We know keeping the children entertained over half-term can be a challenge, so we've rounded up some brilliant ideas to make the week extra special.
From spellbinding fun in London's West End to pumpkin picking in Nottingham or spooky tales at Bristol Zoo, there's no shortage of fun and memorable activities across the country for families this October half-term.
See Magical Merlin in the West End | Monday 27th October - Sunday 2nd November
Magical Merlin is a family musical that whisks you away to a land of witches, wizards and legendary adventures.
In this Arthurian adventure, the arrival of baby King Arthur sees his jealous sister, Morgan Le Fay, start to turn people into animals, so it's up to Merlin to save the kingdom!
Perfect for children aged 4-12, this one-hour production is a magical half-term treat and a wonderful introduction to theatre, with tickets starting from £17.50.
Tickets are on sale now and are selling quickly. Click here to book your seats.
Join Perform's Pinocchio holiday courses | Monday 27th - Wednesday 29th October
Children aged 4-10 can explore a world of colour, mischief and magic with Pinocchio holiday courses, held over three days at the start of the half-term break.
Packed with drama, dance, singing, plenty of games and engaging arts and crafts, this three-day holiday course will culminate in a mini-performance with colourful costumes and props on the last day.
If your child would like to venture into Geppetto's cosy workshop and meet Pinocchio and friends, secure your space here.
Discover Halloween at Kew | Friday 17th October - Sunday 2nd November
Get into the Halloween spirit at the majestic Kew Gardens, where you and the children can journey through a spooky trail to see ghouls, witches and more!
Children can wander through the forgotten fairground, peek into Frankenstein's laboratory and tiptoe past giant spiders' webs in the haunted woods. Along the way, there are plenty of glowing lights to keep the magic alive.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Go pumpkin picking
Pumpkin picking is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to make the most of October half-term and embrace the Halloween magic.
Children love dashing through the rows of pumpkins, searching for the biggest, brightest or quirkiest ones to take home and it's a perfect excuse to enjoy some fresh autumn air together.
There are plenty of pumpkin patches to discover, including:
- Farrington's Farm in Bristol
- Cammas Hall Farm in Hertfordshire
- Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey
- Hatters Farm in Essex
- Foxes Farm in Basildon and Colchester
- Rectory Farm in Oxford
- The Rotherwick Patch in Hampshire
- Droxford Pumpkin Patch in Hampshire
- Pick Your Own' Pumpkins experience in Nottinghamshire
- Manor Farm in Nottinghamshire
Visit a zoo
A trip to the zoo is a hit with children of all ages.
Children can spend hours exploring different habitats, spotting everything from lions and lemurs to penguins and parrots, while parents enjoy the chance to get outdoors and learn something new together.
This half-term, many local zoos are adding a spooky twist to the experience. Check out:
- Shriek Week at Colchester Zoo
- Boo at the Zoo at London Zoo
- Halloween fun at Hertfordshire Zoo
- Howl-oween at Bristol Zoo
- Boo at the Zoo at Whipsnade Zoo
- Wild Autumn at Marwell Zoo
- Halloween at Woburn Safari Park
- Shriek Week at Drusillas Park
If you're looking for spooky fun near Oxford, look into Waterperry Gardens' Spooktacular Halloween Hunt.
