Halloween in London with Kids: Best things to do (2026)

Looking for the best Halloween events in London for with kids in 2026?   Well, you’re in for a treat (and a few tricks!).

From spooky ghost tours and haunted palaces to pumpkin trails, family attractions and October half-term activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in London at Halloween. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, younger children, or teenagers, here are the best Halloween events in London for families this year.

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Step into a world of chilling tales and haunting history at the Tower of London this October half term for a Halloween adventure like no other.  The haunted forge will lure in ghosts from all directions at 1:15, 12:45 and 14:45 each day.  Don’t miss your chance to encounter these wandering spirits who return but once a year!

Book tickets for the Tower of London

Running 29–31st October, Hyde Park’s Discovery Days offer offer free autumn and Halloween-themed activities.  Head to the Learning Centre for spooky stories, nature trails, and hands-on fun in the Witches’ Den.  It looks like a lovely way to enjoy Halloween in London for families without spending a penny.

Click here for details of Hyde Park’s Discovery Days

This October, the Bow Street Police Museum will host interactive storytelling sessions perfect for families with curious little detectives.

Book tickets for The Bow Street Police Museum

Head down to Woolwich Works this Halloween for a full programme of spooky fun.  They’ve got a tribute to your favourite vampire TV show and family theatre with There’s A Monster In Your Show, Out of the Box and Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show.

For grown-ups, there’s a Halloween special of Karaoke at the Works or join Aircraft Circus to explore the weird side of contemporary circus.

Book Halloween events at the Woolwich Works

As darkness falls, Kew Gardens comes alive with giant spiders, witches, and ghouls hiding among the trees.  Follow the illuminated trail through the haunted woods for one of the most spectacular Halloween activities in London this October.

Check the website for times and tickets: Halloween at Kew

Dive beneath the waves this Halloween at Sea Life London Aquarium.  During October half-term, the ocean tunnels will be filled with spooky surprises, creepy sea creature facts, and plenty of fun activities for kids.

From pumpkin-decorated tanks to Halloween-themed treasure hunts, little explorers will love spotting sharks, rays, and turtles while collecting treats along the way.

Book tickets to Sea Life London

One of the most popular Halloween attractions in London, the London Dungeon combines chilling tales, live actors, and immersive special effects for a spooky family day out. Best suited for older kids and teens, it’s the perfect way to explore London in Halloween style. We visited recently and loved it!  If you have teens, you should also check our guide to fun things in London for teenagers.

Book tickets to the London Dungeon.

See London in a new light (or rather, in the dark) with the Ghastly Ghosts walking tour. Starting at All Hallows by the Tower, you’ll hear chilling tales of ghouls, phantoms, and spectres that haunt the city’s streets. This 2-hour guided walk is a fun way to spend a spooky evening if your kids are old enough for a bit of late-night adventure.

Book tickets for the Ghastly Ghosts walking tour

Step into one of London’s oldest prisons at The Clink, where visitors can uncover the gruesome history of medieval punishments. It’s not quite as interactive as the London Dungeon, as there’s no actors, but still has plenty of gore and torture stories to keep kids interested.

Book tickets to the Clink Museum.

How better to mark Halloween than by walking the streets of London’s Victorian Whitechapel?  Perfect for teens and adults, this walking tour takes you to the sites of the infamous 1888 crimes, offering gripping stories and eerie insights into London’s most notorious serial killer.

Book tickets for the Jack the Ripper tour.

Upgrade your visit to The Paddington Bear Experience with a special trick-or-treat experience.  Kids will receive a pumpkin bucket, Paddington ears, and a selection of sweet treats.

Book the The Paddington Bear Experience

Head to Chiswick House for a day packed with fun at the Halloween Party. Expect face painting, crafts, games, and a family disco. It’s a brilliant half-term outing for toddlers, tweens, and teens alike.

Book Halloween at Chiswick House

Boo at the Zoo is one of the best Halloween events in London for younger children, with pumpkin trails, storytelling, and Halloween-themed animal encounters.

Check the website for times and tickets: Boo at the Zoo

This October half-term Shrek’s Adventure! London will be packed with ogre-sized surprises and spooky fun.  This is an ideal Halloween event for little ones in London.

Book tickets for Shrek’s Adventure!

Thorpe Park is a favourite with kids at any time of year. So, for thrill-seeking teens, Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights are the ultimate Halloween adventure. Think rollercoasters in the dark, chilling scare mazes, and late-night fun.  Although it’s not in London, it’s worth the short trip out to Surrey for this Halloween special event.  You could also check out our guide to the other great Halloween events in Surrey this year.

Book tickets to Fright Night at Thorpe Park

The Dark Arts season at Harry Potter World is one of the most popular October half-term attractions near London and a favourite Halloween day out for families.  With Death Eaters roaming the iconic sets and glowing pumpkins lighting up the Great Hall, Hogwarts truly is ready for Halloween.

Check here for dates and tickets for Harry Potter World

Families with younger children will adore Brick or Treat, where Legoland® Windsor turns into a pumpkin-filled wonderland.  Expect Lego pumpkins, dance parties, and friendly ghosts around every corner.

Book tickets to Brick or Treat

Perfect for families, Chessington’s Howl ‘o’ Ween is a brilliant all-rounder.  There are Halloween shows, trick-or-treat adventures in the Enchanted Hollow, and all your favourite rides at dusk. You can even extend the fun with an overnight stay.

Book tickets to Chessington’s Howl ‘o’ Ween

Looking for historic Halloween activities in London?  Hampton Court Palace is famous for its ghost stories and eerie corridors, making it one of the best family Halloween events near central London.  If your kids love history with a ghostly twist, this one’s a must.

Book tickets to Halloween at Hampton Court Palace

This October, Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow transforms into a magical world of mischief and monsters.  From bug-eating challenges and monster discos to creepy crawlies, and cheeky skibblers, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.

Plus, kids will love all the regular attractions such as indoor play barn and outdoor play villages.  This was always one of our favourite days out when the kids were younger and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do at October half-term in London.

Book tickets for Hobbledown

From spooky ghost tours and thrilling scare attractions to pumpkin trials and family-friendly shows, there are plenty of Halloween events in London for children (and adults!) of all ages. Whether you’re looking for Halloween activities for younger children, exciting days out for teenagers or fun things to do during October half-term in London, you’ll find plenty of spooky fun across the capital.

If you’re getting ready for Halloween, why not take a trip to the countryside and pick your own pumpkin in Surrey?  Or, if like us you live just outside London, check out the best Halloween events in Surrey this year.

Looking for more ideas for October half-term in London? Take a look at our guide to 20+ fun things to do with teenagers in London or discover the best immersive experiences in London (2026).

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