Events
Enjoy October half term in the Royal Docks
Enjoy October half term in the Royal Docks
October half term is almost here! We’ve got plenty of fun ideas to keep kids and young people entertained around the Royal Docks. Check out our guide for the best activities, events, and places to visit:
Free activities:
Explore City Hall
Did you know that City Hall is open to the public? Located in Royal Victoria Dock, City Hall is the headquarters of the Mayor of London, the London Assembly and the Greater London Authority. Look inside the cutting-edge architecture, see a 2012 Olympic torch, or enjoy a delicious lunch in London’s Kitchen Café. Read our guide to making the most of your visit.
Opening hours - Mondays to Thursdays, 8.30am to 6pm, and on Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm, free.
Find out more.
Get creative at a Bee Friendly Drawing Workshop
Head to Britannia Village Hall, for a creative celebration of bees, blooms, and community! Led by artists from Art in the Docks, these relaxed, inclusive sessions invite everyone — from seasoned sketchers to complete beginners — to take inspiration from nature and discover the patterns, colours, and forms that help pollinators thrive. Part of the Big Draw Free to join, suitable for all ages, and all materials and equipment will be provided.
Tuesday 28 October 2025, 10am – 12pm, free
Britannia Village Hall, 65 Evelyn Road, Royal Docks, London, E16 1TU
Find out more about the Bee Friendly Drawing Workshop.
The Braithwaite Sound Portrait Workshop
Imagine if a photograph could sing. Join a creative workshop inspired by themes of family, migration and pride. Led by singer-songwriter Kemi Sulola, you’ll create an original group song accompanied by a professional musician. No musical experience needed, just bring your imagination. Part of Newham’s Black History Month programme celebrating heritage and community strength and 2025’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
Saturday 25 October 2025, 5pm, free
Canning Town Library, 18 Rathbone Market, Barking Road, London, E16 1EH
Book a free ticket.
Get creative at free art classes for kids
Join the fun at Art in the Docks with a free Saturday Kids Club. Each week explores a different creative theme, encouraging kids to use their imagination and build confidence with inspiring, hands-on art activities led by a professional artist.
The sessions are suitable for all ages. All materials are provided, and there’s no need to book, just drop in and get creative!
Every Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm, free
Art in the Docks, 25 Shackleton Way, London, E16 2XJ
Hang out at Beckton Youth Zone
Looking for a great place for young people to hang out and have fun? Look no further than Beckton Youth Zone. The facilities include a pool table, table tennis and music and a multi-purpose sports hall. Follow Beckton Youth Zone on Instagram to keep up to date with the timetable of free activities.
Beckton Globe Youth Zone, Kingsford Way, Beckton, London, E6 5JQ
Visit your local library
Head to Beckton Globe, North Woolwich, or Custom House Libraries to encourage the love of reading in a welcoming space, filled with an amazing selection of books and free activities that inspire creativity and imagination.
Beckton Globe Library, 1 Kingsford Way, London, E6 5JQ
Custom House Library, Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, London, E16 3JJ
North Woolwich Library, 5 Pier Parade, North Woolwich, London, E16 2LJ
Find out more about Newham libraries.
Plus, in celebration of Green Libraries Week enjoy even more free events which focus on climate change and sustainability. Events include exploring circuits, sensors, and renewable energy systems with Matris Robotic at North Woolwich Library.
Friday 31 October, 3.30pm - 5pm. Free, booking required.
North Woolwich Library, 5 Pier Parade, North Woolwich, London, E16 2LJ
Explore Nature in the Royal Docks
Get lost in the hedge maze at the award winning, Thames Barrier and grab a babyccino at café, With Milk while you're there. Soak in views of the iconic Thames Barrier, named London’s most underrated attraction by The Times.
Play a game of tennis at Royal Victoria Gardens or Lyle Park, and wander through Beckton Meadows, home to wildflowers, wooden sculptures, and a butterfly garden.
Spot birds, terrapins, and even parakeets at Itchycoo Pond, with family-friendly sessions run by Curious by Nature.
Pop by the Floating Garden at Royal Victoria Dock, a pocket-sized floating wetland providing habitat for over 4,000 species of aquatic plant, birds, fish and pollinators.
Lyle Park, Bradfield Road, London, E16 2AU
Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Rd, London, E16 2HP
Royal Victoria Gardens, Albert Rd, London E16 2NL
Beckton Meadows, London, E6 5QN
Itchycoo Pond, Beckton Park, Hadleigh Walk, London, E6 5SA
Floating Garden is located opposite 17 Western Gateway, London, E16 1AQ
Paid activities/Fees apply:
Join Ballet Club at English National Ballet
Calling all aspiring dancers aged 9 - 12 years from Newham or Tower Hamlets. This half term, create new moves with professional artists at English National Ballet’s state of the art studios in Canning Town. Enjoy daily ballet class, explore different dance styles and put your creative skills to the test in choreographic workshops exploring the magical ballet, Nutcracker.
27 – 31 October 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm, £30 for a full week, booking required.
English National Ballet, Mulryan Centre for Dance, 41 Hopewell Square, London, E14 0SY
Find out more about Ballet Club.
Sign up for outdoor fun with Curious by Nature
Join Curious by Nature for a two-day half-term holiday club full of outdoor learning, exploration, and play, the Forest School way! Taking place at Beckton District Park South, this drop-off camp is for children aged 6-12 years. Activities include bushcraft, survival skills, nature connection, crafts, tool use, team games, mud kitchen fun, hammocks, swings, and more. Each session is guided by the interests of the children and the natural environment on the day. £60 for two days, booking required.
27-28 October 2025, 10am-2pm.
Find out more about the Curious by Nature half-term holiday club.
Get moving with Better and enjoy loads of free activities!
Better are offering a fun-filled week to keep your kids active and entertained! From swimming lessons, Aqua Splash, and thrilling water slides to Junior Gym sessions and soft play adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, enjoy free community sports sessions including badminton, basketball, and football, all led by qualified coaches. Spaces are limited, so book early.
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
Discover the New Three-Storey Soft Play at Newham Leisure Centre
Perfect for kids up to 10 years old, this exciting soft play area features slides, tunnels, climbing challenges, ball pits, and a toddler zone for under 2s. With safe, padded floors and comfy seating for parents, it’s the perfect place for fun and adventure. Under 2s - £3.50, over 2s -£7 and additional adults £5.
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
Find out more about Newham Leisure Centre.
Soar across the River Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Take a trip on the IFS Cable Car across the River Thames and Greenwich Peninsula for breath-taking aerial views. This exciting journey offers fantastic view of iconic London’s landmarks including the Thames Barrier, St Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, Maritime Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and more. Plus try the new Glass Floor Experience, London’s only Cable Car with a transparent floor!
If you live in Newham or Greenwich, bring along proof of address to receive a discount.
IFS Cloud Royal Docks Terminal, 27 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FA
IFS Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR
Find out more about the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Kids Eat Free This Half Term at Fox Excel
Make mealtime easy (and great value!) this half term at Fox Excel in Royal Victoria Dock. Kids can enjoy a free meal with any adult main, available Monday to Friday between 12pm and 5pm. It’s perfect for families exploring the Royal Docks.
From 27 to 31 October (see website for full details)
Fox Excel, Warehouse K, 2 Western Gateway, London E16 1DR
Pop into Custom Made
Custom Made is a popular community space hosting activities during half-term including leaf printing, art workshops and coffee and craft sessions. To find out more and to book visit the Custom Made website.
Custom Made, 25 Freemasons Road, London, E16 3AR
Visit the Custom Made website.
Become a star with Fame Factory
Step into your own fame fantasy with this high-energy, walk-through experience that lets you take the spotlight. For 60 unforgettable minutes, a cast of agents, directors, fans, and paparazzi will launch you into the world of A-list stardom across 11 immersive sets. Board your private jet, feature on a magazine cover, walk the red carpet, and even appear as a talk show guest. Adult tickets from £17.50.
Find out more about Fame Factory.
Try something new at Shipman Youth Zone
The newly renovated Shipman Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities in a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral building. Facilities include a custom sports hall, fitness suite, music and multimedia studios, a dance studio, IT suite, arts and crafts rooms, and a garden where young people can grow and cook their own food. Open six days a week. Visit the Shipman Youth Zone website and follow them on Instagram to learn more.
Shipman Youth Zone, 340 Prince Regent Lane, London, E16 3JH
Find out more about the Shipman Youth Zone.
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