Fun for the whole family this half term

The crisp air, golden leaves, and Halloween festivities make this time of year magical for all ages. Here are some fantastic ideas to make the most of the October half-term.

1. Explore Local Nature Trails
   Autumn is the perfect time to get outdoors and experience the vibrant colours of the season. The peacefulness of a nature walk provides a great way for the whole family to unwind and appreciate the beauty of autumn.

Top Tip: Pack a picnic with seasonal treats like apples, nuts, and hot chocolate to keep everyone fuelled for adventure. Consider bringing a small nature guidebook to help the kids identify trees, leaves, and animals along the way.

2. Pumpkin Picking and Carving
   Embrace the festive spirit of Halloween by visiting a local farm to pick your own pumpkins. Many farms offer a full autumn experience, with fields filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. After selecting the perfect pumpkins, bring them home for a family carving session. Whether you go for spooky faces, fun design it’s a creative activity that brings everyone together.

Top Tip: Look for farms that offer extra activities like petting zoos, hayrides, or corn mazes. These attractions can make your day out even more exciting and provide lots of entertainment for the little ones.

3. Visit a Halloween Event
   October is full of Halloween events, and many are designed with families in mind. From kid-friendly haunted houses and costume parades to trick-or-treating in town centres.Some places even offer pumpkin-themed games, live shows, and interactive storytelling sessions. Kids love dressing up as their favourite characters, and many events include costume contests with prizes.

Top Tip: Book tickets early, as popular events tend to sell out quickly. Some events offer early-bird discounts, so it’s worth planning.

4. Autumn Crafting at Home
   Collect materials like colourful leaves, pinecones, and acorns from your nature walks and turn them into beautiful homemade crafts. Create wreaths for the front door, garlands for the mantel, or seasonal decorations for your home. Crafting together is not only fun but also gives your home a cosy, personal touch, perfect for the autumn season.

Top Tip: Use your homemade crafts to decorate your home with autumnal charm.

5. Cosy Movie Day
   As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than snuggling up indoors for a cosy movie marathon. Build a fort with blankets and pillows, pop some popcorn, and let the whole family choose their favourite films. Whether it’s classic Halloween movies or family favourites, a movie day is a great way to relax together.

Top Tip: Let each family member pick a movie to ensure everyone has a chance to see their favourite.

6. Explore Local History
   Turn your family’s half-term break into a historical adventure by visiting local castles, museums, or historic sites. Many locations offer interactive exhibits and activities specially designed for kids, such as treasure hunts, dress-up areas, and guided tours that bring history to life. Whether exploring medieval castles, discovering ancient artefacts, or stepping back in time in a living history museum, it’s an educational and entertaining way to spend the day.

Top Tip: Check for half-term discounts or special events at local attractions. Many museums and heritage sites run special Halloween-themed activities in October, like ghost tours and pumpkin trails, which add an extra layer of fun.

7. Bake Autumn Treats Together
   Spend quality time in the kitchen whipping up delicious autumn-inspired treats. Whether it’s pumpkin pies, apple crumbles, or spiced biscuits, baking is a great way to teach kids about cooking while enjoying some tasty rewards. Let the little ones help with rolling dough,cutting shapes, or decorating biscuits with icing. Baking together brings a wonderful sense of warmth and togetherness.

Top Tip: Use autumn colours for your decorations to add a festive touch.

8. Go Apple or Berry Picking
   A visit to a local orchard or berry farm is not only fun but also educational. Kids will love collecting apples or berries, and it’s a great way to teach them where food comes from. Many farms offer pick-your-own experiences during the autumn. After picking, head home to make pies, jams, or crumbles with your fresh harvest. You’ll enjoy delicious homemade treats and the satisfaction of knowing you picked the ingredients yourself.

Top Tip: After picking, make a family apple pie or berry dessert with your fresh produce.

9. Visit a Farm Park or Zoo
   A visit to a farm park or zoo offers a day full of learning and excitement. Many venues have seasonal activities like pumpkin carving, animal feeding, and special autumn trails. Kids will enjoy seeing animals up close and learning about how they prepare for winter. Some farm parks offer tractor rides, adventure playgrounds, and even chances to meet and feed the animals. It’s a great mix of education and fun, perfect for a family day out.

Top Tip: Check for “autumn animal encounters” to learn how animals prepare for winter.

10. Go Horseback Riding
    Experience the beauty of autumn in a unique way by going horseback riding. For younger children, look for places that offer pony rides or pony grooming sessions to get them involved. It’s an adventurous and memorable way to enjoy the great outdoors together.

Top Tip: Look for centres that offer pony grooming sessions or riding gear for a full equestrian experience.

11. Outdoor Climbing or Zip Lining
    For families seeking a bit of adventure, outdoor climbing or zip-lining is an exhilarating way to enjoy autumn. Many outdoor centres offer courses designed for different age groups, so even the youngest adventurers can get involved. These activities not only provide a thrill but also help build confidence and teamwork among family members.

Top Tip: Choose family-friendly locations that offer courses appropriate for different ages. Some parks may also have special deals for families, making it a fun and affordable day out.

12. Leeds Castle Awaits!
    This Halloween, visit Leeds Castle for a spooky, fun-filled day that combines history and Halloween thrills. Wander through the shadowy corridors of the castle, listen to ghost stories, and keep an eye out for the legendary phantom knight! Beyond the spooky atmosphere, there are 500 acres of beautiful grounds to explore, including Adventure Golf, Go Ape, and a maze to keep the whole family entertained. It’s a perfect mix of history and fun.

Top Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal events like Halloween-themed trails and workshops for an added touch of spooky magic. These activities make the visit even more memorable for kids.

14. LEGOLAND Adventure
    LEGOLAND is the ultimate destination for families, especially kids aged 2-12 (and LEGO® lovers of all ages). With themed rides, shows, and interactive LEGO-building activities, it’s a place where imaginations run wild. During autumn, LEGOLAND hosts special seasonal events, including Halloween-themed activities like Brick or Treat, where kids can go trick-or-treating in costume throughout the park.

Top Tip: Be sure to check out their season

Whether you're after a spot of spooky fun, some creative crafts, or simply quality family time, there's something for everyone this October half-term. From exciting outdoor adventures to cosy indoor activities, it's the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories.