Five Free Half-Term Activities for London Families This October

London's October school half-term runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, and families can take advantage of a range of free activities across the capital. The Natural History Museum is offering its new "Nature and Us" gallery at no charge, with "Ocean October" bonus activities running 26 October to 1 November. The Science Museum is hosting a free space-themed Pokémon trail (through January 2027), though a Pokémon shop with limited-edition merchandise requires advance booking. The British Museum is holding Bayeux Tapestry-inspired events including children's dance classes and a three-day "Stories Stitched in Time" festival (28–30 October) with embroidery and medieval-imagery workshops. The Imperial War Museum's "The Big Story" storytelling festival on 25–26 October features free narrative and illustration workshops. A number of London neighbourhood Halloween trails — including in Penge and on Kensington High Street — also offer free candy to trick-or-treaters. All activities are free to attend.