At the Tower of London this October half term, join a live performance exploring life just after the Second World War. Meet reporters, uncover hidden stories, and help history come alive.
With Halloween fast approaching, we compiled some of the best family-friendly activities for the October half-term around the City of London.
Expect a lot of fun with free creative activities, gallery tours, cinema for the whole family, an immersion into the racing world, or self-guided walking trails, and make sure to spend quality family time together.
1. Visit Guildhall Art Gallery for a fun family day celebrating the City's open-air art exhibition - Sculpture in the City (Wednesday 29 October)
This October half-term, enjoy multiple creative activities at Guildhall Art Gallery linked to the outdoor art trail, Sculpture in the City. Expect to create your own structures, experiment with mark-making on clay, hear stories created with your sculptures and explore links to the Gallery's artworks.
In addition, sculptural work will be on display from six school groups who have created sculptures inspired by this year's exhibition.
Time: 11am to 4pm. Tickets: Activities are free however booking is advised - walk-ins encouraged.
Family-friendly activities at Guildhall Art Gallery.
2. Get creative with Halloween activities at the Bank of England Museum (Monday 27 to Friday 31 October)
Head to the Bank of England Museum during October Half Term for some fun spooky craft activities; decorate some boo-tiful money boxes or get stuck in with a community craft collaboration.
What you can expect:
- Free, hands-on activities for children
- Halloween-themed fun throughout the Museum
- A community-created artwork project available to all visitors
- Get a chance to explore our new exhibition, Building the Bank
Time: 10am to 5pm. Tickets: Free. No advance booking required.
Image courtesy of Bank of England Museum.
3. Start your little one's cinematic journey at the Barbican's Family Film Week (Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November)
An extension of the Barbican's regular Family Film Club (Saturday mornings), with tickets in high demand! With plenty of seating, toilets (including baby changes) and a café area – the Barbican's cinema is a relaxed environment perfect for families to start the weekend. Before, during and after each screening there are activity sheets, books, toys and games out in the café for families to use.
Tickets: Adults £5 / Under 18 £2.50
4. Discover the hidden magic of London in this family storytelling workshop at Theatre Deli (Thursday 30 October)
What if the River Thames could speak? What secrets lie beneath the cobbled streets? Discover the Secret City with DutchPot Stories at Theatre Deli; through group activities, map-making and collective storytelling, families will co-create their own secret version of London, one where folklore comes to life and the city holds endless mystery.
This playful, hands-on session is perfect for curious minds of all ages and encourages everyone to listen, imagine and become a storyteller of their own.
Admission: Pay What You Can. Time: Thursday 30 October, 10am to 1pm
5. Visit the City Information Centre to collect your City Visitor Trail Map
Spend a day exploring the City of London with family using a free City Visitor Trail Map. The map will guide you to key landmarks and hidden gems around the City.
Where to get it? Pick up your map at the City Information Centre near St Paul’s Cathedral.
6. Feel the adrenaline of the Formula 1 track at this immersive racing experience (Monday to Sunday)
Located in One New Change, the F1 Arcade offers simulators designed for drivers aged 7 and up, with multiple skill levels to suit everyone from beginners to pros. When you’re ready to refuel, the menu has something for everyone, from burgers to family-style sharing plates.
Tickets: from £19.95 per driver
7. Join a live performance exploring life just after the WWII at the Tower of London (Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November)
This half term, step back to 1946 with Flight, Camera, Action at Tower of London!, a live performance that brings the post-war years to life.
Meet characters inspired by real people who lived and worked within the Tower’s walls and uncover remarkable tales of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force operating a barrage balloon in the moat, or of the pigeon awarded a medal for bravery. With cameras rolling and microphones ready, these stories reveal how ordinary people faced extraordinary times.
Time: Various times and locations around the Tower. Tickets: Included in palace admission. Adults £35.80, child age 5 to 15 £17.90.
The Tower of London is located just outside the boundary of The City of London.
The Tower of London © Historic Royal Palaces
8. What about food? Why not a Sunday roast in The City of London? (Sundays)
Sundays are made for roast dinners, and The City of London has plenty of standout spots to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're after traditional trimmings or a modern twist, here are a few favourites to try:
The Jugged Hare (near Barbican): A celebration of seasonal British produce, with a focus on game, foraged ingredients, and bold flavours.
1 Lombard Street (Bank): A refined take on the classic roast, showcasing the best of the season in a brasserie-style setting.
The Ned (Bank): Sundays here are a feast: unlimited lobster, oysters, roasts with all the trimmings, fresh salads, and more - all served in a stunning former bank.
Blacklock (Monument): Known for its perfectly crisp potatoes, rich gravy, and expertly cooked meats. Their veggie roasts are just as impressive, spotlighting the best of British produce.
The Libertine (Royal Exchange): Set in the dramatic vaults beneath The Royal Exchange, this stylish spot serves up a delicious roast. Prefer Beef Wellington? Their Wellington Wednesdays are worth a look.
Find more things to see and do in The City of London
