The October half term is just around the corner and for parents and nannies, it’s time to plan some exciting activities for the little ones. This can often mean venturing into Central London or perhaps even further afield but there’s so much on our doorsteps in North West London. From captivating exhibitions to lush green parks and active days out, we'll explore some of our favourite activities in North West London to keep children engaged and entertained during the break.
Enjoy Nature at Hampstead Heath
We are very fortunate to have so much open space and greenery in North West London - it’s something many other Boroughs don’t have the luxury of. So make the most of places like Hampstead Heath during the half term break and take children for a refreshing autumn walk outdoors.
While you’re there, jump on the nature bracelet trend by wrapping a single piece of tape loosely around a child’s wrist (sticky side out) so they can find flowers or leaves and stick them to their bracelet as you walk.
Finish the walk with a cold weather picnic complete with a flask of soup or grab an indulgent hot chocolate from The Nook.
Get Creative at the Arts Depot
Visit the Arts Depot in Finchley and sign up to a range of creative workshops and activities for kids. This half term the Arts Depot is hosting sessions including Make Your Own Superhero and Pop School but their schedule is always packed full of arts and crafts activities, theatre productions and storytelling sessions, so there's plenty to inspire every young artist.
Pumpkin Prep
Spooky season is upon us which means it’s time to get creative with our pumpkins! Most pumpkin-picking patches are based outside of London but that doesn’t have to stop you from selecting a pumpkin from your nearest supermarket or greengrocer.
Carving or painting creative pumpkins for halloween or using pumpkins as the base for delicious recipes like pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie will definitely keep children entertained (and well fed) this half term. We love this pumpkin pancake recipe as a seasonal alternative to the breakfast favourite!
PUMPKIN PANCAKE RECIPE
Ingredients
250g pumpkin skinned, deseeded and chopped into large cubes
2 eggs
3 tbsp light brown soft sugar
25g butter melted
125ml milk
200g plain flour
2½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Extra butter for frying
Method
Put the pumpkin or squash in a large heatproof bowl, add a splash of water, cover with cling film and microwave on High for 5-8 mins or until really soft.
Drain the pumpkin well and allow the pieces to cool completely before transferring to a food processor with the remaining pancake ingredients and a pinch of salt.
Blend until you have a smooth batter and everything is well-combined.
Heat a knob of butter in a large frying pan on a low-medium heat and melt the butter so it’s evenly spread around the pan.
Pour evenly-sized amounts of batter into the pan (smaller is better as they are easier to flip!). Pancakes will spread a little as they cook, so be sure you don’t overcrowd the pan as they’ll all stick together.
Once you see a few bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, gently lift up one corner to check if the pancakes are golden underneath. Once they are, flip them over and cook for another 2 mins on the other side.
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkling of nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice-cream for a treat.
Visit Local Farms & Zoos
Children always enjoy and remember a trip to the zoo so why not visit the adorable animals at the nearby Golders Hill Park Zoo or head to Kentish Town City Farm?
Children can learn about a range of animals and see them up close, as well as get involved with a variety of activities including tractor rides, pony rides or arts and crafts.
Go Ape - Alexandra Palace
For the thrill seekers, Go Ape in Alexandra Palace is the perfect choice. Children can enjoy a safe tree top adventure with panoramic views of London. Go Ape has courses to suit varying skill and confidence levels including the Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure Plus so there really is something for all the family.
Image credit: Social Pottery
Paint Your Own Pottery
Both children and adults can get creative this half term at Social Pottery in Kentish Town. Prices are on a pay-for-what-you-paint basis, so all you need to do is select your piece of pottery and get painting.
This makes for such a fun and memorable day out together and you’ll both have a memento you can keep from the day. Pieces are fired and glazed after your session and are usually ready to collect after a fortnight, which gives children something to look forward to once term resumes too.
Bouldering & Cave Burrowing
For something more active but equally memorable, head to HarroWall for caving and climbing adventures.
HarroWall is home to Europe’s largest indoor caving system with a 170m-long realistic network of underground tunnels for children to crawl, slide and squeeze through. Sessions are 60-minutes and instructor-led but include safety briefings, warm-ups and getting set up with helmets and protective wear so parents can relax with a coffee while kids are busy burrowing.
Alternatively, kids aged 6+ can try out Krazy Climb, a fun, child-friendly bouldering session, led by experienced instructors. During this 75-minute session (also including safety briefing and warm-up), children will scale themed walls and conquer them all, while protected by a harness and auto-belay system.
Whatever it is you choose to do during the half term break, rest assured there are plenty of choices here in North West London that will keep children of all ages (and even us ‘grown ups’) entertained and make lasting memories.