15 things to do in London for October half-term
*Ted’s Space Adventure in the Planetarium at the Royal Observatory
In Greenwich, children can be introduced to our solar system with an animated show called Ted’s Space Adventure, which is aimed at under 7s and tells the story about Ted and Plant who travel to different planets to explore what it would be like to live somewhere else than on planet Earth. The film is projected onto the dome-shaped ceiling of the Planetarium and the theatre features reclining seats. The experience includes live commentary from an expert, and Ted’s Space Adventure is playing at 11am on weekends and during school holidays. (Read my full review HERE.)
*Family tours of Shakespeare’s Globe
From 21 to 26 October, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is running family tours, which are designed to introduce younger visitors to Shakespeare’s London and his theatrical world. The one-hour Shakespeare’s Globe family tour is recommended for ages 7 to 11. To introduce children to Shakespeare, I would also recommend the beautifully illustrated book with shortened versions of Shakespeare’s plays – A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories by Angela McAllister (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, £12.99).
*Beasts of London at Museum of London
At Museum of London, visitors can find Beasts of London, an immersive, digital installation, offering families an opportunity to walk through theatrical sets and learn about how animals have shaped the city through the times. The stories are told by the city’s animals–some voiced by celebrities like Kate Moss–and the experience lasts around an hour. The exhibition is open until 5 January 2020.
*Theatre shows for half-term
There are numerous theatre shows suitable for children on stage this autumn. Check out my guide to what’s on stage for families in London HERE.
*Book signing of Tom Gates: A Spectacular School Trip by Liz Pichon
In celebration of the seventeenth book about schoolboy Tom Gates, author Liz Pichon will be at Waterstones Piccadilly on Thursday 24 October for a children’s biscuit decorating session and book signing. Tickets for the children’s event can be booked for £17 per child and this includes a copy of the new book. The session will be followed by a public signing from 4pm, and it’s also possible to reserve a free place to meet Liz Pichon from this time.
*Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Natural History Museum Ice Rink will be open from 19 October, and children and adults alike can start enjoying skating sessions. I particularly like the parent and toddler sessions available to book for weekdays before 3pm this autumn, as these sessions are only £110 plus fees for a parent and toddler and include a complimentary drink for both skaters.
*Harry Potter Tour with Strawberry Tours
For families with children reading the Harry Potter books and watching the films, there’s a central London Harry Potter walking tour with Strawberry Tours, where you can learn about places that have inspired the stories or featured in the films. The walking tour starts at Leicester Square, and tour-goers can reserve a free spot online. The tip-based tours operate on a ‘pay what it’s worth’ basis.
*Pumpkin picking at Garsons Farm
Head to Pick Your Own Farm Garsons in Esher, outside London, to get in the spirit of Halloween and get the kids involved in picking your own pumpkins. To finish off your day out, there are also Halloween decorations to buy in the Farm Shop.
*Daunt Books afternoon tea at The Langham
At the stately The Langham Hotel, a children’s afternoon tea menu was introduced in partnership with Daunt Books last year, and here families can expect a creative focus, such as jigsaw puzzle sandwiches and a cake that can be assembled into the shape of a dog. As part of the experience, children also choose one book from a special, curated mini-library of books from Daunt Books designed for children aged 3 to 12. Children’s Afternoon Tea at Palm Court costs £29.50 for guests aged 12 and under.
*Meet the Characters at Cutty Sark
As part of an event with MBNA Thames Clippers we have previously been invited to visit Cutty Sark, and we went on a family-friendly tour with a character from the past, which is part of the family fun programme at Cutty Sark. The Meet the Characters experience at Cutty Sark can be a brilliant way to introduce young children to life on board the ship, and it’s one I’ve recommended to friends.
*Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition
To visit an iconic London attraction, consider introducing the children to Tower Bridge and explore its structure, views, glass floor, exhibitions and Victorian Engine Rooms. I’ve previously been invited to review the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and you can read the review of the Tower Bridge Exhibition HERE.
*London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre
At London’s Southbank Centre, families can experience storytelling and author-led events as part of London Literature Festival. On Friday 25 October, author Eoin Colfer is introducing his new sci-fi fantasy series The Fowl Twins at a ticketed event recommended for ages 8 to 12.
*Festival of learning at RIBA
At London’s RIBA, there will be four days of creative workshops for children between 22 and 26 October, and families can register for the events for free online. The RIBA architecture-themed family workshops will be exploring current themes in architecture and design and will be led by architects, artists and educators.
*Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at Science Museum
Visiting the interactive Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at London’s Science Museum, which we were invited to review last weekend, can make for an educational and interesting family day out. The gallery features an array of interactive exhibits that help demonstrate rules of science, and there are also plenty of demonstrations, bringing concepts to life. Look out for the review on the blog later this week.
*Clip ‘n Climb Chelsea
Clip n’ Climb offers a variety of colourful and varied climbing walls and challenges suitable for different levels, and the attraction is fun for both children and adults alike. Clip n’ Climb can be a great venue for keeping active and learning a new skill.
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