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Things To Do In October Half Term 2024
Image Credit: Bee Felten-Leidel
When October Half Term is here there is a good chance that you are probably looking for some ideas too keep the kids entertained now that they are not at school.
October Half Term 2024 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland falls between Monday 28th October 2024 to Friday 1st November 2024.
In Scotland it runs from Monday 14th October 2024 to Friday 25th October 2024. Scottish schools have been back since August so it's a very long term - that's why they get two weeks.
A few schools in the other parts of the UK have two weeks holiday at this time, always check your individual school to confirm the dates.
As October Half Term is close to Halloween, lots of October Half Term activities are combined with spooky Halloween events for kids, so be prepared for a plethora of pumpkins, a gaggle of ghosts and a veritable wave of witches and wizards!
There is lots to do this October across the UK. Whether you like adventure, the theatre, a movie or to get into the great outdoors there is something for everyone.
October Half Term Holiday Events Across The UK
Family events happening across the whole of the UK during the school October Half term holidays this year.
- The Big Draw 2024
The Big Draw is a festival of drawing held during the whole of the month of October.
This year's theme is Drawing In Motion. The theme is a celebration of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of drawing. This theme invites people from all corners of the globe to explore how the act of drawing can capture the essence of movement, energy, and life.
Find out about events across the UK at thebigdraw.org
- Ascarium at SEALiFE!
This Halloween The Sea Witch is back at Sealife for 2024!
Every Sealife centre opens a window into the magical world beneath our seas and offers close encounters for all ages with everything from humble shrimps and starfish to seahorses, sharks and stingrays.
Help the Sea Witch and join her army of Ocean Defenders from 14th to 31st October at SEAiFE in Birmingham, Brighton, Hunstanton, Loch Lomond, Manchester , Scarborough and Weymouth
- The National Trust
The National Trust have an exciting programme of Halloween and autumn themed activities at many of their properties for the school half term holidays.
- What's On At The Cinema This Autumn?
Are you thinking of heading off to the Cinema this October Half Term. Here is what's on at the cinema right now with all the family friendly movies on release in September and October 2024.
- Go to the Panto? Oh Yes You Can!
Halloween pantos are definitely a thing!
You can find all the October Half Term pantomines for 2024 at Big Panto Guide and even get a look at all the pantos for Christmas 2024 that you can look forward to.
- Get Your Skates On!
Christmas skating rinks are back for winter 2024, and lots of them are opening in time for you to take the kids for some October half term fun.
Find your nearest Christmas Ice Skating rink and at some of them you can also enjoy snacks, hot drinks or even a Christmas Market.
Follow a wildlife trail, discover historical stories or get creative with natural materials. Join in at family events across the country this October half-term. Find out more
There are events that are happening across the UK, then you can find out what is happening where you live.
- October Half Term Events in England
- October Half Term Events in Scotland
- October Half Term Events In Wales
- October Half Term Events in Northern Ireland
October Half Term Holiday Events In England
Family events happening across England during the school October Half Term holidays this year.
- Manchester Science Festival
The Manchester Science Festival runs from Friday 18 – Sunday 27 October 2024 at various locations in Manchester.
This year it explores the extremes of nature, human capability and creativity through entertaining events, immersive performances, family fun and hands-on activities across 10 days of inspiring experiences.
Plus mini star gazers can snuggle down for a special BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story inspired by Manchester Science Festival and read by CBeebies House presenters and a constellation of special guests.
- Legoland Discovery Centres
At the Legoland Discovery Centres in Manchester and Birmingham, October 2024 sees the return of the hugely popular their Brick-or-Treat Monster Party Halloween event for the month of October!
There is going to be fang-tastic activities including Halloween-themed LEGO build & play zones, spooktacular soft play areas and a brand new 4D Halloween movie ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ at the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground.
- Scarefest at Alton Towers
For the 16th year Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire is running it's annual Scarefest. Expect spine tingling creepy scares, spooktacular fun and thrills and brave your favourite rides in the dark! For the brave, add the Alton Towers Dungeon to your visit for the extra ghostly experience - the park opens late for these events.
Day Passes start from just £34 per person when you book at least 1 day in advance, and you can also book an October Half Term breaks which includes accomodation in CBeebiesland, Enchanted Village or Stargazing Pods.
- Turn Up The Music At The Science Museum
Science Museum London's Turn It Up: The Power of Music exhibition opens on 19th October after a successful run in Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry. In this fun, family-friendly experience you’ll get a chance to hear, interact with, and even make your own music!
You’ll explore the science and secrets around the impact music has on us with unique interactive exhibits.
- Howl'o'een Chessington
Chessington World of Adventures Surrey's theme park and zoo, perfect for daredevils and animal lovers alike.
Things are getting spoOoky once again at Chessington this October, with a FaBOOlous Halloween event for the whole family. On select October weekends and during half term there will be entertainment for all ages, rides at dusk, Halloween fancy dress competitions AND a brand new trick or treat experience, Enchanted Hollow… we dare you not to miss out!
- National Railway Museum
Steam along to the National Railway Museum in York, where ther are a host of October Half Term events including the last chance to see The Flying Scotsman.
Plus try out lots of STEM based activities, the Flying Scotsman VR Experience and a chance to find out just what a rail engineer does.
Little Peasants Walking Tour
Image Credit: Karl Moran
For any Little Peasants who are too young (or scared!) for The York Dungeon, they will be running a Little Peasants City Walking Tour on selected dates in October.
This one hour tour of York City will give families the chance to walk, laugh and learn while you explore York's famous sights including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and The Shambles.
English Heritage
Grab your broomsticks for a ghoulishly great day out at English Heritage's Halloween Events taking place across the country this October.
Need fiendish family fun to entertain your little monsters? English Heritage have creepy castles galore to visit and lots of spookey events for October Half Term.
October Half Term Holiday Events In Scotland
Family events happening across Scotland during the school October Half Term holidays this year.
The October half term holiday is usually a little earlier than the rest of the UK to reflect the fact that the Autumn term begins in August, and may also be two weeks long.
- Party Time!
Join the Halloween Family Party at Glasgow Science Centre where there will be plenty of spooktacular tricks and treats in store for the whole family - so dig out your best Halloween costume and join the party, if you dare, for a hauntingly great night!
- Highland Archaeology Festival
Dig into Scotland's ancient History with the Highland Archaeology Festival. Whether you are a seasoned archaeologist or a complete beginner, the festival will let you explore an amazing range of places and collections.
There’s something to suit everyone and many of the events are free!
- Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place each October and brings together a large number of Scottish and international storytellers and musicians.
Inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition and its sense of togetherness, it is a community gathering full of tales, anecdotes, music, songs and ballads. It takes place in and around Edinburgh from 18th to 31st October 2024.
This year's theme id "Bridges Between", inspired by the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Stirling Science Festival
The Stirling Science Festival takes place at a variety of locations in Stirling and is held between 17th and 19th October 2024.
There is a variety of free and paid events including codebreaking, fossil handling, crafts, storytelling, LEGO events and more.
This year's theme is Stirling 900 which celebrates 900 years of The Royal Burgh of Stirling.
October Half Term Holiday Events In Wales
Family events happening across Wales during the school October Half Term holidays this year.
- Welsh Museums Festival
The 26th October to 3rd November is the dates for the countrywide Welsh Museums Festival. Museums all across Wales are joining in with events, many of which are free.
From talks and lectures, to crafts, behind the scenes explorations, and conservation sessions there will be something to intrigue and delight history buffs of all ages.
- Mini Pumpkin Decorating in Chepstow
This Half Term head down to Chepstow Castle for some fun Mini Pumpkin Decorating where you choose your pumpkin then transform it into a spooky Halloween decoration to take home.
You can join in from 26th October to 3rd November. There’s no messy carving here - just felt pens, stickers and stick-on gemstones!
- Meet The Gruffalo In Llanarthne
Image Credit: NBGW
A new Gruffalo Trail opened last year at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne Carmarthenshire.
It features five larger-than-life sculptures of characters from the ever-popular books created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler: Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo.
- Blaenafon Ironworks Spooky Halloween Week
Blaenafon Ironworks is a historic former industrial site that played a crucial role in the development of the iron and steel industry.
As well as learning about this important part of Wales' industrial heritage you can join in on the Spooky Halloween Week at Blaenafon Ironworks from 26th October to 1st November 2024.
Throughout the week, there'll be a children’s trail and a chocolate prize in their spookily-themed cottages.
October Half Term Holiday Events In Northern Ireland
Family events happening across Northern Ireland during the school October Half Term holidays this year.
- A Mouse Took A Stroll...
- Make A Mask
For a super day out try the Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest Belfast, where sculptures of characters from The Gruffalo can be seen as you walk along the trail. The walk takes a toddler-friendly 20 minutes. Colin Glen Forest park is home to Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail.
Fans of Julia Donaldson are in for another treat as you can also join the trail of The Stickman, another story from the same author.
In Co Down, Northern Ireland, the WWT's Castle Espie is having a series of events for Halloween where you can join the Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade.
Join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures!
From spooky bats to ghostly swans, wear your mask around the wetlands for spine-tingling selfies. Be transported to a place of adventure and creative fantasy role play in your newly designed masquerade face.
Even More Half Term Ideas
- Visit the Top Aquariums in the UK for an aquatic day out. See Fish, sharks, eels, rays as well as otters and sealions at coastal locations. Here are the best the UK has to offer.
- If you are near London you can check out the Best West End Shows for Kids 2024. See a favourite like Wicked, Matilda or the Lion King or a newer show such as Mrs Doubtfire or the return of an old favourite, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
- Enjoy the great outdoors and meet some farmyard friends at one of Top UK Farm Parks. Meet cows, sheep, goats and pigs and learn about everything that goes on at a farm.
- For more ideas here are 5 Things to Do in any Town, City or Village and they are all things that you can do for free.
As Halloween falls during half term week (except in Scotland - sorry Scotland), it is a fantastic opportunity to do some goulishly fun things! How about these Spooky Days Out For Halloween at some spine-chilling locations across the UK?