Spending time together as a family is what half term is all about, so whether your kids are only just learning how to walk or are close to flying the nest, make sure to get everyone involved in the half term fun.
If you’re planning on travelling with your kids this half term, then why not make the most of public transport? Travelling by rail is a reliable and easy way to get from A to B, and you don’t have to worry about inconveniences like traffic jams or finding a parking spot.
There are plenty of exciting family-friendly events and activities on in October, including spooky Halloween fun. So if you’re looking for some eerie experiences, be sure to check out our guide to the top spooky UK attractions and Halloween things to do in London. For activities a little less haunted, read on to find out more about what you can do this half term as a family.
Things to do in October half term and fun places to go with kids under 6
October half term is a fantastic time for families with young children to enjoy a variety of October activities that celebrate the season. It’s perfect for young kids to explore vibrant autumn landscapes, discover local wildlife, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and enjoy hands-on experiences with exotic animals and thrilling themed playgrounds.
Across the UK, venues come alive with joyful October celebrations and family-friendly events, offering gentle and engaging experiences for little ones. Whether wandering through colourful gardens, enjoying the seaside, or exploring marine life, there are plenty of memorable October activities to inspire wonder and create cherished family moments.
Kids between the ages of 0-6 approach everything with wonder and excitement, so there’s no better place for a half term adventure than Kew Gardens. You and your little ones can embark on a wild journey through the beautiful autumn landscape, exploring the plants and wildlife around you. Once you’re done exploring the gardens, you can find plenty of half term events to keep the kids entertained.
Price range: Children under four go free, and you can enjoy 2FOR1 entry on your visit or discounted entry with SWR Rewards.
How to get there: No matter who’s travelling, it’s easy to get the train to Kew Gardens. The nearest stations are Kew Bridge, at a 9-minute walk away, and Richmond at a 15-minute walk away.
If you’re looking for free half term activities, then a trip to the beach is always a great shout. Voted best in the area for families, Alum Chine Beach is a great place to visit with children. There’s plenty to do, from leisurely strolls across the shore to a paddle in the sea for those who are feeling brave! Finish off with a trip to the pirate themed playground and tropical gardens located beside the beach.
Just a short stroll down the shorefront will take you to Bournemouth Pier, where you can find a host of activities for little ones to enjoy. As well as an amusement arcade and small kids’ fairground rides, the pier is also home to a charming, Victorian-style Helter Skelter that your little ones will love. No day at the seaside would be complete without an ice cream—so don’t forget to grab one before you leave!
Price range: The beach, gardens, pier and playground are all free. Fairground rides are an additional cost.
How to get there: Catch the train to Bournemouth before walking for 15 minutes towards the coast.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Dive underwater and take a trip to SEA LIFE this half term. Check out all the weird and wonderful creatures that call the aquarium home, as you venture into a world we rarely get to glimpse at – and don’t forget to keep a look out for sharks! With lots to see and do, this exciting deep-sea adventure is perfect for little ones, and makes for a great rainy day activity. What’s more, you can enjoy a 10% discount off London’s SEA LIFE, as well as the Big Bus Tour and a free river cruise with SWR Rewards. Simply follow the link to redeem your tickets online. If it’s just the aquarium that you’re after, then make the most of 2FOR1 SEA LIFE tickets when you travel by train.
Price range: ££
How to get there: SEA LIFE is a gentle nine-minute stroll from London Waterloo.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground, London
diana.org.uk
Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 4RU
Perfect for kids under six, this playground features a large wooden pirate ship, sensory trails, teepees, and creative play areas inspired by the stories of Peter Pan. Children can climb, explore, and imagine on the pirate ship, while toddlers enjoy seesaws, sand pits, and smaller wooden boats. The playground is designed to be inclusive, with facilities for children with special needs, plus parents will appreciate the nearby café and picnic areas.
Price range: Free entry
How to get there: Accessible by train via South Western Railway to Kensington Olympia, with onward travel by nearby London Overground or local bus through Kensington Gardens to the playground
Where to go in October half term for fun days out for kids aged 7-11
Half term is a wonderful season for children aged 7 to 11 to enjoy a mix of interactive adventures, cultural experiences, and outdoor explorations. From stepping into magical worlds and enjoying creative performances, to discovering wildlife on scenic islands and having fun at family-friendly theme parks, there are exciting things to do in October that spark imagination and joy.
If you’re wondering where to go in October half term, this section includes top destinations that promise unforgettable family days out for every young explorer.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
It’s hard to find a more loveable character than Shrek. That’s why the whole family can expect a day filled with laughter and delight at Shrek’s Adventure in London. This brilliantly bonkers walkthrough tour includes a mirror maze, 4D bus experience and more, and promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Book your tickets online with SWR Rewards to receive 10% off Shrek’s Adventure, an open-top bus tour and a fascinating river cruise. Or you can make the most of 2FOR1 tickets to Shrek’s Adventure when travelling by train.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Shrek’s Adventure is just an eight-minute stroll from London Waterloo.
If you’re searching for activities on London’s Southbank this half term, then round up your family and head to Southbank Centre on Belvedere Road. The centre runs yearly Halloween events for kids, each filled with creative workshops and wacky performances that will have your little monsters hooked.
While you’re there, be sure to stop off at Southbank Centre Food Market. Running Fridays, weekends and bank holidays, you’ll find a huge selection of foods with enough variety to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Situated just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is easily accessible by public transport and has lots to offer for families of all ages. Little thrill seekers should head to the UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine, for an action-packed day filled with fun rides and delicious food. Once you’re all theme-parked out, take a trip to Monkey Haven to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, from monkeys and gibbons to lemurs and owls. To get back to nature, an autumn walk around the Isle of Wight won’t break the bank.
Allow the kids to burn off some steam and enjoy rides for all ages at one of the UK’s best loved attractions! A perfect October half term idea for kids big and small, there’s lots of fun to be had at LEGOLAND® Windsor with 2FOR1 entry. If you’re planning on spending another day in Windsor, there’s plenty to do in the area. Pay a visit to the grand and majestic Windsor Castle, before heading back to The Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where you can enjoy 20% off your stay with SWR Rewards.
Perfect for curious kids, The Science Museum offers inspiring galleries and interactive exhibits covering science, technology, and engineering. Highlights include live science demonstrations, space exploration exhibits, flight simulators, and the Wonderlab, a hands-on gallery with over 50 experiments. Throughout Wonderlab, visitors can engage with interactive science shows, live experiments at the Chemistry Bar, dazzling lightning demos, and a range of exhibits designed to ignite curiosity and creative thinking. This museum invites kids to learn through play and exploration in an engaging and educational environment.
Price range: Book your free general admission tickets in advance on the Science Museum website. Certain special exhibitions and experiences, such as the Wonderlab, Power Up, and IMAX documentaries, require separate paid tickets, with prices varying depending on how far in advance they are booked.
How to get there: Take South Western Railway to London Waterloo or London Victoria. From Waterloo, take the Jubilee Line on the London Underground northbound to Westminster, then transfer to the District or Circle Line westbound to South Kensington station, which is a short walk from the Science Museum.
Royal Observatory and Planetarium, Greenwich
rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is the historic home of British astronomy, Greenwich Mean Time, and the world-famous Prime Meridian Line. Kids will enjoy standing with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west, exploring fascinating maritime clocks, and seeing the UK’s largest historic telescope. The Camera Obscura and immersive planetarium shows add fun, interactive experiences that bring science and space to life. Set atop scenic Greenwich Park, the attraction combines history, science, and exploration in a way that captures children’s imaginations and curiosity. With SWR Rewards, visitors can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets on selected dates, making this an even better opportunity for families to explore together.
Price: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take South Western Railway to London Bridge, then transfer to a Southeastern service to Greenwich station. From Greenwich station, enjoy a 15–20 minute walk uphill through Greenwich Park to reach the Royal Observatory.
October activities for teenagers
October half term offers a varied mix of activities for teenagers that balance excitement, education and adventure. A thrilling theme park offers adrenaline-pumping rides and immersive attractions for those seeking adventure. History fans can explore a centuries-old castle, where atmospheric ruins and guided tours bring the past to life.
Meanwhile, a renowned museum features captivating exhibits and interactive displays that educate and inspire. Teens can also explore a vibrant garden atop a building overlooking sweeping city views or experience a ride in one of the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheels providing spectacular panoramic sights.
This selection of fun things to do with teenagers ensures a memorable and engaging half term break.
If you’re in search of a fun theme park for older kids, visit Thorpe Park. With plenty of rides, attractions and live events, there’s plenty for thrill seekers to get up to this half term. Running throughout the whole of October, Thorpe Park’s yearly Fright Nights are legendary. Offering everything from creepy shows to scare mazes, it’s not for the faint hearted! Those travelling by train can enjoy 2FOR1 entry tickets to Thorpe Park.
For a fun and educational activity this half term, head to Corfe Castle. After surviving the English Civil War, the castle’s ruins remain a symbol of Dorset’s history. There’s plenty to see and do at this thousand-year-old fortress, from exploring the castle using a fascinating audio guide to indulging in a tasty bite to eat at the tea rooms. Corfe Castle always holds a selection of events during October half term, perfect for when you’ve finished roaming the ruins. There are many books set in the south west, and bookworms might be interested to know that Kirrin Castle in the Famous Five novels is based on Corfe Castle.
Price range: £
How to get there: It’s easy to get to Corfe Castle by train. Catch a service to Wareham station before hopping on the Purbeck Breezer 40 bus, which takes just 15 minutes to arrive at the castle.
Brush up your history at The Natural History Museum, where you can discover a range of fascinating free exhibits and tours taking place over half term. By far the most impressive of the exhibits in the museum are the huge dinosaur skeletons that hang from the ceiling—but that’s not all the museum has to offer! Exhibitions here are always being updated, so there’s plenty to keep you coming back year after year.
Price range: Free (donation suggested)
How to get there: Catch the train to Vauxhall before hopping on a three-minute tube, via the Victoria line to Victoria Station. Switch to the westbound District line, get off at South Kensington and then walk for five minutes.
The London Eye, South Bank
londoneye.com/
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, standing 135 metres (442 feet) tall over the South Bank of the Thames. Since opening in 2000, it has become London’s most popular paid attraction with over 70 million visitors. The 30-minute ride in one of 32 spacious, climate-controlled capsules offers spectacular views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster, and the Thames. Teenagers enjoy the relaxed, social atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities while taking in the panoramic cityscape.
Check out SWR Rewards for the latest discounts when you book directly with us, including offers on trips up the London Eye!
October half-term is the perfect time to enjoy family adventures, so planning ahead is the best way to make the most of your break. Travelling by train means hassle-free days out with the kids, without worrying about traffic or parking!
Book advance tickets to get the best prices on your journey and take advantage of our GroupSave offers when travelling with family and friends. You can also check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more.
For extra flexibility, choose from our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets, making every family day out stress-free. If you travel regularly with children, consider a Family and Friends Railcard, which saves 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off child fares. Explore our range of cheap train tickets and benefit from off-peak pricing.
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