Some of the Halloween events taking place in the capital can be a bit too much for young ones (and some old ones). Thankfully, there's a whole host of family friendly and fun activities to keep your children entertained over the Halloween season.
Fans of Harry Potter are invited to delve into the Dark Arts of the films this Halloween, learning about all the darker aspects of the popular series. For two weeks only, visitors to the Warner Bros Studios will be able to try duelling techniques against a Death Eater after learning wand combat moves in an interactive experience with Paul Harris, who developed the battles scenes in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. There will also be the chance to visit the Deather Eaters' headquarters, Malfoy Manor, step onto the Studio's latest addition, Platform 9 3/4, and see the iconic Great Hall all dressed up with apples, pumpkins and cauldrons of lollipops.
A full programme of Halloween events is on offer at London Zoo this half term with Boo at the Zoo, inviting you to explore a spooky schedule that includes animal demonstrations, crafts and Halloween-themed activities. There will also be spooky versions of the zoo's popular animal talks, feeds and demonstrations. Events this year include an Extinction Trail, a Ghost Tour and a Pumpkin Party. All activities are included in the ZSL London Zoo standard price admission.
Ham House is hosting lots of spooky goings on once again this Halloween. The Hallowe'en half term activities include a witch hunt, which invites the whole family to hunt for witchy clues left behind by Ham House's residents. Will you be able to find the witch marks carved into the panelling? There will also be pumpkin biscuit decorating, spooky storytelling and terrible terror ghost tours. So, dress up in your scariest outfit and head on down to the mansion for a week of spooktactic activities.
Head to Chiswick House in your scariest costume this Halloween for Family Pumpkin Carving. Taking place during half term, on Thursday 26th October, the event invites little ones into the Kitchen Garden to carve a pumpkin with their chosen design, clean and dry the seeds ready to take home and plant, and build a bug box. It's the perfect seasonal activity to enjoy as a family. There will be a morning session and an afternoon session and all pumpkins and equipment will be provided.
The Museum of London is hosting a family-friendly Nights Owls Halloween Sleepover this October, suitable for children aged seven to eleven. Visitors will be invited to don their scariest fancy dress and trick-or-treat their way around the ghostly galleries by torchlight, collecting sweets and answering questions about London's history. Sneak through the eerie Victorian street and help the baker's wife solve a spooky crime, listen to some tarrying tales, and make a Gothic mask before bedding down in the museum galleries. The following morning, enjoy a bright and light breakfast and a screening of Disney's Halloween classic Hocus Pocus.
The Horniman Museum presents a number of Halloween activities suitable for the little ones throughout the October half term. Following on from a series of ugly animal themed events and hands-on activities, the Horniman Halloween Fair takes place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October with plenty of fiendish fun, including the chance to meet creepy crawlies in the Wild Fangs cave, follow clues in the Gardens on the Halloween trail, make pumpkin headdresses and join in with the Halloween Parade through the Gardens in your best fancy dress. The weekend will also offer Halloween Storytelling, with the Jumble Abode Theatre embracing the spookiest time of year with some interactive storytelling that's suitable for all the family.
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