12 Free Halloween Activities in London for Families

You’ll discover fantastic free Halloween fun across London, from Big Penny Social’s pumpkin carving competition in Walthamstow (with a £100 prize!) to Horniman Museum’s spooky fair featuring witch tours and pumpkin parades. Hyde Park offers Hair Raising Discovery Days with bat explorations, while Holland Park hosts the Playful Park of Peculiar with skeleton serenades and live mariachi bands. Don’t miss Bow Arts’ costume crafting workshops or the British Museum‘s dark fairy tale sessions—explore these hidden gems to access London’s best family-friendly Halloween adventures.

Big Penny Social Pumpkin Carving Competition in Walthamstow

If you’re looking to test your carving skills without spending a penny, Big Penny Social’s pumpkin carving competition in Walthamstow delivers exactly that. You’ll receive a free pumpkin to carve on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6pm to 10pm.

Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, hand it to the bar team for a complimentary pint or soft drink. Winners of the carving contest receive a £100 bar tab for their creative efforts.

The real prize lies in the competition itself—showcase your artistic talents for a chance to win a £100 bar tab.

Located at 1 Priestley Way (E17 6AL), it’s easily accessible from Blackhorse Road station, just 469m away.

Booking’s advised for this family-friendly Halloween activity. Check their official site for any updates or call 020 3700 1040.

Mystery Horror Comedy Screening at Deptford Library

Why settle for predictable Halloween entertainment when you can experience a genuinely mysterious cult classic? Deptford Library‘s hosting a free mystery horror-comedy screening on October 30th, where you won’t know the film until you arrive.

This legendary horror director’s ’90s gentrification satire isn’t available on streaming services, making it a rare big-screen opportunity.

The event starts around 6:45pm at Deptford Lounge, running approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. You’ll get free popcorn, and the venue’s wheelchair accessible with subtitled screenings. Check Lewisham libraries social media for clues about which cult classic will be revealed.

However, it’s rated 18+, so this suits families with older teens rather than young children.

Advance booking’s required through Lewisham Libraries’ platform. The atmospheric “spooky darkness” setup provides perfect Halloween ambiance, and you’re sheltered from unpredictable October weather while enjoying quality cult cinema completely free.

Playful Park of Peculiar Halloween Festivities in Holland Park

When Holland Park transforms into a theatrical playground on Halloween night, you’ll discover one of west London’s most enchanting free family events. The Playful Park of Peculiar runs from 4pm-7pm on October 31st, featuring monochrome characters against autumn foliage and photo-friendly backdrops perfect for social sharing.

Your children can cast spells with a talking frog, spin the Turntable Trick-or-Treat game, and watch a spectacular Skeleton Serenade parade led by a 9-foot dancing skeleton puppet accompanied by a live mariachi band.

You’ll also enjoy jugglers, magicians, glow-in-the-dark hula-hoopers, and live music from Wolfman and the Howling Stones. The event welcomes families with a bubble artist who creates magical floating displays throughout the evening.

Combine your visit with the Kensington Peculiar Halloween Trail and explore nearby streets famous for elaborate house decorations and excellent trick-or-treating opportunities.

Horniman Museum Annual Halloween Fair and Pumpkin Parade

Moving southeast to Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum’s Annual Halloween Fair transforms the beautiful Victorian gardens into a spectacular free family celebration during October half-term.

You’ll discover circus skills sessions, spooky dance-offs in Gallery Square, and bubbles on the bandstand set to Halloween tunes.

The highlight’s the pumpkin parade – bring your carved creations from home for a festive procession through the gardens.

Inside the museum, witch-themed tours explore magical artifacts from the World Gallery, perfect for curious kids aged 8+.

Face painting, craft stalls, and rides offer optional paid extras, but the core experience remains free.

Located at 100 London Road, SE23, it’s easily reached via Forest Hill Overground.

Creative, non-scary costumes are encouraged for this genuinely family-friendly celebration. The museum also runs costume contests with prizes for the best dressed participants.

Hair Raising Halloween Discovery Days in Hyde Park

While older children might crave spine-tingling scares, Hyde Park’s Hair Raising Halloween Discovery Days cater perfectly to families with little ones under eight who need gentler thrills. You’ll explore the Witches’ Den with mysterious feely boxes, navigate a nature trail packed with fascinating facts, and learn about bats living in Royal Parks.

Your children will enjoy hands-on creepy crawly activities and spooky storytelling sessions that won’t give them nightmares.

The event runs October 28-30 from 11am to 3:30pm at Hyde Park Learning Centre, with last entry at 3pm. You’ll need to pre-book free tickets through Eventbrite for specific dates. Many venues encourage costumes with prize competitions for the most creative outfits, adding extra excitement to your family’s Halloween adventure.

This drop-in style event combines outdoor exploration with indoor activities, making it perfect for budget-conscious families seeking quality Halloween entertainment in central London.

British Museum Storytelling and Creepy Craft Sessions

The British Museum transforms into a spellbinding hub of Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities during October half term, offering five days of free haunting storytelling and creepy crafts perfect for families seeking cultural entertainment without the hefty price tag.

You’ll discover artist Emily Hopkins bringing Brothers Grimm fairy tales to life with deliciously dark twists, while your children create Halloween headpieces alongside artist educator Usva Inei.

The museum cleverly weaves together spooky traditions with educational value, exploring how different cultures commemorate spirits and ancestors.

Don’t miss the all-female Mariachi Las Adelitas performances and the dedicated day exploring fantastical skeletons from Mexican folk art.

While museum entry remains free, you should book family sessions in advance to secure your spot at this popular half-term attraction. For those seeking Halloween entertainment beyond London, venues like Beamish Museum offer family-friendly fun with their transformation into The Un-living Museum of the North, complete with spooky activities in their 1950s welfare hall and encounters on cobbled Edwardian streets.

Walthamstow Library Halloween Craft Workshop

Looking for Halloween fun that won’t drain your wallet? Head to Walthamstow Library on Friday, October 31st, 2025, for their free Halloween craft workshop. Running from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, this family-friendly session offers everything you need for spooky creativity without spending a penny.

You’ll plunge into pumpkin crafts, mask-making, and enjoy creepy readings that’ll get everyone in the Halloween spirit. The workshop’s designed for kids and families, making it perfect for quality time together while creating boo-tiful decorations. These community-driven events foster connections with local families while celebrating the season together.

Located on High Street, the library provides all materials for this hour-long creative adventure. You’ll need to book your free tickets through the AllEvents platform since spaces are limited.

Contact Waltham Forest Libraries via their social media channels for additional details about this spooktacular community event.

Museum of London Docklands Half-Term Halloween Activities

Why settle for expensive Halloween entertainment when the Museum of London Docklands offers an entire programme of free spooky activities during October half-term? You’ll find everything from Halloween craft workshops where kids can make masks, lanterns and decorations, to enthralling spooky storytelling sessions featuring river myths and sailors’ superstitions.

The museum cleverly weaves Docklands history into Halloween fun, with pirate-themed activities and eerie tales perfect for families. You can drop into craft workshops, though booking’s recommended due to limited capacity. Don’t miss the interactive Mudlarks family gallery for hands-on play after your Halloween activities.

Located at West India Quay in east London, this former warehouse building provides atmospheric surroundings for your free family day out, with activities suitable for all ages. For an even more spectacular Halloween experience, explore the various ghostly markets and spooky trails happening across London throughout the month.

Bow Arts Wearable Body Parts Craft Session

For a more hands-on artistic adventure, Bow Arts Trust’s free Wearable Body Parts craft session transforms Halloween creativity into surreal, family-friendly fun. Located in the Courtyard Room at 183 Bow Road, this drop-in workshop lets you create bizarre costume pieces using recycled fabrics, cardboard, and foam.

You’ll construct wearable arms, legs, eyes, and mouths while playing the surrealist “exquisite corpse” game—collaboratively building composite figures without seeing others’ contributions. The Bow Arts educator provides guidance and demonstrations, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of artistic experience.

All materials are provided, making this completely budget-friendly. The emphasis on upcycling means you’ll learn sustainable crafting techniques you can replicate at home. Expect bright colors, cartoonish forms, and gentle body-horror themes perfect for Halloween family fun. The workshop runs from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Sunday 26th October 2025, giving families plenty of time to explore their creative side.

Spooky Nature Trails and Bat Discoveries in Royal Parks

While most Halloween activities focus on fictional frights, The Royal Parks’ Discovery Days transform real nature into spine-tingling education that won’t cost you a penny. You’ll find these free drop-in events running October 28-31 at Hyde Park Learning Centre, where hair-raising nature trails guide your family through spooky wildlife discoveries.

Your children can explore dedicated bat learning stations featuring replica specimens and echolocation demonstrations, discovering how these nocturnal hunters navigate London’s darkness.

The programme extends beyond Hyde Park—you’ll discover Nature Roadshows in Bushy Park, Brompton Cemetery, and Regent’s Park offering spooky scavenger hunts and pop-up mini-museums displaying skulls, feathers, and insects. These activities also include hands-on nature crafts that let families create their own spooky keepsakes.

Interactive games teach real conservation while witches’ dens and storytelling sessions keep younger visitors engaged. It’s educational Halloween entertainment that respects your wallet.

Halloween Costume Performances and Family Fun Activities

When your children’s carefully crafted costumes deserve a proper stage, London’s free Halloween performances and parades provide the perfect spotlight without straining your budget.

Borough councils across London host costume parades in town squares with prizes for creativity. Community centres in Camden, Greenwich, and Southwark offer free photo sessions with themed backdrops, while Business Improvement Districts organize street catwalks where kids can strut their stuff.

Head to Covent Garden or Leicester Square for interactive street theatre featuring magicians and puppeteers. Your little ones can join spooky storytelling sessions or watch close-up magic tricks designed for young audiences. The Tower of London also offers Ghost Raiders, a free annual October half-term event for children aged 8-14, featuring Halloween trails and eerie tower tales.

Don’t miss the outdoor family discos along South Bank, where choreographed “monster mash” routines let costumed children dance together. Many events run 4-8 pm, perfect timing before adult festivities begin.

Trick-or-Treat Games and Skeleton Parade Adventures

Beyond the stage performances, London’s streets transform into interactive playgrounds where your costumed kids can collect sweets while exploring spooky adventures. High Street Kensington offers a free trick-or-treat trail where participating shops distribute candy to children in costume. You’ll find clue-solving elements that turn shopping streets into treasure hunts.

Holland Park’s Playful Park of Peculiar features the highlight: a spectacular skeleton parade led by a nine-foot dancing skeleton with live mariachi accompaniment. Your family can join this free procession alongside other costumed participants, including dogs. The park also offers spin-the-wheel games and spell-casting stations for younger children.

For traditional door-to-door experiences, head to residential streets in outer London where houses participate more readily than tower blocks. These typically operate between 4pm-7pm. At Cody Dock, families can enjoy a unique celebration that blends Halloween with other cultural traditions, featuring fire ceremonies where visitors write dedications and wishes to be burned as symbols of strength and renewal.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover London’s packed with spine-tingling Halloween fun that won’t break the bank. From pumpkin carving competitions to spooky nature trails, these free activities keep your family entertained without spending a fortune. Don’t miss the museum fairs, craft sessions, and costume parades happening across the city. Book ahead where required, pack snacks, and prepare for screams of delight. Your Halloween adventure awaits – grab your costumes and explore London’s frightfully fantastic free offerings this October.