KidRated October Half Term Guide 2025
Half-term is here (yes, already!) and London is buzzing. We’ve pulled together brand-new openings, exclusive deals and easy wins, from cute role-play for littles to big-ticket thrills for teens. Everything below includes key info (when, where, price, age) so you can decide fast.
Want to head straight to our exclusive offers? There’s 10% off at WeJam all half term with code KIDRATED10; 2 for 1 child tickets at Up at the O2 if you fancy something adventurous (automatically added at checkout), and 15% off at VRXtra Kingston with code SPOOKY15 if you need to escape the rain.
You can also use the links below to go direct to your fave bits.
Halloween & Spooky Days Out | Theatre & Shows | Art, Music & Museums | Active Kids | New This Month
Halloween & Spooky Days Out
Looking for something age specific? Use the links below to jump to the relevant section:
Younger kids | All ages | Teens
For Younger Kids
SEA LIFE London Aquarium – Tricks & Treats
Cute-not-creepy overlays add Halloween fun to London’s classic underwater wander. Trail cards and seasonal photo-ops keep kids engaged while you meet sharks, rays, turtles and rainforest critters. It’s fully indoors, buggy-friendly and an easy rainy-day win, with cafés and loos at sensible intervals. Older kids enjoy the conservation bits; little ones love the jellyfish glow and Ocean Tunnel “wow” moment. If you’re pairing with Shrek’s Adventure next door, this is the calmer second act.
KidRated Top Tip: Time your visit for feeding talks – short, punchy and great for breaking up the route.
When: Half Term | Where: County Hall, SouthBank | Age: All ages | Price: from £25
Halloween fun at SEA LIFE – book herePeppa Pig Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Sightseeing that small piglets can actually handle. You sit at your table on a vintage bus while Peppa appears on the onboard tablets to guide the route, cue singalongs and introduce themed cakes and bakes. It’s cute, seated and contained – ideal for toddlers, grandparents and anyone who loves a novelty tea. Expect central London icons outside the window and plenty of photo moments inside.
Dietary options can usually be arranged in advance; buggies are folded and stored, and staff are great with shy little ones. If motion sickness is a thing, pick lower-deck seating and keep eyes on the horizon between songs.
KidRated Top Tip: Request a lower-deck window for nervous climbers and steadier tummies. Bring wipes – frosting and sprinkles happen.
When: 18-31 Oct | Where: Departs Somerset House | Age: 2+ | Price: Adult ~£60 / Child ~£55
Big Fish Little Fish — Hackney Spooktacular (Family Rave)
Same BFLF magic, spooky edition. A canalside warehouse party at Number 90 with DJ HiFi Sean on the decks, craft tables, a play area and face painting (ages 2+). Fancy dress is very welcome – think pumpkins, superheroes and tiny vampires bouncing to house classics. It’s lively but well-run, with a buggy park, baby-change and a bar/food options for grown-ups. Expect bubbles, foam, giant balloons and the beloved parachute dance near the end that gets everyone involved. Done by tea-time, so you still make bedtime.
KidRated Top Tip: Foam + toddlers = damp – pack a spare top. If you’ve got littles, grab a spot near the chill-out zone for easy resets.
When: Sun 26 Oct, 14:00-16:00 | Where: Number 90, Hackney Wick | Age: 0-8 (all welcome) | Price: £11 adult / £8 child
Shrek’s Adventure! London – Scared Shrekless
A 4D bus ride, 12 fairytale mini-shows and a seasonal sprinkle of witchy fun – “Scared Shrekless” keeps things silly rather than scary. Performers are brilliant with shy kids; the sets feel TV-quality, and there are loads of cheeky selfie spots. It runs on a guided, timed route, so it’s contained, pacy and grandparent-friendly. Best for primary ages; teens may enjoy the tongue-in-cheek gags if they lean in. Pair with the Aquarium for a full South Bank day.
KidRated Top Tip: Earlier slots = fewer crowds and fresher cast energy.
When: Half-term | Where: County Hall, South Bank | Age: 4-10 sweet spot | Price: See website
Get Shrekless tickets hereLEGOLAND Windsor – Brick or Treat
The whole resort gets a pumpkin-bright makeover with shows, character meets and The Great Monster Chase 4D. It’s pitch-perfect for primary ages: rides are friendly, queues are manageable with the app, and DUPLO Valley provides quick wins if little legs wobble. Build stops and treat trails keep hands busy; set a merch budget in advance to avoid “LEGO lust” meltdowns.
KidRated Top Tip: Start with DUPLO Valley or Haunted House early; stash prizes/builds in zip-locks.
When: Until 3 Nov | Where: Windsor | Age: All ages (sweet spot 4-10) | Price: From £29
Brick or Treat Tickets – book hereThe Paddington Bear™ Experience – Trick-or-Treat at Windsor Gardens
This half-term the award-winning immersive world of Paddington gets a Halloween glow-up. Windsor Gardens turns autumnal, characters from the stories hand out treats, and families can add a Trick-or-Treat upgrade from 3pm daily, a sweet little extra that includes a souvenir pumpkin bucket, goodies along the route and exclusive Paddington ears for kids. It all finishes with a safe, joy-filled celebration in Windsor Gardens at County Hall.
When: 18 Oct – 2 Nov | Where: County Hall, South Bank | Age: All ages (family-friendly) | Price: £10 per child Trick-or-Treat upgrade (from 3pm) + standard admission applies.
For All Ages
Alton Towers – Scarefest
Late-open rides (to 9pm), light trails, street theatre and new scare spaces (Edge of the Forest, Dark Hollow) plus family-friendly fun like Trick O’ Treat Town and the CBeebies Land Monster Ball. It’s a huge day; pace it sensibly: rides in the morning, shows after lunch, one twilight ride, then home.
KidRated Top Tip: Bring glow sticks so you can spot your lot after dark – also doubles as a mood-booster in queues.
When: 27–28 Sep; 3–5, 10–12; 17 Oct–2 Nov | Where: Staffordshire | Age: All ages | Price: From £34
Book Scarefest Tickets HereHorniman Museum – Day of the Dead Family Festival
Live bands and dance, crafts (papel picado, skeleton puppets), Mexican market, catrina face painting, community ofrenda and object-handling from the collections. Proper cultural celebration with food to match.
KidRated Top Tip: Bring a small photo/flower if you want to add to the ofrenda respectfully.
When: 1 Nov, 11:00–16:00 | Where: Forest Hill | Age: All ages | Price: £8 adult / £6 child / Under-2s free
Halloween at Kenwood (Hampstead Heath)
As twilight hits Hampstead, Kenwood turns into a family-friendly spooky trail: shimmering light installations, eerie soundscapes and playful set-pieces dotted through the grounds. Expect photo-ops galore (think neon spiders, a “spider tunnel”, laser garden and cheeky selfie stocks), seasonal snacks and hot drinks, and a clearly marked route that works for buggies and mixed ages. It’s more magical than menacing, so even little monsters can enjoy the atmosphere without nightmares. Dates run Pre-booking is essential.
KidRated Top Tip: There’s no general parking (Blue Badge only) – go Overground to Gospel Oak/Hampstead Heath or tube to Archway/Golders Green then hop the 210 bus. Book an early dusk slot for calmer paths and better photos.
Visit our Kenwood House page for year round info.
When: Fri 17 Oct–Sun 2 Nov 2025, timed entry from 4:30pm | Where: Kenwood House, NW3 | Age: All ages | Price: ~£20 adult / £15 child (family tickets available).
Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival
A huge family night out with a bespoke Halloween-themed fireworks + drone show, ghostly tours of the Victorian Theatre, a funfair, ice-disco tie-ins and StrEATlife food market (look for the 90s icons/tribute sets). It’s busy and brilliant – plan your meet-point and loo strategy and you’ll have a blast.
KidRated Top Tip: Earlier gate time + spot at the back/side = easy exits, faster loos, less smoke drift for littles.
When: 31 Oct & 1 Nov | Where: Alexandra Palace | Age: All ages | Price: From £6.50
Halloween at Kew – Night Light Trail
Kew’s beloved winter lights get a spooky remix for half-term: illuminated groves, eerie soundscapes, ghoulish projections on the glasshouses, fire performers and friendly “frights” along a set route. It’s atmospheric rather than terrifying, so siblings of different ages can enjoy it together. Buggies are fine, but it’s a walk, so plan pit-stops and layers. Food stalls and hot-choc points appear along the way, making it an easy evening out if you’re prepped.
KidRated Top Tip: Book the earliest dusk slot if you’ve got little legs, it’s quieter, photos are better before full dark, and you’ll beat bedtime meltdowns. Pack a torch for fun “trail leader” moments.
When: 18 Oct–2 Nov | Where: Kew Gardens | Age: All ages | Price: £18.50–£22 adult, £13–£16 child, £59–£72 family
Chessington World of Adventures – Howl’o’ween
Pumpkins, street theatre, live shows and optional extras like Enchanted Hollow (pre-book). Dusk rides deliver the magic without going full-horror; scare zones are clearly signposted with age guidance so you can steer round them with littles. Later openings give you atmospheric photos, but pack hoodies, it gets chilly fast.
KidRated Top Tip: If you want Enchanted Hollow, bundle it when you buy park tickets – slots go quickly.
When: Weekends + half-term (4–5, 11–12, 18 Oct–2 Nov) | Where: Chessington | Age: All ages (scare bits 10+/13+) | Price: See site
Book Chessington for half termHalloween at Hampton Court Palace
Torchy vibes without true terror. After dark, Hampton Court’s courtyards glow with atmospheric projections while a creepy soundscape drifts through cloisters and galleries. Follow the family-friendly trail to meet storytellers who weave ghosts, courtly gossip and real Tudor history into brilliantly spooky yarns. It’s “edutainment” at its best: kids get the chills, grown-ups get the facts, and no one’s sleeping with the light on.
Practical pluses: wide paths for buggies, plenty of loos, cafés for warm-ups and space to reset if anyone wobbles. Dress-up is encouraged for under-12s (capes and crowns welcome), and you can dial the scare level up or down simply by choosing which bits you linger in.
KidRated Top Tip: Book first entry, then grab your ideal storytelling slot – it paces the visit perfectly. The formal gardens are a blissful calm-down zone.
Check out our Hampton Court page for more info.
When: 25 Oct–2 Nov | Where: Hampton Court | Age: All ages | Price: See HRP site
Halloween at Battersea Power Station
A flexible, low-stress option you can scale to your kids’ energy. Across the estate you’ll find pop-up craft sessions, storytimes, fancy-dress moments, LEGO® activities, roaming characters and seasonal menus, plus shops, loos and cafés exactly where you need them. It’s perfect if you want “two hours of easy Halloween” without committing to a full-on attraction or late night.
Most activities are drop-in and many are free; check the daily schedule and build a mini itinerary (e.g., craft + storytime + treat stop). The riverside setting gives you instant wiggle-room for little legs, and indoor corners offer quick warm-ups if the weather turns. Add the cinema or arcade if teens are along for the ride.
KidRated Top Tip: Stack two or three short activities back-to-back, then refuel with pizza/gelato, then everyone stays cheerful.
When: Daily through half-term | Where: Battersea Power Station | Age: All ages | Price: Activities vary; many free
Hobbledown Heath – Pumpkin Patch
Wheelbarrows at the ready. Hobbledown’s pumpkin patch is a photogenic autumn playground where you can pick your perfect pumpkin, hit the Insta-friendly backdrops and then let the kids loose in the adventure zones. It’s an easy win for mixed ages: toddlers get sensory fun among the gourds, tweens get the photos, everyone gets cake afterwards.
Because it’s part of a full adventure park, you can combine the patch with indoor barns or outdoor play to suit the weather. Paths are buggy-friendly, there’s plenty of space to roam, and cafés keep things fuelled. Go weekday or late afternoon for calmer vibes.
KidRated Top Tip: Aim for golden hour (last 60–90 mins) for prettier photos and shorter queues. If it’s muddy, line the boot and bring bin bags for car seats.
When: Half-term dates | Where: Hounslow | Age: All ages | Price: from £6.50
For Teens
Thorpe Park – FRIGHT NIGHTS
The UK’s heavyweight scare event: headline mazes, roaming scare zones and coasters in the dark with a full Purgatory Town takeover. It’s properly intense, brilliant for thrill-seeking teens, not for nervous siblings. Queues build fast; do the must-do maze first, then lap the coasters as crowds spread.
KidRated Top Tip: Agree a meet-point before you split, phone signal can be patchy when it’s rammed.
When: 3–5, 10–12 & 16 Oct–2 Nov | Where: Chertsey | Age: 13+ | Price: From £36
Thorpe Park Frigh Nights Tickets Available HereJack the Ripper Walking Tour
This is the thoughtful version: a document-driven walk through Whitechapel and Spitalfields that separates myth from evidence. Guides cover policing, press sensationalism and the social context of 1888, using original locations to bring the story into focus. There are no actors leaping out, it’s history on foot, but the alleyways, markets and gaslit side streets deliver plenty of atmosphere.
Best for crime-curious teens who can handle mature themes; sensitive younger siblings should sit this one out. The early-evening slot hits that sweet spot of moody lighting without a late finish, and it’s an easy hop to Spitalfields for food afterwards. Wear comfy shoes; it’s a decent stroll.
KidRated Top Tip: Set expectations: no jump scares – this is evidence, context and critical thinking. Decompress with lights and snacks at Spitalfields Market.
When: Various daily | Where: Meet Aldgate East (Exit 1) | Age: 14+ | Price: ~£15
The London Dungeon – Dracula A Victorian Nightmare
While London is gripped by Ripper panic, an older shadow has slipped ashore. From the storm-lashed cliffs of Whitby to the gaslit streets of Victorian London, Count Dracula is hunting. Follow the trail through fog and folklore, then descend beneath the cracked stones of Kingstead Cemetery to his crypt – if you’re brave enough. Expect gothic sets, atmospheric scares and a few well-timed shocks. Seasonal storyline; best for older kids. Treat it like an immersive play for teens. Do snacks after, not before, and warn first-timers.
KidRated Top Tip: Sit slightly back for the best sightlines; front rows get the splashes and screams.
When: 18 Oct–3 Nov | Where | Age | Price: | South Bank | 13+ recommended | From £35
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Theatre & Shows
Shakespeare’s Globe – Telling Tales
Half-term at the Globe brings author events with Michael Rosen, Joseph Coelho OBE, Piers Torday and Shelina Janmohamed, plus interactive family workshops inspired by Macbeth, The Tempest and Twelfth Night. It’s smart, funny and practical – kids create, perform and come away chattier about stories. Budding performers can level up with Young Actors short courses (8–13 years) on the most iconic stage in London. Wrap with a South Bank stroll and hot chocolate for peak autumn vibes.
KidRated Top Tip: Prioritise author events (they sell out), then add a workshop to keep the energy flowing.
When: 25 Oct–2 Nov | Where: Bankside | Age: 5–13 | Price: £10–£12
Book Telling Tales at the GlobeFor more Theatre inspo check out our guide for Best Theatre for Under 10s and Best Theatre for Older Kids & Teens.
Big Fish Little Fish — Twickenham Pyjama Party (Family Rave)
The original daytime family rave rolls into Twickenham with DJs Baker & Beale, bubbles, foam, balloons and craft tables, plus a chill-out zone for little legs. It’s the sweet spot for tiny dancers and nostalgic parents: proper tunes, festival vibes and home by tea-time. The venue has space for buggies, baby-change, and a bar for grown-ups; staff are great at keeping things friendly and inclusive. PJ dress code is encouraged (bedtime win!), and there’s loads of sensory fun without the late-night chaos. Expect confetti moments, parachute play and a big collective grin at the end.
KidRated Top Tip: Bring mini ear defenders for under-3s, and arrive 10 minutes early to nab space near the craft tables.
When: Sun 19 Oct, 14:00–16:00 | Where: The 1850 Bar, St Mary’s Uni Union | Age: 0–8 (all welcome) | Price: £9.75 kids, £12.91 adults, babies FREE
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
If your crew loves big noise and bigger jumps, this delivers. Full-size Hot Wheels monster trucks and cars tear round Wembley, pulling off flips, crushes and roar-heavy tricks while fan favourites like GT Scorcher and Boneshaker thunder past. It’s a proper arena spectacle: lights, commentary, stunts and plenty of “did you SEE that?!” moments. Expect high energy from the off and a brisk pace that keeps even short attention spans locked in. The show is indoors and fully seated, so grandparents can come too – just be ready for the volume and excitement levels. Merch is strong (set a budget!), snacks are plentiful, and there are usually mid-show breathers to regroup.
KidRated Top Tip: Book seats a little higher up, you’ll see the whole course and it’s kinder on noise-sensitive kids (bring ear defenders).
When: 27–29 Oct | Where: OVO Arena Wembley | Age: All ages | Price: £39–£103
Art, Music & Museums
Affordable Art Fair – Family Morning
Half-term gets a creative start at Battersea Park’s Affordable Art Fair. Their Family Morning is designed to make galleries fun, with activity packs, face painting, and the famous giant “Colour Me In” wall where kids can leave their mark. Parents can browse the art while children get stuck into hands-on workshops. It’s a relaxed way to introduce little ones to the world of contemporary art.
KidRated Top Tip: Arrive early – these sessions get busy, and it’s easier for kids to draw and paint when the tables aren’t jam-packed.
Where: Evolution London, Battersea Park | When: Sat 18–Sun 19 Oct, 10am–12pm | Age: Up to 16 | Price: £20 (2 adults + up to 3 kids)
WeJam – Your Family Rock Band with 10% off
Walk in as civilians, walk out as a band. In a pro studio, WeJam sets your family up on drums, keys, bass, guitar or mic; smart software and a friendly coach get you sounding good fast. It’s loud, funny and properly team-building, ideal for shy kids and teens who “don’t do activities”. Instrument swaps keep everyone engaged, and the headphone mix means no one drowns anyone else out. You’ll finish with a recording to play back (or send to the grandparents for bragging rights). Studios are easy to reach, and sessions slot neatly into a Camden market day. Use the KidRated code for money off half term slots.
KidRated Top Tip: Book one family session for the shared “we nailed it!” moment.
When: Half-term dates | Where: Camden | Age: 7+ | Price: From £30pp (10% off with KIDRATED10)
Book WeJam – 10% Off with KIDRATED10London Museum of Water & Steam – Monster Hunt + Steam Up
Turn giant Victorian pumping engines into “mechanical monsters” on a playful trail, then see them roar to life at October Steam Up (25–26 Oct). Indoors, warm, and hands-on, this is a rainy-day hero with real engineering wow-factor. Kids collect clues, spin wheels, peer into pistons and learn why London needed these beasts, all without feeling like “homework”. The café is handy, the team are lovely, and it’s an easy half-day that feels different from the usual museum circuit. Pair with nearby Gunnersbury Park for a run-around and you’ve got the perfect balance of brains + fresh air.
KidRated Top Tip: Do the trail first, then time an engine run – it’s loud, spectacular and very photogenic.
When: 25 Oct–2 Nov (trail daily; engines 25–26 Oct) | Where: Brentford | Age: All ages | Price: £15 adult / £5 child (U5s free)
Pre-Book Steam Up Pre-book Monster HuntDiscover Children’s Story Centre – That’s Not My Pumpkin & Colin & Duck Adventures
Two brilliant options for littles. That’s Not My… Pumpkin (0–3 years) is a gentle, sensory storytime with fuzzy/bumpy/sparkly props and a short stay-and-play, perfect for first cultural outings.
A Colin & Duck Adventure (free with entry) sends families through Story World to dust Colin the vegetarian vampire’s castle for Grandma’s visit, then hunt quacking friends hidden around the galleries. Discover is built for play: calm staff (“Story Builders”), great sightlines, buggy space and a fab outdoor area to reset wiggly kids.
KidRated Top Tip: Morning slots feel calmer; plan 60–90 minutes inside, then a playground run outside to keep naps on track.
When: 9 Oct–2 Nov (Pumpkin); 12 Sep–11 Nov (Trail) | Where: Stratford | Age: 0–11 | Price: From £3.50 + entry (trail free)
Book That’s Not My PumpkinWoolwich Works — Half-Term Arts & Tech Week
Woolwich Works turns half-term into a mini-festival of arts, tech and make-believe. Kick off with free Code-Easy taster sessions (22–25 Oct) to spark digital skills; step into an interactive Enchanted Cinema: My Neighbour Totoro screening (25 Oct); carve the perfect jack-o’-lantern at a Pumpkin Carving Workshop (30 Oct); drop into Magic Makers Crafternoons for a new make each day — Magic Wand (27 Oct), Spell Book (28 Oct), Suncatcher (29 Oct) and Dreamcatcher (30 Oct); then finish on a high at Boogies & Broomsticks: A Magical Monster Mash! (31 Oct) and screenings of Wallace & Gromit films (2 Nov).
When: 22–31 Oct, 2 Nov | Where: Woolwich Works | Age: Family-friendly (check individual listings) | Price: Coding sessions free; other events prices vary.
Horniman Museum – The Robot Zoo
Larger-than-life animatronic animals with levers, buttons and crawl-throughs that explain how real creatures move, eat and sense the world. It’s the last chance before the exhibition closes, so combine with the aquarium or music gallery to make a full day.
KidRated Top Tip: If a child gets overwhelmed, the gardens are a calming reset and great for snacks.
When: Until 2 Nov | Where: Forest Hill | Age: All ages | Price: £9.75 adult / £6.50 child.
Quick Inspiration
Active Kids
Up at The O2 – Kids 2-for-1 in October
Clip in, walk the famous dome and bag skyline views – a proper “we did a thing” moment. Guides are great with nervous first-timers, the walkway feels reassuringly solid, and harnesses keep everyone secure. October brings a family-friendly deal: buy two child tickets, one goes free (adult full price; min 1 adult + 2 kids). Try for sunset if you can: golden photos, lights winking on, and you’re still home by a decent hour.
KidRated Top Tip: Thin gloves help on cooler days; stash phones on lanyards for worry-free pics at the top.
When: 1–31 Oct | Where: Greenwich | Age: 8+ | Price: From ~£35pp; child 2-for-1
Climb the O2 – 2 for 1 kids ticketsLee Valley White Water Centre – Splashy Half-Term
Pick your level of wet and wild. Little ones can start dry(ish) at Joe Banana’s Kids Halloween Party (Thu 30 Oct, 4–6pm; games, music and spooky fun from £3). Ready to get soaked? Go Family Rafting (8+) on the Legacy Loop for big laughs and splashy rapids, or step up to White Water Rafting (12+) on the Olympic course for the full “did we just do that?!” adrenaline hit. Confident tweens/teens can try Hydrospeeding (12+), Hot-Dog Kayaking (12+), or keep it chilled with Explore Kayaking (8+) and Explore Paddleboarding (8+). There’s even Open Water Swimming (14+) if you’re training or just game for an outdoor dip. Instructors are brilliant, kit is provided, and spectators get great terrace views.
KidRated Top Tip: Family Rafting is the photo-winner – pack towels and dry clothes for the ride home.
When: 25 Oct–2 Nov (party Thu 30 Oct, 4–6pm) | Where: Station Rd, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB | Age: Ages vary (8+–14+) | Price: From £3–£250 depending on session
Book White Water sessionsLee Valley VeloPark – Ride, BMX & Track
Olympic Park thrills for every kind of rider. Beginners can crack the basics with extra Learn to Ride and Balance sessions, then graduate to Pedal Up and Pedal Up Pump! to master control and corners. Keen kids can book BMX on the outdoor track (think berms and whoops), while confident cyclists tick off a bucket-list taster on the indoor velodrome. Staff are friendly and safety-focused; kit hire is available, and sessions are clearly graded so you’re never out of your depth. It’s the perfect pick for families who want an active morning that still leaves time for lunch and a Stratford wander.
KidRated Top Tip: For BMX, wear long sleeves, gloves and closed shoes; for track taster, arrive 20 mins early for bike setup.
When: Extra half-term sessions | Where: Abercrombie Rd, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park | Age: Ages vary by session | Price: Prices vary (see website)
See VeloPark sessionsLee Valley Ice Centre – Public, Holiday & Disco Skates
Glide, groove or go full disco. Public Skating runs Mon 27–Fri 31 Oct (all ages; skate hire UK 7–15; skating aids for under-120cm are £5). Holiday Skating (Wed 27–Fri 31 Oct, 11:00–15:30) gives you a longer daytime window, perfect for mixed-age groups. When the lights go down, hit the Disco Sessions (Fri 31 Oct & Sat 1 Nov, 19:30–21:30) to cut shapes under the LEDs. It’s friendly, well-run and weather-proof, with staff on hand to help first-timers. Prices are wallet-kind: £10 adult / £8 child (public), £13 adult / £10 child (holiday), and £10 adult / £8 child (disco).
KidRated Top Tip: Wear thick socks + gloves, and arrive 15 mins early to collect skates and find your balance.
When: Dates listed above | Where: Lea Bridge Rd, London E10 7QL | Age: All ages | Price: See prices above; skating aids £5 (under-120cm)
Book Ice Centre sessionsSwingers West End – Family Crazy Golf
Pre-6pm (excl. Saturdays), Swingers flips to family mode: two bonkers crazy-golf courses, retro carnival games and solid street food from £10pp. On Sun 2 Nov it’s a Halloween Family Funday with face painting, themed slushies, activities and a trick-or-treat prize wheel. It’s central, affordable and easy to bolt onto a West End day – do a round, grab food, wander Regent Street.
KidRated Top Tip: Crowd-averse? Book right at opening, you’ll whizz round and snag the best food seats near the action.
When: Daily pre-6pm (not Sat) | Where: Oxford Circus | Age: All ages (U16s with adults) | Price: From £10
Book Family Crazy GolfVRXtra Watford & Kingston
VRXtra Watford is a full-on VR playground: free-roam arenas where you’re moving in real space, co-op VR escape rooms (2–6 players, up to 60 mins), Ubisoft’s cinematic escape adventures, and a huge library of pick-up-and-play titles for quick hits. It’s set up for families and first-timers – staff get headsets comfy, suggest age-appropriate games, and keep the energy fun not stressful. Handy extra: there’s a proper café on site and a VR Meal Deal that bundles food with gameplay, so you can make a neat afternoon of it without roaming around for snacks. Ages 7+ is the sweet spot, but grown-ups will be grinning too. And if you have an older sibling headed to uni in Watford there’s a special 35% discount for Fresher’s Week. Use code FRESHERS35 (valid Mon-Fri excl school hols. Uni ID required).
Kingston’s branch brings the same mix of Premium & Arcade Free-Roam VR, VR escape rooms and party-friendly multiplayer mayhem, with an exclusive twist: a party package that pairs gaming at VRXtra with pizza at Curzon Pizzeria, all under one roof. It’s an easy win for birthdays or “we survived half-term” treats: book a slot, squad up, and let the team guide you to the right experiences for your crew. Expect fast-moving games, lots of laughter, and zero faff – staff handle the tech so you can focus on the fun (and the post-game pizza). Ages 7+ recommended. Get 15% off any VR experience with code SPOOKY15.
Book VRXtra Watford Sessions Book VRXtra Kingston SessionsIce Rink at Canary Wharf
Covered rink = no rain, which is why this is a winter favourite. Expect a bigger sheet of ice this season, improved changing, a snacks bar and some cheaper off-peak slots. Sessions are 45 minutes including hire; penguin aids are usually available for small skaters.
KidRated Top Tip: Morning off-peak is perfect for first-timers — quieter ice, calmer vibes, better confidence.
When: From 25 Oct | Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf | Age: All ages | Price: From £16.95
New This Month
London Zoo – ZooTown
The old Reptile House is reborn as ZooTown — a 45-minute mini-city for ages 3–8 where kids role-play zookeepers, vets and scientists. It’s indoors, timed and brilliantly designed for imaginative play, especially for younger siblings who need a break from “just looking”.
KidRated Top Tip: Booking opens 3 days ahead – set a reminder; slots go fast.
When: From 18 Oct | Where: Regent’s Park | Age: 3-8 | Price: £1 to reserve (plus zoo entry)
MathsWorld
A compact, interactive love-letter to mathematics: stand inside a giant soap bubble, tackle a laser ring of fire, try codebreaking, and play pool on an elliptical table to discover how shapes change outcomes. It’s new, inexpensive and near the river, so it’s a neat add-on to a South Bank wander.
KidRated Top Tip: Pair with Tate’s family floors or the riverside playground – brains and bounces in one trip.
When: Year-round | Where: Southwark (near Tate Modern) | Age: All ages| Price: £14.50 adult / £13 child (includes annual pass).
