October half-term 2023: kids' activities in London

Stomp around the Frieze Sculpture Trail

All the inspiration of an art gallery, with all the fun of the park: Frieze Sculpture is an ideal family day out. Curated by Fatoş Üstek, this year's selection includes a giant afro comb, a living moss column and an uncannily realistic sleepwalker. Click here for an interactive map of all 21 sculptures.

All ages

Embrace spooky season in Hyde Park

Head to Hyde Park for a programme of free Halloween-themed Discovery Days. The programme of free activities includes feely boxes to prod and poke, a nature trail, an eerie interactive story and plenty of learning opportunities to help kids connect with the natural world. Fancy dress is encouraged, so start prepping outfits now.

All ages

Be dazzled by Disney

Celebrate a century of Disney magic with an epic exhibition. Disney100 takes over the 20,000-square-foot Excel Centre, where 10 themed galleries promise an immersive and all-encompassing trip through the Disney archives. Memorabilia, artwork and behind-the-scenes secrets will give fans an insight into the creative process behind hits spanning Snow White to Encanto, via Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar.

Best for age 6+

Throw some shapes at Raver Tots

Parenting doesn't mean the end of partying… how about going raving with your kids? Introduce the next generation to classic tunes and epic moves with award-winning family dance event Raver Tots. 'Throw shapes, not toys' is the company motto. Each event features top-notch house, garage and drum and bass tracks – along with bubbles, face painting, sensory lights, parachute games and confetti canons. This Halloween Party special at Ministry of Sound promises a spooky twist – and prizes for the best costumes.

Suitable from 0+, babies under 18 months are free

Discover the history of the skateboard

Inspire young skater boys and girls with an exhibition charting the evolution and impact of the skateboard. The Design Museum's retrospective features 90 unique boards, belonging to the likes of Tony Hawks and Sky Brown, along with footage and ephemera to bring the vibrant history of boarding to life.

Best for age 10+

Get your groove on at the Science Museum

Turn it Up, a new interactive and family-friendly exhibition at the Science Museum explores how music shapes our lives. Children will love the musical playground, where melody, rhythm and play align. Plus there's a musical robot and plenty of weird and wonderful instruments to amaze budding musicians.

All ages

Fall in love with cinema at the Barbican

With blockbuster movies, artful animations and plenty of workshops, the Barbican's Family Film Week will inspire cinephiles of all ages. This year's highlights include a Spider-Man drawing demonstration, screenings of Puffin Rock and a super-early preview of the new Chicken Run film.

Best for age 3+, age suitability varies for each event

Embrace Japan at the Young V&A

Travel to Japan at the Young V&A museum to discover how landscape and legend has influenced culture, tech and daily life in the Myths to Manga exhibition. There's a programme of free events over half-term week – see details here – and don't forget to leave time to enjoy the museum's main Play, Imagine and Design galleries, with ample opportunities for exploring and letting off steam.

Go pumpkin spotting in Belgravia

Halloween doesn't have to be gory and scary. The Belgravia Pumpkin trail offers a more elegant take on Halloween decorations, with show-stopping displays spanning Elizabeth Street, Ebury Street and Eccleston Yards. And with Peggy Porschen cake shop and Hummingbird Bakery on the route, there will be more treats than tricks. Find the full route here.

All ages

Go on a bear hunt at Kew Gardens

We're going on a bear hunt, we're going to catch a big one… We're not scared! Brace yourself for an intrepid adventure through swishy grass, squelchy mud and splashy rivers as Michael Rosen's beloved picture book is brought to life across Kew Gardens.

All ages

Pick your own pumpkin

Embrace all the autumn cliches by dressing up up in cable knit and posing in a pumpkin patch – there are plenty less than an hour's drive from wherever you are in London. Not only will the kids get to pick pumpkins (and often, other fruit and veg like apples and squash), but most of these fab farms have family-friendly activities, from spooky events to corn mazes, to explore.

All ages