The Best Things to Do in London with Kids for September and October including Halloween 2026


Looking for the best things to do in London with kids this September and October 2026? You’ve arrived at the right place!

Autumn in London with kids is so beautiful – brilliant park days among the fallen leaves, pumpkin picking, and family-friendly festivals and spooky themed happening for Halloween. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the best dressed houses that go all out for Halloween in the London. I love taking the kids for October half term activities especially the Halloween events in London – and London always delivers.

I’m London mum of two boys (aged 7 and 3) who loves finding fun things to do with kids, days out and activities. My USP is that I only give recommendations that I think parents with truly enjoy as well as kids.

Read this post for the best interactive museums, immersive exhibitions, shows festivals, free days out plus hidden gems. This guide brings together the very best family-friendly things to do with children in London for the autumn months

Pumpkin Patches

These are the best pumpkin patches in and near London.

Willow Farm – We went to Willow Farm last year for Pumpkin picking and it was brilliant fun. There’s always a full programme of events as well as the pumpkin patch itself. Such as Arts & Crafts, a Halloween maze, Character Shows including Patch the Pumpkin, Halloween Disco, Tractor Rides, Meet Peter Rabbit & Friends. Located in St Albans.

Willows also have special pre-school pumpkin festival running weekdays from 12th – 22nd
Date: 10th – 31st October
Age: All ages
Price: £22.95 (includes pumpkin)

Willow farm

Bockett’s Farm – This was the first pumpkin patch that I ever took Oscar to. He was about 16 months old at the time. This year they have Witches and Wizards week with a pumpkin village, a Reptile Roadshow, Science and Slime Shows, crafts, a spooky disco plus all the usual farm activities. Located in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Date: 16th – 31st October
Age: All ages
Price: TBC

Garson Farm Pick Your Own – Pumpkin Parade is celebrating the Circus with a big-top experience. Bringing together the autumn harvest and the magic of the circus. Located in Esher in Surrey.

The London Pumpkin Patch – Includes winding paths photo moments and autumnal backdrops. Walk along and meet interactive characters along the way. With over 10,000 pumpkins to choose from. Located in Parsons Green.

Date: 24th October – 1st November
Age: All ages
Price: £6

Hobbledown Heath (Located in Hounslow and Surrey) – This popular, large family adventure park, zoo, and indoor soft play has a pick your perfect pumpkin for Halloween half term – with themed photo points, Pumpkin Nights, seasonal games, street food and lots more!

Also hosting Fright & Delight with bug-eating challenges, monster discos and creepy crawlies

Date: 25th September – 1st November
Age: All ages
Price: £TBC

Crockford Bridge Farm –  Will be hosting an immersive adventure inspired by Willy Wonka with actors, dancers, and entertainers. Children uncover the missing ingredients for Wonka’s brand-new chocolate bar. Located in Addlestone, Surrey

There’s also pumpkin picking which finishes in mid-October (this is a separate event).

Date: 25th October – 31st October
Age: All ages

Tulleys – Europe’s Largest Pumpkin Festival with 1.5 million pumpkins. New for 2026, The Pumpkin Valley, filled with giant pumpkin sculptures and peaceful ponds. Located in Crawley, West Sussex

Cammus Hall – One of the the most popular pumpkin patches near London. Details TBC. Located in Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex.

Events and Festivals

Blenheim Palace – Another event just outside London and this one sounds brilliant. Halloween at Blenheim Palace is set to return for 2026 with new characters, immersive installationss interactive photo moments.

This autumn, along the 1.3-kilometre after-dark trail set within the historic grounds of the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site, among the biggest new arrivals will be an enormous Spider Puppet, energetic Monster Disco and neon coffin selfie installations.

A spine-chilling spectacle on a monstrous scale, the Blenheim Palace Halloween trail will also feature more than 50 gravestones, at least 40 skeletons, including four giant 12-foot figures, 50 pumpkin lanterns, 24 coffins, over 70 skulls and skull-inspired props, 100 spiders, 100 crows and more.

Date: 22nd October – 1st November
Price: Peak: £25 per adult and £19.50 per child

Standard: £23 per adult and £17.50 per child

Off peak: £19 per adult and £13.50 per child

Hamleys – Fun activities at London’s biggest toy shop.

Dinosaur World Live – Enter a prehistoric world of remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Meet the Tyrannosaurus Rex, alongside a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus at Wembley Park Theatre.
Date: 28th July – 6th September
Age: 3 +
Price: £10

Celebrasia at Battersea Power Station – 11th – 13th September 2026 for a three-day celebration of South East Asian performances, street food, artisans and more.

Southbank Centre London Literature Festival –

Including:

The Children’s Bookshow with Katherine Rundell
Join Joseph Coelho and friends for a morning packed with poetry (23rd October)
The Smeds and the Smoos (Wed 28 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 2026)

Historic Attractions and London Icons

Many of London’s top historical attractions will be running special Halloween and half term events. Check back here for updates of the best things to do in London with children in September and October.

Tower of London – chilling tales and haunting history at the Tower of London this October half term for a Halloween adventure.

The Tower has served is not only a royal palace but it’s formidable fortress and notorious prison. This Halloween, there’s something spooky waiting around every corner. Ghostly residences are in theatrical costumes, ghoulish make-up and atmospheric sound effects are hidden in some areas of the Tower and there are spirited gatherings at 11.15, 12.45 and 14.45.

Date: 24 October – 01 November 2026
Age: Parental guidance. May scare some children.
Price: Included in admission

British Library – Free Family Workshops throughout September and October at the weekend. Age categories vary.

The London Eye – One of London’s most iconic attractions! The world’s largest observation wheel at 135 metres high. It takes about thirty minutes and you can book various other experiences to enjoy including afternoon tea. Skip the queue by buying fast track tickets. 

Location: The Southbank
Price: Starting from £29

Lego on the London eye

Buckingham Palace – There’s is only a short period of time in which you can visit Buckingham Palace and the Summer opening is here! With standard admission you can visit Buckingham Palace and explore the magnificent State Rooms. There is also the option to book a Royal Day Out ticket. The ticket gives access to the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery with a 10% off saving on the ticket prices. Oscar and Noah loved their trip to Buckingham Palace and were very engaged by the audio guide.

Date: until 27th Sept
Age: Under 5s are free
Price: Standard ticket adult £33, child £16.50. Royal day out adult £65.70, child £32.80

Tower Bridge – Dare to step on the glass floor at London’s most iconic bridge. Or simply follow the Tower Bridge Cat trail.

Outdoor Attractions

London Zoo – London Zoo transforms into a world of weird, wild and wonderful science as Horrible Science arrives.
Date: 18 July – 2nd September
Price: Included in zoo entry.

The first ever Run Wild at London Zoo! On Sunday 20 September 2026 a fun morning of running before the Zoo opens to the public. A family-friendly fundraising running event, with 1 mile and 5km routes open to all abilities from age 4.

Winnie the Pooh at London Zoo Celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh alongside the 200th anniversary of London Zoo with a special storybook trail bringing to life a new story inspired by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. 

Date: 2 October – 1 November
Price: Included in zoo entry.

There will also be a seasonal pumpkin patch at the zoo.

Halloween events TBC

Battersea Children’s Zoo – There are mysterious animal encounters and family-friendly Halloween storytime at this little London zoo for half term.

Dates: October half term.
Age: All Ages
Price: Approx adult £17.50 child £13.95

London Parks – The mild weather means a great time to visit London’s park. St James’ Park is one of our favourites or check out the newly reopened Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground which has a brand new huge Galleon themed around Captain Hooks ship in a sand pit.

Also Hyde Park Discovery days which will include Hair raising Halloween 29 – 31 October, 11am – 3:30pm.

Kew Gardens – Halloween at Kew is one of London’s most popular and sell out events. The gardens will transform into a thrilling, illuminated trail packed with scary encounters, surprises and shocking moments for brave visitors of all ages. While I’ve never been I’ve seen videos and parental guidance is a must as it does look scary.

Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off. 

Dates: 16 October to 24 October 2026: 6pm to 10pm, 25 October to 1 November 2026: 4pm to 10pm
Age: Parental guidance
Price: From £23 per adult £17 per child

Chelsea Physic Garden – Autumn Crafternoon: Bee Bug Crafty. Using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, conkers and acorns, families will create their own bugs, birds

Dates: 13th September
Age: Varies from different events
Price: Approx adult £15 child £10

Plus Family Halloween Activities including Slime-making, broomstick making and pumpkin carving. Aged 5 +, prices between £10 – £15.

London Wetland Centre – SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure. Explore the magical superpowers and folklore of the wetlands. There’s willow wand making, potion brewing and fungi hunting.
Date: 24 October – 1 November
Age: 3+
Price: Free with admission

Fulham Palace – Young Archaeologists’ Club, tailored for aged 8 to 16! Witchcraft and Spooky Superstitions Halloween special exploring ancient superstitions and the ways people tried to ward off evil spirits.

Date: 24th October
Price £16

Fulham Palace

Little Green Fingers explore the world of growing vegetables and flowers. For age 3 – 4
Dates throughout September and October
Price: £20

Indoor Attractions and Immersive Experiences

Mundo Pixar – The Mundo Pixar Experience allows fans to actually step inside their favourite Pixar Films. There are 14 Pixar Universes with over 25 sculptures – allowing for lots of photo opportunities of course. 

As well as Toy Story (and a visit to Andy’s Room) guests can explore recreated ‘sets’ from Monsters Inc, Cars, Finding Nemo, Inside Out and many more. Each with details designed, music and even scents making it a fully immersive sensory experience. 

Location: Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF
Age: All Ages 
Price: £34 per adult £22 per child (under 3s are free)

House of Dreamers – featuring 16 Immersive Dreamscapes: Journey through a series of whimsical, pastel installations designed to spark wonder and ignite imagination. We loved this experience!

Featuring 16 Immersive Dreamscapes: Journey through a series of whimsical, pastel installations designed to spark wonder and ignite imagination. The boys loved interacting with the spaces, discovering fun details, sparking creativity and imagination whereas I loved the way I could release my inhibitions, let my inner child run wild plus get some fun photos along the way! An exclusive DreamBand and AI-powered technology helps bring the experience to life. 

We all loved this experience that encouraged us to dream big and believe in magic! 

Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off. 

Location: Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront
Duration: 60 – 90 mins
Age: all ages
Price: £21.90 Child £14.90

Paddington Bear Experience – Step into Paddington’s world with an adventure through London and Peru!  Explore interactive sets with live performances, and themed activities inspired by everyone’s favourite bear. For Halloween it’s Trick or Treat at Windsor Gardens with autumnal decorations and an exclusive trick or treat package including: Paddington Bear Ears, a souvenir pumpkin sweet bucket and a selection of sweets.

Location:  County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, nearest tube Waterloo
Opening: Open daily from 10am. 17th October – 1st November for the Halloween special
Duration : 70 mins
Age: All ages, under 2s are free
Cost: From £39

Shrek Adventure London – An interactive walk-through experience where visitors join a live fairy-tale journey with characters like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and of course Shrek and Donkey. There’s storytelling, actors, and themed sets to create a full 4D experience and fun, immersive journey for kids. Oscar and Noah loved it!

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall Westminster Bridge Road
Opening: Open daily times vary
Duration: 60 mins 
Age: All ages under 2 are free. Recommended for age 6 plus.
Cost: From £24 for adults £18.50 for children

Bubble Planet Experience – an immersive, multi-sensory experience where visitors walk through 11 glowing, colourful rooms filled with bubbles, lights, and playful installations. It’s both magical and surreal and great for families, photos, and interactive fun! The best bit is the huge ball pit!

Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off. 

Location: Near Wembley Park tube 22 Fulton Rd, Wembley 
Duration: 60 – 90 mins
Age: All ages, under 4s are free
Cost:  £13.90 for children and £17.90 for adults

Babylon – A theme park that is entirely indoors with a fun space theme. There’s lots of attractions such as an indoor roller coaster (thrill seeking Oscar loved this!), bumper cars, video games plus a soft play. There’s lots for toddlers too and Noah liked the carousel.

Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off. 

Location: 8 Castlehaven Road, Camden
You can pay as you go or buy time-based passes for unlimited access.
Age: All ages.
Price: Park entry is free but you pay for the attractions. 

SeaLIFE – London’s Biggest Aquarium is always a great choice if the weather doesn’t go as planned!
Age: all ages
Price: From £36 per adult

Frameless, London’s famous Immersive art experience where classic masterpieces are brought to life through projections.

The Colour Monster Goes to School residency celebrates the 10th anniversary of Anna Llenas’ beloved picture book series, bringing the story to life through vibrant animation, sound and colour in the signature interactive style at frameless.
Date: 14 August – 11 September
Age: 3 – 7
Cost:  £18 or children and £28 for adults. Entry to the exhibition is included in the ticket.

Lightroom – Larger Than Life: Starring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun and More takes visitors behind the scenes of some of the studio’s most famous films
Date: From 14th October
Price £25

Museums and Galleries

Discover Children’s Story Centre – Has reopened with a new baby sensory space and cafe.

An exciting immersive experience inviting families to join Luna and friends for a very special trip to a very big city.
Age: All ages
Price: £5.50

Discover Children's Centre

British Museum – For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry is returning to England.
Dates: 10 September 2026 – 11 July 2027

Young V & A – One of London best museums for children is currently running a brilliant exhibition.‘ Inside Aardman: Wallace and Gromit and Friends‘ goes behind the scenes of the famous stop motion show casing how the classic characters are bought to life.

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