Half Term guide: Family Activities, the Arts & Halloween Events
Looking for the best half term activities in London? From miniature zookeepers to pumpkin picking, creative workshops to illusion-filled adventures, here’s our round up of the most interesting, imaginative and surprisingly stylish things to do across London this half term.
Whether you’re chasing high octane fun, culture fixes or just an hour of quiet while the kids are busy making something we’ve got you covered.
For Curious Minds
London Zoo – ZooTown & Halloween Family Fun
London Zoo’s new ZooTown role-play centre invites kids aged 3–8 to become mini zookeepers, while its Halloween Family Fun week brings pumpkin patches, eerie animal talks and spooky stories to life.
Young V&A – Making Egypt
A brilliantly designed exhibition exploring creativity in ancient Egypt — with artefacts, contemporary design and hands-on activities that blend history and imagination. Perfect for little archaeologists.
MathsWorld – South Bank
London’s newest discovery centre opens its doors this month with an immersive, hands-on journey into code-breaking, geometry and probability. Proof that maths really can be magic.
For Little arts Lovers
Barbican Family Film Week
From Hola Frida! (an animated ode to Frida Kahlo) to E.T. and K-Pop Demon Hunters, the Barbican’s Family Film Week mixes cultural education with classic popcorn moments.
Little Angel Theatre – We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
An adorable adaptation of the beloved book — inventive puppetry and a gentle pace make this ideal for under-sixes.
Halloween Highlights
Twist Museum – Haunted Hunts & Illusions
The world of illusions gets a Halloween twist with ghostly décor, live magic shows and haunted treasure hunts. Expect thrills, laughs and plenty of photo ops.
Hobbledown Heath – Hobble’ween Pumpkin Picking
Pick your pumpkins, meet the animals and enjoy a Halloween that’s more charming than chilling.
Discovery Days: Hair-Raising Halloween – Hyde Park
Get hands-on with nature trails, spooky storytelling and bat-spotting in one of London’s most iconic parks. A lovely free option.
Stories from the Enchanted Garden - Chelsea Physic Garden
Follow lantern-lit paths to an enchanted cottage, where magical storyteller Emily spins spooky (but fun) tales for kids.
for creative souls
Chillie Kids Club – Fashion Upcycling Camp
Across London, kids learn to turn unwanted clothes into one-off pieces — a stylish antidote to fast fashion and an easy way to clear the family wardrobe.
UNIQLO Tate Play – Make Studio: Home
Step into the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall Bridge and reimagine what ‘home’ means through art, play and storytelling. Beautifully simple, entirely free, and perfect for a rainy day.
Ryan Gander: I’ve Fallen Foul of My Desire – Camden Arts Projects
A wry, thought-provoking exhibition on our obsession with “stuff”. Expect sculptures, animatronics and installations that’ll intrigue older kids and adults alike.
The Grand finale
Ally Pally Fireworks Festival
Celebrate the end of the half term with fireworks, DJ sets, a beer tent, ghost tours and an ice disco - it’s pretty hard to beat this show.