5 Free Fun Things To do in London This October Half Term
Looking for free things to do with kids in London this October half term? From making and designing to music, art, history and a little bit of Halloween magic, we’ve rounded up 5 brilliant ways to spend a day without spending a penny.
Whether you’ve got a budding artist, a little maker, a music lover or a curious explorer, there’s something here to spark their imagination and keep them happily occupied over the holidays.
1. A Day for Big Imaginations at The Young V&A
📍 Bethnal Green
If your children like making, designing, building and playing, the Young V&A is a brilliant place to spend a few hours.
The museum is designed with children and families in mind, with interactive galleries exploring Play, Imagine and Design. Entry is free, and there are plenty of opportunities for children to explore at their own pace.
During October half term, the V&A’s wider family programme is also full of free creative activities, including hands-on design sessions at the South Kensington museum.
Perfect for: little designers, makers and creative minds.
2) Make, Listen and Explore at the London Museum of Docklands
📍 Canary Wharf
The London Museum of Docklands is home to free permanent galleries exploring London's history as a port and trading city, as well as Mudlarks, a dedicated interactive space for younger children.
There’s also a lovely programme of free family activities over October half term, inspired by the moon, including storytelling, creative making and music. It’s a great option if you want a day that combines history with a little imagination.
Good for: curious children, storytellers and little explorers.
3. Create a Soundtrack to London
📍 V&A South Kensington
This one feels particularly special for little music lovers.
From 26–30 October, families can join musician and singer-songwriter Kemi Sulola for Soundtrack to the City, a free drop-in activity at the V&A.
Children can experiment with unexpected everyday objects as instruments, layer sounds together and create their own soundtrack inspired by the sounds of city life.
It’s part music, part making and part playful experimentation. And there’s no need to be musical to join in.
The session is free and suitable for children aged 5+.
Perfect for: little musicians, sound explorers and children who like making a lot of noise.
4. Paint Like An Impressionist at The National Gallery
Head to the National Gallery for Playing with Colour, a hands-on family workshop inspired by the vibrant colours and techniques of the Impressionists.
From Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, 11am–1pm and 2–4pm, families can experiment with watercolour, explore colour mixing and try out different artistic techniques together.
Inspired by Renoir’s paintings, the workshop invites children and grown-ups to get creative with colour before working together to create something of their own.
It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours getting creative as a family, with plenty of opportunity to experiment, make a mess and see famous art in a whole new way. The activity is completely free and there’s no need to book.
Perfect for: little artists, colour lovers and creative families.
5) Get Wild at Hyde Park's Hair-Raising Halloween
📍 Hyde Park Learning Centre
Looking for a free October half term activity that gets the whole family outside? Head to Hyde Park Learning Centre for Hair-Raising Halloween, a family-friendly nature adventure from The Royal Parks.
From Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, 11am–3.30pm, families can take part in a host of free autumn and Halloween-themed activities. Investigate mysterious ‘feely boxes’ in the Witches’ Den, follow a hair-raising nature trail, discover fascinating facts about the wildlife around you, learn about bats in The Royal Parks and settle down for a spooky story.
The activities are designed for the whole family to enjoy together, making it a lovely way to get curious about nature while embracing a little Halloween magic.
Perfect for: little nature lovers, curious explorers and families who like their half term with a little bit of a spooky twist.
Explore more here.
Looking for a day or a whole week of seasonal fun?
This October half term, The Strings Club are getting into the spirit of the season with a week of Spooktacular Celebrations. Think music, creativity, games, silly surprises and plenty of Halloween-inspired fun, with a whole week for children to make, play, discover and enjoy together, away from their screens.
Book a day or a week of Camp here!