Things to do in London this October half-term: museums, theatre, afternoon teas and more

Ah, October half term. A week that creeps up on parents every year — the kids have only been back at school for a few weeks, but it’s already time to kiss goodbye to the term-time routine you spent the summer holidays dreaming of.

There’s no need to fret, though. This half term comes at the perfect time with Halloween celebrations already underway, and a whole host of activities across London for any family to get stuck into. As you prepare to celebrate the end of the week in style (safety-pinning costumes, cleaning up pumpkin seeds and blue-tacking plastic to the walls), we’ve put together a guide to some of the capital’s best activities to keep you — and the kids — busy, from Swan Lake in the cinema to ghostly afternoon teas.

The Natural History Museum has long been a safe bet for birthdays, rainy Saturdays and half terms, and this Halloween the South Kensington landmark is going all out. The sixtieth Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has just arrived at its halls (and runs until June), promising a feast for eyes of all ages. If your children are into the more pre-historic side of things, you’re in luck, as several dino-themed activities will run this half-term. Get up close and personal with a life-like Tyrannosaurus rex (and snap a selfie at the meet and greet) during an immersive Teach Rex show, or get hands-on with their modern-day relatives (think spiders, lizards and snakes) at a special Jurassic Encounters Animal Show.