We’ve rounded up the best things to do in London with kids in October 2026—from high wire park adventures to a peek inside London’s oldest and most secretive Magic destination. (P.S. If you’re only here for the spooky stuff, check out our dedicated post on London’s top Halloween events)
Secrets of The Magic Circle
Secrets of the Magic Circle £78 | Kids Show Live £18
Usually the most secretive establishment in the world of illusion, The Magic Circle throws open the doors of its magnificent headquarters for unforgettable live theatre shows. Aspiring young magicians and lifelong magic enthusiasts can explore a building packed with fascinating magic memorabilia and history. For a truly special treat, book the Secrets of the Magic Circle show (ages 8+, 2.5 hours): this immersive experience explores every corner of the headquarters, featuring up-close magic and the chance to meet the Circle’s top-tier magicians.
If you have younger children, the dedicated Kids Show Live! (ages 4+, 1 hour) is a perfect, fun-filled introduction to the art of mystery. The Kids show takes place on the second Sunday of each month.
ZooTown
Entry £1 Prebook online (in addition to Zoo Entry)
London Zoo has a new Play Zone! Designed for curious kids aged 3 to 8, this immersive role-play experience allows children to step into the shoes of a ZSL conservationist—whether that’s being a vet in the animal hospital, a scientist in the lab, or even a zookeeper clearing up the famous zebra ‘poo’ balls! Located in the zoo’s former Reptile House, it’s a fantastic 45-minute session of hands-on, educational fun that inspires a love for wildlife and conservation.
Alphabet Soup
FREE
Part of the London Literature Festival, Alphabet Soup (ages 5–11) is a brilliant, interactive and free family event at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. Families are invited to step into an evolving art installation to create their own hilarious and delectable poems and stories inspired by the language of food. Led by artists from A Line Art, this imaginative, drop-in workshop is all about cooking up a literary storm by discovering strange words and dreaming up new recipes.
Mog The Forgetful Cat
Tickets From £16
Everyone’s favourite forgetful feline, Mog, comes to the stage at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall this Half Term. Join Mog and the Thomas family for a live adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved picture books, perfect for ages 3+. Follow Mog through a year of mishaps and adventures, where her forgetfulness somehow comes in handy to catch a burglar, crash a cat show, and get lots of eggs for breakfast! More shows for Toddlers Here
Family Film Week
Tickets £5
Don’t miss the Barbican’s popular Family Film Week during the October half-term. This special programme features an international line-up of films, including new releases, special previews (like the new Netflix animation In Your Dreams), and beloved classics such as E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The week is packed with more than just screenings, offering unique events like toddler-friendly short film programmes with music sessions, an adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Zog, and a Villainous Film Quiz to accompany The Bad Guys 2. And yes there is even a screening of current Kid’s obsession K-POP Demon Hunters. A fantastic, curated cinema experience for all ages
Fly Kid Family Rave ft Mc Grammar
From £7
From the creators of Supa Dupa Fly, this daytime event lets grown-ups and kids alike (all ages welcome) vibe out to the best family-friendly Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, and Pop anthems, featuring a special set from the viral sensation MC Grammar. Expect an epic party complete with mind-blowing visual effects, confetti, free hip-hop face painting, dance battles, and giant parachute games. It’s the ultimate high-energy afternoon for the flyest families in London!
Apple Day Festival
Adults £5 Child £3 Under 1s Free
Experience the full glory of the harvest season at Apple Day at Fulham Palace on Sunday, October 5th. This historic site celebrates its beautiful orchard with a day of family fun and autumnal charm. You can watch live apple-pressing demos, sample heritage apple varieties, and browse artisan market stalls. For the kids, there’s an Apple Trail (£2 entry) through the grounds, apple-themed crafts like stamp printing and badge making, plus traditional garden games. Don’t forget to enter your best bake into the Junior Apple Cake Baking Competition!
Dweeb-a-mania
Tickets From £11
The Polka Theatre is London’s number one destination for innovative children’s theatre, and if you haven’t visited, let this be your sign to. This season, prepare for a hilarious, underdog adventure with Dweeb-a-mania!
When mega-nerds Kemi and Norah get snubbed by the popular kid’s party, they discover they’ve been labelled dweebs. Determined to prove their coolness, they embark on a secret mission to become wrestling champions, crash the party, and win over their critics. This energetic new play, winner of the Polka Playwriting Award 2025, is a celebration of friendship, proving people wrong, and finding out you can be a total champion. Ages 8-13.
Fun DMC Family Rave
Adult £13.50 Child £9
Fun DMC is back for a daytime family block party at the Royal Albert Hall (in the Elgar Room) on Tuesday, October 28th! It’s the ultimate party for parents who love hip-hop, disco, garage, and R&B, and kids who just love to dance. Expect great music played at a family-friendly volume, competitions, and entertainment for both dancers and ‘wallflowers’ alike, including face-painting and hip-hop-themed colouring in. It’s the perfect mid-week dance-off. A great excuse to show the Kids this iconic London Landmark too.
James Campbell Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks
Tickets £12
Do your kids like stand up? Catch the original pioneer of stand-up for children, James Campbell, as he brings his latest show, Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks!, to the Museum of Comedy on October 25th and 26th! Designed for ages 6+ and running for one hilarious hour, this is proper, high-quality stand-up comedy that respects its young audience—but is still packed with the gloriously silly stuff. Expect exploding penguins, seventeen ways to eat jam, and the kind of unpredictable, surreal humour that will have the whole family roaring with laughter.
Sundowners at Go Ape
From £33.95
Trade the daytime climb for an after-dark adventure with the special Go Ape Sundown Adventures this October. Available at various locations, this limited-run experience transforms the forest canopy into a thrilling, illuminated playground. You’ll tackle high-ropes, wobbly crossings, and epic zip lines as the sun goes down, with the course lit by stunning, colourful lights. It’s an unforgettable way to heighten your senses and get an adrenaline rush—perfect for children aged 6+ and adults who want to become creatures of the night! Read our Go Ape Review
Club Ninja
Adults £14 | Child £8
Why not catch new show Club Ninja at Sadler’s Wells’ this Half Term? Co-created with children aged 3–5 by the acclaimed team behind Club Origami, this captivating dance performance invites young audiences to follow The Ninja on a secret mission. Inspired by ancient Japanese martial arts and stealth, the show uses light, shadow, and live music to create a mysterious and immersive world of movement. It’s a playful adventure designed to show children that a dark space can be fun and encourage their own creativity and imagination. Can you catch a glimpse of The Ninja before they vanish? More London Shows for Toddlers
Magical Merlin
Tickets from £17.50
Be whisked away to Ancient Britain with the musical adventure, Magical Merlin! When the jealous Morgan Le Fay threatens to turn the baby King Arthur into a hamster, the legendary Merlin must join forces with Sir Lancelot and Princess Guinevere to save the kingdom. This theatrical quest is packed with catchy songs, dazzling choreography, and laugh-out-loud moments involving fire-breathing dragons and the mysterious Lady of the Lake. It’s a hilarious and vibrant celebration of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself—perfect for a fun family theatre trip. Ages 3+
Woolwich Works Family events
Various paid events throughout Oct
Woolwich Works is hosting a packed half-term programme, highlighted by the unmissable Wallace & Gromit with Live Brass Band double feature on November 2nd, where the Fairey Band performs the scores to The Wrong Trousers and A Grand Day Out live. Beyond this cinematic treat, families can enjoy an interactive Baby Broadway Family Concert (Oct 11th), comedy from Ironing Board Man (Oct 10th), high-tech Code-Easy Taster Sessions, and lots of hands-on activities, including daily Magic Makers Crafternoons and a Pumpkin Carving Workshop (late Oct).
Closing soon in London
The last chance to catch two fantastic family exhibitions is this half-term, as The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum and Making Egypt at the Young V&A both close on Sunday, November 2nd. These paid exhibitions are a brilliant choice for an educational and fun day out if you haven’t visited already. Plus, they offer excellent value, as both the Horniman Museum and Gardens and the Young V&A offer vast and engaging permanent collections that are completely free to enter, guaranteeing a full day of exploration and discovery. Ultimate guide to London’s Free Museums for Kids.
