Things to Do With Kids in London This October 2026

October is when London really starts to feel autumnal. The parks change colour, Halloween decorations begin appearing across the capital and, towards the end of the month, families have October half term to plan.

For many London schools, half term falls from 26–30 October 2026, although individual school dates can vary.

Whether you have toddlers, primary-school children or older kids, here are some of the best ways to enjoy London this October.

1. Make the Most of London’s Autumn Parks

October is one of the best months for a simple London park day.

Try:

• Richmond Park for deer spotting and long autumn walks
• Greenwich Park for views over London and an easy combination with the museums
• Regent’s Park for open space, playgrounds and a possible London Zoo visit
• Hyde Park for a central London autumn walk

The Royal Parks also runs seasonal family programming, and October half term traditionally brings nature and Halloween-themed activities in several parks, with spooky-season programming across Hyde Park, Bushy Park, Brompton Cemetery and Regent’s Park for 2026.

Explore family activities with The Royal Parks

2. Plan a Greenwich Family Day

Greenwich remains one of our favourite areas when you want several family attractions close together.

Start at the National Maritime Museum, then walk through Greenwich Park. Depending on your children’s ages, add the Cutty Sark or Royal Observatory.

Royal Museums Greenwich family guide

It also works particularly well in autumn because you can mix indoor and outdoor activities without travelling across London.

3. Visit the Natural History Museum

Dinosaurs rarely need much selling.

The Natural History Museum is still one of London’s strongest free family options, with dinosaurs, mammals, volcanoes and Earth galleries that work across a wide age range.

Natural History Museum family activities

October weekends and half term can be busy, so consider booking available timed-entry slots ahead of your visit.

4. Get Hands-On at the Science Museum

Next door, the Science Museum offers another excellent rainy-day option.

General admission is free, while Wonderlab adds more than 50 interactive exhibits for families who want a more hands-on experience.

Plan a Science Museum visit

5. Try London Museum Docklands

For younger children, London Museum Docklands is worth remembering.

The free museum explores London’s Docklands history, while its family provision includes interactive experiences such as Mudlarks.

Visit London Museum Docklands

Combine it with a walk around Canary Wharf for an easy autumn day that feels very different from the West End.

6. Start Planning October Half Term

For many London families, the main school break is 26–30 October 2026.

Popular attractions are likely to be considerably busier that week, so now is the right time to book any major paid days out.

Some ideas include:

• London Zoo
• Hampton Court Palace
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• West End theatre
• Greenwich attractions
• Family museums and immersive experiences

Other half-term highlights include SEA LIFE, London Zoo, the Paddington Bear Experience and family theatre.

See our October Half Term 2026 guide

7. Add Some Halloween Fun

Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026, which makes this year particularly convenient for families.

London’s seasonal programme includes everything from family-friendly trails to full Halloween attractions.

Hampton Court Palace, for example, has confirmed its Halloween programme over the half-term period, while Warner Bros. Studio Tour London brings back its Dark Arts seasonal takeover.

We’ve put together a separate Halloween in London 2026 family guide.

Read our Halloween in London 2026 family guide

8. See a Family Show

October is also a good month for theatre.

Depending on ages, you could look at long-running family favourites such as:

• Matilda
• Wicked
• The Lion King
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

From 9 October 2026, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child changes to a one-part production lasting around two hours and 55 minutes.

Always check individual theatre age guidance before booking.

9. Keep One Weekend Completely Free

Not every October day needs tickets.

A simple autumn combination of:

park + packed lunch + free museum + hot chocolate

can be just as memorable as a major attraction.

October is one of the best months to enjoy London before Christmas events begin taking over the calendar.

Mummy.London Tip

Use our family listings and guides to build an October weekend around your area, your children’s ages and your budget.

And keep this page bookmarked — we’ll continue updating it as more October and half-term activities are confirmed.