South Bank’s world-famous tourist attractions, wide-open car-free spaces and abundant child-friendly restaurants all come together to make this one of London’s most popular destinations for a family day out.
Whether they are toddlers or teens, there are loads of places to keep your kids entertained in South Bank this half-term that all the family will enjoy.
WHEN & WHERE: Wed 29 Oct–Sun 2 Nov at Southbank Centre
Join Mog and the Thomas family as the tale of everyone’s favourite forgetful cat comes to the stage, with adventures and mishaps galore. Playing on the Queen Elizabeth Hall stage, this is perfect school holiday entertainment for kids aged 3+. Find out more and book here.
WHEN & WHERE: Sat 25 Oct – Thu 30 Oct at Southbank Centre
Souhtbank Centre hosts a series of drop-in interactive workshops and activities in The Clore Ballroom this October half-term. Discover the names of both real and imaginary foods, encounter ludicrous words you’d never expect in a cookbook, find descriptive words to engage the senses, and together cook up a literary storm with A Line Art as they create an evolving art installation for all the family. Entrance is free and no ticket is required. Drop in between 11am and 3pm.
WHEN & WHERE: Sat 18 Oct – Mon 3 Nov at The London Dungeon
This Halloween Count Dracula is coming to The London Dungeon, and he's thirsty for blood! While the city obsesses over blood in Whitechapel, a darker, older terror has arrived - one that does not walk the streets by day. From the storm-battered cliffs of Whitby, something ancient has crossed land and sea. A distraught Count is in search of his next victim... Teens who love a good jump scare will enjoy this latest adventure from London's most famous scary attraction.
WHEN & WHERE: Sat 18 Oct – Sun 2 Nov at The Paddington Bear Experience
This October half-term, step into a world of marmalade magic and spooky surprises as The Paddington Bear™ Experience transforms for Halloween! Enjoy a trick or treat adventure at this popular immersive and interactive attraction, where Windsor Gardens gets a seasonal makeover, glowing in autumnal colours and filled with Halloween fun.
WHEN & WHERE: Thu 23 Oct – Sun 2 Nov at Shrek's Adventure London
Disappear into the world of Far Far Away as you encounter an array of characters from the iconic Shrek film franchise at Shrek's Adventure! at this famous walk-through immersive experience for families. Amaze the little ones with captivating storytelling, dramatic special effects, extraordinary DreamWorks animations and an amazing 3D ride, plus of course photo opportunities with everyone’s favourite ogre. And especially for Halloween, there are also some extra spooky interactions in store too!
WHEN & WHERE: 25 Oct – 2 Nov at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
A visit to the impressive London Aquarium at County Hall is always brilliant day out for all the family. Come face-to-face with sharks, be dazzled by the vast tropical fish tanks and learn about the many endangered species that the aquarium cares for as part of its conservation projects. Especially for Halloween, throughout the half-term holidays the aquarium is also running its 'tricks and treats' programme (included in the ticket) where kids get to learn more by joining Serafina the Sea Witch's aquarium activity trail. Open daily.
WHEN & WHERE: 25 Oct – 2 Nov at Florence Nightingale Museum
Tucked away in the St Thomas Hospital complex the Florence Nightingale Museum is devoted to the life and work of the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. This half-term put your senses to the test and see if you have the skills of Nightingale’s pet owl, Athena in the museum's latest family-friendly interactive activities, launched especially for the half-term holidays. And don't forget entrance tickets are valid for a whole year!
London’s original board games bar Draughts, located inside the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel, is the ideal spot to while away a rainy afternoon in South Bank. There are more than 1,000 different board games to choose from, covering every possible interest, meaning even the fussiest kids will never be bored! Admission for families is allowed until 9pm (kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Open daily.
London’s favourite karaoke bar brand Lucky Voice has a branch at The Sidings next to Waterloo Station. If you have teens and tweens who are big pop music fans, then booking a karaoke room for the family can be a super fun way to pass an afternoon. From Sunday to Friday during the early afternoon, you can book out the venue for a two-hour kids' party package with soft drinks and snacks, or you can upgrade to add in pizzas too. The Lucky Voice Kids party is generally recommended for kids aged 11+.
If the kids need to let off some steam you can find one of the best playgrounds in central London inside the pretty Jubilee Gardens directly behind the London Eye. There's plenty for kids to clamber under and over, and sensory sound, vision and touch experiences that are designed to delight children of differing abilities. There's also lots of space to sit and enjoy a packed lunch on the grass.
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
