School’s out! 40 things to do with the kids this October half term

Release the beasts! You may have the school’s out scaries, but don’t fear! Here’s what’s on around Kent this half term for monsters little and large.

FRIGHTFUL FUN

Yuck Yard, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

This October, dive into the spine-chilling Yuck Yard at the Dockyard. Explore gruesome naval history with gut-wrenching tales, queasy cures from Widow Wink, and seafaring surgeries from Surgeon George Bass. Watch the live-action Battle of the Bilge, follow the Ratcatcher’s Trail, and create your own slime masterpiece in the Gallery of Goo. It’s a Halloween adventure guaranteed to make your skin crawl!

Hever Castle, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Treat your little ones to a spine-chilling visit to Hever Castle this October Half Term. Explore spooky pumpkin displays featuring creepy spiders, monsters, witches, and more. Put your detective skills to the test with a Halloween word puzzle for a chance to win a prize, and keep an eye out for infamous Halloween characters like Frankenstein and mischievous witches. Plus, unleash your creativity with themed craft sessions, where kids can make their own Halloween treat bags. It’s a week of eerie enchantment you won’t forget!

Halloween Fun in Canterbury, Sat 26 Oct

Get ready for a thrilling Halloween adventure throughout the city on Sat 26 Oct, known as ‘Spooky Saturday’, a jam-packed day of frightful fun for all ages. So what’s on?

Meet the Ghostbusters and join their ghost-hunting mission in their Ecto-mobile, explore an interactive Halloween trail at The Beaney to help save the museum from the evil alchemist Blanche the Bland, and snap a spooky selfie at designated stops in the Cathedral Quarter for a chance to win prizes.

Uncover hidden treasures in the Castle Quarter during the Halloween Sweet Hunt, and enjoy festive storytelling sessions for the little ones at Fenwick and Tiny Tim’s Tearoom. Feeling brave? Take on the Shiverside Zombie Run or join the adult Ghostly Tales event for a spine-tingling evening of supernatural stories. With trick-or-treating in the King’s Mile and exciting activities at every corner, this Halloween is set to be unforgettable!

Halloween Trail, Role Play Rascals, Mon 28 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Get ready for an enchanting Halloween adventure this October half-term. Kids will love collecting spooky items and tossing them into the witch’s cauldron while chanting magical spells and every little adventurer will earn a prize at the end. Perfect for children up to 7 years old, this thrilling experience is just £8.50 per child. Don’t miss out – book your spot here now.

Penshurst Place, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Get ready for a spooky adventure at The Great Plague Halloween Half Term at Penshurst Place where the village of Penshurst is cursed with the Plague, and it’s up to YOU to help break the spell. Join the interactive storytelling sessions to heal the village, explore the eerie garden trail to crack the Plague’s code, and unleash your creativity with Halloween crafts in The Old Coach House. With thrilling activities from 10am – 5pm, it’s a Halloween experience you won’t want to miss. After all that fun, pop by the Halloween-themed Gift Shop too that’s brimming with spookily dressed displays and haunting decor.

Fright at the Museum: Prisms & Potions, The Beaney, Canterbury, Sat 5 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

This Halloween, combat the evil alchemist, Blanche the Bland, who’s trying to drain all the color and fun from the museum. Dive into this interactive family trail where you’ll solve puzzles, discover hidden treasures, and complete challenges. Finish the trail for a tasty treat and a chance to win an even bigger prize! Can you banish the beige? Trails are just £5, and while they can be shared, prizes are limited to one per trail.

The Magic & Fright Night Express, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tues 29 – Thurs 31 Oct

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween adventure at the Kent & East Sussex Railway. All aboard the Magic Express where young witches and wizards will embark on a thrilling ride with magical wonders. Every child receives an activity pack, and on board, the official wizards will challenge them with riddles and wand skills. Everyone leaves with a certificate plus there’s a costume contest for the best-dressed spellcaster!

Got tweens who are looking for chills on Halloween? The Fright Night Express promises a thrilling journey through the dark Wealden countryside. Dress to scare and prepare for jaw-dropping fire-eating performances and a dazzling firework display upon arrival at Northiam Station. Enjoy on the on-train entertainment and child tickets include a spooky-themed munch bag to enjoy during the journey.

Jock’s Pumpkin Party, Chartwell, Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Jock’s Pumpkin Party is here! Join the fun as Jock, Chartwell’s lovable resident cat, prepares for his pumpkin party but has mysteriously lost his pumpkins! Grab a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and embark on an exciting adventure through the gardens to help Jock find them. Don’t miss out on the spooky activities along the way! For just £3, you’ll not only solve the mystery but also receive a special prize. Let the pumpkin hunt begin.

Half-Term Camp, Ballerz, Weds 23 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Get ready to kick off your October half-term with a bang at Ballerz! This football camp is the ultimate destination for young players looking to improve their skills on the pitch. During these high-energy sessions, expert coaches will lead them through a series of drills and games designed to enhance their technique, speed, and agility. But that’s not all! They’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the state-of-the-art gaming lounge and skill zone which offers a variety of fun and interactive footballing activities to keep them entertained. With expert coaching, weather proof facilities, and a fun and friendly atmosphere, Ballerz is the perfect place for your football-mad kids to spend their October half-term – sign up today and take your game to the next level!

Leeds Castle, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Are you ready for a thrilling Halloween quest at Leeds Castle with The Guardians of the Grounds? Go on an interactive journey to save the castle by finding Rocky the Stone Monster and recovering six magical stones. Along the way, meet six magical beings with clues and riddles to help lift the curse before the castle crumbles! With spooky encounters, a maze challenge, and daily fancy dress competitions, this enchanting experience is perfect for kids.

The Curse of the Clocktower, Scotney Castle, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

The ancient clock in the tower has frozen at 11:59pm on Halloween night, trapping the castle’s creatures in an endless spooky loop! Can you restart the clock and break the Halloween curse? Unleash your wits as you explore the garden, solving riddles along the way. Once you have all the answers, find the mysterious device at the mansion entrance and enter the secret code to set the creatures free. This thrilling trail is perfect for children aged 6 and up, and for just £3 per child, you’ll not only embark on an exciting adventure but also receive a special prize!

Halloween at Kidsbury, Tunbridge Wells, Thurs 31 Oct & Fri 1 Nov

Celebrate the spooky season (don’t worry it’s all relaxed here!) at Kidsbury. Get your little ones to come in their costumes and enjoy a role play and some ghoulish games. With your ticket, you’ll receive a free paper basket to collect all your goodies in before trick-or-treating!

Haunted History Tours, Tues 29 – Thurs 31 Oct

Fancy some spooky fun? Uncover spine-tingling ghost stories and learn about the more gruesome side of history in a special after-dark haunted history tour of Hever Castle this Halloween. Follow your guide as they take you through the Castle’s most unfortunate owners, the gruesome fates that befell them, and those who might still be here in spirit. Tickets are £35 which includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco at the Moat Café or a soft drink alternative, setting the tone for a truly haunting experience.

WICKED WORKSHOPS

The Craftship Workshops, Made in Ashford, Fri 11 Oct – Sat 2 Nov

Get ready for a spine-tingling creative adventure at Made in Ashford’s fabulous workshop space this October and there’s something magical for all ages. Rollcall please: Baby Bum Print Pottery Session (Fri 11 Oct), Spooky Lego Printing Workshop (Weds 30 Oct), Magic Spells & Fairy Wishes Garden Workshop (Tues 29 Oct), Watercolour Halloween Scene (Tues 29 Oct), Story, Craft & Play: Spooky Special (Mon 28 Oct) and Half Term Craft Club (Thurs 31 Oct). Tickets start from just £5 – don’t miss out on these frightfully fun workshops!

Halloween Shortbread Decorating, The WonderWorks, Thurs 31 Oct

Get into the Halloween spirit with a fun shortbread decorating session at WonderWorks in Margate. For just £3pp, unleash your creativity and decorate spooky treats. Make sure to dress up on Halloween to enjoy free entry to The WonderWorks. 10am – 2pm.

Aardman Model-Making Workshops, The WonderWorks, Mon 28 & Tue 29 Oct

Get ready for an exciting Aardman adventure this Autumn at The WonderWorks! Don’t miss this hands-on experience where you can create your favorite Aardman characters, such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw. Led by an expert model maker from Aardman – who has worked on some of their most beloved productions – you’ll dive into the magical world of animation and crafting. Expect loads of fun anecdotes and insider insights that will inspire your creativity! Each session is just £10 per model builder, and spots fill up fast so book asap. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pumpkin Decorating, Macknade, Faversham, Tues 29 Oct

Paint brushes and pumpkins at the ready! Get your DIY Decorations sorted just in time for Halloween at Macknade. Roll up your sleeves and drop-in anytime between 11am and 1:30pm at the Apple Loft Event Room and for just £5 each your mini artists can create their very own spooky masterpieces to take home. All materials are provided including the pumpkins, aprons, brushes and spooky stickers. Suitable for children aged 4-12 years.

Meet Rivers Rodents and Reptiles, The Pottery Room, Tues 29 Oct

Get crafty at The Pottery Room in Faversham for a spooktacular Halloween Special! Meet Rivers Rodents and Reptiles while enjoying a thrilling pottery painting session. With glitter tattoos and sweets included, this event promises tons of fun for everyone. Due to limited studio space, only one adult per child can join. Email to book your spot: info@thepotteryroom.co.uk.

Halloween Craft Events, Millbrook Garden Centres, Weds 30 & Thurs 31 Oct

Bring along your creative kids this Halloween to these spooky fun-filled craft workshops run by award-winning The Creation Station. Let them decorate a scarily cool ghost, monster or pumpkin-inspired jar lantern and create creepy character bunting to decorate the home. Each workshop is approximately 1 hour and aimed at children between 4-11 years. Coming to Staplehurst (30 Oct) and Gravesend (31 Oct). Book your time slot now!

AMAZING ANIMALS

Howletts Wild Animal Park, Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

All kids under 15 can enter Howletts for FREE! Explore Kent’s original wildlife park, home to over 390 incredible animals, including the only giant anteaters and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK. Join the Halloween fun with a ghostly trail, pumpkin puzzles, and even creepy crawly encounters in the indoor Craft Cave. Get up close with beastly bugs and reptiles, and don’t miss the daily ranger talks to learn about your favorite species. Let the kids run wild in the play areas and enjoy seasonal treats like pumpkin lattes and Halloween goodies from the cafes. For an unforgettable experience, book an animal encounter – feeding elephants, meeting gorillas, and more, starting at just £15! Bring your little monsters for a day filled with fun and adventure.

Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Are you ready for a Hair-raising Halloween at the Rare Breeds Centre? Effel Fartwaffer is back with a bag full of potions, a pocket full of tricks and a few surprises that are brewing for the spooky season. Dive into wickedly fun activities like Effel’s Monstrous Makeover, Pirate Ghost Stories, the stinky madness of Effel’s Stinkorium, a spook-tacular fancy-dress contest, face painting, and even the thrilling Spooky Trail. Set on an 100-acre farm with animals to meet and pet, you won’t be bored here!

Port Lympne Reserve, Hythe, Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

No tricks, just treats at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve this Half Term, where kids go for just £10! So bring the whole family for an unforgettable adventure where ALL kids can enter, eat, and enjoy an animal encounter or ranger safari for just £10 each. Explore over 900 rare species in stunning Kentish savannah, book a free truck safari to see giraffes, zebras, and camels, and join in on animal talks and feeds. Kids can also dine for £10 at Babydolls Wood Fired Pizza or the Garden Room Restaurant. For an extra special day, choose close encounters with gorillas, rhinos, or even a baboon scatter feed – all for just £10. Plus, secure a spot on a Ranger Tour for only £10 (normally £35) for a 1.5-hour safari guided by an expert. Don’t miss out on this thrilling half-term treat!

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone, Sat 25 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Kent Life’s Halloween festivities! With the entire place transformed into a haunted wonderland, it’s the ultimate family adventure. Enjoy pumpkin carving, creepy corners, thrilling farm rides, and daily fancy dress competitions. But the real challenge? Brave the historic houses for trick-or-treating – who knows what’s lurking behind the doors? Join the fun and test your courage every day this half term.

SPINE-TINGLING SHOWS

Halloween Drive-in Cinema, Betteshanger Park, Mon 28 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Get ready for Kent’s spookiest Drive-In Cinema at Betteshanger Park. Enjoy a frightfully fun week of Halloween classics, chills, and tasty snacks – all from your car. With films like Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus 2, and Ghostbusters, there’s something for everyone. Showtimes are 1pm and 4pm plus spooky snacks and costume prizes. Don’t miss the Halloween event of the year!

Dame Dolly’s Spooktacular Show, Hazlitt Theatre, Sat 2 Nov

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween show with Dame Dolly at The Hazlitt Theatre where disaster has struck – she needs your help to pull off the ultimate Halloween performance! Armed with her clipboard, Dame Dolly promises loads of audience participation (yes, that means you, grown-ups!) and tons of spooky fun. Don’t forget to come in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize.

Words by Mollie Manning

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