Yes, trick-or-treating is a no brainer in terms of Halloween fun for kids. But there’s more to the second-most fun holiday of the year (after Christmas, of course) than trying to extract bucketfuls of sweets from your long-suffering neighbours.
Halloween typically coincides with the school half-term holidays (it does this year) and typically most major London attractions have a half term theme that will run for at least the length of the holidays, if not longer. meaning you and the family can really make the most of the city’s spooky, child-friendly events on either side of October 31.
While our half-term list does include some of the bigger Halloween events, much of what’s on it has no bearing on the spooky season – this one, however, is strictly haunted events only. From pumpkin picking to scary movies, there are loads of wicked things to do on and around October 31 2025. Happy Halloween!
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What is it? Following a successful debut last year, the producers of Kew Gardens’ beloved Christmas trail are bringing back their Halloween trail through the iconic botanical gardens. It’s a light trail, basically, but a souped up one: we’re promised eerie illuminated trees, ghoulish installations, fire performers and more, with a troupe of actors on hand to stoke up our horrors (in a family friendly way, of course).
Where is it? Kew Gardens.
What is it? Obviously you could just go down Tesco, but there’s no more whimsical way to grab your seasonal gourd than to head to an actual farm that grows them, of which there are several easily accessible from London. The closer you get to Halloween itself, the less likely you are to be able to literally pick your own because of blah blah ground frost. But there will be a thrilling selection of pre-picked pumpkins on sale, often combined with holiday activites.
Where is it? Various - click through fior details of Time Out-recommended London patches.
What is it? Something very special is planned for Halloween at Disney’s Hercules musical, although some of the details are being kept under wraps. We do know there’s a slightly later (8pm) start, special cocktails, pre-curtain photo opportunities, and giveaways from Lorcana, the Disney trading card game. You’re also encouraged to come dressed as your favourite Disney villain. The big news is that Susan Egan – a Disney voice veteran who did the honours for Meg in the Hercukes film – will be the special guest, leading a special ‘third act’ medley of Disney villian songs.
Where is it? Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
What is it? Warner Bros Studios’ blockbuster Harry Potter exhibition has undergone its traditional annual spooky makeover until Nov 9 as its Dark Arts theme returns. Most spectacularly, the Great Hall is filled with a hundred flickering, flying jack-o’-lanterns – aka Instagram heaven. Elsewhere there’s a special limited edition passport, plus Death Eaters galore and what can only be described as ‘bonus Dementors’.
Where is it? Warner Bros Studios.
What is it? Pumpkin patches, UV discos and marshmallow-toasting stations will be joining the furry inhabitants at London Zoo for its ‘Boo at the Zoo’ Halloween programme. Pick and paint the perfect orange gourd, make a ‘flapping bat’ in craft workshops and join a silent disco. Or, find out more about the Zoo’s nocturnal animals by prowling around its darkened The Cassons area and hear about the mysterious lives of nighttime creatures in special expert talks.
Where is it? London Zoo.
What is it? Ghouls, skeletons and creepy critters will be lurking the grounds of Kenwood House this October half term. Winding through the brand new light trail, you’ll have to navigate your way through a spider tunnel, brave a slime web, wander down a warped laser garden and brace yourself for a fair few frights and eerie surprises. Spooky costumes are, of course, strongly encouraged.
Where is it? Kenwood House.
What is it? Obviously not one for tots (age advice is 12-plus) but for 33 years Susan Hill’s West End chiller The Woman in Black was a staple of teenage school trips in London. It left the West End in 2023, but it retuns from the dead in October ’25: the run wraps up a little before Halloween but it’s the perfect way to get into the spooky mood.
Where is it? Alexandra Palace Theatre.
What is it? It’s the perfect time of year to explore the grand, gloomy corridors and courtyards of Henry VIII’s haunted palace. In contrast to previous editions of Hampton Court Halloween, where the action has mostly been inside, this October 2025 half term the main focus will be the gardens, where we’re promised ‘atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects’ in a new outdoor trail, that will also incorporate ‘spirits roaming the grounds’.
Where is it? Hampton Court Palace.
What is it? This Halloween, Serafina the Sea Witch will take up residence at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, where she’ll be setting magical challenges to all who pass through to help her protect her ocean home. Grab an activity sheet and complete the tasks as you make your way around the aquarium, learn about the tricks of the ‘scary not scary’ sea creatures who make up our seas and earn some SEA LIFE Halloween treats to take home with you.
Where is it? SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
What is it? Technically the Horniman is swerving Halloween this year: instead it’ll be celebrating the adjacent Day of the Dead, the Mexican festival that commemorates those who have departed in gloriously vivid, carnivalesque fashion. The Family Festival will run 11am-4pm Saturday Nov 1 and feature live music and dance, face painting, Mexican food stalls, a Mexican market, and much much more. It’s a ticketed event you’re best booking in advance for.
Where is it? Horniman Museum.
What is it? This Halloween (and indeed thoughout the whole of October), spooktacular activities await young revellers in the land of a million bricks (55 million to be precise). Special activites for 2025 include Lord Vampyre’s House Party, the Monster Jam music show, Trick or Treat stops, a disco taking over beloved rollercoaster The Dragon and more.
Where is it? Legoland Windsor Resort.
What is it? The historic Conrad London St James hotel offers fun, unintimidating, customisable kids’ afternoon teas for a reasonable-for-central-London price of £29 a go. For half-term week (Oct 27-Nov 2) they’ve gone all out for a special Halloween theme that includes Jack O’Lantern shaped cakes, spooky dressing up, and more.
Where is it? Conrad St James.
You might be too old for trick-or-treating these days but trust us, there’s still a lot of fun to be had on and around Halloween
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