October 2025
For families based in London, the October 2025 calendar is jam-packed with fun ways to entertain kids.
Every area will have its own Halloween events and autumn fairs. Big London attractions are also planning special things for half-term, so parents don’t run out of ideas.
We’ve picked out our favourite family events happening this month down below. But in case you’re in a hurry, here’s a cheat sheet for family fun in London this October:
A cheap family day-out in London: Drop in on an unticketted family event at the Southbank Centre, refuel at Mamuśka!, where kids eat free, then visit the new Picasso exhibition at Tate Modern (free for under-12s).
Best Halloween activity for kids: From 17 Oct-2 Nov, Kew Gardens turns into a haunted forest. Or for a free option, Hyde Park has Halloween Discovery Days running from 28-30 Oct.
Best family experience: Try the famous Dino Snores sleepover at the Natural History Museum, on Saturday 4 October. This one is a space-themed sleepover for families with children aged 7-17.
A free activity to entertain children this October half-term: The British Library is opening a Family Station for kids to explore and play (24-30 Oct). Advanced booking is recommended. The Museum of London Docklands also has storytelling, crafts, and a silent disco (27–31 Oct).
Best London show for babies & toddlers: Each Friday, Frameless runs multi-sensory classes that introduce tots to the world of art.
Best London shows for older kids: See a glowing Japanese-inspired circus at the Shaw Theatre and a sparkling Cinderella ballet.
Fun, but educational, activities in London this October: The London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre will put on a range of events for kids of all ages.
Any family deals on fun events this October? Groups get 20% off entry for the stunning Water Lantern Festival on Oct 11-12 at Clapham Common Park.
20 Brilliant things to do in London with kids this October
Dino Snores for Kids – Space Special
Date: Sat 4 Oct
Ages: 7-17 yrs only
Where: Natural History Museum, SW7
Prices: £90-£100 per person
Spend a night at the Natural History Museum, complete with torch-lit trails and dino-themed activities. This special edition has a space twist, so kids can explore the stars as well as the dinosaurs. A rare chance to camp out in one of London’s most iconic museums.
Glow Circus: Japanese-Inspired Neon Show
Step into a dazzling circus world lit up by glowing neon. The show is inspired by Japanese performance art, mixing acrobatics and bright colours. It’s a lively, family-friendly evening full of light and movement.
Event details
Dates: Fri Oct 24
Ages: Great for 5 yrs+
Where: Shaw Theatre, SW1
Prices: From £37.00
Water Lantern Festival
Watch hundreds of lanterns float across Clapham Common’s waters in a glowing display. Families can decorate their own lanterns before setting them free at sunset. A gentle, magical way to mark the autumn nights together.
Event details
Dates: Sat 11 – Sun 12 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: Clapham Common, SW4
Prices: From £31.75
Flight, Camera, Action!
Take a trip back to Tudor England at the Tower of London. Families can join in film-style activities to bring history to life, from costumes to behind-the-scenes fun. A mix of learning and play in a royal setting
Event details
Dates: Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Ages: All ages
Where: Tower of London, EC3N
Prices: Tickets from £17.90
The Traitors Live Experience: Family Friendly slots
Step inside the world of The Traitors with this live experience. Players can test their detective skills in a series of family-friendly challenges. It’s a chance to team up and see who can spot the “traitors” before time runs out.
Event details
Dates: Wed 29 – Fri 31 Oct
Ages: 12 yrs+
Where: Covent Garden, WC2H
Prices: From £34.50 per person
Multi-Sensory Tots Classes: Immersive Art
Designed especially for pre-schoolers, these sessions at Frameless let little ones explore art through touch, sound and movement. The huge digital galleries make the experience exciting and easy to enjoy. A relaxed, creative start to art for under-5s.
Event details
Dates: Fri 17 + Fri 24 Oct
Ages: Pre-school ages
Where: Frameless, W1H
Prices: Tickets from £13
Fly-Kid Family Rave ft. MC Grammar
A daytime rave where kids and parents can dance together. Expect a mix of hip hop, classics and live fun with MC Grammar. It’s loud, lively and designed for the whole family to enjoy safely.
Event details
Dates: Sat 11 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: Outernet London, WC2H
Prices: Kids tickets from £9
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
The world’s best wildlife photography comes to the Natural History Museum. See striking shots of animals, landscapes and rare moments from nature. A great way for kids and adults to explore the beauty of the planet.
Event details
Dates: Fri 17 Oct – Sun 12 Jul
Ages: All ages
Where: Natural History Museum, SW7
Prices: Kids tickets from £7.75
Fireworks & Drone Festival: Halloween Spooktacular
Alexandra Palace lights up with fireworks, music and a high-tech drone show. Families can enjoy spooky extras like funfairs and themed food. A big seasonal celebration with views across London.
Event details
Dates: Fri 31 – Sat 1 Nov
Ages: All ages
Where: Alexandra Palace Park, N22
Prices: From £14.00
ZooTown roleplay fun as Reptile House reopens
Young children can play at running their own zoo in this interactive area at London Zoo. As the Reptile House reopens, it’s a perfect chance to explore creatures and pretend to be a keeper. Hands-on fun for little animal lovers.
Event details
Dates: Opens Sat 18 Oct
Ages: Great for 3-8 yrs
Where: London Zoo, NW1
Prices: Kids zoo entry from £22.20
Kew Gardens’ Halloween light trail
Kew Gardens transforms into a glowing Halloween trail. Expect pumpkins, lights and eerie but family-friendly displays among the trees. A calm, seasonal evening walk for all ages.
Event details
Dates: Fri 17 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Ages: All ages
Where: Kew Gardens, TW9
Prices: Tickets from £13
MCM Comic Con
London’s biggest comic convention is back at Excel. Families can explore stalls, meet favourite characters and see cosplay in action. A colourful celebration of comics, games, film and TV.
Event details
Dates: Fri 24 – Sun 26 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: Excel London, E16
Prices: Kids tickets from £7.00
The best London shows for kids this October
The Magic Gateway: Family Show
A story-filled stage show at Greenwood Theatre. Expect colourful characters, songs and plenty of interaction for younger audiences. A light, fun theatre trip for families.
Event details
Dates: Sun 19 Oct
Ages: Great for 4 yrs+
Where: Greenwood Theatre, SE1
Prices: Kids tickets from £15
Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show
Cinderella is retold through dance, with bright lights adding sparkle to the stage. The show combines ballet with glowing costumes and effects. A magical twist on a classic fairy tale.
Event details
Dates: Sun 26 Oct
Ages: For 5 yrs+
Where: Shaw Theatre, NW1
Prices: Tickets from £38.85
Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat
The beloved picture book comes to life on stage. Families can follow Mog’s gentle adventures with songs, silliness and plenty of charm. Perfect for introducing young children to theatre.
Event details
Dates: Wed 29 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Ages: For 3 yrs+
Where: South Bank Centre, SE1
Prices: Tickets from £19.50
Hot Wheels Stunt Show
Watch life-size Hot Wheels cars perform jumps, flips and stunts at Wembley Arena. The show is packed with action, noise and speed. A thrilling outing for kids who love cars.
Event details
Dates: Sat 25 – Sun 26 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: Wembley Arena, HA9
Prices: Kids tickets from £39
Free things to do with your kid in London this October
Halloween Discovery Days
Head to Hyde Park for free outdoor fun this half term. Kids can join nature trails, spooky crafts and hands-on activities. A simple way to enjoy autumn in the park.
Event details
Dates: Tue 28 – Thu 30 Oct
Ages: Great for 3-11 yrs
Where: Hyde Park, W2
London Literature Festival
Southbank Centre hosts two weeks of talks, readings and family workshops. Children’s events run alongside the main programme, so young book lovers can join in too. A great festival for stories and ideas.
Event details
Dates: Tue 21 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
Ages: All ages
Where: South Bank Centre, SE1
BFI Film Festival (Family Screenings + Free Events)
The BFI Film Festival brings films from around the world to London. Most family screenings are sold out, but a couple remain, and there are free drop-in events for kids. A nice way to introduce young audiences to cinema beyond the usual blockbusters.
Event details
Dates: Wed 8 – Sun 19 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: BFI Southbank, SE1
2025 Bloomsbury Festival
The Bloomsbury area fills with art, performances and family activities for one weekend. Streets and venues host music, theatre and community events. It’s a friendly, free festival with lots for kids to discover.
Event details
Dates: Fri 17 – Sun 19 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: Bloomsbury, WC1
Half-Term Fun at the London Docklands Museum
The museum runs creative workshops and activities all week for children. Families can explore history through crafts, games and storytelling. A good indoor option for half-term.
Event details
Dates: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct
Ages: Great for 5 yrs+
Where: London Docklands Museum, E14
British Library’s Family Station
Drop into the British Library’s special family space over half-term. Kids can play, read and try simple creative activities. It’s a relaxed way to explore one of London’s great cultural landmarks.
Event details
Dates: Fri 24 – Thu 30 Oct
Ages: All ages
Where: British Library, NW1
Want more ideas like these?
We hope this list inspires a day of magical family memories for you. Next time, why not skip the Google search?
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