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October half-term Gruffalo Adventures at Kew Gardens (1). Credit Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew

October half term fun

October half-term fun

Fabulous things to do that will keep the kids entertained

There are some fabulous treats and things to do for the kids this October half-term, from pumpkin picking and park exploring to trampolining and museum adventures…

1 

Love Wimbledon’s Ultimate Halloween Pumpkin Hunt

Join the Ultimate Halloween Pumpkin Hunt, a free game you can play with family and friends whilst exploring Wimbledon Town Centre. Form a team (no more than 6), take on the challenges and compete for a chance to win great prizes. Play in your own time and as often as you like – fancy dress optional! Prizes include: £50 voucher at Fielders, dinner for four & a bottle of wine at The Old Frizzle, £25 voucher to spend at Mai Thai, a two-course dinner for four at 601 Queen’s Rd and 2 gift cards worth £25 to spend in Elys Wimbledon! Just download the app, visit the pumpkin hotspots and complete the tasks. 17 October – 1 November. Suitable for all aged 5+  Details Lovewimbledon.org

2 

Painshill Park

Huge dragons have taken over the landscape at Painshill Park and children are encouraged to release their inner knight and take on the dragon quest to find each statue. 24 October – 1 November.

3 

Fulham Palace

Fulham Palace’s museum, historic rooms, shop, café and garden have now reopened and make for a great family day out this autumn. During half-term they are holding two one-day courses of craft activities (families can book either Tuesday 27 or Wednesday 28 October, 10.00-16.00) inspired by the Palace garden, for children ages 7-11 to achieve the ‘Discover’ level qualification of Arts Award. Tickets cost £7 but there are free spaces available for young people from Brent, Barnet, Ealing or Hammersmith and Fulham.

4 

Family fun at Chessington

Chessington World of Adventures is hosting Howl’O’Ween from 17 October – 1 November, with tricks and treats at the much-loved theme park. Wander into the Forgotten Forest and encounter enchantment in a new attraction, which joins the Creepy Caves. Enjoy rides at dusk, plus watch some of them come alive, including the Vampire and Tomb Blaster.

5 

Weird Science

The Science Museum is open once again, bringing science alive for youngsters. Pre-book a free ticket in advance. We love the Wonderlab with its hands-on exhibits and demos.

6 

Wildlife spotting

Get set for an autumn adventure at London Wetland Centre in Barnes and see wildlife on the move as winter migration begins.

7 

Jump around

Flip Out in Wandsworth has over 100 trampolines to choose from. A good indoor activity for burning off steam when the weather turns ropey.

8 

Zoo time

With hundreds of species, including giraffes, penguins, lions and flamingoes, London Zoo makes for a fab day out.

9 

Spot a Gruffalo at Kew

Families can enjoy the autumn landscape at Kew Gardens while on a trail of the Gruffalo, and pals Fox, Owl and Snake, with a special trail through the Kew Gardens Arboretum, following the tracks of each animal. 17 October – 1 November.

(Pictured top: Gruffalo Adventures at Kew Gardens / Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew)

10 

Leaf peeping

Watch the leaves turn into a kaleidoscope of colours as we head into autumn proper. Best places to see the fall foliage in all its glory include Winkworth Arboretum (booking in advance essential via the National Trust website), Richmond Park, Chelsea Embankment and Kew Gardens (do book in advance).

11 

Climbing the walls

White Spider indoor climbing centre in Surbiton is back with socially-distanced climbing on offer with a max reduced capacity for the walls and other safety measures in place. Kids will love the sense of achievement they get when they reach the top.

12 

Pumpkin picking at Priory Farm

Priory Farm in Redhill has a fabulous Halloween festival in store with a spooky trail, tractor rides and pumpkin picking. Various dates in October.

13 

Cruise the Thames

Take a Family Lunch Cruise with Bateaux London where kids eat for free. it sets sail on Sunday 25th October, with a two-and-a-half-hour cruise with a traditional Sunday roast, children’s activities and entertainment area. Kids can spor iconic London landmarks including Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.£65 per adult which includes a three-course meal on board. Each adult can bring one child (*up to 12 years of age) for free. www.bateauxlondon.com

14 

And one further afield – Brighton’s Upside Down House

We had to include this as it is so quirky! Head to Brighton for its weird and wonderful Upside Down House. Creepy crawlies and skeletons await as guests explore the two-storey house. All is definitely not as it seems inside; are the stairs travelling up or down? And what’s hidden behind the doors and corners? Open from the 19 October – 1 November

Need more inspo? Check out these ideas for days trips close to London