Whether you’re planning a fun family day out, looking for budget-friendly activities or simply searching for ways to keep the children busy without breaking the bank, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you.
From free museums and outdoor adventures to woodland walks, adventure playgrounds, parks and nature trails, there are so many brilliant ways to enjoy the October half term school holidays on a budget. Whether you’re hoping to make the most of the autumn weather or need some rainy-day activities for kids, there are plenty of affordable family days out to discover.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite free and cheap things to do with children during October half term, including ideas for families in London, Kent and beyond. With three children to entertain, we’re always looking for ways to make fantastic family memories without spending a fortune. So, if you’re wondering what to do with the kids this half term, read on for some inspiration!
Museums and Galleries
National Maritime Museum
Location: Greenwich, London
What is it: Explore ships, seafaring and life at sea. The permanent galleries are free. 24 Oct–1 Nov: free drop-in bug-themed crafts and storytelling, including paper silverfish, moths and The Great Big Bug Show.
Our kids absolutely love visiting the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich! It’s one of our favourite free family days out in London, with plenty to keep children of different ages entertained. Make sure you check out The Cove outdoor playground, where the kids can climb, explore and burn off some energy.
Link: https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum
Additional charges: AHOY children’s play gallery, some exhibitions and other ticketed experiences cost extra during school holidays.
Queen’s House
Location: Greenwich, London
What is it: Explore this historic house and its art collection. Entry is free.
Link: https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/families
Additional charges: Some special events and guided tours are ticketed.
Natural History Museum
Location: South Kensington, London
What is it: See dinosaurs, fossils and natural history galleries. I’d always advise booking a free admission ticket so you know your place is secured.
We’ve visited the Natural History Museum in London so many times, and there’s always something new to discover, from the incredible dinosaur skeletons and fascinating fossils to the enormous blue whale in Hintze Hall. Our three love exploring the different galleries and they have some firm favourites that we see every time!
Link: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit.html
Additional charges: Special exhibitions, guided tours cost extra.
Science Museum
Location: South Kensington, London
What is it: Explore space, inventions and science displays in the free galleries. Free entry tickets can be reserved.
Be sure to book onto the free space show running until March 27. My kids absolutely loved this, super interactive and engaging!
Link: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visit
Additional charges: Wonderlab, IMAX films, simulators and some special activities cost extra.
Young V&A
Location: Bethnal Green, London
What is it: The Young V&A is a fantastic free museum for kids in London, designed especially for children to explore, play and get creative. With three interactive galleries, Imagine, Play and Design, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained. It’s a brilliant budget-friendly indoor activity for October half term, especially on a rainy day! General admission is free.
Link: https://www.vam.ac.uk/young/visit
Additional charges: The Aardman exhibition is ticketed; general gallery admission is free.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Location: Forest Hill, London
What is it: Explore the free main galleries, gardens, Animal Walk and nature play area. Until 1 Nov: free Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman trail. A great option for younger kids as the site is compact, but there is a walk up the drive to get there! Storytelling and craft sessions on 27–28 Oct cost £8.50 per child.
Link: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/
Additional charges: Aquarium, Butterfly House, special exhibitions and selected events cost extra. Octonauts storytelling and craft on 27–28 October costs £8.50 per child.
London Museum Docklands
Location: West India Quay, London
What is it: Discover 400 years of London’s docks and river in the free galleries. Mudlarks is a separate ticketed play gallery. 26–30 Oct: free spooky family activities, including clay lucky charms, sailor tales, stories and a silent disco.
Link: https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/docklands/visit/
Additional charges: Mudlarks is a separate ticketed play gallery; some other events may charge.
RAF Museum London
Location: Colindale, London
What is it: See historic aircraft and aviation stories. General museum admission is free. 24 Oct–1 Nov: Jet & Space Week offers activities such as a planetarium and laser tag, priced £5–£6.50.
Link: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/
Additional charges: Parking and selected activities cost extra. Jet and Space Week activities are listed at £5–£6.50.
IWM London
Location: Lambeth, London
What is it: Explore wartime aircraft, objects and personal stories. General admission is free. They have a What makes a story event for half term including free crafts.
Link: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london
Additional charges: Some temporary exhibitions and special events may charge.
British Museum
Location: Bloomsbury, London
What is it: Choose a few galleries and hunt for objects from around the world. General admission is free. A good one for KS1 and KS2 kids when learning about Egypt.
Link: https://www.britishmuseum.org/visit
Additional charges: Special exhibitions and some events cost extra.
National Gallery
Location: Trafalgar Square, London
What is it: Invent stories about the paintings or sketch together. General gallery admission is free. From 27 Oct: free Playing with Colour workshops, family tours and gallery storytelling.
Link: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit
Additional charges: Some exhibitions and special events cost extra.
Tate Modern
Location: Bankside, London
What is it: Explore modern art, shapes and colour. Entry to the collection is free.
Link: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Additional charges: Special exhibitions and some activities cost extra.
Tate Britain
Location: Millbank, London
What is it: Discover British art and pick a favourite painting together. Entry is free.
Link: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
Additional charges: Special exhibitions and some activities cost extra.
V&A East Museum
Location: Stratford, London
What is it: Explore a free museum devoted to creativity and design in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Link: https://www.vam.ac.uk/visit
Additional charges: Check the current programme for any separately ticketed exhibitions or events.
Parks and Playgrounds
Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
Location: Crystal Palace, London
What is it: Crystal Palace Park is a great free day out with kids, with plenty of space to run around, a brand new dinosaur themed playground and a very small but free farm. The famous Victorian dinosaur sculptures are a highlight, and spotting the different prehistoric creatures makes a walk feel like an adventure. Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours outdoors, with autumn leaves adding plenty of colour during October half term.
Link: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/pages/crystal-palace-dinosaurs
Additional charges: Parking.
Beckenham Place Park
Location: Beckenham, London
What is it: Beckenham Place Park is a lovely spot for a free family day out in South East London, with woodland walks, open spaces and a playground to keep the children busy. Take bikes or scooters, pack a picnic and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
Link: https://www.beckenhamplacepark.com/visit
Additional charges: Parking, lake swimming and selected organised activities cost extra.
Greenwich Park playground
Location: Greenwich, London
What is it: This playground had an upgrade earlier this year, it has some big sandpits too, bring a bucket and spade!
Link: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/greenwich-park/things-to-do
Additional charges: Parking and optional paid activities cost extra.
Hyde Park, Learning Centre
What is it: The Hyde Park Learning Centre puts on some fantastic events in school holidays. We have been to many of these over the years. Head to Hyde Park Learning Centre is Hair-raising Halloween Discovery Days, running 27–29 October, 11am–3.30pm. Children can investigate mystery feely boxes in the Witches’ Den, follow a spooky nature trail, learn about bats and enjoy Halloween storytelling. The activities are free and drop-in, with no booking needed, and dressing up is encouraged! Last entry is at 3pm.
Link: Hyde Park Learning Centre | The Royal Parks
Additional charges: None.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Location: Kensington Gardens, London
What is it: The Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is a brilliant free stop for families, inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan. Children can climb aboard the huge wooden pirate ship, explore treehouse towers and whizz down tunnel slides, while younger visitors have their own play area with timber houses and a large sandpit. Combine it with a walk through Kensington Gardens for an easy family day out. Check autumn opening times.
Link: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/kensington-gardens/diana-memorial-playground
Additional charges: No playground admission charge. Food, drinks and travel are extra.
Richmond Park
Location: Richmond, London
What is it: Take an autumn walk among ancient trees and open grassland, keeping your distance from deer.
Link: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park
Additional charges: Parking
Woodland and Countryside Walks
Epping Forest
Location: North-east London and Essex
What is it: Follow a woodland path, look for fungi and collect fallen leaves.
Link: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/where-to-go-in-epping-forest
Additional charges: Forest car parks charge; access on foot is free.
Newlands Corner
Location: Near Guildford, Surrey
What is it: Take a family walk with broad views of the Surrey countryside. The council lists free car parks.
Additional charges: No entry charge. The council lists free car parks.
Jeskyns Community Woodland
Location: Cobham, Kent
What is it: Follow woodland trails (available on the link below) and spot autumn colours.
Link: https://www.forestryengland.uk/jeskyns
Additional charges: Parking charges apply.
Victory Wood
Location: Near Whitstable, Kent
What is it: Walk through a large woodland site with views towards the Kent coast. Have planned events on for half term including; on 28th October a fun-filled day of activities inspired by the real superheroes of nature – trees!
Link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/victory-wood/
Additional charges: No woodland entry charge.
Hucking Estate
Location: Near Maidstone, Kent
What is it: Explore ancient woodland, grassland and newer native woods. You could make yourself a nature trial and tick off things as you see them.
Link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/hucking-estate/
Additional charges: No woodland entry charge.
Next Reads
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