Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026, but family activities start earlier. You can fill much of half-term with free museum crafts, nature trails and pumpkin painting, then add Halloween at Kew if you want one paid treat.
Find a free family activity
| Activity | Date | Area | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Museum Docklands | 24–31 Oct; bookmarks to 1 Nov | Canary Wharf | Some sessions |
| Hyde Park Discovery Days | 27–29 Oct | Hyde Park | Drop-in |
| Pumpkin painting | 30–31 Oct | Regent’s Park / Greenwich | Essential |
| Nature Roadshow | 29 Oct | Brompton Cemetery | Drop-in |
| British Library activities | 30 Oct–1 Nov | St Pancras | Depends on session |
| Design Museum drop-in | 31 Oct | Kensington | No booking |
| Day of the Dead | 31 Oct | Columbia Road | Free public celebration |
| SoLo Halloween Market | 25 Oct | South Bank | Free admission |
London Museum Docklands
24–31 October; Beastly Bookmarks continues to 1 November | Canary Wharf | Free; some activities require booking
Make this your indoor option for a wet half-term day. The programme includes clay charms, a soul-cakes cookery workshop, stories with Joseph Coelho and a spooky silent disco. Activities run on different dates, so choose a session before travelling. Check the programme.
Hyde Park Discovery Days
27–29 October, 11am–3.30pm; last entry 3pm | The LookOut, Hyde Park | Free drop-in
Try a nature trail, hear a spooky story and learn about bats. Optional registration sends a reminder but does not guarantee entry or queue priority. Arrive before 3pm. Plan your visit.
Free pumpkin painting in the Royal Parks
30–31 October | Regent’s Bar & Kitchen or Pavilion Café, Greenwich Park | Free; booking essential
Pick a venue and reserve a session before heading out. It is an easy seasonal activity to combine with a park walk. Choose a session.
Brompton Cemetery Nature Roadshow
29 October, 11am–3pm | Brompton Cemetery | Free drop-in; registration encouraged
Explore a detective trail, nature specimens and creative activities in a historic cemetery. Register interest and check the details.
British Library Halloween activities
30 October–1 November | St Pancras | Free; booking rules vary
- Spooky Characters Mix and Match: 30 October, 10.30am or 12.30pm, ages 5+, booking essential.
- Halloween Weekend: 31 October and 1 November, 11am–3pm, no booking.
- Relaxed early opening: 1 November, 9–11am, booking essential for families with autistic children and other sensory needs.
Design Museum Halloween drop-in
31 October, 3.30–7pm | Kensington | Free; no booking
Make masks and join drawing activities, mainly for ages 5–11. Capacity limits may mean a wait. Children need an accompanying adult, and temporary exhibitions are excluded. See the visitor information.
Day of the Dead on Columbia Road
31 October, from noon; procession around 2pm | Bethnal Green | Free
This is a Mexican celebration of remembrance, with music and a street procession, rather than a Halloween party. Timings are approximate. Check the organiser’s programme.
SoLo Halloween Market
25 October, noon–5pm | Between the Bridges, South Bank | Free admission
Browse autumnal crafts without paying to enter. A free workshop runs from noon to 3pm and a treasure hunt is listed. Purchases and refreshments cost extra. Market information.
A paid treat at Halloween at Kew
16 October–1 November | Kew Gardens | Timed booking
Kew’s illuminated trail is the paid option here. Kew lists non-member adults from £19.50 off-peak and £24 peak. Fever displayed adults at £23 and children aged 4–15 at £17, plus fees, for the checked session, but availability changes and displayed tiers were sold out at the time of review. Ordinary garden admission does not cover the event. Check Kew’s own information.
Practical questions
Do free activities need booking?
What works on a rainy day?
Are all activities suitable for toddlers?
More London ideas
See our free Halloween events for adults or browse the London For Cheap Agenda for more dates and activities.