What to Do in London with a toddler in October 2023?
I know how difficult it can be to entertain a toddler in London, especially if the weather is beginning to look wet and windy. However, the capital has a wealth of things to do, and many of them are free for under 3’s.
Here is my suggested list of things to do in London with toddlers for October 2023. Let’s explore some of the fun events happening in October, from immersive storytelling to dedicated exhibition around Disney.
Read on for inspiration, and let us know which activities you have tried!
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1. Shrek’s Adventure London, Southbank
Board the magical 4D flying bus driven by Donkey which is a simulation experience that includes water spray, air blasts, fog and aroma. Step into Shrek’s Swamp , cook up a magical potion in the Muffin Man’s bubbling cauldron. Meet other fairytale characters like Cinderella, Rumplestiltskin and Puss in Boots. There’s also a Mirror Maze, which even tiny babies will love.
Open daily 10 am -4pm (6pm on weekends )
Children under 3 go free.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London. SE1 7PB
2. Disney100 at Excel, Docklands
Opening on the 13th October 2023, Disney100 will probably be the hottest exhibition ticket for October in London. Your family will be able to enter the fascinating world of Disney with lots of objects and artefacts rarely seen in public.
As you wander the exhibition, you will be immersed in 10 different immersive galleries dedicated to different films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Encanto that proves to be a popular movie during Halloween festive season.
It goes without saying that Star Wars fans have also a chance to discover different memorabilia and characters they might be familiar with.
So be quick to snap your morning or afternoon session and book online below.
Children under 5 go free. Proof of age may be requested
Visit lasts about 1 hour.
Address: Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1XL
3. Maya’s Market at The Children’s Story Centre, Stratford
Focused on story building and imagination, this fantastic immersive storytelling centre is one of the best things to do in London with toddlers during October half term.
Children can follow a story trail in the indoor exhibition or venture outside into the story garden. In addition to the fab play areas, there are arts and crafts workshops and special exhibitions throughout the year.
This Autumn, toddlers and their siblings will be able to hear an engaging story around a live market where they will interact with pots, pans, fruits, scale and more. The storytelling session lasts about 25 minutes and can be added to your session pass for as little £2.50.
Otherwise, you can also participate in the exhibition called The Box Rocket imagined by Dapo Adeola and Tolá Okogwu. The 50 minutes activity is a good introduction to the space themed world that triggers so many questions with little ones.
We recommend booking in advance as these sessions tend to sell out. Children under 1 go free.
Address: 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ
4. Pumpkin Picking around London
You might not think Pumpkin Picking is possible in London, but you’d be wrong! There are quite a few pumpkin patches near London which are offering Halloween crafts, fun activities and great food for a week in October.
So get ready and plan a day out near London for a fun pumpkin picking session so you can decorate your home with lots of different colourful pumpkins.
Need somewhere to warm up afterwards? Check out our top child friendly pubs in London.
5. Turn it up at Science Museum
Who doesn’t like music and the magic that operates with our ears? The famous Science Museum is preparing a fun experience around sounds with interactive exhibits.
Your children will dance, make different drum sounds and will certainly interact with you or their peers. This new show promises to be very fun and engaging even for shy children.
Also, the exhibition will reveal the fun technological advancements of the famous gloves imagined by Imogen Heap and worn by Ariana Grande during her concert where she controls the music.
Exhibition starts on 19 October 2023 until 6 May 2024
FREE for Children under 4.
Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
6. Singing and Storytelling at London Transport Museum
If you happen to visit Central London and Covent Garden, don’t miss out on the Singing, Stories and Crafts sessions at the London Transport Museum.
These interactive sessions are designed for children under 5s and can last about 45 minutes. Lots of options are available during October so make sure to pre-book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Expect your little children to participate at singing original songs inspired by all forms of transports like train or bus. And yes parents are encouraged to sing along too (you know these songs).
7. Halloween at London Zoo
Starting on the 21st October until 31st October 2023, the London Zoo is transforming the experience with lots of ghoulish activities including arts and crafts.
One of the most popular activities is of course carving your pumpkin to bring back home. Also, you will have the opportunities to enter a unique graveyard where extinct animals reside.
Mask painting is also another fun thing to do at the London Zoo during the Halloween season unless your child is keen to get a scary face painted by one of the artists available during this time (additional charge apply).
So bring your family to the London Zoo and celebrate Halloween with the London animal residents.
FREE for Children under 3
8. Squish Space at Barbican
The contemporary arts centre in London is famously known to host a wide range of cultural events from concerts, plays or innovative shows. It doesn’t mean the venue is not suitable for a young audience.
In fact, Barbican is opening their Level G studio to families with kids under 5 and let them discover a unique sensory space imagined by the artists India Harvey and Lisa Marie Bengtsson.
The Squish Space is a recreated place where your little ones will interact with different objects related to our cherished living planet.
This temporary experience is only available a few days in early October 2023 so be quick to book your visiting slot as early as possible.
Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
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