For most schools, October half-term runs from 26th–30th October, with plenty of family-friendly activities happening across the capital to keep curious children entertained.
Here are 8 great ideas for things to do in London with kids – from free activities and rainy-day favourites to a little Halloween fun.
We’ve included ages, prices and booking details, plus the nearest Uber Boat by Thames Clippers piers if you fancy taking the scenic river route and making the journey part of the fun!
Hands-on activities and museums
Hands-on activities and museums
Explore all things creepy and crawly at the National Maritime Museum, where free workshops and storytelling bring the world of bugs to life.
Join conservation experts for Bug Detectives on 27 or 30 October, or try sensory spider storytelling on 27 October, designed especially for younger children. The Great Big Bug Show on 28–29 October mixes insect facts with poems, songs and audience participation.
If the weather holds, round off your visit with a trip to The Cove playground just outside.
- Best for: Curious children, with different sessions for different ages.
- When: 24 October–1 November 2026; activities vary by date.
- Cost and booking: Free, drop-in activities. Booking free museum entry is recommended.
- Nearest pier: Greenwich.
Celebrate the Piccadilly line at London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum is celebrating 120 years of the Piccadilly line with hands-on half-term activities for children.
From 24 – 27 October, little ones can follow a sensory story through London, while older kids can design a futuristic carriage. From 28 October–1 November, children can create their own station or try to build a flying Tube train.
- Best for: All ages, with activities tailored to ages 0–5 and 5+.
- When: 24 October–1 November 2026.
- Cost and booking: Included with museum admission; under-18s enter free. Booking ahead is recommended.
- Nearest pier: Embankment, around a 15-minute walk away.
Follow the Cat Trail inside Tower Bridge
You’ve seen the bridge from the river; now find out what’s inside. The Tower Bridge Cat Trail gives children questions to answer and stamps to collect as they explore one of London’s best-known landmarks.
Look down through the glass floors in the high-level walkways, then discover the original steam engines that once powered the bridge. It’s a good choice for children who like figuring out how things work.
- Best for: Primary-school explorers and budding engineers.
- When: Year-round; check opening times for your visit.
- Cost and booking: Paid admission, with the Cat Trail included. Book attraction entry ahead for your preferred visit.
- Nearest pier: Tower, just a short walk from the north-side visitor entrance.
Outdoor adventures and animal encounters
Meet the animals at Surrey Docks Farm
For free October half-term activities in London, Surrey Docks Farm offers a change of scene from the busy city centre. Follow the route around the fields to see goats, sheep, pigs and other farm animals, with the Thames running alongside.
There’s no timed entry to work around, so you can take things at your children’s pace. You can also feed the goats, sheep and pigs using animal food bought from the farm shop.
- Best for: Younger children and animal lovers.
- When: Daily, 10am–4pm.
- Cost and booking: Free entry; no booking needed for ordinary family visits. Animal feed costs extra.
- Nearest pier: Greenland (Surrey Quays), then walk west along the riverside to the farm. Or change at Canary Wharf Pier and cross to Rotherhithe Pier.
Become a young farmer at Vauxhall City Farm
Young animal lovers can spend the day learning what it takes to run a city farm.
They’ll prepare food, muck out enclosures, get involved with gardening, and help keep the animals active and entertained as part of Vauxhall City Farm’s Young Farmers Holiday Camp.
- Best for: Children aged 8–14 who enjoy animals and getting stuck in.
- When: 26–28 October 2026, 9.30am–2pm.
- Cost and booking: £20 per child, per day. Limited funded places are available for children receiving pupil premium.
- Nearest pier: Vauxhall (St George Wharf).
Take on a rooftop adventure at The O2
Take the October school holidays to new heights with Up at The O2. The 90-minute guided climb takes families across the roof of The O2 to a viewing platform 52 metres above the ground.
All the safety equipment is provided, leaving you to enjoy the climb and the 360-degree views across London. After your experience visit the many onsite restaurants located right inside The O2.
- Best for: Adventurous children aged 8+ who are at least 1.2 metres tall.
- When: Year-round, with daytime, sunset and twilight climbs available.
- Cost and booking: Daytime climbs start from £37 on weekdays and £42 at weekends. Advance booking required.
- Nearest pier: North Greenwich, a short walk from The O2.
Scarily fun Halloween activities for children
Enjoy a not-so-spooky day at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Meet monkeys, meerkats and otters before joining the zoo’s gentler Halloween celebrations.
Its dedicated half-term programme includes games, crafts and some spooky storytelling, making it a good choice for younger children who prefer Halloween fun without too many frights.
- Best for: Primary-school children and younger visitors.
- When: 24 October–1 November 2026.
- Cost and booking: Paid zoo admission; some Halloween activities are included. Booking online is recommended.
- Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station, followed by a walk through Battersea Park.
After your visit, stop by the Battersea Power Station to fuel, they have lots of food options for all ages and tastes.
Meet the Tower of London’s ghostly residents
Looking for Halloween events for kids in London? The Tower of London brings its past back to life with ghostly characters, clues to spot and mysterious places to explore, including the Haunted Forge.
It’s more fun than frightening, but the theatrical make-up and spooky sounds may be a bit much for sensitive children. They can always hang back and watch if they prefer.
Be sure to leave the fancy dress at home, visitors arriving in costumes won’t be admitted!
- Best for: Families who enjoy history and a little Halloween atmosphere.
- When: 24 October–1 November 2026, 10.30am–4pm.
- Cost and booking: Included with paid Tower admission; book entry ahead.
- Nearest pier: Tower.
Make the journey part of the adventure
With Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, travelling between activities becomes another exciting part of your family day out. Give tired legs a break, watch London pass by and pick up drinks or snacks from the onboard café bar.
Use our journey planner to find the best sailing for your chosen pier, as not every service stops at every pier.
Family tickets and travelling with children
Planning several stops? Family Hop-on Hop-off tickets are valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children aged 5–15, with kids travelling free as part of the ticket. Choose a 1-day or 2-day ticket for unlimited river travel.
If you’re visiting one main attraction, compare Single and Return tickets to find the best option for your plans.