The Imperial War Museum’s half-term activities explore how food can tell stories – little ones can trace the journey from farm to table, decorate (& take home) their own plate, & try out their culinary skills.

The Hidden Wonders Hunt is a free trail running all week at the Horniman Museum, inspired by The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours, the latest picture book by bestselling author-illustrator Chloe Savage.

The Big Draw Festival, the world’s largest celebration of drawing, is currently underway. There are various free events running as part of it, including this fun, creative initiative at the Wallace Collection on Sat.

Head to Hackney Museum to celebrate RISE.365’s Emoji Campaign, created by young people calling for better representation of afro and textured hair. Explore their powerful display, then design your own emoji.

We’ve teamed up with Mome London — the gorgeous sensory & soft play space near Angel — to give one lucky Cheapskate reader a free family ticket (valid for up to two adults & two children, aged 0–4).

Mome is designed to be as fun for grown-ups as it is for little ones, with beautifully designed play zones, a relaxing café, & sessions that spark imagination & calm in equal measure.

To be in with a chance of winning, get someone you know to subscribe to Cheapskate Kids by sending them this link (it contains your personalised referral code): {{rp_refer_url}}. Once they’ve signed up, you’ll be entered into the draw.

Good luck — and happy playing! 💛

Kids aged 5-11 can enjoy Alphabet Soup, a live installation at the Southbank Centre exploring the diverse language of food – including, intriguingly, words you’d never find in a cookbook. Not open Mon or Tues.

Woolwich Works is putting on a series of ‘Crafternoons’ this half term, where kids can make their own magic wands & sun-catchers, & even learn to brew potions in time for Halloween. Costumes encouraged!

At IKEA’s Wembley store, you & your family can try a Halloween-themed escape room – but make sure you make it out in eight minutes, or you’ll abandoned to the flatpack furniture demons (I assume).

It’s all about the moon this half term at the London Museum Docklands: think folktales about the night sky, crafts inspired by moonlit mudlarking, & a storytime about the first African-American woman in space.

If your child loves both Halloween & nature, head to Regent’s Park this week. As part of the park’s October road show, there’ll be spooky nature walks, spidery crafts, a chance to see replica bird skulls, & more.

The West African goddess Mami Wata is a water spirit of extraordinary power, & often resembles a mermaid. Create a shadow puppet inspired by her during one of several free half term workshops at Queen’s House.

Have fun AND give back to the community at Chiswick House & Gardens: in this garden volunteering session, you’ll help the museum’s beautiful green spaces thrive. Kids must be aged eight or over.

Sculpture in the City (a favourite from the main newsletter!) is hosting a family day, where kids aged 3-13 can come to the Guildhall Art Gallery & enjoy creative activities linked to the city-wide art trail.

Did you know Charles Dickens was also an accomplished actor? Fitting, then, that the Charles Dickens Museum is offering free Victorian-inspired drama workshops for kids aged 9-12. Booking essential.

This half term, Skyscanner is bringing snack tourism to Soho with a free, airport lounge-style pop-up stocked with cult treats from around the world. Sample 50+ international faves, from Matcha KitKats & Tim Tams to Seaweed Pringles – all under one roof.

Sir John Soane Museum has launched a major new exhibit about Egypt & its influence on British design. To mark the occasion, the quirky museum is inviting kids aged 4 & up to design tiles inspired by the display.

What did kids in Roman London do for fun? Find out at the London Mithraeum’s half term family day, where your kids can learn all about Roman playtime & even make their own toys to take home.

Be very afraid, because this Halloween, Lauderdale House & Waterlow Park will play host to a band of ghosts, witches & wizards. This immersive theatre show will sell out, so book well in advance.

Don’t forget, it’s the Day of the Dead as well as Halloween next weekend, so hear stories inspired by the festival at the British Museum. There’s also a mariachi performance on Thurs, & Halloween workshops all week.