In a city of nine million people, you can guarantee that you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. And that counts just as much for the kids as the adults. In fact, there are so many things to do in London with kids that it was hard to whittle this list down.
From exploring some of the best museums and immersive experiences in the city to visiting London’s family-friendly attractions, here’s the Secret London lowdown on what to do in London with kids this October half-term.
Stay in the UK’s first prehistoric-themed family suite — from hidden bookcase doors to a T‑Rex bunk room. For a half-term treat with a difference, the Natural History Museum has partnered with Park Plaza London Riverbank to open the UK’s first prehistoric-themed family suite, featuring an immersive dinosaur bedroom, interactive trails and themed activities. Stays in the suite start at £650 per night.
Pick-your-own pumpkins, a maize maze and Pumpkin Nights at Hatter’s Farm make it the UK’s top patch. If you fancy a half-term day trip just outside London, Hatter’s Farm in Takeley, Essex has been named the UK’s top pumpkin patch by the AA, with over 100,000 home-grown pumpkins across 75+ varieties — plus autumn extras including a maize maze, pumpkin cannon, haunted walkthrough and Pumpkin Nights.
Round up your little explorers. It’s not every day you can watch golden cities rise from the sands and witness the cosmos unfurl around you in a spectacle of light and colour, but that’s the kind of thing you can expect at the Timewalk Immersive Experience Museum. The fascinating experience takes you on a journey through human history, from the very beginning of human connection at the hilltop sanctuary of Göbeklitepe, and into the worlds of Babylon, Ancient Egypt, Maya and Rapa Nui.
Five immersive rooms bring these civilisations to life with wondrous 360-degree visuals, 3D illuminated sculptures and atmospheric soundscapes. Plus, from October 26 to November 1, every child’s ticket comes with an Explorer Passport and a framed photobooth photo to take home as a memento.
Wallace & Gromit were sketched and scripted over weekly pints at The Hoop in Notting Hill Gate. For a fun half-term stop for Aardman fans, head to the former site of The Hoop in Notting Hill Gate, where Nick Park says Wallace & Gromit’s debut, A Grand Day Out, was conceived over weekly pints. The site at 81-85 Notting Hill Gate later became a Le Pain Quotidien and is now the UK’s first Yo-Chi store.
If you fancy a budget-friendly activity that gets the whole family exploring, keep an eye out for a mischievous trail of Dennis the Menace sculptures winding its way around London this winter — and it’s completely free to visit. Celebrating 75 years since one of the most mayhemic characters in comic-book history first appeared in The Beano, ‘The Dennis and Gnasher Mega Mischief Trail’ will feature 12 unique sculptures. See if you can find them all this winter, hidden around Fleet Street Quarter.
Discover a hidden underground world of 4.6 million shimmering shells in Margate. If you fancy getting out of London for a half-term day trip, Shell Grotto is a Grade I listed subterranean attraction in Margate featuring intricate shell mosaics made from around 4.6 million shells along a 70-foot passage and an Altar Chamber. The mysterious, uncredited grotto is open to the public and sits at 33 Grotto Hill, Margate CT9 2BU.
Catch the Hunter’s Moon rising at sunset on 25 October 2026 — Saturn will be nearby. For a low-effort, family-friendly half-term moment, step outside and watch the Hunter’s Moon — the full Moon following the Harvest Moon — on Sunday 25 October 2026, with peak illumination at 03:12 UTC. Look toward the eastern horizon around sunset to catch the Moon rising and spot Saturn nearby on the nights around 23–25 October.
Step into atmospheric vaults and experience the first 50 years of Roman London for free. Looking ahead, London Museum will open a free, immersive exhibition in its newly rediscovered underground vaults at Smithfield in spring 2027, showcasing more than 14,000 previously unseen Roman finds from the Bloomberg Collection. The show uses projection, animation and spatial sound to bring the first decades of Roman London to life.
This charming exhibition explores the life and work of the Moomins creator, Tove Jansson. Spanning everything from her childhood creativity to her time illustrating Moomins cartoons for a London newspaper and beyond, the exhibition demonstrates how Tove’s family and friends directly influenced her work.
🎟️ £15 / Free for Members
Pay a visit to the SEA LIFE Aquarium this summer, where you’re transported below the ocean to discover hundreds of marine species across 14 immersive zones. Walk directly next to sharks and jellyfish and learn what makes each species special – plus find out about some of the incredible conservation efforts that are being made to ensure they continue to thrive.
Descend beneath Greater London to explore 22 miles of eerie, history-steeped caves. For a half-term adventure with a difference, head to Chislehurst Caves — a vast man-made chalk-mining network near London stretching around 22 miles. You’ll join a guided tour through tunnels packed with nearly 1,000 years of history, wartime use and famous 20th-century gigs. Tours last about 45 minutes and run hourly between 10:00 and 16:00; entry is by guided tour only.
If your family fancies something a little spooky this October half-term, head to the Tower of London, which boasts a staggering 900-year history filled with tales of torture, prisoners and executions — most notably the beheading of Anne Boleyn. It’s no wonder this iconic site is famous for ghostly sightings.
You can explore the ancient landmark by following a spooky trail and see if you can spot medieval queens, Roman soldiers and wizards haunting the grounds.
Let the kids play with food at a build-your-own burger experience
Encouraging the kids to play with food? That probably just made you raise an eyebrow – but if it teaches the little ones how to assemble ingredients and be curious about their dinner, and it lets them have fun at the table to boot, there may just be some value in it.
That’s the idea behind Heard’s new Mini Makers menu anyway, a build-your-own burger experience for the youngest diners. Kids over four years old are invited to take charge and put together their own creations, choosing ingredients and using chef-style tweezers and squeezy bottles to assemble and decorate their DIY burgers at the table.
Come face-to-face with sea monsters at the Natural History Museum
Dive into the deep at the Natural History Museum’s new ‘Jurassic Oceans’ exhibition, where prehistoric giants like pliosaurs and mosasaurs take centre stage. Packed with dramatic visuals and fascinating facts, it’s a thrilling way to spark kids’ curiosity about ancient oceans and the creatures that once ruled them.
For something a little different this May half term, head to one of the UK’s peony-filled gardens for an easy family day out. Secret London has rounded up some of the best spots near London to see the blooms at their peak, including Penshurst Place & Gardens, Little Budds Peony Farm, and Kew, making it a simple spring excursion that works for both kids and grown-ups.
Bring your kids along to see some of London’s biggest celebrities on the waxwork red carpet, from GRAMMY Award winners to national treasures. Madame Tussauds is home to countless stars, but you may not know that many of them were born in London or built their careers here, now immortalised in wax. Some familiar faces you’ll spot on your visit: Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, David Beckham, and even Paddington. Don’t forget to take a family selfie with your faves before you leave!
Spark their wonder and curiosity at this science workshop
Unleash their inner mad scientist at Mini Genius Lab, a hands-on science adventure where kids can make slime, play with soap bubbles and watch dry ice swirl, fog and fizz in spectacular experiments. Led by a high-energy “mad scientist”, the 60-minute workshop at Gamepath Monopoly Basement turns learning into a giggle-filled lab session, with plenty of wow moments for curious minds aged 6 and up. Best of all, little scientists get all the messy fun, while parents get quality time, great photo opportunities and absolutely none of the cleanup.
Step into the future at the Barbican’s ‘Other Worlds’ exhibition
Older kids (5+) will love this immersive Barbican exhibition imagining the future through film and design. ‘Other Worlds’ blends sci-fi visuals with real-world ideas about climate and technology, creating a thought-provoking yet visually exciting experience that feels like stepping into a movie.
At Shrek’s Adventure, you and the little ones will embark on a journey through the kingdom of Far Far Away to find Shrek, interacting with all of the characters from the movies along the way. Expect lots of hands-on activities and interactive scenes, plus plenty of songs from the iconic Shrek soundtrack for the whole family to sing along to.
This immersive adventure lets you compete in a thrilling city-wide race, mirroring all the excitement of the TV show. If your half-term plans call for something a bit more high-energy, get ready for ‘Race Across The World: The Experience London.’
This immersive adventure lets you compete in a thrilling city-wide race, mirroring all the excitement of the TV show. Over 2-3 hours, you’ll explore hidden treasures, solve puzzles, and race against the clock, all while managing your budget and strategy.
Wander through a kaleidoscope at Battersea’s Luminarium
A giant inflatable maze of colour and light lands at Battersea Power Station this half term. The Luxart Luminarium invites families to walk through glowing tunnels and domes, each filled with shifting hues and patterns. It’s part art installation, part sensory playground—and very Instagram-friendly.
For a bit of family-friendly adrenaline this summer, bring the kids to watch the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at Excel London on August 15 to 16 – two full days of electric races, plus live music, food truck fare, VR racing simulators, and lots of fan village experiences for kids and adults alike.
As the grand finale of this racing season, the event will also feature the official crowning of the Season 12 World Champion – we’ll see you there.
You might dismiss the London Eye as a mere tourist attraction and not a place you’d visit as a local family, but what you probably don’t know is that you can get the kids excited to spot some real gems from up there – things you had no idea you could see from the heart of London.
This summer, book a ride in one of the capsules with the whole family and look out for these lesser-known sights, including the centuries-old Cleopatra’s Needle, two hidden rooftop gardens, a couple of castles, and many more.
Discover nature play at Horniman Museum’s revamped gardens
South London’s beloved Horniman Museum unveils exciting new outdoor spaces just in time for half term. Kids can explore the Kusuma Nature Play area, follow an augmented reality trail and roam the community garden, all within its 16-acre grounds. Best of all, it’s completely free, making it an easy win for a family day out.
Take to the treetops at Kew Gardens
For a more laid-back adventure, Kew Gardens offers space to run, explore and take in nature. The highlight for kids is the 18-metre-high Treetop Walkway, where they can stroll above the gardens and enjoy sweeping views while learning about the natural world.
Step into the magical world of stop-motion animation at Young V&A in Bethnal Green with Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, running from February 12 to November 15, 2026, where families can explore over 150 rare items like unseen puppets, storyboards from The Wrong Trousers, and the motorbike sidecar from Vengeance Most Fowl to celebrate Aardman’s 50th anniversary.
Kids aged eight to 14 (and all ages welcome) get hands-on with interactive fun like creating 20-frame stop-motion films using Playmobil, adjusting lighting on Feathers McGraw setups, crafting soundtracks from everyday objects such as coconuts and drumsticks, and modelling clay characters in a studio-like experience that reveals how clay comes alive.
For £11 per ticket, enjoy repeat visits throughout the run, making it a cracking half-term adventure blending creativity, humour, and behind-the-scenes secrets from Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph, and Chicken Run.
When you’re exploring London with the little ones, dining can sometimes feel like a balancing act – pleasing both discerning palates and picky eaters. Good news: the Michelin Guide has curated a stellar list of family-friendly restaurants in the capital. From bustling Borough Market to riverside vistas, these top picks serve up delicious meals and welcoming atmospheres that suit the whole family:
🇬🇷 Agora (Borough Market) – A lively Greek souvla bar serving skewers, flatbreads, and mezze in a walk-in, market-side setting.
🍝 Bancone (Covent Garden) – Casual, stylish pasta spot with handmade dishes perfect for both adults and adventurous kids.
🇫🇷 Le Pont de la Tour (Tower Bridge) – Elegant riverside brasserie with French classics, children’s menus, and sweeping Thames views.
🍃 Apricity (Mayfair) – Sustainable fine-dining restaurant offering a playful “Culinary Kids” tasting menu.
🍜 Farang (Highbury) – Vibrant Thai eatery balancing bold flavours with kid-friendly options.
🥩 Hawksmoor (Spitalfields) – Celebrated British steakhouse with hearty dishes and a relaxed, family-welcoming atmosphere.
🥘 Langan’s Brasserie (Mayfair) – Glamorous yet approachable institution serving British comfort food near Buckingham Palace.
Many restaurants in London offer deals where kids eat free, often with the purchase of an adult meal, during school holidays and year-round.
🍽️ Barbican Centre: Children under 10 eat free from the kids’ menu with an adult meal over £10.
🍴Gordon Ramsay Restaurants: Kids under 8 eat free at select locations (Heddon Street Kitchen, Bread Street Kitchen & Bars, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, and Pizza East) on weekdays.
🍽️ Pizza East, Shoreditch: Kids eat free every weekday, with options like lasagne and pizza.
🍴Bella Italia: Kids eat free every Thursday and for £1 between 4-6pm, Sunday to Wednesday.
🍽️ Bill’s: Up to two kids (10 and under) eat free with each adult meal, any day except Saturday and Sunday.
🍴Franco Manca: At selected locations, kids 12 and under get a free pizza with a full-priced adult meal.
🍽️ Las Iguanas: Kids eat free year-round with a loyalty program sign-up.
🍴The Hoxton Hotel: Free meals for kids under 10 on Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm-5pm with a dining adult.
🍽️ Harvey Nichols: Kids under 12 eat free on Sundays, or every day with a REWARDS program membership.
🍴The Real Greek: One free child’s meal for every £10 spent by an adult on Sundays.
🍽️ Club Mexicana: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased available every school holiday at their Soho branch.
🍴 Big Easy: Children under 10 can dine for £9.90 with every adult meal purchased.
🍽️ Sea Containers: Two courses for £10 for children.
🍴 Kricket: During school holidays, all of their locations Brixton, Soho, Canary Wharf, and Shoreditch, are offering free meals for children under 12 from 12pm to 5pm every day.
Who doesn’t love a musical, hey? We’re lucky here in London with a musical theatre scene that’s the envy of the world. Mormons, witches, lions, genies – you name it, there’s a musical with basically everything here.
Kid-friendly options in town include the Tim Minchin-helmed ‘Matilda’ and ‘Disney’s The Lion King’ – an award-winning show which follows Simba on his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. Hakuna Matata!
Got competitive kids who love a good challenge? Prison Island brings the ultimate real-life adventure game to London.
This cell-based experience offers 30 unique challenge rooms where you’ll combine strategy, agility, speed, and problem-solving to score points before time runs out. Whether you’re cracking codes, testing your balance, or dodging obstacles, every room presents a completely different test, making it an ideal high-energy day out for kids and teens.
