12 October Half Term Ideas in London for Families

You’ll find endless October half term adventures across London, from soaring 135 metres high on the London Eye for breathtaking autumn views to exploring authentic Harry Potter film sets at Warner Bros Studio. Your kids can conduct hands-on experiments at the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, meet historical characters at the Tower of London, and create masterpieces at Tate Modern’s family workshops. Greenwich Park offers outdoor exploration while LEGOLAND Discovery Centre provides STEM-focused indoor fun. These attractions guarantee memorable experiences whatever the weather brings.

Visit the London Eye for Stunning Autumn Views

Why not kick off your half-term adventure with London’s most iconic giant wheel? The London Eye’s 135-metre height offers breathtaking panoramic views that’ll captivate both kids and adults.

During October half term, you’ll catch stunning autumn colours across London’s skyline, making it perfect for family photos.

Book online in advance – it’s mandatory for all guests. Consider fast-track upgrades since school holidays can mean 45-minute waits.

The wheel’s fully accessible with wheelchair ramps and automatic doors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

For the best autumn views, aim for early morning when skies are clearest and crowds thinner. The golden hour before sunset creates magical lighting over London’s landmarks.

Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to spot famous sights below. From your capsule, you’ll enjoy 360º views of iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London spread out beneath you.

Explore the Tower of London’s Family-Friendly Events

Your family can explore the fortress walls with cameras and microphones, meeting costumed characters portraying real historical figures.

After their investigations, children return to the journalist’s office in Lower Bowyer Tower to piece together their discoveries.

The event’s included with standard Tower admission, though you’ll need advance booking.

Don’t miss the stunning display of 30,000 ceramic poppies commemorating WWII’s 80th anniversary.

This interactive storytelling experience runs from 25 Oct to 2 Nov, bringing post-war history to life through engaging performances.

Discover Interactive Exhibits at the Science Museum

Where can children experience lightning strikes safely while exploring the mysteries of space and sustainable food? The Science Museum’s interactive exhibits transform learning into adventure this October half term.

You’ll discover Wonderlab’s 50 exhibits across seven zones, where your kids can witness a giant Tesla coil creating real lightning strikes and zoom down slides demonstrating forces in motion. They’ll experiment hands-on at the Chemistry Bar with live demonstrations. Watch the Rocket Show to learn about space exploration through engaging demonstrations.

The new Space Gallery opens with exciting displays including a ‘rolly-polly’ Moon rover and UK satellite technology. Don’t miss the Future of Food Exhibition, featuring cricket burgers, cell-grown salmon, and 3,500-year-old bread alongside interactive games showing how food choices impact our planet’s future.

Take a Magical Tour of Warner Bros Studio London

How can you step directly into the actual Great Hall where Harry Potter cast his first spells? You’ll find it at Warner Bros Studio London, where authentic film sets await your exploration. This isn’t a theme park—it’s where the movies were actually made.

Your family can walk through real sets like Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, and the massive Ministry of Magic. You’ll see genuine costumes, props, and animatronics used in all eight films. The self-guided tour takes about 3.5 hours, perfect for curious kids who want to discover filmmaking secrets.

October’s ideal timing, as seasonal Dark Arts features often appear during autumn. You’ll learn how flying letters and creature effects were created, plus enjoy exclusive Butterbeer. Book ahead—this top-rated attraction welcomes 6,000 visitors daily during peak times. The tour has been delighting visitors since it opened in 2012, continuing the legacy of one of the highest-grossing film series worldwide.

Enjoy Indoor Adventures at the Natural History Museum

After exploring movie magic, London’s Natural History Museum offers equally spectacular adventures that’ll captivate your family for hours. Start with Hope, the stunning 25.2-metre blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall.

Then head to the Dinosaur Gallery where an animatronic T. rex awaits alongside incredible fossils.

During October half term, special events make visits even more exciting. The T. Rex Show with Teach Rex uses life-like puppets for ages 3+, while older children can explore the Behind the Scenes Spirit Collection tour. The LEGO® Life Forms workshop lets children build extraterrestrial discovery models for ages 6+.

Don’t miss the earthquake simulator recreating the 1995 Kobe earthquake—it’s thrilling yet educational.

Follow the Family Favourites trail connecting star exhibits, or venture outdoors to meet Fern, the bronze Diplodocus in the Evolution Garden surrounded by prehistoric plants.

Experience Royal History at Buckingham Palace

Why not step into Britain’s most famous residence for an unforgettable royal adventure? During October half term, you’ll need to book guided tours since the summer self-guided visits have ended. These small-group tours run about 1 hour 45 minutes and include the magnificent State Rooms with their gilded ceilings and crystal chandeliers.

Your children will love exploring the Throne Room and Ballroom while discovering treasures from the Royal Collection. You’ll have the chance to view masterpieces by renowned artists including Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens displayed throughout the palace.

The palace welcomes families with baby-nursing facilities, wheelchair access, and toilets in the gardens.

Don’t miss the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony – it’s free and combines military pageantry with regimental music. Watch from St James’s Park for the best views of the red-coated guards marching.

Have Fun at Borough Market’s Food Adventures

Where better to ignite your children’s culinary curiosity than at Borough Market’s spectacular Halloween-themed adventures? From Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October, you’ll discover the Market Explorers Garden in Market Hall, offering free drop-in activities from 11am to 3pm daily.

Your little ones can enjoy spooky cookie decorating using treats from Cinnamon Tree Bakery, while arts and crafts stations spark creativity. The Market Explorers Garden features exciting games alongside the creative activities to keep children entertained throughout their visit.

Don’t miss Wednesday’s Big Draw workshop (1-3pm), where illustrator Rosie Brooks leads a foodie drawing session inspired by autumn produce like pumpkins and squashes.

Located at 2-4 Bedale Street, this family-friendly experience requires adult supervision but no advance booking for most activities.

It’s perfect half-term entertainment that combines Borough Market’s vibrant atmosphere with educational Halloween magic.

Climb Aboard HMS Belfast for Maritime Exploration

Step aboard HMS Belfast and watch your children’s eyes widen as they explore a real warship that fired the opening shots on D-Day. This Town-class light cruiser offers nine decks of authentic maritime adventure, from the Captain’s chair to gun turrets and engine rooms.

Your family will discover compelling stories of the 900-950 crew members who served during World War II and the Korean War. Children can explore the onboard chapel, radio station, and bakery while learning about Arctic convoy missions and naval life.

The experience typically takes half to full day, with family-friendly trails guiding you through this floating piece of history. HMS Belfast has seen remarkable growth in popularity, with visitor numbers experiencing a 13% increase recently, making it one of London’s most sought-after maritime attractions.

Located opposite the Tower of London, HMS Belfast is easily accessible via London Bridge station. Take advantage of Transport for London’s 2-for-1 entry offer when travelling by TfL services.

Get Creative at Tate Modern’s Family Workshops

How can you transform your children into budding artists while exploring one of the world’s most famous galleries? Tate Modern’s free UNIQLO Tate Play workshops offer drop-in art activities perfect for October half term.

Your family can plunge into Holiday Make Studios, where the massive Tanks transform into immersive creative environments using recycled materials.

You’ll find themed spaces like “The Joy of Not Knowing” where kids build secret dens, interact with projections, and create costumes from everyday materials.

These aren’t formal classes—they’re self-guided experiences where children collaborate on large shared installations inspired by current exhibitions.

Book free timed tickets online or try walk-up availability.

Relaxed hours accommodate neurodivergent children with quieter atmospheres, ear defenders, and sensory-rich activities designed for all ages to participate together. Special cozy corners feature themed storybooks and magical viewfinders designed specifically for tiny hands and curious eyes.

Adventure Through Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory

Why settle for ordinary playgrounds when Greenwich Park offers 74 hectares of royal adventure playground with some of London’s most spectacular views? Your kids can explore orchards, woodlands, and formal gardens while you enjoy panoramic vistas of Canary Wharf from One Tree Hill.

The Royal Observatory delivers hands-on learning where children can straddle the Prime Meridian Line with one foot in each hemisphere. They’ll discover how Greenwich Mean Time shapes our world while exploring the historic Great Equatorial Telescope.

Don’t miss the Peter Harrison Planetarium, London’s only planetarium, offering immersive space shows perfect for curious minds.

If weather’s mild, the boating lake operates through October’s shoulder season. You’re also steps away from the free National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House for extended exploration. The museum houses over two million items spanning 2,000 years of maritime history, including ship models and scientific instruments.

Splash Around at SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Where else can your children walk through a glass tunnel while sharks glide overhead and rays sweep past at arm’s length? SEA LIFE London Aquarium transforms half term into an underwater adventure that’ll captivate kids for hours.

Located right next to the London Eye, this three-floor aquarium houses over 600 species in more than 2 million litres of water. Your family can experience the thrilling Shark Walk, where these magnificent predators swim around you in their massive tank.

Don’t miss the UK’s largest jellyfish display featuring 350 mesmerizing creatures, or the enchanting seahorse exhibits.

The Rainforest Adventure zone showcases rescued terrapins, while feeding opportunities let children connect with playful penguins. The aquarium also welcomes up to 40,000 school children annually for educational programs, reflecting its commitment to marine conservation learning.

With over 30,000 marine creatures calling this place home, you’ll discover something magical around every corner.

Build and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Westfield London transforms rainy half-term days into colorful adventures where your little builders can create, explore, and play for hours.

Perfect for ages 3-10, this indoor attraction features over 10 themed build zones, from NINJAGO Training Camp to DUPLO Farm areas designed for preschoolers.

Your children will love the interactive Kingdom Quest ride and 4D cinema with sensory effects like wind and snow.

The STEM-focused activities include earthquake tables and car ramps that encourage problem-solving while developing fine motor skills. Educational school trip programs are also available, incorporating hands-on activities that teach math, science, and engineering through collaborative LEGO building experiences.

Don’t miss MINILAND’s miniature London landmarks built from thousands of bricks.

Plan 2-3 hours for your visit and book advance tickets online during October half-term.

The weatherproof venue includes café facilities and baby-changing areas for maximum family comfort.

The Sum Up

You’ll create amazing memories exploring London’s fantastic family attractions this October half term. Whether you’re marveling at dinosaurs, building LEGO masterpieces, or gazing at autumn views from the London Eye, there’s something magical waiting for every child. Don’t forget to check opening times and book tickets in advance – many attractions offer family discounts. Pack snacks, comfortable shoes, and your sense of adventure. London’s ready to spark your kids’ curiosity and imagination!