Whether you’re looking for activities that embrace or escape the autumnal outdoors, give your children some much-needed rest, or get them into the Halloween spirit, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see throughout the half term holidays here in Wimbledon Village. Here’s our top twelve picks…
1. Get Creative at Planet Art Club’s Halloween Holiday Camp
Founded by two mums who are passionate about recycling and sustainable creativity, Planet Art Club is a great option for arty, active kids. This half-term, the Club is holding a 3 day Halloween-themed camp for creative youngsters eager to make something new out of something old. Plus there’ll be a Halloween Party of course! Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early to secure a spot.
Where: St Mary’s Church Garden Hall, Wimbledon Village, SW19 7BT.
When: Tuesday 29th October – Thursday 31st October 2024.
Who: Children aged 4-8 (4-year-olds must be in Reception). Older siblings accepted on request.
£/Booking: £60 per child, per day. Booking: https://planet-artclub.com/classes-%26-camps
2. Visit the Wimbledon Windmill Museum
Wimbledon Common’s iconic 200-year-old windmill is home to the only museum in the country which is dedicated to celebrating windmills and the evolution of wind power. Discover the history of windmills and the development of windmill sales with interactive working models, before having a go at making your own flour using the windmill’s saddle stone, mortar and hand quern.
Where: Wimbledon Windmill Museum, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, SW19 5NR.
When: Open 26th October from 2 – 5 pm and 27th October from 11 am – 5 pm. The Museum is then closed until March 2025 so make the most of this last opportunity to visit in 2024!
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: Entry free of charge, but donations gratefully accepted. Booking not required.
3. Enjoy family fun on the Wimbledon Common Pumpkin Hunt
Take the little ones to run off some steam at this fun Halloween-themed treasure trail on Wimbledon Common. Entry is just £2 with plenty of treats and prizes to be won. There will also be free face painting, a craft table to create spooky windmills and Reptile Events will be bringing some of their scaley friends for you to meet too!
Where: Wimbledon Common (starting at the Windmill).
When: Saturday 26th October 2024 from 10.30 am to 4 pm. For the full event schedule and activity times please click here.
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: £2 entry fee, no booking required.
4. Take a Foray into Fungi with the Wimbledon Common Nature Club
A fabulous club for inquisitive youngsters who love the outdoors, The Wimbledon Common Nature Club meets on the first Sunday of every month between 10am and 12 noon to do hands on activities with nature, from making bird feeders to examining life under a microscope. In the November event, Dr June Chatfield of the South London Botanical Institute joins the team for a foray into fungi.
Where: Information Centre, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common
When: Sunday 3rd November, from 10 am – 12 pm
Who: Suitable for 6 – 14 year olds, but parents are welcome to come along too!
£/Booking: Free event although the Club welcomes donations towards equipment and invited guests. No booking required but if you’re new to the club then please register at 9.45 am.
5. Combine fitness and fun at Sam Marland’s Tennis Camp
Was your child inspired by the Wimbledon Championships or already an avid player who wants to play some fun games with like-minded children? Sam Marland is a fully licensed LTA coach, whose camp focuses on shot technique with plenty of time for fun games too! Camps run all day, but half day options are also available.
Where: The Kings Club, London, SW19 4TT.
When: Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November 2024.
Who: Recommended for 4 – 14 year olds.
£/Booking: Half day sessions: £20/£100 per week. Full day sessions: £35/£175 per week. Sibling discounts available. Book here: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SGMtennis/Coaching/Camps
6. Experience Forest Bathing in Cannizaro Park
For families who love the outdoors, Cannizaro Park is a beautiful space packed with unusual plants and unique spaces, just a stone’s throw from the Village. Having opened to the general public in 1949, Cannizaro Park is home to an Italian Garden, Herb Garden, a pond and its own woodland area.
On Saturday November 1st you can enjoy a guided slow sensory walk and immerse yourself in the wooded world of Cannizaro Park with Susanne Meis, an experienced Forest Bathing Guide and Nature Wellbeing Educator – a perfect opportunity to calm your mind, energise your body and experience a deep connection with nature.
Where : Millenium Fountain by the main park entrance
When: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Who: Families with older children
£/Booking: £15 pp plus booking fee. Book on Eventbrite.
7. Enjoy Ghost Stories by Candlelight @ Southside House
Who doesn’t love a ghost story? Extend your Halloween fun with this special ‘Ghost Stories by Candlelight’ storytelling event in the atmospheric and historic Southside House.
Where: Southside House, 3-4 Woodhayes Road
When: Friday 1st November at 6pm.
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: Flexible pricing to encourage participation. Recommended: £20pp. Minimum price: £12. Book tickets on Ticket Source.
8. Try a Wimbledon Common Parkrun
For keen runners or those who need to let off some steam, Parkrun organises a family-friendly 5k community event on Wimbledon Common every Saturday. Join your local community at 9am to run, jog, walk or simply spectate! The event starts by the windmill and is followed by a post-run coffee at the windmill tearooms, which also offers an array of homemade brunch and lunch dishes too!
Where: Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 5NR.
When: Every Saturday at 9am.
Who: Everyone! Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
£/Booking: Participation is free but you should register online beforehand.
9. Meditate at the beautiful Buddhapadipa Temple
Nestled away amongst a beautiful garden and pond, the Buddhapadipa Temple is the first Thai Theravada Buddhist Temple ever built outside Asia and just a 3-minute drive or short walk from the Village. For those who want to relax and unwind, the temple hosts free weekly meditation sessions, or you can simply enjoy some quiet time in this stunning and serene space.
Where: 14 Calonne Road, London, SW19 5HJ.
When: Weekly meditation sessions. For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/buddhapadipa or call 0208 946 1357 /WhatsApp:07483905797
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: Entry to the Temple is free of charge.
10. Explore local history at the Wimbledon Museum
Home to a small natural history collection and an archaeological collection, Wimbledon Museum is a great spot for curious kids and is free of charge!
Try their sensory trail, which is accessible to all and offers a unique, hands-on way to learn and connect with the museum collection using all your senses. Simply find the wooden number, open the matching bag, and follow the instructions inside to smell, touch, listen to, or look closely at the featured objects. Feel free to follow the trail at your own pace and pick any bag that interests you—no need to go in order!
Once you’ve finished exploring the exhibits, head to their Art Gallery, where you can view a range of artworks created by four talented young artists, which were inspired by objects in the museum.
Where: 22 Ridgway, London, Sw19 4QN
When: The Museum is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2.30 to 5pm.
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: Entry free of charge. No booking required.
11. Enjoy the Art Below Autumn Exhibition at Ad Lib Gallery
If you have children with an interest in art, make sure you put aside an hour to visit Ad Lib Gallery. Their latest exhibition includes pieces from artists whose work can also be currently found on numerous London Underground billboards, together with works from some of the Gallery’s favourite artists.
Where: 10 Church Road, London, SW19 5DL.
When: 24th October to 3rd of November 2024. Check the gallery website for opening times.
Who: The whole family
£/booking: Free exhibition, with pieces available to buy. No booking required.
12. Visit the world-renowned Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
The Museum is a must for tennis enthusiasts or just those keen to learn more about this world famous sporting tournament. With amazing interactive displays you can experience Martina Navratilova’s power, or sit on the bench used by Roger Federer, learn fascinating facts about the sport and players, as well as the history and traditions of the Championships. For those who are eager to see more, the tour allows you behind-the-scenes access to the grounds, where you will see the facilities used by the world’s best tennis players and learn how the site continues to be changed and improved year-by-year. And don’t forget to pick up some branded souvenirs before you leave, from the Wimbledon Shop.
Where: 3 Church Road, London, SW19 5AG.
When: The Museum, Shop and Café are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Last entry at 4.30 pm
Who: Everyone!
£/Booking: Museum only: Adult £15/Child 10; Museum & Tour: Adult £30/Child £20. Booking: https://bookings.wimbledon.com/stadiumtours/home.htm
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