Spooky film screenings and sports camps arrive in and around Kingston for October Half Term
By Tilly O'Brien 21st Oct 2026
With schools closing for October Half Term next week (Monday, 26 October - Friday, 30 October), you might be looking for things to do to keep the little ones entertained while schools close.
Well, there is plenty to do in and around Kingston this October Half Term, so here is a list of six Half Term activities to get the kids involved in.
'Room on the Broom' at Kingston's Rose Theatre
If you are looking for something to do as a family, look no further because the Rose Theatre's week-long production of Room on the Broom starts on Tuesday, 27 October with several performances throughout the Half Term week.
The play's description says: "Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories' fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
"The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick's not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
"Will there ever be room on the broom for the witch and her four passengers? Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show for audiences aged three and up.
"From Tall Stories, creators of imaginative storytelling theatre, where everything is possible."
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Book your tickets here.
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Multi-activity Kids Camps at The Lensbury
The Lensbury is hosting multi-activity kids camps this October Half Term.
From multi-activity camps and racquets coaching to watersports on the Thames, The Lensbury is offering a range of half term programmes designed to keep children active.
Led by experienced instructors and supported by outstanding sports facilities, every camp combines learning, movement and fun.
The Lensbury's camps are available from 26 - 30 October.
Its Kid's Camps run from 9am - 5pm with a timetable of activities, including free play, indoor and outdoor sports, swimming, cinema time and food.
Meanwhile, The Lensbury's Watersports Camps offer a variety of different packages running from 10am - 4pm throughout the Half Term week.
Additionally, the hotel and resort has Tennis Camps for five to seven-year-olds, which run from 9.30am - 12.30pm, and for ages eight to 10 from 9.30am - 2.30pm.
Both have packages for five days or single days with prices varying.
You can find out more information about The Lensbury's camps and how to book here.
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VRXtra
Well, VRXtra in the Bentall Centre is the perfect way to do just that.
Dubbed as "Kingston's most fun and immersive experiences", VRXtra has over 80 different experiences, including its Xtra Games, VR Escape Rooms, Smash Point, and the massively popular Arcade.
The hub is open from 10am – 7pm, with it staying open until 9pm on Thursdays, and 11am – 6pm on Sundays.
The Kingston store has 12 Tethered VR Headsets, toilets, customer seating, free Wi-Fi, and is available to book for parties.
Book your visit here.
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Movies at the Museum
This year, Halloween marks the end of October Half Term (Saturday, 31 October). So, if you are looking for something a little different to traditional Trick or Treating, why not head to Kingston Museum and Kingston International Film Festival's (KIFF) 'Movies at the Museum' event?
The event will run in Kingston Museum's Art Gallery on Thursday, 29 October and screen three different films. These include:
- Hocus Pocus (PG) at 3.30pm with doors opening at 3pm.
- Shaun of the Dead (18+) at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm.
- Scream (18+) at 9.30pm with doors opening at 9pm.
The event description says: "Get ready for an evening and night of spooks and thrills. Buy a ticket to see a single film or buy one of our multi movie packages and get a free drink (or two) and popcorn.
"During Hocus Pocus there will be a prize for the best dressed and free Halloween goody bags for children. There will be refreshments available to buy.
"Celebrating Kingston's important place in the history of film, and our collection of Eadweard Muybridge work, we are bringing movies back to the Museum for our Halloween special...."
Ticket prices for the films vary, but those wishing to purchase a package to see all three screenings must be aged 18 and over.
Tickets can be bought here.
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Half Term Junior Learn to Row
If you are hoping to get your little ones more active this October Half Term, Kingston Rowing Club's (KRC) Half Term Junior Learn to Row classes might be for you.
Taking place on the Thames at Kingston and running from Monday, 26 October - Wednesday, 28 October, KRC's Learn to Row programmes offer a "fun and friendly introduction to rowing, whether you're a junior discovering the sport for the first time, a young adult looking for a new challenge, or an adult beginner ready to find a new passion".
Speaking about the courses, KRC said: "When you join a Learn to Row course at Kingston, you're stepping into an environment where beginners become confident rowers, and where the right talent and commitment can grow into future sporting champions."
Those partaking in KRC's courses can expect the following confidence-building foundations:
- Introduction to the boathouse - meet the coaches, explore the equipment, understand how a rowing club works
- Learn the rowing technique - introduction to the rowing stroke on the indoor rowing machine ("ergo")
- Equipment basics - understand the parts of the boat and oars
- Getting in and out of the boat - safe, supported practice before going on the water
- Water safety and confidence drills - including capsize drill and balance work
- Building the rowing stroke on the water - progressing from basic movements to full strokes
- Rowing together as a crew - timing, rhythm and teamwork
- Finetuning technique - blade work, power application, balance and coordination
KRC said: "These foundations ensure every rower, junior or adult, leaves the course with real skills, confidence and a sense of achievement."
Find out more about KRC's Half Term Learn to Row Courses here.
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Urban Fun
While it is important to get the kids outdoors during their week off, it is October after all and rain may be imminent, so some indoor fun might just be what they need.
And Urban Fun, which opened its doors on Clarence Street in December last year, offers just that.
Urban Fun Kingston's games include Brunswick duck-pin bowling, AR darts, axe throwing, Neo shuffleboard, 9-hole mini golf, Subsoccer football, curling lanes and an arcade packed with UK-first machines, VR and AR experiences, cranes, prize games and boxing challenges.
The entertainment playground is great for all ages with under 18s not being allowed in the venue after 9pm without an adult.
And there are various ways to enjoy Urban Fun's facilities with several options of PlayCard to choose from.
You can either pre-book tickets or turn up on the day and find a spot on one of the games.
The entertainment playground also takes party bookings.
You can book a game at Urban Fun Kingston now here.
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For those of you looking for more, feel free to check out our What's On page for events happening in the local area. You can also add your own events to this page for FREE.
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