What’s on in October: Top 20 things to do in London

What’s on in October: Top 20 things to do in London

Looking for family-friendly fun this October? Kensington Mums has curated a list of the top 20 things to do in London, from cultural outings and seasonal festivals to hands-on workshops and theatre shows, perfect for Halloween, date night and keeping little ones entertained and inspired.

1. Spooktacular family escapes at The Esplanade Hotel, Cornwall. This October half term, treat your family to a magical coastal break at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall. From 17th October to 1st November, kids can enjoy a jam-packed schedule of free activities, from fossil digs and pumpkin painting to silent discos and cupcake decorating. Don’t miss the frightfully fun Halloween Party on 31st October for little monsters (fancy dress encouraged!). The Esplanade is located next to the iconic Fistral Beach, offering windswept walks and golden sands right on your doorstep, perfect for autumn adventures along the North Cornish coast. When your day of exploring is done, warm up in the indoor pool, or catch up on family classics at one of the daily movie showings in the hotel cinema. Evenings at The Esplanade are all about togetherness. Cosy up for story time, relax with live music in the lounge, and enjoy family dining at the Cove Restaurant, complete with a kid’s menu and soft play. Opt for Bed & Breakfast or Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rates and enjoy complimentary activities, access to leisure facilities, and use of indoor and outdoor play areas. Book direct for perks like free kids’ breakfast (use code KIDSBREKKIE), plus a Build-My-Bear on arrival.
2. Kidzworld Funfair at Eelbrook Common, Eelbrook Common, SW6 4SQ Looking for a fun-filled outing with the kids this October? Look no further, Kidzworld Funfair is back at Eelbrook Common! Weekend Dinosaur Appearances! Don’t miss the friendly dinosaurs making special appearances every weekend. Kids love interacting with them—and snapping photos too! Opening Days: Thursday to Sunday. Closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Also Parsons Green opening on Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday 9th to the 12th October and Thursday to Sunday the 16th to the 19th of October, there will be Dinosaurs, both weekends! Punch Judy the last weekend. Expect rides, games, and plenty of family fun.
3. This October, High Street Kensington becomes London’s Home of Halloween! From 24–31st, follow a peculiar trail, find clues in shops then collect your special prize…if you dare. Then, on All Hallows’ Eve, Holland Park morphs into the Playful Park of Peculiar – an immersive wonderland of surreal installations, spell-casting frogs, glow-in-the-dark hula hooping, and a 9ft dancing skeleton in the Skeleton Serenade parade. Expect jugglers, magicians and the haunting tunes of the Howling Stones. Beyond the park, enjoy a Halloween dog parade and legendary trick-or-treating and exciting Halloween workshops. 
4. Kensington Mums walk and talk on Saturday 18th October 2025. Start your Saturdays with connection, conversation, and community.
5. Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Step into the world of fashion, fame, and flamboyance at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s dazzling exhibition, Marie Antoinette Style. Explore the legacy of the iconic queen through over 250 years of design, fashion, film, and art—from 18th-century slippers and diamond necklaces to modern couture inspired by her image.
6. Halloween Masquerade Ball at The Other House On 31 October, step into a world of mystery and glamour at The Other House South Kensington. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and immersive performances in a lavishly transformed venue. Dress to impress—masks are a must!
7. Top 13 places to go trick or treat in Kensington.
8. Haunted House at the Sambourne’s – All Hallows’ Eve Tour Step into Victorian London for a spine-tingling evening at Sambourne House on 31 October. Join Marion Sambourne for a ghostly, dramatised tour of her family home, complete with a welcome drink, introductory film, and immersive soundscape in the mysterious dining room.
9. Dino Disco at the Natural History Museum Get ready to roar and groove at the Dino Disco! This family-friendly event at the Natural History Museum invites little ones to dance among dinosaurs with a live DJ, fun activities, and prehistoric vibes. Perfect for ages 4–8, it’s a stomping good time in one of London’s most iconic venues.
10. Check out Kensington Mum’s October Half Term Scoop 2025, with the best local activities, and hidden gems around Kensington to help you make the most of the October half term break, including the best places for Trick or Treat.
11. Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley: THE DELUSION at Serpentine South Enter a powerful, immersive world where Black Trans experience takes centre stage. In THE DELUSION, artist Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley blends animation, sound, and interactive storytelling to challenge systems of power and memory. This exhibition invites visitors to participate, reflect, and confront the boundaries of identity and history.
12. Pumpkin Parade at Garsons Esher Celebrate the season at Garsons Farm with their annual Pumpkin Parade! From 14–31 October, explore the pick-your-own fields bursting with pumpkins, enjoy festive photo spots, and take part in themed activities perfect for families. Entry is free with a PYO Farm Pass.
13. Awaken London Events Explore holistic healing in Brook Green with sound baths, tarot, reiki, moon circles, and more. Weekly sessions and special events available.
14. Halloween Lates at the Science Museum On 30 October, the Science Museum transforms into a spooky playground for adults! Expect ghostly experiments, eerie talks, creepy crafts, and a silent disco—all with a scientific twist. Free entry, 18+ only.
15. Jan Martens: Voice Noise at Southbank Centre Experience a bold fusion of movement and sound in Voice Noise, the latest work by choreographer Jan Martens. Featuring 13 performers and a live score, this powerful piece explores protest, identity, and collective expression through dance and spoken word.
16. Floor is Lava. Step into the molten excitement of The Floor is Lava, where the walls themselves are alive with fiery danger! With cutting-edge motion tracking, projection mapping, and interactive touch screens, teams of up to six players must band together to navigate high-energy, fast-paced obstacle courses. Jump from platform to platform, strategise with your team, and feel the rush as you dodge the lava beneath you. Inspired by the thrill of the hit Netflix series, this immersive experience is pure adrenaline, teamwork, and unforgettable fun!
17. Legend of the Titanic – Immersive Exhibition at London Dock X Step aboard a breathtaking 3,000 sqm experience that brings the Titanic’s story to life through artefacts, 360° projections, AR, VR, and even a Metaverse journey. Explore grand interiors, hear the band’s final song, and follow the Callaghan family’s emotional voyage. Family-friendly features include drawing stations and interactive games.
18. Monopoly Lifesized – Real-World Board Game Adventure Dive into a 4D version of the classic game at Monopoly Lifesized in London! Solve challenges, earn properties, and dodge jail across immersive themed boards like Classic, City, and Luxury. Perfect for families, friends, and team outings.
19. Spy Games London – Live Action Espionage Experience Train like a secret agent with immersive missions, codebreaking, laser mazes, and sniper challenges. Perfect for team-building, birthdays, or just living out your 007 dreams.
20. Banksy Limitless in Kensington. In the heart of London’s cultural district, Banksy Limitless brings the edge of street art into an immersive gallery experience created especially for the city. For a limited time, explore hundreds of works by the elusive artist, from originals to large-scale installations. Plus, exclusive pieces reproduced just for this show.