Autumn in London brings crisp days, golden parks, and a vibrant calendar of family-friendly events. October half term is the perfect opportunity for children to explore the city’s museums, historic landmarks, and cultural hotspots while enjoying seasonal and Halloween-themed activities. From spooky trails and interactive workshops to pumpkin picking and creative arts, London offers an array of options for families seeking fun, learning, and adventure.
Whether your family is wandering along the Thames, exploring royal parks, or visiting iconic museums, October in London provides the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep children entertained and inspired.
Here’s your guide to the top October half-term and Halloween activities for kids in London, organised for easy planning.
1. Pumpkin Picking at Mudchute Farm
When: 18 – 31 October 2025
Where: Mudchute Park and Farm, Isle of Dogs
Children can pick their perfect pumpkin, enjoy tractor rides, and explore the farm animals. The seasonal farmyard trail includes hay bale mazes and autumn-themed activities.
Why families will love it:
- Hands-on outdoor fun in a safe environment
- Opportunity to learn about farm animals and crops
- Ideal for toddlers and primary school-aged children
2. London Transport Museum – Spooky Workshops
When: 25 – 31 October 2025
Where: Covent Garden
The London Transport Museum hosts Halloween-themed workshops for children, combining arts, crafts, and interactive play. Kids can decorate buses and trains, make masks, and learn about London’s transport history in a fun, engaging way.
Why families will love it:
- Educational and entertaining for all ages
- Safe, indoor activity for rainy days
- Hands-on creativity with a London twist
3. Sea Life London – Spooky Creature Trail
When: 24 – 31 October 2025
Where: County Hall, Westminster
Sea Life London turns the aquarium into a Halloween adventure, featuring a spooky creature trail where children can spot themed animals, complete challenges, and earn small treats.
Why families will love it:
- Combines learning about marine life with seasonal fun
- Indoor activity suitable for all weather conditions
- Engaging and visually stimulating for young children
4. Tower of London – Family Halloween Tours
When: 27 – 31 October 2025
Where: Tower Hill
Specially tailored family-friendly tours explore the Tower’s spooky legends, from ghost stories to historic mysteries. Children can enjoy interactive storytelling and treasure hunts across the historic grounds.
Why families will love it:
- Combines history, adventure, and mild spooky fun
- Interactive elements keep kids engaged
- Scenic and iconic London location
5. KidZania London – Halloween Adventure Week
When: 26 – 31 October 2025
Where: Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush
At KidZania, children take part in role-playing activities with a Halloween twist, from running mini shops and hospitals to making seasonal crafts. The centre creates a safe, immersive environment that encourages imagination and teamwork.
Why families will love it:
- Combines creative play with real-world learning experiences
- Indoor, weather-proof activity
- Tailored for children aged 4–14
6. Greenwich Park Autumn Nature Trail
When: 19 – 27 October 2025
Where: Greenwich Park, SE10
Children can explore an autumn-themed nature trail, spotting wildlife, collecting leaves, and completing seasonal challenges. The park’s playgrounds and open spaces make it ideal for active, outdoor fun.
Why families will love it:
- Encourages exploration and outdoor learning
- Beautiful autumn scenery with plenty of open space
- Safe and family-friendly environment
7. V&A Museum of Childhood – Halloween Craft Sessions
When: 25 – 31 October 2025
Where: Bethnal Green
Children can participate in Halloween-inspired craft workshops, making spooky masks, decorations, and themed artwork. Parents can enjoy exploring the museum’s interactive galleries alongside their children.
Why families will love it:
- Indoor creative sessions perfect for wet weather
- Encourages imagination and skill-building
- Family-friendly facilities and interactive exhibits
8. Horniman Museum – Autumn Family Fun
When: 18 – 31 October 2025
Where: Forest Hill
The Horniman Museum hosts autumn-themed trails and pumpkin workshops, where kids can learn about nature, explore the aquarium and gardens, and take part in seasonal crafts.
Why families will love it:
- Mix of indoor and outdoor activities
- Educational yet playful experiences
- Stunning gardens for picnics and exploration
9. London Zoo – Halloween Wildlife Week
When: 26 – 31 October 2025
Where: Regent’s Park
During Halloween week, London Zoo offers animal-themed trails and interactive sessions where children can learn about nocturnal animals and enjoy spooky, age-appropriate decorations.
Why families will love it:
- Fun and educational outdoor activity
- Age-appropriate Halloween experience
- Chance to see exotic animals up close
10. Southbank Centre – Family Spooky Storytelling
When: 27 – 31 October 2025
Where: Belvedere Road, SE1
The Southbank Centre hosts interactive storytelling sessions, combining autumnal tales and gentle Halloween spookiness. Children can participate in activities, puppetry, and creative workshops alongside the storytelling.
Why families will love it:
- Encourages listening and imagination
- Safe indoor activity ideal for half term
- Central, accessible location with cafés nearby
Stay with Pass the Keys – London
Make your London half-term adventure easy and comfortable with Pass the Keys – Saad, your local short-let management expert. From family-friendly apartments in Covent Garden and Bloomsbury to stylish city centre homes, Pass the Keys ensures your stay is stress-free.
Families benefit from:
-
Fully equipped, professionally managed properties
-
Flexible check-in and child-friendly amenities
-
Proximity to museums, parks, and half-term activities
Relax and enjoy your London half-term getaway knowing that Pass the Keys has everything taken care of — so you can focus on creating memories with your children.
