The Best Days Out For Families This October Half Term
Stuck for what to do with the kids this autumn? We have you covered
Spookydorei
Lilidorei transforms into a Halloween haven this half term, and it’s the perfect day out to keep kids busy whilst fuelling their imaginations. Come dressed in your best costume and explore the trail, unlocking the scary stories about the Lilidorei clans as you do. The play structure is open to play on, and you can also explore the Clan Cabins which are decorated for Halloween. If you’re feeling really brave, wait until night falls for Spookydorei Nights – wander the path and see Lilidorei lit up by smoke machines and atmospheric lighting. Take part in trick or treating, but be warned – the secret keepers may give you a scare or two!
Lilidorei, Alnwick
26th October–3rd November
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
Halloween Half Term
A trip to Flamingo Land is always a day to remember, and this half term they have a spooktacular lineup of entertainment alongside their theme park and zoo. Expect Halloween street entertainers, a fancy dress competition and a trick or treat trail. There are also Halloween shows, including the spectacular Family Fright Halloween Show, pyro-musical fireworks and a drone swarm display.
Flamingo Land Resort, Malton
26th October–3rd November
flamingoland.co.uk
Brilliant Bats
Did you know that nine species of bat have been recorded at Gibside? This half term, families can join a guided trail to find out all about the bats that call Gibside home, and why they aren’t as scary as you may first think. There’ll also be crafts on Halloween in the forest room, where kids can make their own origami bat.
Gibside, Rowlands Gill
26th October–3rd November
nationaltrust.org.uk
Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Walk on the wild side this half term at Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s fearsome Halloween festival. Inside the big top, The Wicked Witches and Villainous Villains Pantomime will give you a laugh (as well as a scare) and A Million Screams musical medley will have the whole family singing along. There’s also spine-tingling story time, weird science and a spooky UV show. At the Creepy Carnival, there’ll be rides, games and food. Circus workshops and dragon training will run throughout the day. All this, plus hundreds of animals to see on their wildlife walkthrough adventure, guarantees a jam-packed day of fun.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
31st October–2nd November
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
The Anatomy of a Dinosaur
Head back to prehistory this half term at Life Science Centre. Visitors can meet a two-metre high T-Rex (as well as three baby dinosaurs) and watch the interactive show by educators Teach Rex. Alongside this, kids can examine real minibeasts and create a spooky, wind-powered contraption.
Life Science Centre, Newcastle
26th October–1st November
life.org.uk
Myths and Monsters
Perfect for history lovers, join Ad Gefrin’s storytellers as they tell the tale of Beowulf and the monster Grendel. However, they’ll need some help from you to bring the story to life by acting it out as part of the cast. Then, illustrate and illuminate your own Anglo-Saxon monster to fully step back into a time when monsters ruled our world.
Ad Gefrin, Wooler, Northumberland
29th October–30th November
adgefrin.co.uk
Hallowtween
Aimed at older kids and teens, Hallowtween is a toned-down version of York’s award-winning Hallowscream event. Those willing to be spooked can venture into four of the individually themed scare houses in the day time, without the scare actors that usually haunt them at night. There’ll also be live stage shows, roving Halloween characters and fairground rides.
Elvington Lane, York
26th–31st October
hallowtween.co.uk
October Half Term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
For a fun and educational day out, visit this gorgeous garden. On the Wicked Plants trail, learn about toxic flowers, freaky fungi and carnivorous plants before meeting weird and wonderful creatures with ZooLab. At the Forest School, craft something wicked using natural materials from the garden and listen to enchanting stories from the Garden Detectives.
RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate
26th October–3rd November
rhs.org.uk
Halloween Evenings
Beamish Living Museum becomes un-living this half term, with strange new inhabitants on the Edwardian street, fiendish fun in the 1950s welfare hall and fairground rides not for the faint of heart. Treats will be available at the bakery and sweetshop, and many of their catering outlets will be open, too.
Beamish, County Durham
28th, 29th and 31st October
beamish.org.uk
Mother Shipton’s Halloween
For a spellbinding day out, visit Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birth place of witch and prophetess, Ursula Shipton. Explore themed displays featuring witches, cauldrons and magic spells and don’t forget to strike a spooky pose at the many photo opportunities. Make a wish in the mysterious wishing well and even venture into the depths of the cave – if you dare!
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresbrough
26th October–3rd November
mothershipton.co.uk
