October Half-Term Family Activities 2023
It’s almost half-term and that means there’s more on than usual! We’ve pulled together a listing of the goings-on that families can enjoy together in the area and slightly further afield, with the local family activities also featured in our Calendar. We’re adding more and more as and when things are announced, so do keep checking back. For camps and workshops that children can enjoy on their own please check out our Half-Term Camps & Workshops Guide.
Richmond Borough & Surrounds
- No special events until Christmas, but lovely dog-friendly gardens to walk around, a great cafe, and an adventure playground for under 7s. Visiting information can be found here.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-5.00pm: Autumn Half-Term Holiday Fun at Ham House.
- Discover nature’s gems with autumn bingo, make a leaf crown to celebrate the season and don’t miss outdoor games on the vast lawns, known as the Plats. For aspiring artists, head inside the fascinating seventeenth-century house to give still life drawing a whirl, taking inspiration from colourful produce grown in the Kitchen Garden. And there’s more! Ham House’s resident cat Roscoe is starring in his own half-term trail. Collect paw prints to spell out a secret code and claim a prize! A tour of the neighbouring working stables is another must for animal fans, running regularly during half-term. After all that autumnal action, recharge on scrumptious seasonal treats at the Orangery Café!. Normal admission applies plus £3 for Roscoe’s trail.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-5.30pm (4.00pm on the 29th): Halloween at Hampton Court Palace.
- Explore Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace for Halloween, the spookiest time of the year. Lose yourself in atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects as the palace is transformed by magical spells. As you tiptoe through the dark winding corridors and courtyards, you’ll feel the chilling presence of our infamous ghosts hiding around every corner. Some may even be closer than you expect, but keep your distance – these ghosts are best kept to the past. After all that exploring, cosy down to hear some spooky stories and then relax with a Halloween-themed treat from the café. It’s also the last chance to visit the Magic Garden before it closes for winter, and no trip is complete without a visit to the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze in the palace gardens. Normal admission applies.
Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway
28th & 29th October, 5.30-8.30pm (from 5.00pm on the 29th): Vampire Scrim Up at the Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway.
- It’s that spine tingling time of the year when you’re chillingly invited to see Dracula’s funeral procession, as he sits in his coffin being pulled by a scary horse with his miserable mourners behind. Watch out though for mischievous Dracula as he summons his vampires from a misty graveyard to approach the train, but not to worry – the heroic Guard and Signalman will keep you safe! Or will they? £4/child; £16/ adult (over 16yrs). Ticket includes hot chocolate, tea/coffee and cookies. Advance booking necessary.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-5.00pm: Halloween Horror at Hounslow Urban Farm.
- Hounslow Urban Farm is always a treat to visit with the little ones, and for half-term everything will have a Halloween theme. Stroll around the pens with goats, pigs, donkeys, llamas, peacocks and owls, and you can even feed some of the animals. There are also spooky animal encounters throughout the day, where you can meet and handle small mammals, reptiles and more. Plus feast on toasted marshmallows. You can buy tickets at the farm or online.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am – 6.00pm (4.00pm on the 29th): We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Kew Gardens.
- Get ready to wiggle into your wellies and head off on an adorable adventure of discovery through Kew Gardens. ‘Swishy swashy’ through grass, ‘squelch squerch’ through mud and ‘splash splosh’ through rivers as you set off on an expedition in search of bears. This sensory adventure will wind across the Lake and into the Arboretum – home to some of Kew’s most magnificent trees and visiting wildlife. Based on the award-winning animation We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and bestselling picture book, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, this is an adventure for all of the family to enjoy as you explore different landscapes and make muddy memories. Normal admission applies.
London Museum Of Water And Steam
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-4.00pm: Mini Monsters at the London Museum Of Water & Steam in Brentford.
- The old River Thames was a scary place, full of monster bacteria! Find out where our water comes from and see the science that cleans the mini monsters from London’s water. Plus, with a monster tour, scavenger hunt, and community art project there’s lots for the whole family to enjoy. Community Art Project: drop in art sessions to design your own water monsters; Monster Scavenger Hunt: use clues to find monsters all over the museum!; Meet the Monsters Tour (23rd – 27th @ 11.00am): runs for 20-30 minutes by signing up upon arrival at the museum (first come first served); Water Filtration with Worley:(23rd – 29th @ time tbc): learn about how to clean water through filtration with Worley volunteers; Milin Patel: Water Sommelier (21st from 10:30am-4:00pm):discover drinking water culture – learn to create vocabulary around describing water, and appreciate and respect the value of water. Normal admission applies.
London Wetland Centre (Barnes)
21st – 29th October, 9.30am-5.00pm: Week Week! at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes.
- A fantastic, fun wildlife learning eek!-experience for all the family. Are you brave enough to explore the interactive trail? Discover an eek!-citing and mysterious world of wetland nature. Keep your wits about you and engage all your senses as you make your way around the wetlands for a truly eek! exciting experience. Put your spookometer to the test with interactive activities. Will you dare to put your hand in an eel box, grab a photo op with a bat, or listen out for the croak of a toad? It’s a weirdly wild day out for the whole family. Eek!sperience an exciting sensory trail and meet characters along the way. Discover what lurks beneath at pond dipping (11am & 2.00pm). Make a rainbow using the colours of nature around you, perfect for under 5s (10.45-11.15am). Discover the mystical meaning behind plants and make your own nature potion (12.00pm). Spooky colouring at the art hub. Plus visit the ongoing Quentin Blake activities. Normal admission applies.
24th – 27th October, 10.00am-12.00pm: Ghosts Of Richmond Palace Workshops at The Museum Of Richmond.
- Discover the stories of the Ghosts that haunt the remains of Richmond Palace. First, join a ghost walk around the Palace’s remains, then head back to the Museum to create your own haunted Palace to take home! Using a mix of real and replica historical objects from the Museum’s handling collection, workshops provide families with a hands-on experience where they learn more about the history of the local area, develop new skills by having a go at arts and craft activities, and spend quality time together. Workshops are aimed at children aged 5-11 years old. Workshops are £6.00 per child, adults are FREE. Booking essential.
16th – 29th October 10.00am-5.00pm: Family Halloween Trail & Pumpkin Carving at Osterley Park.
- Look for monsters in Osterley’s woodland walk with this self-led family trail. The King wants the Monster Hunter to capture the monsters in the woods, but are they as scary as they appear? Follow the tale of the Monster Hunter to find out. Follow the trail and discover the Tale of the Monster Hunter, with eight activities plus two game stations. £2/trail. Plus pumpkin carving 27th – 29th October 10.00am-3.00pm. £4/pumpkin. Normal admission applies.
25th – 27th October, 10.30am-4.30pm: Horrible Halloween at Syon House & Gardens in Isleworth.
- This Halloween Syon Park has got lots of gore in store for families! They’ve got ‘Creepy Critters’ and a family trail ‘Ghastly Guts, Gory Gravy and GUNPOWDER!’ Zoolab are back with their animal handling sessions, but this time the creatures are even more spine-tingling! Hairier and scarier!(11.00am & 1.30pm). Plus meet creepy costumed characters in the rotten underbelly of the house and hear tales of gory gravy, ghastly guts and (to go out with a bang), a sinister tale of gunpower and plot! (Tickets for this must be booked in advance). Normal admission applies.
25th October, 10.30am-12.30pm: ‘Gathering Leaves’ Workshop at the William Morris Society in Hammersmith.
- This ‘Gathering Leaves’ workshop takes place at the William Morris Society in Hammersmith. Children aged 6-12yrs will investigate the textiles and wallpapers of William Morris and John Henry Dearle to develop their own Autumn collage with a selection of tissue papers, fabrics, ribbons, sequins and buttons – producing their own design to take home. Children under the age of 8yrs must be accompanied by an adult. You can find out more and book online here.
Further Afield
23rd – 29th October, 10.00am-5.30pm: Battersea Boo! Witching Week at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
- This Halloween season, the zoo is taking its commitment to family fun to a whole new level, and families are invited to experience a week of magical and educational Halloween-themed activities. Search for hidden pumpkins around the zoo! All completed trails will receive stickers and an animix toy (£1.50/trail). Create your own fizzing potions, name them and add them to the zoo’s communal spell book – and craft your own Halloween badge, providing a keepsake that will remind you of your day at the zoo (11.00am-4.00pm). In collaboration with Jenny from ‘Jenny Sunshine Faces’, there is face painting from 11.00am-3.00pm (additional costs apply). Twice daily (11.45am & 3.30pm), there will be ‘Meet the Animals’ sessions featuring creatures that are often misunderstood, like tarantulas, snakes, and rats. Hear as the zoo dispel myths and encourages a greater understanding of these fascinating animals. Normal admission applies.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-5.30pm: Witches & Wizards Week at Bockett’s Farm, Fetcham.
- As well as the usual farm fun, there’s lots on this half-term! Visit Tom’s Talking Reptiles Roadshow; watch science and slime shows; explore the Pumpkin Village; get creative in Creepy Craft Corner; meet and greet the birds of prey; complete the Witches & Wizards Trail; enjoy the indoor soft play; be amazed at the small animal encounter sessions; hop on the tractor ride; enjoy a pony ride; explore acres of outdoor blay; Boogie in the Monster Mash Bubble Disco; and cheer along your favourite the famous Pig Race. Booking essential.
- No special events but this is always a great day out with the little ones, with lots of animals to see and indoor and outdoor play. They also have a pumpkin patch from 7th – 31st October. Tickets can be bought online.
16th – 29th October, 10.00am-3.00pm: Enchanted Claremont at Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher.
- It’s party time at Enchanted Claremont. The Wandering Witch is organising an All Hallows Eve party for all the magical creatures that live at Claremont. Some of the creatures are helping with the party planning – can you find what the different creatures are bringing to the party? Normal admission applies.
- 20th – 29th October, 9.30am-6.00pm: Pumpkin Festival at Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone.
- There are three different timed sessions throughout the day to choose from; 9.30am-12.00pm, 12.30-3.00pm, 3.30-6.00pm. There will be varied performers around the Pumpkin Festival bringing a circus vibe. Jugglers, mime, dancers, hooper, stilt walkers and an aerialist will entertain you during your visit. Fancy dress up and get in to the spirit of the season. There are prizes for the best costume. Outdoor pumpkin carving and decorating area (pumpkins not included in your entry ticket). Pumpkin scavenger hunt, vintage fairground games, The Cornival Obstacle Maze and more. Booking essential.
7th October to 31st October, 9.00am-5.00pm. Pumpkin Parade at Parsons Farm, Esher.
- Pick up a wheelbarrow and start the enchanted pumpkin farm experience. Enter the pumpkin tunnels and step into the magical world at the Pumpkin Parade. Harvest memories with family and friends on your parade journey, discovering dazzling displays and joyful photo opportunities. Choose and pick from an abundance of Garson Farm grown pumpkins on your travels, collecting inspiration along the way for you to celebrate and decorate at home. They have the perfect, most prized pumpkin for you, whether mini, grand or extraordinary! £3/person for farm entry (excludes cost of pumpkins). Booking essential.
21st October – 12th November, 10.00am-4.00pm: Fairy Door Trail at Painshill Park, Cobham.
- Walk around the Painshill landscape and discover a series of secret doors – there are fairies living in the gardens! Wooden fairy doors are hidden around the woodlands and lake for you and your family to find. As you wander the route you will see the best spots for autumn colour. Enjoy some stunning trees, collect autumn leaves and celebrate the season. Normal admission applies and booking in advance is advisable for non-members.
16th – 29th October, 11.00am-3.00pm: Royal Connections at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham.
- Join a range of fun activities and historical showcases for all ages to celebrate the Coronation of The King and Queen Consort. In the house, explore Mrs Greville’s royal connections and the 100 year anniversary of the marriage of King George VI to Queen Elizabeth, who honeymooned at Polesden Lacey in 1923. Marvel at several rarely seen collection items, carefully taken out of storage for this special occasion. Mrs Greville was the owner of an extraordinary jewellery collection, which she bequeathed to the Queen Mother. Many of these are still worn by royals today. Enjoy admiring these as you flick through albums on display, from the V&A. Outside, the celebrations continue. There’s live music and mini golf to be enjoyed on selected days. Pre-booking for golf is recommended. Normal admission applies.
21st – 29th October: 9.00am-2330pm: Pumpkin Week at Secretts, Milford.
- Go and pick your pumpkins at Secretts! Includes displays for photo opportunities, children’s activity sheet, scavenger hunt, fancy dress competition, pumpkin themed menu, biscuit. £3.50/person for entry (excludes cost of pumpkins). Booking essential.
21st – 29th October, 10.00am-6.00pm (4.30pm on the 29th): Spooktacular Fun at Wisley Gardens, Woking.
- Join the spooky fun this half term ith activities for all the family to enjoy. Follow a spooky garden trail, take part in ‘ghostly’ seed planting and creepy crawly-themed craft activities, or make your own candle. Plant garlic to ward off vampires and join Chris Jarvis (CBeebies) for his fun filled show, Wonky Apples. Normal admission applies (excludes Wonky Apples show).
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