Keep the kids happy this Half term

Treat the family to a great day out in London by train with our 2FOR1 offers that will keep boredom at bay during the half term holidays.  We've got a great selection below of attraction offers and half term special events.

Natural History Museum - free admission to museum

Take the kids to the Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk for a range of activities for plenty of half term fun. There's the state of the art Cocoon installation within the Darwin Centre with interactive exhibits and talks guaranteed to keep the nippers happy, as well as stunning images in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with 2FOR1 admission.

Museum of Childhood - free admission to museum
Who said history isn't fun? Kids can go on a discovery trail of the Museum of Childhood's www.vam.ac.uk/moc collection with Flat Stanley and get arty with all manner of paper crafts over the autumn half term.

Experience Historical London - free admission to museum
Take the little ones back in time at the Museum of London www.museumoflondon.org.uk.  Enjoy storytelling sessions, craft and drawing workshops and even meet Mary Seacole.

Museum in Docklands - free admission to museum
Loads of fun half-term London events will be taking place at the Museum in Docklands www.museumindocklands.org.uk.  All things East London will be explored - kids can get involved with art workshops, while the younger ones will love listening to some storytelling.

Horniman Museum - free admission to museum
A cracking place to take the little 'uns this half term, Horniman Museum www.horniman.ac.uk has loads of exciting exhibits and displays. There are special kids events featuring craft sessions and tours around the museum with Mr. Horniman himself.

London Children's Film Festival - see website for charges
Throughout half term, the London Children's Film Festival www.londonchildrenfilm.org.uk is once again hosting animated classics from around the world, as well as family friendly films and cinema related workshops.

Close Encounters Festival at the Royal Albert Hall - see website for charges
Take your children to meet an extra-terrestrial or two over half term at the Royal Albert Hall, which is hosting the Close Encounters Festival www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/close-encounters/default.aspx. 

See the huge crashed UFO, take part in interactive workshops and dress the kids up as little aliens for a special family screening of ET. As part of the Festival which focuses on all things astronomical and extra terrestrial, take a peek on one of our 2FOR1 tours www.daysoutguide.co.uk/royal-albert-hall-tours and investigate how Victorians helped shape the way we see the universe today.

London MCM Expo - see website for charges
If you want to get to grips with the latest computer games this half term, head to ExCeL London for the MCM Expo  www.londonexpo.com part of the London Games Festival.

Moscow State Circus - see website for charges
Perfect for little clowns with a love of the big top, the Moscow State Circus arrives on Clapham Common www.moscowstatecircus.com/tour-dates.asp just in time for the half term holidays.

Big Draw - free events
Museums, galleries, libraries and other venues across London are hosting a range of art events for the Big Draw Festival www.thebigdraw.org/bigdraw/london_highlight.aspx over half term.

Tower of London - 2FOR1 admission
Little warriors are bound to enjoy a trip to the Tower of London http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/tower-of-london over the half term holidays, where they can gaze at the formidable armour in the Fit for a King display.

Madame Tussauds Marvel Super Heroes 4D - 2FOR1 admission
Head to the Marvel Super Heroes attraction at Madame Tussauds www.daysoutguide.co.uk/madame-tussauds to see The Hulk, Spider-Man and Wolverine waxwork figures, experience a multi-sensory 4D cinema experience and get involved with a series of interactive displays.

Half-term Halloween
Kids of all ages (and adults) can scare themselves silly with a variety of special events for Halloween, from vampires at the London Eye and witchy canal tours to pumpkin carving.

London Canal Museum - 2FOR1 admission (museum only)
Enjoy Halloween at London Canal Museum getting spooked on dry land - the museum itself www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-canal-museum will be decorated and include storytelling for children and the chance to explore this unique museum.  In addition the Halloween at London Canal Museum special event on Saturday and Sunday 30-31 October features a ride through Islington Tunnel on a narrow-boat specially decorated for the occasion (separate charges apply and to make a booking call 020 7713 0836). Be prepared to meet spirits from the other side as the boat glides through the water in the darkness, chew on the sweets provided and make friends with the friendly witch on board.

London Dungeon - 2FOR1 admission
Scare your socks off for Halloween at London Dungeon www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-dungeon with a brand new show featuring Jack O'Lantern and the Sounds of Hell. Featuring a hellish Halloween labyrinth where hapless visitors will be pursued from screams and moans from the gaping mouth of hell, there's plenty of thrills and spine-tingling chills to be had for families and fans of the macabre.  Yet more horrors await for those foolish enough to try the two new rides, including the Extremis - Drop Ride to Doom ride where you fall victim to the hooded hangman. Also available over Halloween at London Dungeon is the Traitor - Boat Ride to Hell ride, which will leave you cowering and shivering from fear.

Fortnum and Mason - see website for charges
If you want some suitably spooky treats for Halloween at Fortnum and Mason www.fortnumandmason.com , then you can splash out on a life size chocolate skull or stock up on ghoulish sweets such as bloody eyeballs, exploding toads, witches' fingers or Dracula's dentures. You can also buy seasonal hampers such as the Witches' Cauldron, the Trick or Treat Party Box or the Wicked Wicker.  Pumpkin lanterns are an integral part of All Hallow's Eve, and all ages have the chance to take part in a pumpkin carving competition this Halloween at Fortnum and Mason. The pumpkin carving competition for Halloween at Fortnum and Mason takes place from 16.00-20.00 on Friday 29 October 2010. For more information and to reserve your place in the contest, call 0845 300 1707.

London Eye - 2FOR1 daily flights from 10.00 (between 25-29 October Mon-Fri only after 16.00)
Kids and families can enjoy storytelling from vampire headmaster Dr Acula and make the most of a Twilight Flight on the iconic observation wheel http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-eye .  The Dr Acular storytelling runs from 16.00 - 19.00 from Monday 25 October - Sunday 31 October 2010.

Ghost Bus Tours - 2FOR1 tours
Jump aboard London's only fright bus service and take a ride to the dark side on a Ghost Bus Tour! www.daysoutguide.co.uk/ghost-bus-tours-scary-sightseeing The ghost bus actors unearth the hidden horrors of the metropolis as the bus itself reveals its own haunting secrets. It's sure to be busy and please book early!

Diwali in the Square on 31 October 2010
Diwali is a Hindu, Sikh and Jain celebration known as the "festival of lights" and takes place on 5 November 2010.  Celebrations often include firework displays and the next day is the start of the Hindu New Year.  Diwali in the Square takes place at Trafalgar Square from 14.00 - 18.30 on Sunday 31 October 2010. The event is free to attend.  Diwali in the Square will transform Trafalgar Square with vibrant Diwali celebrations, including traditional light displays, floating lanterns and colourful Diwali decorations. Open to all, the event promises to light up Trafalgar Square in traditional Indian style.  As well as lights and decorations, a full programme of performances feature at Diwali in the Square including a mixture of traditional and contemporary music and dance. This year's highlights include the chance to take part in a traditional circular dance known at the garba accompanied by live music from the Trafalgar Square stage.