Family Fun & Activities This October
Yo, famalam! It's that magical time of the year again when the leaves fall, the pumpkins get plump, and our likkle bundles of joy morph into mini-monsters, courtesy of Halloween. Yup, October is here, and it's the perfect time to turn family time, courtesy of half term, into an unforgettable adventure.
With three likkle dragons to entertain myself I know it can get a lil cabin feverish if we're all in for too long! So, if you've got kiddos up to 16 years old, we've got your back, and this blog is your ultimate guide to curating a month (and beyond) of family fun that's as unique as it is exciting. We've scoured the corners of the internet as well as honed in on our family loves to bring you the lowdown on the coolest, quirkiest, and downright spookiest activities to keep your likkle dragons entertained.
We've thrown in a dash of science, a sprinkle of culture, and a whole lot of sugary delights because, well, life is too short to resist the temptation of candy and chocs and us parents need a lil sugar hit from time to time, ay...or just me?!
So, grab your coats, wrangle the likkle rascals, and let's embark on a journey to make this October a family fiesta to remember. Together, we'll uncover hidden gems, share insider tips, and navigate the autumnal wonders that are begging to be explored.
Join us on this fun filled expedition as we dive into the delightful world of October family festivities. Get ready to laugh, learn, and create precious memories with your likkle dragons. Buckle up, because this October, the fun train is departing, and you're invited fam!
MCM Comic Con
27-29 October 2023
ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL (nearest station Canning Town)
An unforgettable three day celebration of all things pop culture! Meet TV and film stars, browse art from independent creators, find new experiences in our many feature areas, and enjoy fun for all the family with FREE entry for kids 10 and under.
Turn It Up: The power of music
Until 6th May 2024
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Explore how music shapes our lives in this landmark interactive exhibition. Why does music have such a hold over us? What is it about music that drives us to create, perform, feel, connect with others?
In this fun, family-friendly experience you’ll get a chance to hear, interact with, and even make your own music! You’ll explore the science and secrets around the impact music has on us with unique interactive exhibits.
Black Wall Street London Retail
Unit 24 Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1UL
Ongoing
For something a lil different there’s a whole host of inclusive and diverse workshops designed for individuals and groups and suitable for all ages and abilities taking place at this unique afro-centric store based in Devon.
From candle making workshops to African drumming classes you’ll find it here.
Japan: Myths & Manga
Until 11 August 2024
Young V&A, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA
Take an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japan – and explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japanese art, technology and design. Highlights of the exhibition include Japanese woodblock printing, Hello Kitty (of course) and Sylvanian Families.
You will also find mini related workshops taking place through half term week and beyond featuring Japanese costume making, creating origami structures and anime.
National Maritime Museum
Open daily | 10am-5pm (Free)
National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF (nearest station Cutty Sark)
There’s so much going on here from Diwali celebrations and workshops right through to seeing a Fijian Canoe and exploring the AHOY! Children's Gallery and Cove Playground. Many of the events are free too which is always a bonus!
Boo at the Zoo
21-31st October
London Zoo, Regent's Park, London, England NW1 4RY
Whether you’re looking for traditional Halloween crafts, hair-raising animal facts, or a session in sorcery, London Zoo’s got you covered for half term activities from 21st to 31st October.
These activities are bound to keep your likkle dragons entertained:
-Decorate a petrifying pumpkin*.
-Navigate through the extinct species graveyard
- Head to Ghoul School to learn some spells.
- Party away in our bubble boogie.
- Craft a menacing mask to take home with you.
- With the help of the Zoo’s fearsome face painters, transform into a black cat, spider or other creepy creature*.
- Tune in to terrifying animal talks and devilish demonstrations.
- Scuba Sam and the Spooky Squid UV puppet show**
N.B. Boo at the Zoo activities are included with Zoo entry unless otherwise stated. Members and under 3s can visit London Zoo for free.
Puff Pastry Spider
Courtesy of @anniekaly
Easy puff pastry spider tear & share!
The perfect Halloween treat! This Nutella filled puff pastry is so delicious and easy to make, with only three ingredients.
Such a fun idea for your Halloween party.
Here’s what you need:
2 puff pastry sheet
2 tbsp Nutella
Eggwash
Prepare as seen in video and bake for 15 minutes at 200°C.
Halloween Broomsticks
Courtesy of @athomewithjanan
This is a simple and fun Halloween gift idea for your kids class party or a Halloween party… All you need are pretzels, clear treat bags, ribbon & Halloween straws (which they can keep and use as well).
Spooky Berry Ghost
Courtesy of @melissas_healthykitchen
Make festive and spooky chocolate dipped strawberry ghosts! A simple and delicious Halloween treat for all your spooky festivities this month.
What you’ll need:
Strawberries
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp refined organic coconut oil
3 Tbsp chocolate chips
Festive paper straws
Squeeze bottle
Parchment paper
Instructions:
1. Melt your white chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil on 20 second intervals, mixing each time, until melted. Be careful not to over heat chocolate.
2. Cut your paper straws in half and dip tip in melted chocolate and stick into strawberries. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
3. Using a spoon, spoon out some white chocolate on parchment paper to create the ghost look
4. Dip your strawberries in melted white chocolate and place on top of chocolate on parchment paper. Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened
5. Melt your chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp coconut oil on 20 seconds, stirring each time until melted. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or zip lock back.
6. Add two eyes and mouth with the melted chocolate and refrigerate until chocolate is set. And enjoy!
Fun Halloween Themed Wordsearches
Can you find all the spooky words we've hidden in these wordsearches? 🎃👻🦇
There's one for the whole fam to enjoy and keep out of toil and trouble. Good luck!
Download your wordsearch here:
Basic - Fun for up to 8 years
Intermediate - Fun for up to 12 years
Advanced - Fun for teens and adults!
And there you have it, adventurous parents! Our whirlwind tour of October's family-friendly festivities is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. As we bid farewell to this enchanting month, remember that the joy of family time knows no season, it's an all-year-round adventure, I lie?!
We hope our guide has inspired you to embrace the October magic, explore unique places, and create lasting memories with your likkle ones.
So, as you gear up for the chilly months ahead, keep the spirit of adventure alive. Whether it's a cosy movie night with hot cocoa or a Sunday morning hike in the countryside, the possibilities for family fun are endless and don't have to be expensive. Why not create a scrapbook of the memories you've made? It's the best way to relive those precious moments.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through October's festivities. We're thrilled that you entrusted us to be your guides, and we hope you and your dragons had a blast. If you stumbled upon some hidden gems or had your own unique adventures, we'd love to hear about them.
Remember, the joy of parenthood lies in discovering new experiences and cherishing every moment with your likkle explorers. So, take a deep breath and keep that childlike wonder alive in your heart and continue exploring, learning, and laughing together. 🌟👨👩👧👦🍂