Need ideas on how to entertain your kids this October half term but not a planner? Don’t worry, there is still plenty of drop-in activities that don’t cost a penny.
Explore how email’s impact goes far beyond simply being a communication tool at the Design Museum’s Email is Dead exhibition
Now until 22nd October
Drop in to Dora House at The Royal Society of Sculptors for a range of multisensory workshops and craft activities based around this year’s Big Draw Festival theme, ‘Drawing with the Senses’.
21st and 25th October
Bloomsbury Festival Discovery Hub Family Day at Holborn Library
21st October
Make traditional Halloween craft or head to Ghoul School to learn some spells at London Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo.
21st-31st October (Included with entry)
Go on a Bear Hunt at Kew Gardens
21-29th October (Included with entry)
Meet the Scientist at the Natural History Museum for a series of interactive talks.
21, 23-27th October (for 8+)
Help press and taste fresh apples at Islington’s Apple Day at Gillespie Park
22nd October
Make autumn crafts including pumpkin carving and sip on mulled cider at Oasis Waterloo Farm’s annual Harvest Festival
22nd October
Open Sunday family workshops at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
22nd and 29th October
Learn the scientific principles of photography and create your own cyanotype print or join interactive storytelling and discover stories of kindness at Estorick Collection’s Family Art Day
23rd October
Go bug hunting, learn about bats and make some Halloween crafts at Hyde Park Discovery Days
24th-26th October
Get inspired by stories of Japan in celebration of the opening of the Young V&A’s first exhibition, Japan: Myths to Manga
25-27th October
Explore enchanting light play in the Tanks at Tate Modern
21-29th October
Celebrate Day of the Dead with all the family at Kew Gardens’ Mexico Family Fiesta
22nd-31st October (Included with entry)
Dress-up and place yourself in a Tate collection artwork at Tate Britain’s Play Studio
Every day during school holidays.
Explore the cultures of Japan through a series of paper series/origami workshops at Japan House
23, 26-29th October
Create your own edible picture book at The Royal Society of Sculptors
24th October
Discover new and playful drawing techniques at The National Gallery
25-26th October
Take part in an interactive storytelling session inspired by the work of Paula Rego at The National Gallery
24-25th October, free
Farm 2 Fork cooking workshop for 5-12yo at Spitalfields City Farm
25-26th October
Explore drawing with the senses through fun, playful activities at the National Portrait Gallery’s Family Day: The Big Draw
26th October
Learn about quillwork and beadwork in North American indigenous culture and make a friendship bracelet to take home at Quills and beads: Making things beautiful at the National Maritime Museum.
27th October
Dress up as your favourite hero for a creative drawing session with illustrator Chi at South London Gallery
28th October
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a series of workshops and entertainment in King’s Cross
28th October
Make, build and photograph your own hand portraits with Catherine Opie at Royal Academy of Art’s Family Studio workshop
29th October
Go on a nature-based movement workshop inspired by the forest and gardens at Orleans House Gallery
29th October
Frieze Sculpture Park
Now until 29th October
See London from the highest viewing platform, Horizon 22
Now open
The Ellie Project 