The October half-term is approaching (argh!!!) and so is Halloween. If you’re in a similar boat to us, then you’ve probably had to think up some activities that you can do with your kids that they’ll enjoy!
So, to help both us, and you, we’ve compiled a list of things to do, or go to, on and around Halloween. Hopefully, we’ve got you covered.
- Pumpkin Patches! We’ve heard great things about the Pumpkin Patch in Wimbledon, but there are so many to choose from. Pumpkin patches are sure to bring out the inner-child of us all. The typically American tradition has become increasingly popular over the past few years and is a firm family favourite that everyone needs to do/visit at least once in their lifetime. Typically, you’ll find that entrance to these P.Y.O pumpkin patches is free. However, you do have to purchase the pumpkins you pick… which can be costly.
- Our top tip: Don’t leave this to the last minute (i.e. don’t leave it till the last few days before Halloween to go) as you’ll miss out on all the ‘good’ pumpkins… or even any pumpkins at all. We suggest going as soon as possible to opening time to ensure you get a good choice and don’t come away empty-handed.
- Pumpkin Picking Patch Wimbledon. Wimbledon SW19 7HX. Open from 18th-31st October. Opening Times: 9.30am-4pm. Pumpkin Picking Patch also put on Halloween craft activities alongside food and other fun activities, making it a full fun day out for everyone.
- Halloween at ZSL London Zoo – Slightly more expensive, but a day of guaranteed family fun! This half-term, ZSL is putting on over a week’s worth of seasonal activities that are a welcoming addition to what they usually offer. Set in the beautiful Regents Park, ZSL London Zoo is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions – and for a good reason too. Amongst the Halloween fun, visitors get an insight into the more ‘gruesome’ side of nature with their ‘Grim Keeper’ tours, Halloween craft activities and seasonal animal talks. This Halloween they also have their own ‘London Zoo Pumpkin Patch’ and provide autumnal food and drink.
- Our top tip: The ‘Grim Keeper’ Tours are including with your ticket; however, it is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis where only 20 people can partake. The tours run every half hour and hour between 11am and 4pm – so if you would like to go on one of these tours, we’d suggest planning your day around this.
- ZSL London Zoo. Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY. Open daily from 10am-5pm with last entry being at 4pm. The typical off-peak price for an Adult ticket is £27, and for a Child ticket, it’s £17.55 if bought online. Buying online gives you 10% off your ticket price that you would’ve had to pay on the day, or you can view our special offers here.
- Horniman Halloween Fair – Horniman Museum welcomes a Halloween Fair this year, perfect for your little ones to get outside and enjoy the Halloween festivities. Entrance to the two-day festival is free. However, individual activities range in price and can be anything from free to £5. Amongst the activities you can enjoy a Halloween Trail (£1 pp.), Story-telling performances (£5 per child, £2.50 per adult), and other fairground activities (various prices), to name a few.
- Our top tip: Horniman’s are also hosting a Halloween parade across both days between 12.30pm-2.30pm. To take part, make sure both you and your little ones get dressed up in Halloween/fancy dress attire and join in on the fun as you are led around the grounds by scary skeletons!
- Horniman Halloween Fair. 100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ. Open from 10.30am-4pm. Free entry.
Now, for those of you who don’t celebrate Halloween or want something less on the scary side to do this half-term… Here’s a couple more!
- Museum of London Tours and Exhibition – Any museum in London is a great shout to visit during half-term (despite being busier!) as entry tends to be free, and helps expand little minds; if you can keep their attention! This half term, the Museum of London has an exhibition on the Beasts of London, which shows how animals, both big and small, helped to shape the city we live in today. This is a paid exhibition (tickets should be purchased in advance) and is £20 for a family ticket. It operates every seven minutes with groups of 12 people. It is recommended for ages 7+ as it can get gruesome at times. They are also running a Great Fire of London family walk, suitable for ages 5+ and tickets prices range from £5.
- Our top tip: You don’t have to experience paid exhibitions or walking tours to have fun! They are lots of great exhibits that you can view for free such as ‘London before London’, ‘Roman London’ and ‘World City’.
- Museum of London. 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. Free entry. Open 10am-6pm every day.
- Victoria and Albert Museum – As we mentioned above, any Museum is perfect for spending the day at during half term. The V&A has an extensive collection of Art and hosts numerous exhibitions and activities for children to enjoy. This half-term they have an ‘Imagination Station’ where you can pick up a trail sheet to use around the museum. As you follow the trail, you can hunt for shapes and patterns in a fun, interactive activity. The ‘Imagination Station’ trail is free to partake in and operates from 10.30am-5pm between 20th-25th October and 27th October.
- Our top tip: There are so many activities to enjoy here as a family, including ‘Hands-on Discovery’ sections, ‘pop-up performance’ rooms and ‘drop-in design’ classes; which are all free! Have a browse on their website and take a look at what’s on offer as you’ll be sure to find something that all your kids will enjoy.
- V&A Museum. Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Free Entry. Open from 10am-5.54pm excl. Fridays where opening is from 10am-10pm.
These are just a handful of our top picks, but there are so many more to choose from. If you visit any of these places or have some go-to spots that you love to visit with your kids, let us know down below!