October half term 2021: Five activities in London to do with children

The October holidays are coming up, which is good news for teachers and kids, but for parents it means seven days of keeping little ones occupied.

Luckily for Londoners, there are endless opportunities for family fun, whatever the weather.

From Gruffalo trails to pumpkin picking, here are five of our favourite family-friendly activities we think you should check out this October midterm.

Follow The Gruffalo’s Child Trail

Kew Gardens October 16 to 31 Ticket included with entry

Join the Gruffalo’s Child this October half-term and follow the enchanting trail around Kew Gardens.

Kids can look out for fun surprises as they go on a magical adventure through the deep dark wood.

Along the way they can meet some of their favourite characters from Julia Donaldson’s beloved book including Fox, Owl, Snake, the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo’s child and the Big Bad Mouse.

Children can collect clues in their search for the Gruffalo’s child and other characters.

Meet Little Amal, the Giant Puppet

Various locations October 22 to 25 Free

Little Amal is a 3.5 metre-tall puppet of a nine-year-old refugee girl, which has travelled 8,000 km from the Syria-Turkey border all the way to the UK.

The huge puppet is the centrepiece of The Walk, a travelling festival of art and hope in support of refugees.

Little Amal will arrive in London in time for her tenth birthday.

Over the weekend of October 22 to 25, she’ll be in various locations across the city arriving in Deptford High Street and departing from Westminster Cathedral.

Find out more information on Little Amal’s whereabouts.

Go Pumpkin Picking

The Pop Up Farm, St Albans October 16 to 31 Tickets £2.95

For this activity you will have to travel a little bit out of the city, but St Albans is just a short car or train ride away.

At the Pop-Up Farm you can enjoy the crisp autumn air, while picking your own pumpkins and squashes.

Grab a wheelbarrow and explore the patch to find your perfect pumpkin for carving or eating.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Telling Tales at the Globe

The Globe October 24 to 30

For younger theatre lovers, Shakespeare Globe’s family festival is back and packed full of events and activities this October half term.

Highlights include storytelling sessions and workshops based on some of Shakespeare’s greatest hits including The Merchant of Venice, A Midnight Summer’s Dream and Hamlet, which are suitable for children aged five to 12.

Children can also enjoy theatre tours, sword-fighting and family dressing demonstrations.

Ice Skating

Natural History Museum October 22 to January 16 Adults £12.65, Children £8.80

Kids and grown-ups can experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees.

Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is returning for the last time this October.

After an incredible 16 years this will be the final year of the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum.

The Museum will be transforming the five-acre gardens into a hub for urban wildlife, as part of a national campaign to encourage people to help nature on their doorsteps.