Top picks to get out and about during the school break – from spooky events to first-time theatre
Halloween half term at Eltham Palace
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulish day out at Eltham Palace featuring ghastly goings on. Lady Harrington is back with a new ghost to find. Gather around to listen to spooky stories and solve the creepy clues.
And for those over 16, pack your torch and prepare for things to get dark as you join in Eltham Palace’s storytellers on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
Dates: Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024
Ticket costs vary
Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-halloween-half-term
Queen’s House family fun
There’s lots of family fun to be had at Royal Museums Greenwich this half term. Join in a drawing workshop inspired by the architecture of the Queen’s House; you’ll be encouraged to scout the building together to find inspiration for your own architectural drawings.
You can also interact with historical characters connected to the Queen’s House and take part in performances that bring the past to life. Find out what’s in a picture with Inspector Canvass and discover hidden clues in the paintings hanging at the House; or meet Mistress Babbington, in charge of running the Queen’s House following the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660, and discover the history of the building and what life was like in this royal residence.
There is also a free trail to get involved in; pick up your own ‘Create’ family trail as you enter the Queen’s House and use it as a guide to explore the artworks inside. This brand new trail will encourage your family to explore mark-making, creating light and shadow, as well as prompting everyone to look closely at artworks to think about pose, landscape, symbolism and much more.
Dates: Monday 28 October to Saturday 2 November 2024
Tickets: Free
Romney Road, SE10 9NF
www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/queens-house/october-half-term-family-activities-queens-house
The Strings Club holiday camp
Inspire your little ones’ musical talent with The Strings Club holiday camp, led by childcare practitioners and string teachers.
Each morning features a fun-filled “Learn Together, Play Together” instrumental session, which includes free hire of an instrument. Afternoons include interactive workshops – from sport and drama to dance and crafting, every workshop is designed to inspire your child right up until pick-up time.
During the October half term, the theme of the week is “Spooktacular Celebration” with the instruments of the week being ukulele for 4-7 and violin for 8-11.
Every Holiday Camp ends with a Grand Concert – so your child can proudly show what they have achieved alongside their new friends.
Dates: Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024
Tickets: From £57.50
James Wolfe Primary School, Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8RZ
www.thestringsclub.org/events/greenwich-summer-holiday-camp-12
Take part in a nature walk
Field Studies Council is hosting a nature walk at Greenwich Park for children and families.
During the discovery day and guided walk, you will learn more about plants and invertebrates. You might lift logs, dip in the pond, look closely at trees and take part in other activities to find out more about nature and wildlife around you – and how to look after it.
Remember to dress for the occasion and the weather with suitable clothing and footwear.
Date: Wednesday 23 October 2024, 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
Tickets: Free but booking is required
Greenwich Park, Charlton Way, SE3 7AP
Jack and the Beans Talk
Was it a dream or did I hear a talking bean? Garlic Theatre brings a retelling of the traditional story to Blackheath Halls with Jack and the Beans Talk.
Aiming to provide a gentle introduction to theatre, the show is recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swaps his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky.
The show features plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window.
Date: Saturday 2 November 2024, 11am and 3pm
Tickets: £9
23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ
www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/jack-and-the-beans-talk
Adolescent Wonderland
Showing at Horniman Museum and Gardens, Adolescent Wonderland celebrates the energy, love and humour of First Nations young people living in Coen, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia.
Taken over a number of seasons between 2019 and 2023, Naomi Hobson’s photographic series presents an honest beauty that elevates the voices of young people in her community, encouraging them to tell their own stories in their own way.
Vibrant full-coloured portraits highlight the young people’s individuality and self-expression against black and white backgrounds, speaking to the importance of preserving their culture and history.
Naomi Hobson says: “Adolescence is a crucial time when identities are being challenged… There is so much to learn from the process of accepting self, and this constant and persistent search by our young people of ‘how to be’ in this world.
“I wanted to convey this by letting them lead their own narratives and confront misconceptions about how they are represented.”
Dates: Showing until 28 November
Tickets: Free
100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
www.horniman.ac.uk/event/adolescent-wonderland
Soft or spiky?
Polka Theatre and Half Moon present Soft or Spiky?, an all-new show from Daryl Beeton premiering in Polka’s Adventure Theatre.
The show explores the different ways we communicate with each other. What question would you want your baby to answer? What would you like them to ask you?
This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words, exploring different ways to connect and understand each other. Inspired by heartfelt conversations with new parents, this production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out.
At the end of the performance, there is a stay-and-play session where audiences can enter the sensory landscape of the production.
Dates: 19 October to 24 November 2024
Tickets: From £11
240 The Broadway, SW19 1SB
polkatheatre.com/event/soft-or-spiky
Kids’ Halloween at Brixton Windmill
Join in a free family Halloween event in Brixton Windmill Gardens this spooky season. There’s a lot on offer to keep the whole brood entertained. Try the lantern carving workshop, where you can make a traditional pumpkin lantern, or take part in Halloween arts and crafts.
You can also join in on spooky stories for children (ages 5 to 11) inside the Windmill at 1:30pm and 2:45p.
The events on the day are drop-in only, but don’t worry, they’ll have sign-up sheets for if it gets busy. You can also enjoy refreshments from the cafe or do a spot of Halloween shopping in the store.
Date: 27 October 2024
Tickets: Free
100 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton Hill, SW2 5DA
www.brixtonwindmill.org/events/halloween-at-brixton-windmill
Funky Monkey keyboard classes
Already thinking of the school holidays? Well, Funky Monkey – with locations across south London – hosts keyboard classes to get your musical little ones practising an instrument.
Themed half-day workshops are running in the October and December breaks. The 3.5-hour workshops are for beginners and have a different theme depending on the season. It is a great opportunity for those aged 5-8 years to try out the keyboard and make music the Funky Monkey way.
And if you’re really prepped, Funky Monkey is hosting a week-long course for “keyboard superstars” in the Easter holidays of 2025.
Dates, prices and locations vary
www.funkymonkey.info/holiday-courses
Marmalade sandwich, anyone?
Help Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a very special occasion; the Marmalade Day Festival.
Enter The Paddington Bear Experience through the doors of Mr Gruber’s Antiques Store and explore its unique array of curiosities and exclusive Paddington Bear merchandise. Look out for your train at Paddington Station before climbing aboard where you’ll travel to 32 Windsor Gardens, the Kitchen and even Peru.
You’ll then find yourself at the Marmalade Day Festival itself, right in Windsor Gardens, with Paddington and his friends. You can dance, play and eat and drink – and have your picture taken with Paddington.
This experience is perfect for little ones with a sense of adventure – or those who enjoy a marmalade sandwich or two.
Dates: Vary
Tickets: From £29
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
