gordon Ramsay Academy, 57 Commercial Way, Woking GU21 6HN
When? Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 October
BOOK: £55pp, gordonramsayacademy.com
The Jane Austen Experience is a great day out for little book-lovers
Explore History At The Jane Austen Experience (London)
Little book-lovers will be thrilled to visit The Jane Austen Experience this half term. During the one-hour sessions, visitors can try on Regency costumes; learn to write with a quill and ink; and smell perfumes, play games and try biscuits of the era. And why not make a day of it? Have a read of our Jane Austen lover’s guide to London.
Where? The Jane Austen Experience, 11 John Prince’s Street, London W1G 0JR
When? Sessions daily
BOOK: Family tickets from £35.50, janeausten.co.uk
Watch Forgotten Island On The Big Screen (Nationwide)
Forgotten Island, the highly anticipated kids’ film from Universal and DreamWorks, is in cinemas this half term. This animated adventure follows two childhood friends who, after promising to remain close forever, suddenly find themselves transported to an island that feeds on its inhabitants’ memories. How, and when, will Jo and Raissa find an escape?
Where? In cinemas nationwide
When? Showtimes vary by location
BOOK: Check your local cinema website for details
Train With An Olympic Medallist At Peligoni (Greece)
OK, this is more than a little further out from London. But if you’re desperate to jet off and keep ahold of the summer just a bit longer, this is the perfect place to do it. Three-time Olympic medallist Jonny Brownlee is at The Peligoni Club this half term, hosting a programme of sporty activities including triathlon training for teenage athletes and a family-friendly ‘beach Olympics’. There’s plenty more going on around the club, too, from special half-term crafting sessions to watersports on the Ionian Sea.
Where? The Peligoni Club, 290 90 Volimes, Zakynthos, Greece
When? Brownlee is in residence 17-24 October
BOOK: Session prices TBC, peligoni.com
