Twist Stories

Top 10 Halloween Activities in London for Kids

Looking for spooky things to do in London this Halloween that the whole family will enjoy? From haunted palaces and pumpkin picking to immersive illusions, glowing ghost hunts and live magic shows, London is full of Halloween adventures this October.

Whether you’re planning a full day out in London or looking for a fun activity to keep the kids entertained over October half term, we’ve rounded up 10 Halloween activities that promise plenty of tricks, treats and unforgettable family memories.

1. Hunt for Glowing Ghosts and Enjoy Halloween Magic at Twist Museum 👻

I see half-term in a new light. What will you see?

This Halloween, Twist Museum is transforming into a world of light, shadow and illusion, with nine days of spooky family fun in the heart of London from Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026.

Alongside more than 80 interactive illusions, families can enjoy live Halloween magic shows, take part in the free UV ghost trail and dress up for the chance to win a special Halloween prize.

Located on Oxford Street, just moments from Oxford Circus station, Twist is easy to combine with shopping, lunch or other London attractions. And with over one million visitors having already experienced Twist, there’s never been a better time to discover what everyone is talking about.

I see boredom disappear into the dark. What will you see?

🎟️ Find out more

2. Experience the Dark Arts at the Harry Potter Studio Tour 🧙

Step into the darker side of the wizarding world at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

The Dark Arts experience returns for Halloween 2026, with more than 100 floating pumpkins decorating the Great Hall. Families can explore authentic film sets, discover props and costumes and encounter Death Eaters and Dementors along the way.

It’s an opportunity for young Harry Potter fans to experience Hogwarts at its spookiest.

Find out more: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Dark Arts 

3. Go Pumpkin Picking Near London 🎃

Nothing says Halloween quite like choosing your own pumpkin!

Head out of central London for an autumn adventure at a pumpkin patch, where children can search for the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve into a spooky masterpiece. Crockford Bridge Farm and Belmont Farm are two places to investigate for a seasonal family outing.

Pack your wellies, bring your camera and make a day of it. Check each farm’s website for its 2026 pumpkin-picking dates, booking arrangements and availability before travelling.

4. Explore the London Dungeon (If You Dare!) 🏰 

For families with older children who enjoy a proper scare, The London Dungeon offers a journey through some of London’s darkest historical stories. Expect theatrical performances, creepy characters, dramatic special effects and plenty of unexpected surprises as you explore the city’s gruesome past.

This is one for braver visitors rather than younger children, so check the attraction’s age guidance and content warnings before booking.

Find out more: The London Dungeon 

5. Follow the Ghost Trail at Hampton Court Palace 🕯️ 

Step inside one of England’s most famous royal palaces for a haunting Halloween adventure. Hampton Court Palace is bringing back its Halloween experience for October half term, transforming Henry VIII’s former home with atmospheric projections, eerie sound effects, magical spells and ghostly figures from the past.

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the historic corridors. You might even spot the ghost of William Shakespeare!

Find out more: Halloween at Hampton Court Palace

6. Discover Halloween Around Covent Garden 🧛

If you’re planning a Halloween day out in central London, Covent Garden is a great place to begin. Explore the historic piazza, browse the shops, enjoy the street performers and look out for seasonal window displays, decorations and Halloween-inspired treats.

It’s also an easy stop to combine with other attractions, making it a convenient starting point for a family adventure through London.

Find out more: Halloween in Covent Garden

7. Discover Creepy Creatures at the Natural History Museum 🦇

From enormous prehistoric predators to unusual creatures from the deep, the Natural History Museum is full of discoveries that can feel wonderfully spooky at Halloween. Explore the dinosaur galleries, discover extraordinary animals and learn about some of the strangest creatures to have lived on Earth.

It’s a particularly good option for curious children who enjoy science, animals and a little bit of the unexpected.

Find out more: Natural History Museum 

8. Take a Spooky Ride on the London Eye 👁️

Want to experience London from a completely different perspective this Halloween? Take a ride on the London Eye as the sun begins to set and watch the city transform into a sea of twinkling lights.

It’s a memorable way to finish a day of Halloween activities, particularly for families visiting London during half term. For an extra atmospheric experience, book an evening slot and enjoy the capital’s skyline after dark.

Find out more: The London Eye

9. Get Creative at a Halloween Craft Workshop 🎨

If your little monsters love getting creative, why not add a Halloween craft session to your half-term plans? Look out for family workshops at local museums, galleries and community venues, where children may have the opportunity to make masks, decorate pumpkins, create lanterns or design spooky decorations.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens and London Museum Docklands are worth checking for family programming during October. Alternatively, pick up some craft supplies and create your own Halloween workshop at home.

Specific workshops and dates will depend on each venue’s 2026 programme.

10. Spot London’s Most Haunted Landmarks 🕵️

London has centuries of spooky stories waiting to be discovered. From the historic streets of the City to the mysterious corners of Greenwich, a family-friendly ghost walk is a fun way to explore the capital’s haunted history.

Hear tales of mysterious sightings, discover the stories behind famous landmarks and see familiar London streets in a completely different light. Choose a daytime or early-evening tour suitable for your children’s ages, as some ghost walks are designed for adults and may be too frightening for younger visitors.

A Spooktacular Family Day Out in London: Suggested Halloween Itinerary 🎃🧭

🕗 Morning (9:30am) – Start in Covent Garden Piazza ☕️ 

Enjoy a family breakfast, explore the shops and look out for autumn displays before making your way to Oxford Street.

🚇 Travel: Covent Garden station → Oxford Circus station (Around 10 mins on the Piccadilly line).

🕙 Late Morning (10:30am – 12:30pm) – Explore Twist Museum, 248 Oxford Street 🌀  

Explore the interactive illusions, hunt for glowing ghosts and enjoy a live Halloween magic show. The 11am and 12:30pm shows are convenient options for a morning visit; allow around 60–90 minutes for the museum.

🎫 Tip: Pre-book your tickets online for the best rate and to secure your Halloween Magic Show tickets, as spaces are limited. Arrive 10 minutes early to make the most of your visit.

🕐 Lunch (12:30pm – 2pm) – Around Oxford Street 🍔  

Head to Market Halls or explore the cafés and restaurants around Soho and Marylebone for a family-friendly lunch.

🕒 Afternoon (2pm – 4pm) – Ghostly Sights & Scenic Strolls 🕯️

Enjoy a stroll through Regent Street and St James’s Park, or explore more of London’s famous landmarks before heading towards the South Bank.

🕕 Evening (5pm – 7pm) – Dinner & Dazzle – South Bank 🍕

Take the Tube (Oxford Circus station → Waterloo station in 7 mins via the Bakerloo line OR Tottenham Court Road station → Waterloo station in 6 mins via the Northern line OR Westminster station → Waterloo station in 2 mins via the Jubilee line). Enjoy dinner on the South Bank and finish your day with an evening ride on the London Eye, taking in the city’s illuminated skyline.

🚇 Getting Home 🏡

South Bank has easy access to several tube and train lines, with the closest being Waterloo station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines) and Embankment station (District and Circle lines).

Ready for a Halloween Adventure? 👻

From glowing ghosts and live magic to haunted palaces and pumpkin patches, London has plenty of spooky family experiences to discover this October half term.

If you’re looking for something that combines Halloween fun with interactive illusions, extraordinary photo opportunities and a little science, Twist Museum is ready to welcome you.

I see half-term in a new light. What will you see?