30 Spook-tacular Things to Do This October Half Term

With October half term falling bang in the middle of spooky season, there are plenty of exciting things to do with the kids, to creep it real and give them one hell of a terror-ific time. From pumpkin picking to haunted ghost tours, we have plenty of tricks and treats up our sleeves to make sure you have no shortage of October half term activities!

1.Go on an Autumn Hike

Embrace the crisp autumn air with a family hike through the countryside. The changing leaves create the perfect backdrop for a scenic walk, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way. A fantastic way to enjoy time with the whole family and take in the beauty of autumn.

2. Pumpkin Picking

Head to a local pumpkin patch with all the family for some wholesome fun. Let the kids choose their perfect pumpkin for carving, and snap some seasonal pics while you’re at it. There’s no better way to kick off your half term activities than with a pumpkin patch visit.

3. Visit the Tower of London

Step into history at the Tower of London, where tales of ghosts and treasures await. Explore this iconic fortress, once home to kings and queens, and don’t miss the famous ravens that guard the tower. A mix of spooky stories and rich history, it's the perfect family-friendly spot for some half term fun.

4. Visit Phantom Peak

Step into an immersive Halloween experience filled with quirky characters, puzzles to solve, and spooky fun around every corner. Phantom Peak is ideal for older kids and teens looking for an interactive adventure over half term.

5. Spooky Biscuit Baking

Get creative in the kitchen with some ghoulish goodies. From ghost-shaped cookies to witchy cupcakes, the kids will love decorating these devilishly delicious treats—and gobbling them up after! Perfect for some family-friendly fun.

6. Football Stadium Tour

For sports-loving families, a football stadium tour is one of the top half term ideas. Walk in the footsteps of famous players, explore the grounds, and maybe even peek into the locker rooms. 

7. Visit the Natural History Museum

Packed with fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, the Natural History Museum is a great day out for all the family. From dinosaurs to deep-sea creatures, there’s plenty to explore, making it a fun and educational October half term event.

8. Visit a Haunted Prison

For thrill-seeking families, visiting a haunted prison is sure to send shivers down your spine. Hear tales of ghostly sightings and take a spooky tour—ideal for those who love a bit of history with their Halloween events.

9. Pumpkin Carving

After your pumpkin patch visit, it’s time to carve! Set up a carving station at home and let the kids get creative with their eerie designs. Bonus points for the most ghoulish face! Pumpkin carving is a Halloween event staple for the whole family.

10. Visit the London Dungeon

For a spine-tingling experience, the London Dungeon is packed with history and horror. It’s ideal for older kids who love a good scare and want to dive into the spooky fun of October half term events.

11. Forest Bathing

Connect with nature by taking a mindful walk through the forest. Forest bathing is all about slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural world, making it a peaceful activity to enjoy with all the family this half term.

12. Go on a Corn Maze Adventure

Challenge the family to navigate a spooky corn maze! With twists and turns around every corner, it’s a great mix of fun and fright, making it a must-do for October half term activities.

13. Escape Room

For families who love a challenge, an escape room experience is a brilliant way to work together and test your wits. Can you solve the puzzles and escape before time runs out?

14. Visit Stonehenge

For something a bit more magical, take a trip to the mysterious Stonehenge. This ancient site is perfect for an autumn day out with the whole family, offering a mix of history and wonder to your half term plans.

15. Watch a Firework Display

October half term is often marked with a bang! Head to a local fireworks display and enjoy a dazzling evening under the stars. Wrap up warm and let the whole family be dazzled by the lights and colours.

16. Steam Train Ride

Hop aboard a vintage steam train for a magical journey through the autumn countryside. With stunning views and a nostalgic feel, it’s a relaxing way for the whole family to enjoy some time together during half term.

17. Family Climbing Experience

For a more adventurous day out, why not try an indoor family climbing experience? It’s the perfect way to get active while conquering new heights, and the thrill of reaching the top is sure to make it a memorable challenge for everyone!

18. Axe Throwing

Fancy something a bit unusual? An axe throwing experience is a thrilling way to try something different this half term. See who can hit the target with Viking-style throws—an experience older kids and teens will love!

19. Go Karting

Race into October half term with an adrenaline fuelled go karting experience. Whether you’re competing against the kids or watching them zoom around, it’s a fun way to enjoy a little competition over half term.

20. Create Your Own Potion Experience

Calling all budding witches and wizards! Why not brew up your very own magical potion at the School of Magic in Edinburgh? With this potion making experience kids can mix together mystical ingredients and watch their concoction bubble and brew. It’s a spellbinding, hands-on experience that’s perfect for kids and a magical way to enjoy some Halloween fun!

21. Archery Experience

Older kids will love an archery experience this half term. Channel your inner Robin Hood and take aim! It’s a fun and active day out that’s perfect for families who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

22. Pooch Therapy

For a paws-itively relaxing experience, enjoy a session of pooch therapy. Spend time with adorable dogs, which is sure to lift everyone’s spirits. It’s one of the more unique family friendly activities for October half term!

23. Visit a Spooky Castle

Step back in time and explore the spooky side of history at Hampton Court. With eerie corridors and tales of hauntings, it’s perfect for those looking to combine history with some Halloween thrills during half term.

24. Conker Collecting

An autumn classic, collecting conkers is a simple but fun way to get outdoors. Whether in your garden or at the park, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the season.

25. Craft Your Own Halloween Decorations

Get crafty with the kids and make your own Halloween decorations. From bat garlands to creepy cobwebs, creating DIY spooky décor is a fun way to get the whole family involved in the Halloween spirit.

26. Hovercraft Experience

Take to the land and water with a hovercraft experience! This thrilling ride is something truly unique, and older kids will love the excitement of gliding over various terrains. A perfect October half term adventure.

27. Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Set up an autumn-themed scavenger hunt in your garden or local park. Create a list of items to find—like acorns, colourful leaves, and conkers—and let the kids loose. A fun way to enjoy the outdoors over half term!

28. Alpaca Experience

For a bit of fresh air and family fun, an alpaca experience is a wonderful way to spend the day with little ones. Get up close with these gentle creatures, take them on a walk, and learn all about their incredible stories. It’s a unique outdoor adventure that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

29. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Step into the magic of the wizarding world with a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Walk through the Great Hall, explore the Forbidden Forest, and see the incredible sets and props from the films. This is the perfect place for a bit of half term fun, and older kids will love the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Hogwarts.

30. Go to the Cinema

When you’re ready for some indoor family fun, heading to the cinema is a great option. Choose from the latest films, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a cosy afternoon with the kids. Whether it’s a Halloween flick or an animated adventure, it’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day of half term activities.

October half term is brimming with fang-tastic opportunities for family fun, from hands on activities to spooky halloween trails. Whether you're exploring eerie castles, enjoying the fresh air with an alpaca walk, or immersing yourself in the magic of the wizarding world, there are countless family friendly events to make this half term spook-tacular. With so many Things to Do in October Half Term, you’ll have no trouble keeping the little ones entertained. So gather your family and make the most of this eerie-sistible season with a mix of adventure, creativity, and magical experiences!