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Family-Friendly Events in London this October
With the summer holidays now firmly behind us, you might be looking for family-friendly events in London which will be taking place during the October half-term break.
It’s never too early to start making plans, especially when it comes to keeping kids of all ages entertained during the week-long Autumn holiday. But there’s no need to fear out-of-school boredom with these great family-friendly events, all happening in London between the 22nd to 30th of October 2022.
From magical musicals to eco-events for mini-climate warriors, Halloween spills and thrills to learning about history the fun way, read on for the best family-friendly half-term events taking place in London this October, all within easy reach of West London.
Events in London for kids who love learning
School might be out for half-term but for kids who enjoy history and science, there are plenty of events in London to keep them learning during the holidays.
Dinosaur-lovers should head for Jurassic World: The Exhibition taking place at ExCel London from August until November. Step through the famous Jurassic World gates and find yourself face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs. Inspired by the much-loved film series, the immersive event promises an experience that will bring you as close to living dinosaurs as you’ll ever come. See incredibly life-like dinosaur species including brachiosaurus, raptors and, the most famous of them all, the Tyrannosaurus rex.
If gruesome tales of the past are more your kid’s thing, a trip along London’s grisly historic spots might be just the ticket. Hop on board the Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Boat Tour for a cruise down London’s famous river with a twist. Dive into the horrible histories of Jack the Ripper, Henry VIII and Queen Boudicca as you sail past Tower Bridge, Westminster, London Bridge and Execution Dock.
London Half-Term Events for eco-active kids
Even during the school holidays, kids can have fun at the same time as learning about the environment and the issues that effect it, like climate change, wildlife protection and nature conservation. There are many eco-friendly and focused events taking place in London this October, including an impressive line-up at the London Literature Festival at Southbank.
Catch the launch of The Climate Book by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg – one of the most inspiring names in the green movement – or pop along to the free Voices in Action event to see how even the smallest voices can make a difference in the world.
Green events in London during the October break
Alongside climate events, there are dozens of ways to get your kids out in nature in London during this half-term holiday. The London Wildlife Trust is running a host of different events in October, from Forest School for 3–5-year-olds at Walthamstow Wetlands to interactive Storytime at Camley Street Natural Park.
If getting hands-on with nature sounds more like your kids style, why not try Odds Farm in Buckinghamshire, where little animal lovers can hand-feed some of the residents including rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, cows, donkeys, and ponies. There’s also plenty of places to play outside, with tractor rides, sand and water play areas, go carts and more.
The RSPB is running events throughout the country during the October holiday, including a day trip from London to the RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre in Chichester. Staying a little closer to home, the Lordship Recreation Ground is hosting a Half-term Kids Birdwatching Event at the Lake, with free bird food for everyone taking part.
Musical events in London for kids
If your kids are less into bird song and more into musicals, London is packed with family-friendly, all-singing, all-dancing events this October. Step into the magical world of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, told through a unique combination of puppetry and imaginative staging. Meanwhile, book a ticket for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre – the award-winning show performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company – to see Roald Dahl’s much-loved book come to life.
For very young children, a trip to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Theatre Royal Haymarket or everyone’s favourite sisters in Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is guaranteed to keep half-term boredom at bay.
Little and big kids alike will love the chance to see the spellbinding Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, at the Palace Theatre. The most awarded play in history, the story kicks off some 19 years after the original story of Harry, Ron, and Hermione ended, with a new generation starting their magical journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Spooky Halloween half-term events in London
If seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live on stage wasn’t enough, die-hard Potter fans can also visit Hogwarts itself for Halloween, as the Dark Arts returns to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Visitors can wander through the Great Hall decorated with 100 floating pumpkins, learn how to cast Boggart-banishing charm Riddikulus, duel with the Death Eaters and hunt for the Dark Mark in the Forbidden Forest.
Some of the city’s most-loved historic sites go all out for Halloween. London attractions don’t come much spookier than the London Dungeons, which pulls out all the stops with a haunted house takeover. Meanwhile, the London Bridge and London Tombs experience sees you meeting characters from the past 2000 years, including the likes of Jack the Ripper and William Wallace.
For something a little less terrifying and great for younger kids, why not head for Halloween at Chiswick House & Gardens? The event features pumpkin-lit walks, fire artists, a secret garden and delicious hot drinks for the whole family to enjoy.
Family-friendly Accommodation in West London
Looking for family-friendly accommodation in the heart of London that will help you to enjoy all of these great half-term events? With our collection of boutique West London short-term rentals, you’ll be in easy reach of London’s top attractions, holiday events and Halloween specials.
Plus, you can sleep easy knowing that not only are the kids happy, but the environment is too – with sustainable products and eco-friendly practices that keep our West London accommodation green and environmentally friendly.