Exciting places to go with your kids during October half-term

The autumn half term break is here and the children are off for up to two weeks. As much as it is wonderful having special time with your kids, it can be hard to keep them entertained constantly. If you're looking for some super-fun ideas for days out, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a list of some of the best places to take your children and give them a half-term holiday they won't forget.

How we chose the best places to go with your kids over the holidays

• Kid-friendly: We've looked for the ultimate kid-friendly activities to do over the school holidays. Whether you're looking for a one-on-one day out with your child or a big family affair, we have the most exciting options kids will love. 
• Easy transport: Travelling with kids needs to be hassle-free, all of the options below have parking/and or easy travel links. 
• Fun for the grown-ups: All of the options below will be enjoyable for grown-ups or grandparents. 

SEA LIFE London

During the half term holidays, your little ones will be delighted to hear about the turtles at Sea Life London. 

So cute! As part of their 'Turtle-y Terrific' event, kids can meet the animals and other amazing underwater creatures. Children (and adults) can discover fascinating facts about turtles and learn how you can help protect them and their ocean home.

Save when you book tickets online in advance at visitsealife.com.

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

If your kids love horses, pageantry, and all things royal, then the Royal Mews is the place to be! Here, you can see real working horses, step inside a royal carriage, and even try dressing up as a coachman. The highlight is the dazzling Gold State Coach. Families can also watch the staff care for the horses and learn how royal transport really works.

To celebrate the Mews' 200th anniversary, there are special art activities where kids can decorate crowns and make their own mini carriages to take home. With hands-on fun, fascinating royal history, and a chance to get up close to horses, it's a perfect day out for curious kids and grown-ups alike. Don't forget - under-5s go free, and the family pass means you can come back all year long!

© Sam Mellish

For more information and tickets, visit here

The Paddington Bear Experience Halloween Special

Everyone loves Paddington Bear and this immersive experience, which is located along London's lively Southbank, is ideal if your little one is a big fan. The interactive tour takes you on a trail of all of Paddington's most famous haunts; Mrs Bird's kitchen, deepest, darkest Peru and of course, Mr Gruber's shop.

Every lasting detail is remembered and celebrated; the decor is fantastic, there are lots of activities for the kids to enjoy and you can even meet Paddington himself and have a picture with the Marmalade-loving bear. It ends with a stroll down a real-life Windsor Gardens which is exactly like the film and majorly nostalgic.

© Paddington Bear Experience / Harry Johnson

And for the autumn half term, Windsor Gardens has transformed for Halloween!  From 3pm daily, you can upgrade your visit with a special Trick-or-Treat package (£10 per child, available until Sunday 2 November) that includes a Halloween bucket, Paddington Bear ears and a selection of sweets throughout the experience. Once in Windsor Gardens, there's a spooky treasure hunt and Halloween-themed snacks too.

To book, head to paddingtonbearexperience.com/

An unforgettable trip to the West End to see Matilda the Musical

There are too many shows on the West End to count, but Matilda is easily one of every kid's favourites. It's fun, it's entertaining, it's magical… The 2 hour 35 minute run time flies by - just ask my two sons! 

© Manuel Harlan

My kids are at that age where watching the film at home every day has become the new normal, so I knew it was time to take them to the West End. It was an unforgettable trip, and weeks later, they're still talking about it. They can't wait to go back.

For more information or tickets, visit: uk.matildathemusical.com/

LEGOLAND Windsor

You'd be hard-pressed to find a child who doesn't adore Lego — and what better place to visit than the legendary LEGOLAND® Windsor? Bring some colour back into your family life this half term! You'd be pushed to find a child that doesn't adore Lego, and where better to visit than the legendary Legoland Windsor? Inject some colour back into your family during the half term.

© Legoland

All this week, you can get more for your money as the popular destination hosts the LEGO® Festival — so get ready for building, dancing, rocking, and gaming. There are five interactive zones to explore: Music, Creativity, Dance, Gaming, and Chill Out!

To book, visit legoland.co.uk

Parents can often get nervous taking their children to luxury hotels, but some are kitted out for kids too, so that everyone is happy! The Hari in Belgravia has teamed up with educational toy brand, Tonies, for something a little different. Kids can leave behind screen time and enjoy their own Toni box with stories galore in the comfort of their room, which can be catered to their age and interest. 

The hotel's family-friendly Italian restaurant, il Pampero, serves a variety of Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza, so you don't need to worry about fussy eaters, either. Also, if you and your children want a sweet treat, the hotel's afternoon tea is sumptuous. The Italian-style delight is aptly called the Dolci Momenti and includes freshly crafted antipasti and decadent pastries, as well as JING Tea and Champagne for the adults.

To book, visit thehari.com

​London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park

The London Designer Outlet has a month full of celebrations this October and half-term holiday, with something for the whole family.

Their Homemade Halloween event on 30 October invites families to design their own creepy costume accessories, with fun photo moments and tasty treats, along with entertainment from spooky characters and interactive performances.

© London Designer Outlet

The outlet's Discover Together Trail runs from Saturday 25 October to Monday 24 December and takes adults and children on a journey through the world’s festivals, from Diwali diyas to Christmas trees and Hanukkah candles. Explorers will follow clues, answer questions, and uncover festive facts along the way to earn a chocolate treat. There are discounts on churros and hot chocolate, too.

LDO is also offering free kids’ meals at restaurants including Afrikana, Las Iguanas and Frankie & Benny’s. For parents, there are over 70 outlet shops, plus new store openings from New Era and Columba, and you can join One Wembley Park Rewards Club for further discounts.

Visit OneWembleyPark.co.uk or download the app.  

Kids Eat Free!

We all know that children are never not hungry which can prove pretty expensive when you're on a day out! Well, Individual Restaurants have you covered.

Kids eat free from during half term week all of their collection of brands, including Piccolino, Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar & Grill.

From Monday to Friday, children can enjoy a complimentary main course at any of the restaurants. The menus are extensive and offer classically loved food as well as some more, slightly adventurous options.

For bookings and terms and conditions, visit Individual Restaurants.

Côte

During the half-term week, your children can enjoy two courses that are totally free at Côte Brasserie. Parents just need to sign up for the restaurant's newsletter. 

The delicious French-inspired cuisine is known for pleasing adults and children alike, bringing together inspired classics and kid-friendly favourites. There's everything from French Onion Soup,  mini Steak Frites, or a tasty Tomato Pasta Bake or hearty Côte Burger.

Available from Monday 17th to Friday 28th February, cote.co.uk

Prezzo

Until 3rd November, kids eat free at the delicious Prezzo - and there's a new Gabby's Dollhouse themed menu for the kids to enjoy, too!

© Prezzo

Children up to 12 years old can enjoy a delicious Gabby's themed three-course meal for zero charge when accompanying adults. There are some seriously cute additions to the menu, like cat-shaped pizza and rainbow doughnuts. Perfect for any Gabby's Dollhouse fans!

To book, head to prezzo.co.uk

Paradox Museum London 

The Paradox Museum London contains a plethora of paradoxes yet one aspect isn’t paradoxical: if you take your kids there, it is completely logical that they will have a great time.

Nestled in Knightsbridge between two high-rise buildings and opposite Harrods, the museum starts as it means to go on even before you get in, with an infinity-mirrored entrance hall allowing queuers to enjoy their reflections many times over. 

Once inside, the exhibits range from the small to the spectacular. My daughter’s favourite was the Underground paradox which allows participants to be photographed as though upside down in a Tube station. My wife particularly enjoyed the kaleidoscope paradox, where you can insert your face into a kaleidoscopic image. I am a simple soul and most enjoyed the smaller exhibits. The yes-no paradox plinth was brilliant, and the stick paradox has to be seen to be believed. The x-ray paradox (filmed below) was also pretty cool.

All in all if you are in London over half term and looking for a way to kill a couple of hours, while endearing yourself to your children for at least a couple of hours more, then the Paradox Museum is well worth a visit. Just be warned: for a few minutes after exiting the premises there is an adjustment period where regular escalators or even traffic lights feel like they could be tricking you…

To book, head to paradoxmuseumlondon.com

Babylon Park: Space-themed fun for the family

Located in Camden, the heart of London, Babylon Park is an indoor theme park with two floors of fun for all ages. From the thrilling drop tower to the gentle bumper cars, there's something for everyone. The indoor rollercoaster, a highlight for many, takes riders through a starry landscape full of twists, turns, chills, and chuckles. For those who prefer virtual reality, cutting-edge VR experiences offer otherworldly adventures that feel as real as they are fantastic.

Babylon Park is the perfect place for a school holiday outing. Kids can burn off energy in a safe and exhilarating environment, while adults can unleash their inner child.

For more information visit babylonpark.com/london/

The London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum is a must-see for inquisitive young minds, tucked away in Covent Garden, a stone's throw from the station. It is brimming with the most fascinating installations and is a true deep dive of travel throughout the years, presented interestingly and engagingly. 

Especially for the half term holidays, there's a series of fun activities to celebrate highlights of TFL over the last 25 years. Children can create their very own invention to carry people across the Thames, they can map out their own transport network and even join a storytelling about the people who make London’s Buses and keep them moving.

To book, head to ltmuseum.co.uk