Families looking for free things to do in London this Halloween can enjoy pumpkin painting sessions at two of the capital’s best-loved parks.
The free family-friendly sessions will run at Regent’s Bar & Kitchen in The Regent’s Park and Pavilion Café in Greenwich Park on October 29, 30 and 31, with 16 sessions across the three days giving parents plenty of chances to join in.
Children are encouraged to come along in fancy dress — and those who turn up in costume will receive a free Halloween treat, making it a proper spooky-season day out.
With Halloween landing during the autumn half-term break, the sessions offer a timely free activity for parents looking to keep children entertained without spending a fortune. With the parks dressed in their autumn colours, the sessions promise a relaxed, creative morning or afternoon for families — and a handmade pumpkin to take home at the end of it.
The sessions are designed to let families get creative together in the autumn atmosphere of two of London’s most popular parks.
On Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30, sessions take place at 10am and 2pm at both venues. On the busier Saturday, October 31 — Halloween itself — there are four sessions a day, at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
The sessions are free to attend, but spaces are limited, so families need to sign up in advance. Bookings will be confirmed after registration, so it is worth booking early to avoid missing out.
As well as the painting, families taking part will have the chance to win a meal for four — an extra incentive to get creative.
Unlike traditional pumpkin carving, painting needs no sharp tools, making it an ideal Halloween craft for younger children. All it takes is a pumpkin, some paint and a little imagination — and there is far less mess to clear up afterwards.
The two venues sit in some of London’s most popular green spaces. Regent’s Bar & Kitchen is in The Regent’s Park, while Pavilion Café is in Greenwich Park — both firm favourites with families, and both part of London’s Royal Parks.
The Regent’s Park, with its sweeping lawns and playgrounds, and Greenwich Park, with its famous hilltop views over the Thames, both make a great backdrop for a family day out — and the pumpkin painting sessions give parents another reason to visit this October.
When and where
| Date | Session times |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 29 | 10am, 2pm |
| Friday, October 30 | 10am, 2pm |
| Saturday, October 31 | 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm |
Sessions run at both venues on each day: Regent’s Bar & Kitchen, The Regent’s Park, and Pavilion Café, Greenwich Park.
How to book
- Sign up in advance: the sessions are free, but spaces are limited.
- Booking confirmed after registration: you will hear back once your place is secured.
- Dress up: children in fancy dress receive a free Halloween treat.
- Win a meal: participating families have the chance to win a meal for four.
Why families will love it
- It is completely free — a rarity for half-term activities in London.
- No sharp carving tools, so it is safe for little ones.
- Fancy dress is encouraged, with a free treat for children in costume.
- There is a meal for four up for grabs.
- Two beautiful park settings to enjoy while you are there.
More Halloween fun in London
Looking for more spooky-season inspiration? The Kent & East Sussex Railway has revealed its autumn line-up, including Halloween trains and steam workshops for families.
For a grown-up night out, the Natural History Museum is hosting an after-dark Halloween party among the dinosaurs and skeletons.
And if you fancy something with a little history, Hampstead’s Spaniards Inn has been named among Britain’s most haunted pubs.
