October boasts celebrations for Black History Month, the half-term break, and the centenary of Disney stories. The Florence Nightingale Museum highlights Mary Seacole’s contributions, while Tate Britain features Caribbean-English author Lucy Farfort. The Garden Museum offers art-inspired sessions, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust invites families on nature trails. Other notable events include the Southbank Centre’s Black British Book Festival, Aardman Animation workshops at The Cartoon Museum, and the “Disney100: The Exhibition in London” showcasing a century of Disney enchantment.
Whatever the case, you’re bound to find something for everyone!
1. PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE
Watch the PAW Patrol pups magically gain superpowers after a meteor strikes Adventure City. Previews from 24 Sep and officially released on 13 Oct
Cinemas, Multiple Locations NATIONWIDE
Universal
PAID
2. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM
- Mary Seacole’s footsteps and ‘Mix A Medicine’! Diagnose an injured soldier, choose a remedy to make them better, and mix it up. Learn about Seacole’s work, herbal remedies, and the Crimean War in this interactive activity. 01 Oct
- Military Nursing in Focus. There will be lots to see and do at the museum, including ‘Meet Miss Nightingale’, ‘Make a Medal’ and more military history-related activities. 21 – 29 Oct
Florence Nightingale Museum, Lambeth LONDON
FREE with admission
3. THE GARDEN MUSEUM
- Sunday sessions (ages 3 – 10). 01 – 14 Oct
- Tuesday Tots sessions (under 5s). 03 – 31 Oct
- Branch Out, the Garden Museum’s new programme of free events and activities exploring gardening, art, floristry, plant science, history, design and more (ages 12+)! 10 – 26 Oct
- sketching, clay plate and painting) of Family Learning Half Term workshops using the subject of Frank Walter’s art, such as aubergine, watermelon, avocado, hibiscus and landscapes as a starting point to inspire our artwork (ages 3-10). 23 – 26 Oct
- 5 – 7 and 8 -12) 24 – 26 Oct
The Garden Museum, Lambeth LONDON
FREE / PAID
4. BRITISH MUSEUM
- Little Feet special visit to China’s Qing court – a luxurious and lively place to be (under 5s). 02 Oct
- Roman history through Minecraft in this free, drop-in event (ages 5+). 07 – 26 Oct
- Aztec gods in this free, drop-in event (ages 5+). 14 – 28 Oct
- Japan-themed family photo with a little green-screen magic in this free, drop-in event (ages 5+). 21 Oct
British Museum, Bloomsbury LONDON
FREE
5. SCIENCE – A LIGHTSHOW BY LUXMURALIS
Explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. 03 – 07 Oct
Rochester Cathedral, Rochester KENT
PAID
6. NOMADS
Join the Zippos Circus troupe of nomads in a delightful, fast-paced show. 04 – 29 Oct
Zippos Circus, Multiple Locations LONDON and SURREY
PAID
7. VAM
- Sound Explorers, an informal session, will invite you and your little one to explore our museum display through sound and music (ages 0 -2). 04 Oct – 15 Dec
- Create! Studio for families is where all members of the family, children and adults, are invited to get creative together (ages 4+). 08 – 10 Dec
- Japan’s culture, technology and design. From 14 Oct
Young V&A, Bethnal Green LONDON
FREE / PAID
- Diva Style, to explore expressing yourself through fashion. Try on pieces from the Diva Families Collection to express who you are. Explore materials, shapes and colours that make you feel great. Pose and record yourself on your phone in ways that express your most fabulous self. Get inspired by the DIVA exhibition and the people who inspire you the most to design and make new items to wear out of fabric and other interesting materials. Add your DIY fashion items to the Diva Families Collection that will change and develop across three days (ages 5+). 25 – 27 Oct
V&A South Kensington
FREE
8. TATE
- Lucy Farfort, winner of Faber Children’s inaugural FAB Prize (ages 5-12). 07 Oct
- Hyundai Commission by renowned artist El Anatsui, who combines innovative sculptural techniques with liquor bottle tops, delving into global histories, African decolonisation, and life’s profound journeys. 10 Oct 23 – 14 Apr 24
- Flavia Z. Drago and get to know Vlad. 21 Oct
TATE Britain, Millbank LONDON
FREE
- light and shadows in the Tanks at Tate Modern. 21 – 29 Oct
TATE Modern, Bankside LONDON
FREE
9. THE BRITISH LIBRARY
- celebration of books (ages 0 – 11)! 07 Oct
- under 5s workshop. 13 Oct
The British Library, St Pancras LONDON
FREE
10. RA
- Family Day for a full day of creative activities across the Royal Academy. 08 Oct
- under five. 18 Oct
- workshop for families. 29 Oct
Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
11. FAMILY ORCHESTRAL CONCERT: CELEBRATING DISNEY
Enjoy selections from films including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Incredibles and Up, and engage with engaging audience participation. 08 Oct
Royal College of Music, South Kensington LONDON
Suitable for all ages.
Pay What You Can
Join the annual celebration of Bloomsbury’s pioneering creativity, presenting an inspiring programme of arts, science, literature, discussion and reflection. 13 – 22 Oct
Bloomsbury Festival, Bloomsbury LONDON
FREE / PAID
13. DISNEY100: THE EXHIBITION – LONDON
Step into a century of enchantment! Journey through the mesmerising legacy of The Walt Disney Company in “Disney100: The Exhibition in London”. From the humble beginnings of a mouse to the expansive universe of Pixar, Star Wars, MARVEL, and National Geographic. Feast your eyes on original artefacts, iconic costumes, and state-of-the-art exhibits. From timeless classics like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to modern marvels like “Encanto”, there’s magic around every corner. Secure your place in this spellbinding odyssey today! 13 Oct 23 – 21 Jan 24
ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock LONDON
PAID
14. DELIGHT: MEDIA ART EXHIBITION
Explore a unique cityscape in the heart of London. 13 Oct 23 – 28 Jan 24
Borough Yards, Borough LONDON
Suitable for ages 4+.
PAID
15. MY NATURE TRAIL
- My Nature Trail. 14 Oct
- eek!-citing and mysterious world of wetland nature this October half term. Keep your wits about you and engage all your senses as you make your way around our wetlands for a truly eek! exciting experience. 21 – 29 Oct
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Barnes LONDON
FREE with admission
17. WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
- Wakehurst’s sensory trail inspired by Michael Rosen’s “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt,” exploring Bethlehem Wood’s autumnal hues and earning a Nature Hero badge for tracking wildlife; suitable for ages 3 and up. 14 – 29 Oct
Wakehurst, Haywards Heath SUSSEX
FREE with admission, trail at an additional fee
- Kew Gardens. 21 – 29 Oct
Kew Gardens, Richmond LONDON
FREE with admission
17. SOUTHBANK CENTRE
- London Literature Festival, the capital’s longest-running event honouring the written and spoken word, as it unites readers of all ages and features both literary luminaries and emerging talents. 18 – 29 Oct
- Black British Book Festival, Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature designed to remove barriers to entry for all ages. 27 – 28 Oct
Southbank Centre, South Bank LONDON
FREE / PAID
18. TURN IT UP: THE POWER OF MUSIC
Explore how music shapes our lives in this landmark interactive exhibition. 19 Oct 23 – 06 May 24
Science Museum, South Kensington LONDON
PAID
19. BABY GOSPEL FAMILY CONCERT
Enjoy singing and clapping along to hits by Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Adele, Jackie Wilson, Pharrell and more – as well as some traditional Gospel songs and nursery rhymes! 20 Oct
The Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford Kent
PAID
20. FAMILY EVENTS
Introduce the family to Shakespeare with activities created especially for younger audiences. From shows and storytelling sessions to workshops and family tours, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. 21 – 28 Oct
The Shakespeare Globe, Bankside LONDON
Suitable for ages 5+.
PAID
21. FAMILY HUB | SPIES, LIES AND DECEPTION
Could you be a secret agent? From codebreaking and problem-solving to mapping and memory tests – these are just some of the spy skills required for a successful secret agent. Inspired by Operation Fortitude, the family hub has various spy-related activities. 21 – 29 Oct
IWM London, Lambeth LONDON
FREE
Explore jets and venture into outer space with the RAF Museum this October Half-Term! 21 – 29 Oct
Royal Air Force Museum, Colindale LONDON
FREE
23. THE SECRET LIFE OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Construction is underway at London Zoo for its newest major exhibit, ‘The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians,’ set to open next spring, featuring 26 species in eight lifelike habitats, from South American forests to Asian mountain jungles. 21 Oct – 31 Dec
London Zoo, Regents Park LONDON
FREE with admission
24. MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS
- family activities. 22 – 27 Oct
- monthly play sessions (under 5s)! 25 Oct 23 – 27 Mar 24
Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay LONDON
FREE
25. ROYAL ALBERT HALL PRESENTS ALBERT’S BAND PRESENTS: MYTHS & LEGENDS
Join the Royal Albert Hall’s resident ensemble, Albert’s Band, for a musical journey exploring Myths and legends as the venue gears up for the spookiest day of the year. 23 Oct
Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington LONDON
Suitable for ages 4 – 11.
PAID
Roll up, roll up and see the greatest circus around this half-term! John Lawson’s Circus is again coming to Ruxley Manor this October half-term! You’re sure to be entertained with plenty of family entertainment to dance, scream and sing along to. 23 – 29 Oct
Ruxley Manor, Sidcup Kent
PAID
27. THE NATIONAL GALLERY
- Paula Rego, as our storyteller weaves together tales and brings your ideas to life. 24 – 25 Oct
- asking questions about paintings and seeking out answers as the Gallery Educators guide you to explore the Gallery (ages 5 -13) independently. 24 – 26 Oct
- drawing techniques to record your experience around the Gallery. 25 – 26 Oct
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square LONDON
FREE
28. ROYAL OBSERVATORY
- Red Planet in our Mars-themed family workshop (ages 7+). 24 Oct
- holiday to the red planet, Mars (ages 3 – 6)! 26 Oct
Royal Observatory, Greenwich LONDON
PAID
29. DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
Join these exploratory sessions for under 5s. Each session begins with a journey through the Gallery to discover the different people, places and animals in the paintings, followed by an art-making activity. 26 Oct 23 – 25 Feb 24
Get inspired to make art together as a family in these free monthly creative activity sessions (ages 7 – 12). 29 Oct 23 – 28 Jan 24
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich LONDON
FREE / PAID
30. WORKSHOP – AARDMAN ANIMATION MODEL MAKING
Celebrate the Thirtieth Anniversary of Wallace & Gromit, The Wrong Trousers at The Cartoon Museum, featuring workshops led by Will Harding, one of Aardman Animation’s own modelmakers. Create your own Wallace & Gromit characters to take home; workshops are suitable for age 6+, with an evening session recommended for adults. Limited tickets are available, so book early to avoid disappointment and arrive promptly as workshops will start on time. 26 Oct
The Cartoon Museum, Fitzrovia LONDON
Suitable for ages 6+.
PAID
31. FAMILY DAY: OCTOBER HALF TERM
Attention young adventurers! Lead your grown-ups to Two Temple Place – the realm of tales, for our complimentary Family Open Day! Take advantage of the magic! 27 Oct
Two Temple Place, Covent Garden LONDON
FREE