Summer feels like it has barely finished and suddenly another school holiday is approaching. For many London schools, the main October half-term week falls Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. With Halloween falling immediately afterwards, this year's half term is perfectly positioned for autumn adventures.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, included with palace admission. The palace promises atmospheric projections, ghostly characters and a seasonal outdoor trail with pumpkins and scarecrows.
Book Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Spend a Day at Royal Museums Greenwich
Combine the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park and the Queen's House. The AHOY! children's gallery is designed for children aged 0-7.
Plan a family day in Greenwich
Explore London's Docklands
London Museum Docklands is a strong choice for younger children with the interactive Mudlarks gallery and historic Sailortown. General admission is free.
Do a Dinosaur Day
The Natural History Museum remains one of the capital's most reliable family days out.
Explore family activities at the Natural History Museum
Experiment at the Science Museum
Explore the free galleries or add Wonderlab with more than 50 hands-on exhibits.
Plan your Science Museum visit
Explore London's Wildlife
London Zoo switches to winter hours from 24 October 2026: 10am-4pm.
Have a Completely Free Museum Day
At the British Museum, families can use free Museum Missions, explorer trails and activity backpacks.
Plan a British Museum family visit
Do Not Plan Every Day
Our preferred formula: One big day plus one free museum plus one local activity plus one home day plus one spontaneous day. Keep checking Daddy.London's October Half Term guide as more venues confirm programmes.