October half-term 2019: The best family-friendly events while school's off in London

For kids, half-term is a chance to run wild, let loose and have tons of fun. For parents, not so much.

Fortunately, there are plenty of family-friendly activities taking place to keep the kids entertained this week – and to keep mums and dads from tearing their hair our.

From interactive museum exhibitions, theatre shows and family dining experiences to ice skating at one of the city’s landmark museums, the week is packed with events to keep the little ones out of trouble.

These are our picks of the best things to get up to in the capital this half-term.

Beasts of London at the Museum of London

The animals of London tell their own stories at this interactive exhibit. Animated foxes, insects and even elephants – voiced by celebrities including Brian Blessed – take kids on a guided tour, teaching them about the diverse history of the city's wildlife.

Until January 2020, 150 London Wall, Barbican, EC2Y 5HN, museumoflondon.org.uk

The Tiger Who Came To Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

One London institution is turning to a literary classic this half-term. Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came To Tea turns 50 this year, and to celebrate, the Savoy are putting on a special afternoon tea of sandwiches, pastries and tiger-striped scones.

Until November 19, 2 Savoy Ct, Strand, WC2R 0EZ, thesavoylondon.com

Ice skating at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the very best places for families to spend time all year round – and it’s even better when there’s a 1000 square metre ice rink directly outside. The museum is getting into the Christmas spirit early, with snow-covered trees and fairy lights – as well as mulled wine for the grown-ups. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is also on at the museum, featuring some truly stunning work.

From October 19, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD, nhm.ac.uk

Junior Doctors at Body Worlds London

This interactive exhibition at the Body Worlds is aimed at children between the ages of eight and 12, encouraging them to learn more about the world of anatomy and physiology. Budding doctors will be kitted out with a white lab coat and stethoscope, before exploring the museum and graduating with a "junior doctor" certificate. It's not one for the squeamish, though.

October 20, October 23, October 27, 1 Piccadilly Circus, W1J 0DA, bodyworlds.co.uk

London LEGO Rebuilder workshops at the Southbank Centre

Rebuild the city in miniature form across two days of creative workshops at the Southbank Centre. Part of Lego’s ongoing Rebuild the World campaign, it’s a chance for kids to run wild with a huge pile of Lego while considering London's future – what’s not to like? It's free, but places need reserving.

October 21-22, Belvedere Road; London, SE1, universe.com

Half term at KERB’s Seven Dials Market

One of the biggest of London’s new crop of food markets is playing host to a series of fun half-term events. The Market Bookshop is the setting for readings of books, with The Dragon in the Library (October 22), A Monster’s Moved In (October 23) and Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex (October 24). The sessions will all be led by the authors, and the latter two will be accompanied by craft workshops. For something a little different, there’s also a children’s cheese and ‘wine’ (sodas from Square Root) pairing taking place at Pick & Cheese inside the market on October 25.

October 22-25, 35 Earlham St, WC2H 9LD​, sevendialsmarket.com

Autism-friendly day at Gunnersbury Park Museum

Gunnersbury Park Museum is a great place to learn about the history of west London, and this coming Monday it’s hosting a relaxed day to accommodate visitors with autism and additional sensory needs. There’ll be a quiet room available, while a visual story map for the gallery will be sent out in advance. Entry is free, but booking ahead is essential.

October 21, Gunnersbury Park Museum, Popes Ln, W5 4NH, visitgunnersbury.org

Sherlock: The Game is Now

This brain-teasing mystery experience is catering to families this half-term, welcoming guests to don the famous deerstalker and visit a recreation of 221b Baker Street for a 100-minute escape game – test your intuition.

October 22-November 1, Ground Floor, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8PP, thegameisnow.com

The Gruffalo at ArtsDepot

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved Gruffalo, which has captured the imaginations of millions of children since first being published in 1999, is being brought to life on stage just in time for half-term by Finchley’s ArtsDepot.

October 22-27, ArtsDepot, 5 Nether St, North Finchley, N12 0GA, artsdepot.co.uk

Vauxhall Halloween Spooktacular family rave

You might think 'techno' and 'toddlers' belong to separate worlds, but Big Fish Little Fish has been throwing family-friendly raves for years. This one at Fire & Lightbox is a great chance for parents and children to bust a move in friendly, inclusive surroundings. The afternoon runs from 2-4.30pm, with DJ sets, craft tables, facepainting and optional Halloween fancy dress.

October 26, Fire & Lightbox, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP, bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk