There’s lots of fun, free events happening across Islington this October half term to help keep kids and families entertained. From libraries and community centres to parks and gardens, find out what’s happening below… 

Libraries events and activities

This Green Libraries Week, we’re joining forces with the National Year of Reading 2026 to highlight the connection between reading, learning and environmental action. Browse the events below to find opportunities for all ages to explore sustainability, discover new books and get involved in your local library. 

Green Libraries Week 

From handprint collage to wreath and mirror-making, there are lots of fun half-term activities happening in all our libraries. Follow the link below for more information on the events, which are are open to all ages. There’s no need to book, just drop in! 

Half-term library activities

Evening bat walk

Thursday 22 October, 5.30pm-7.30pm 

Freightliners City Farm, Sheringham Road, N7 8PF 

A friendly bat walk and talk for young people and families. Meet at Freightliners City Farm and the walk makes its way to Barnsbury Wood, Crescent Street, N1 1BW. 

Family art day: discover, play and share

Sunday 25 October 2026, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Estorick Collection, 39a Canonbury Square, London, N1 2AN 

These family-friendly activities invite you to step into the studio of Wanda and Marion Wulz, two of 20th-century Italy’s most innovative photographers. Together, families will explore the interplay between tradition and experimentation, from capturing the stillness of classic portraits to embracing the energy, speed, and motion of Futurist ideas.  

Through hands-on, process-driven challenges, you will discover how these pioneering artists transformed everyday images, played with layers and light, and expressed their unique identities. Join us for a creative, intergenerational journey where art sparks conversation across generations and unlocks the power of storytelling!  

Estorick Collection events

Free half-term cycling sessions for kids and teens

Islington Council offers free Bikeability cycle training for children aged 5-17 years old at Highbury Fields, N5, and Tollington Park, N4. There are different courses available to suit your child’s age and cycling experience. 

Sessions run Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October at Highbury Fields, and Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 October at Tollington Park.  

Head over to Islington Council Bikeability to find out more and book your child on to a free session!   

Holiday Bikeability Courses

The Bright Start Big Walk

Monday 26 October, 9:15am–10:30am 

Highbury Fields Wildlife Garden, N5 1QL 

Join the Bright Start team for the first ever children’s book-themed Bright Start Big Walk! Starting and finishing at the Highbury Fields Wildlife Garden, we will have a gentle walk, scoot or buggy around the main field in Highbury Fields before joining the Outdoor Stay and Play for fruit and water. 

Craft sessions and bat walks

Monday 26 October, 4pm-6pm 

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Clock View Crescent, N7 9HF 

Wednesday 28 October, 4pm-5.30pm 

Thornhill Square, N1 1BQ 

Make a lantern and take a walk around the park at dusk to look for bats 

Happy Healthy Halloween

26-30 October 

Dress up and come along to our spooky fun days for children aged 0-7 and their families – also a fun way for children and families to meet local health experts including speech and language practitioners, GPs and health visitors. Ask questions and get advice while your children have fun with singing, storytelling, crafts by The Garden Classroom and much more. Just drop in! 

Monday 26 October, 11am–1pm: Andover Community Centre, N7 7RY 

Thursday 29 October, 10am–12pm: Barnard Park Wildlife Garden, N1 0ER 

Friday 30 October, 9.30am–12pm: Family Hub Central at New River Children’s Centre, Ramsey Walk, N1 2SX 

Go Africa open book at the library

Wednesday 28 October 2026
Tall Stories, Islington Central Library 

As part of the Go Africa Takeover for Black History Month 2026, this special event celebrates Black literature, storytelling and authorship. Delivered in partnership with Islington Libraries, it will bring together acclaimed authors and local communities to explore African and Caribbean stories and perspectives.  The event aims to inspire readers of all ages and highlight the importance of representation in literature, history and storytelling.  

Go Africa
 

Spa Fields Halloween walk

Thursday 29 October, 12pm-1pm 

Spa Fields, Northampton Road, EC1R 0DF 

Meet some of the Clerkenwell ghosts and rascals as you explore the site of an old graveyard and the surrounding area on this guided walk. Dress up if you like – all ghosts, witches, skeletons and ghouls are welcome – and bring something to scare the ghosts with, such as a whistle, recorder, rattle or even pan lids! 

For more information, email community ranger Lilybelle Marrion at lilybelle.marrion@islington.gov.uk  

Family Halloween trail

Thursday 29 October 2026, 1pm to 4pm

Families are invited to dress up and explore Islington on a Halloween trail filled with clues, sweet treats and chances to win prizes. 

Starting at David Astburys on Upper Street, children collect a map and clues before heading out to find participating local businesses and collect stamps along the way. 

This year’s stops include Islington Fire Station, St Mary’s Church, businesses in Islington Square and Camden Passage, giving families plenty of familiar places and new discoveries to enjoy together. 

There will also be a fancy dress competition and three hidden ghosts to find for the chance to win prizes. Families finish back at the David Astburys office, where children collect their Halloween sweet cones. 

Tickets are £3 per child, with all proceeds going to The Toy Project, supporting children and families through pre-loved toys and creative play. 

Starting point: David Astburys, 315 Upper Street, London, N1 2XQ 

Book the Halloween trail 

St James’ Church Garden Halloween walk

Friday 30 October, 12pm-1pm 

St James’ Church Garden, 3 Sans Walk, London EC1R 0LT 

Meet some of the Clerkenwell ghosts and rascals as you explore the garden and the surrounding area on this guided walk. Dress up if you like – all ghosts, witches, skeletons and ghouls are welcome – and bring something to scare the ghosts with, such as a whistle, recorder, rattle or even pan lids! 

For more information, email community ranger Lilybelle Marrion at lilybelle.marrion@islington.gov.uk  

New River Halloween walk

Friday 30 October, 1pm-2pm 

Meeting point: New River Walk, St Paul’s Road entrance, N1 2QP 

Learn about witches, ghosts, spirits and magic potions on this fun family walk. Dress up if you like – all ghosts, witches, skeletons and ghouls are welcome! 

For more information, email community ranger Luke at Luke.HowardBanyer@islington.gov.uk