Half Term Events for Kids

Activities & Days Out / 9 October, 2024 / Ellie Thompson

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy and entertained this half-term? Look no further! We’ve rounded up the best half term events, activities, and fun-filled adventures happening near you. Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor escapades, creative crafts, or something a little different, we’ve got you covered with ideas guaranteed to make this half-term one to remember! Let the hullabaloo begin!

CBeebies Rainbow Adventure is now open at Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush, and booking until 3 November.

This immersive 55-minute theatrical experience, designed for children aged 0-6, features beloved CBeebies characters like Duggee, Bluey, Mr. Tumble, and JoJo & Gran Gran. Families can explore recreated spaces such as Hey Duggee’s Clubhouse and Bluey’s Bedroom, with roleplay, live storytelling, music, and surprises throughout. The adventure ends with a special photo opportunity featuring either Bluey or Duggee.

Tickets start at £15 (plus a £1.00 fee) and can be purchased via the website.

WHEN: Now until 3rd November

WHERE: Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush

Venture to Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex for a seed-seeking adventure this October half-term, in collaboration with National Geographic Kids Magazine. Young adventurers can play the role of a seed scientist and learn how to bank a seed, just like expert scientists at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank. Set in vibrant autumnal woodlands, the trail brings the pages of Nat Geo Kids magazine to life, through fun and interactive activities, with a unique embroidered badge up for grabs at the end of the mission!

Pre-booking is essential.

WHEN: 19 October to 3 November 2024, 10am to 4.30pm

RBG Wakehurst Picture by Jim Holden

The Barbican’s ever popular Family Film Week returns this October half term with the best children’s films from around the world, including new releases, special previews, alongside activities, introductions and special events.

Family Film Week kicks off on Sat 26 Oct with Fox and Hare Save the Forest (Netherlands 2024), a gentle animation following animal friends trying to save their forest home. On Sun 27 Oct, the UK premiere of Momo in Dubai (India 2023) takes audiences on a quirky adventure as 7-year-old Momo and his family travel from Kerala to Dubai for an unexpectedly low-key holiday. Family fun continues on Mon 28 Oct with Rhyme Time and The Gruffalo, featuring a singalong session for little ones and a special screening of the beloved The Gruffalo (UK 2009).

The week includes creative events like Ultraman: Rising with a Kaiju draw-along led by comic writer Ramzee on Tue 29 Oct and composer Stuart Hancock introducing two screenings of Kensuke’s Kingdom (UK/ Luxembourg 2023) on Wed 30 Oct. Other highlights include Despicable Me 4 and a family quiz on 31 Oct, The Pinchers High Voltage Heist with a Louie Stowell draw-along, and the anniversary screening of Boy and the World (Brazil 2024). Family Film Week concludes on Sun 3 Nov with an early preview of That Christmas (UK 2024), a festive treat featuring a new song by Ed Sheeran, just in time to kick off the holiday season.

WHEN: Sat 26 Oct – Sat 03 Nov

WHERE: Barbican, London

Enjoy a Spook-tacular Half-Term at Woolwich Works!

From October 23 to November 3, Woolwich Works transforms into a Halloween haven, offering family-friendly workshops and events. Highlights include the Ugly Duckling Ballet, Halloween Creation Stations, and a Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave with DJ Prime Cuts. Families can also enjoy a Halloween Hunt around Royal Arsenal, or join the Thriller dance workshop. For adults, there’s a Halloween Party on October 31. With activities for all ages, Woolwich Works promises spooky thrills and frightfully good fun for the whole family this Halloween!

WHEN: 23rd October to 3rd November

WHERE: Woolwich Works

Affordable Art Fair’s popular Family Morning is back, this year running on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am-12pm, with activity packs, face-painting, a Kids Creative Corner, and more! Children aged 7 – 12 can also enjoy The Little Grand Tour – a fun-packed tour of the fair exploring popular art movements and techniques.

It’s the perfect Autumnal activity for children to spark creativity and imagination while learning – in the beautiful setting of London’s leafy Battersea Park.

WHEN: 16-20 October

WHERE: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ, UK

We Are Weymouth is launching a thrilling Zombie Week from October 27th to November 3rd, 2024, transforming the town of Weymouth into a hub of Halloween-themed excitement.

Highlights include the Zombie Parade on November 2nd, the immersive “Nothe of the Living Dead” experience at the Nothe Fort, and family-friendly activities like pumpkin carving and face painting. A Zombie treasure hunt kicks off the week on October 26th. This event promises fun and fright for all ages, offering a unique blend of spooky entertainment for both locals and visitors during the Halloween half-term.

WHEN: 27 October – 3 November

WHERE: Weymouth Town

Festival of the Girl is back and hosting its sixth festival on Saturday, October 5th, and Sunday, October 6th, at The Business Design Centre in Islington, North London. The Festival is a ground-breaking event designed especially for girls aged 7-11. The not-for-profit aims to inspire, engage and break down harmful gender stereotypes for girls and their families.

This year it’s bigger and better than ever, with four sessions to choose from over the weekend, including a lower capacity ‘noises off’ session designed especially for SEND children and their families.

The key aim of the festival is for families and society to start the gender stereotype conversation before they become too ingrained. Their increasingly popular global interactive festivals give primary school-aged girls access to an incredible lineup of female role models, workshops and activities. They are safe environments where girls have fun, try something new, and most importantly; leave with a boost of self-confidence.

Although aimed at girls, everyone is welcome.

WHEN: 5 & 6 October

WHERE: The Business Design Centre, Islington, North London

Tall Stories will bring the one and only multi-coloured Elmer to life this half term, the glorious vibrant patchwork elephant, in the much-anticipated world premiere of their latest theatrical extravaganza, The Elmer Adventure. The multi-Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and The Smoos) will celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary year with magical songs, brilliant storytelling and spellbinding puppetry, creating a colourful jungle on stage – perfect for a patchwork elephant to hide in. In the ultimate fun test for families this half term, we’ll see if audiences can spot Elmer in London and Manchester.

Tickets are available from www.tallstories.org.uk/the-elmer-adventure with dates at The Southbank Centre this October. The show is recommended for 3+.

WHEN: 30 October – 3 November

WHERE: The Southbank Centre, London

Keep little ones entertained with Pan Pacific London’s latest children’s afternoon tea. Alongside delicate finger sandwiches and scones, children can show off their own patisserie prowess by decorating pumpkin-shaped, orange-flavoured biscuits with icing pens and tackling DIY pineapple cupcakes. And for the ultimate treat, don’t forget you can also book a Bonpoint children’s spa treatment on the hotel’s SENSORY wellbeing floor.

?Afternoon tea starts from £29 per child,

WHEN: 3 Oct – 12 November, Thursday – Monday from 1pm and 4pm.

WHERE: Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB

Join the Foundling Museum this holiday for a Halloween spectacular! Featuring lantern-making, puppetry and spooky animation, there are plenty of creative activities to keep children busy. All workshops are led by professional artists, plus children get to take their creations home with them. Tickets Free-£10.

WHEN: 29 October – 1 November | 11am & 2pm

WHERE: Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

Brighten up the darker days this half term with dance, crafts and storytelling inspired by light.

Step back in time and experience the magic of old London with our Victorian lamplighters storytelling sessions, to hear tales of the people who once lit up our streets. Or dive into the festival of lights with family-friendly Diwali stories, to learn all about this beautiful celebration.

Feeling crafty? Create your very own art work at our silhouette craft workshops, or get really hands-on in clay making workshops to create pots for the festival of light. You can also watch dazzling Bollywood dance performances or get moving in our dance workshops.

For our littlest visitors, we’re throwing a London lights dance party for under-5s – a proper fun-filled, energetic celebration.

WHEN: 26 October – 3 November, 10.30am – 4pm

WHERE: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL

Caribean Festival at MiD

FUNharmonics: Stan and Mabel

Join the London Philharmonic Orchestra as they tell the lively story of Stan and Mabel, based on the book by Jason Chapman with music by Paul Rissmann.

With plenty of audience interaction throughout, as well as exciting orchestral pieces your family will love, this is sure to be an unforgettable concert experience for young music-lovers aged 5 and above.

FUNharmonics family concerts are the perfect way to introduce the joy of classical music to the whole family. Your concert ticket includes the opportunity to take part in a fabulous array of free musical activities in the foyer spaces at the Royal Festival Hall before the concert begins.

WHEN: 26 October, 12.00pm

WHERE: Royal Festival Hall, London