Like Christmas, Halloween is one of those holidays that is infinitely less drab when kids are involved. All of a sudden cotton wool becomes spiderwebs, fluorescent red goo doused on plastic orthodontic-esque mouthgards becomes gory blood dripping from vampire fangs, pumpkins transform into glowing gremlins,  bedsheets are reincarnated as ghoulish ghosts and the magic and mystery of Halloween starts making sense again. To thank your little monsters for bringing the spooktacular back to All Hallow’s Eve, we’ve picked out some kid-friendly shenanigans on offer around the city.

 

The Witches’ Academy – The EDF London Eye

Thanks to a little-known series about a young wizard and his two pals cavorting round a magical school called Hogwarts, it seems it’s every kids’ wish to swap History for Herbology, Chemistry for Charms, P.E for Potions and Maths for Magical Theory. Well, this Halloween the London Eye invites kids to join their very own Witches’ Academy, and help High Priestess Priscilla in an important quest to defeat the Grimly Grim (voiced by Harry Enfield) and solve the riddle of the  missing crown jewels. All against the suitably magical views from the wheel.

26 October – 2 November. Ages 4-9

 

All Dogs Matter Halloween Walk & Fancy Dress – The Spaniard’s Inn

Sure, there’s probably nothing more humiliating for a pooch than being clad in themed wigs and onesies, but when it’s all for a good cause… The historic Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead invites dog-lovers, dog-walkers and dog-owners alike to take part in this costumed parade to raise money for the All Dogs Matter charity. After striding across the heath, there’ll be mulled juice and prizes for the best pooch/person costume back at the Inn. And what better way to celebrate Halloween than with a few drinks in the company of the dead – Dickens named the pub in his  Pickwick Papers ,  whilst it’s claimed Keats wrote ‘ Ode to a Nightingale’  within its very walls…

27 Oct. £5/dog. Suitable for all ages

 

LSO Witches’ Concert - Barbican

The Barbican’s going creepy-crazy this Halloween with an afternoon of sinister sounds from the London Symphony Orchestra. For some pre-concert craic, there’ll be free workshops and activities in the foyer, with the chance to build your own props or even compose your very own piece of music with help from the LSO. During the concert (presented by Classics from the Crypt’s Rachel Leach), audiences can participate with the show on stage, as the soundwaves get taken over by tales of love and loss, Death and destruction from Saint-Saens ‘ ‘ Danse Macabre ‘ to Berlioz ‘ ‘ Symphonie Fantastique ‘ and even ‘ Hedwig’s Theme ‘ from Harry Potter…

27 Oct. £5-£10. Suitable for all ages

 

In A Deep Dark Wood – Sadler’s Wells

Delving into the fickle world of fairy tales, ‘ In A Deep Dark Wood ‘, Gobbledegook Theatre Company bring their interactive show to Sadler’s Wells from E5′s very own Chats Palace. Follow the tale of a little girl as she bravely ventures into a dark and mysterious wood. Encounter strange beasts and beguiling creatures as the enigmatic world of the wood is created using shadow and light to guide the audience and players through a bewitching adventure.

26 – 28 Oct. £7. Age 4+ (a tamer version for 2-4yo is also available, ‘Deep in the Woods’)

 

Halloween House – Sutton House

For something closer to home (or at least Land of Kids HQ), historic beauty Sutton House will be throwing all manner of activities, workshops, games, and treats for Halloween. From pumpkin carving to lantern making, murder mystery dinners to spooky stories in the Secret Room, or simple garden games in ghoulish costumes, there’s something for everyone in this Hackney haunt.

26 Oct – 1 Nov. Suitable for all ages