October brings plenty of family-friendly things to do in London, with autumn activities, Halloween events, theatre, films, museums and hands-on experiences taking place throughout the month.
With October half-term falling towards the end of the month for many London schools, we’ve picked some family-friendly events worth putting on your diary.
Museum of Illusions: The Weird Wonders
3 October – 1 November 2026
Get ready for some wonderfully weird family fun at Museum of Illusions London, which is getting a Halloween makeover for October.
Five popular exhibits will take on a spooky theme, including the Spider Clone Table, Bone Throne, Echo Cave and Web of Faces. There will also be 3D faces inspired by characters including Frankenstein and Count Dracula.
Families can follow an Illusion Quest, looking for clues and hidden surprises around the museum. Children with child tickets will receive a complimentary brain puzzle and sweet treat, while adults can receive a free treat when two adult tickets are purchased.
With more than 70 interactive installations, including the Vortex Tunnel and a chance to appear to scale the façade of 10 Downing Street, this is one for children who enjoy puzzles, illusions and things that make you say, “How did they do that?”
Tickets from £24.
Visit Museum of Illusions London
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
10 October – 1 November 2026
Polka Theatre has a packed autumn programme for children and families.
Toto, for ages 3–8, follows a young donkey who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Determined not to settle for the life others expect of him, Toto heads to the big city in this new musical based on Ximo Abadia’s illustrated book.
There are also two shows during half-term: You’ll See, for ages 8–12, runs from 23–25 October, while At Sea, for ages 6–12, runs from 28 October–1 November.
Polka is also running family workshops during half-term, including a Sensory Space Adventure, Sea Creature Puppetry, Spooky Stage Set Design and a Family Autumn Wreath Workshop.
Tickets for Toto from £10, plus booking fee.
Book at Polka Theatre
Barbican Family Film Week
24 October – 1 November 2026
The Barbican’s Family Film Week is a good option for a rainy half-term day, combining family cinema with crafts, drawing, introductions and a quiz.
The programme includes Howl’s Moving Castle, Arco, Matilda, Maya Give Me a Title, Singin’ in the Rain and a relaxed screening of Minions and Monsters.
There is also a Halloween-themed Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster screening for families who fancy some giant-monster action.
For older children, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is showing on 27 October and is rated 12A, so parents should check the BBFC guidance before booking.
See the full Barbican Family Film Week programme
London Transport Museum: Piccadilly Line 120th Anniversary
24 October – 1 November 2026
Train-loving children can celebrate 120 years of the Piccadilly line at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
Half-term activities include storytelling for younger children, arts and crafts, station design and hands-on tinkering. There is also a quieter SEND Early Explorer morning on 28 October, before the museum opens to the public.
Children can also explore the museum’s historic vehicles, interactive displays and All Aboard play zone.
Children aged 17 and under go free with a paying adult.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
24 October – 1 November 2026
Henry VIII’s former home gets a spooky makeover during half-term, with atmospheric projections, eerie sound effects, magical spells and ghostly figures appearing around Hampton Court Palace.
Families can also follow an autumn trail featuring pumpkins, scarecrows and seasonal surprises, while stories of mysterious happenings are told in the King’s Guard Chamber.
Halloween activities are included with palace admission.
Find out more about Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Halloween at the Tower of London
24 October – 1 November 2026
The Tower of London is also getting into the Halloween spirit, with stories of the ghosts said to haunt its ancient walls.
The family event promises spooky stories and encounters involving figures from the Tower’s long history, including a poet, pirate, queen and bear.
The Halloween activities run from 10.30am–4pm daily and are included with Tower admission.
Find out more about Halloween at the Tower of London
The Dark at Battersea Arts Centre
27–31 October 2026 | Ages 4+
For younger children who enjoy a little bit of spooky theatre without a full-on Halloween fright, The Dark could be worth a look.
Adapted from Lemony Snicket’s picture book, the show follows Laszlo, a child who is afraid of the dark – until one night the dark comes to him.
The 50-minute performance combines physical theatre and live music. All performances are relaxed, with integrated audio description and touch tours available for blind and visually impaired children.
Tickets are Pay What You Can, with a recommended price of £15.
Book The Dark at Battersea Arts Centre
Room on the Broom Live on Stage
Rose Theatre Kingston, 27 October – 1 November 2026
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Room on the Broom comes to life on stage during half-term.
Tall Stories’ Olivier Award-nominated production uses puppetry, storytelling and songs to follow the witch and her cat as they make room on their broomstick for a dog, bird and frog – just in time for a hungry dragon to appear.
The production lasts around 55 minutes and is suitable for ages 3+.
The show then continues on a UK tour into 2027, with a West End Christmas season also planned.
Find out more about Room on the Broom Live on Stage
Deadly Live! with Steve Backshall
27 October 2026 | OVO Arena Wembley
Wildlife-loving families can join Steve Backshall for Deadly Live! at OVO Arena Wembley during half-term.
Based on the popular CBBC series, the live show features wildlife, science, daring stunts and experiments, with big cats, birds of prey, snakes and dinosaurs all part of the adventure.
The London performance takes place on 27 October, with the arena currently listing the family show for 1pm.
Find out more about Deadly Live!
On Your Bike Baffo!
4 October 2026 | Jacksons Lane, North London
For younger children aged 3–8, On Your Bike Baffo! combines clowning, slapstick, live music and audience participation.
Baffo is determined to reach the finish line but has one rather important problem – he can’t find his bike. A mysterious box of bicycle-related objects may hold the answer, but he’ll need help from the audience to put everything together.
The show was developed alongside primary school children and features live music by Tom Penn.
Sunday 4 October, 11am and 2pm.
A Spooky Half-Term at London’s Historic Palaces
There are also plenty of other autumn options around London. At Kensington Palace, families can explore The Last Princesses of Punjab, running until 8 November, while the Power, Perfume and Scandal programme brings Georgian history to life at weekends.
For families looking for something different, London’s museums, galleries and theatres will also be running special half-term activities throughout the capital.
A Family Half-Term Stay Just Outside London
The Langley, Buckinghamshire
If you fancy turning half-term into a short break, The Langley in Buckinghamshire offers 150 acres of parkland, woodland trails, bikes, a playground, sandpit, children’s cabin and plenty of outdoor space to explore.
Families can also visit the resident pygmy goats, bunnies, ponies and ducks, while activities nearby include Go Ape and LEGOLAND Windsor.
Rooms start from £505 per room per night, with a second room half price for children under 16 and breakfast included.
Find out more about The Langley
Plan ahead for October half-term
With Halloween falling during the school holiday, many of London’s most popular family attractions and shows are expected to be busy. Check individual venues for booking requirements, age guidance and accessibility information before travelling.
