October half-term 2026

24 Oct – 1 Nov 2026

Day-by-day ideas for October half-term (24 October – 1 November 2026): Halloween parties, pumpkin patches, the first bonfires and fireworks, and shows to book.

357 events on, 110 free and 109 within 20 minutes of Timperley. Nearest: Halloween half-term disco at Timperley Library (3 min, Thu 29 Oct). Next up: Brick Show (LEGO model displays plus steam train rides) at Ribble Steam Railway (Sat 24 Oct).

Saturday 24 October 21

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians Storyhouse Theatre, Chester · 55 min Thu 22 - Sun 25 Oct; showtimes on booking page£10–25

Brick Show (LEGO model displays plus steam train rides) at Ribble Steam Railway Ribble Steam Railway & Museum, Preston · 60 min Sat 24 Oct, 10.30am–4.30pm; timed entry, then ride any departure£10–25

ComedySportz: improvised comedy match for families Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Saturday 24 October, 6.30pm (about 2 hours with an interval)Under £10

Family Orienteering at Woodbank Park Woodbank and Vernon Parks, Stockport · 25 min Sat 24 Oct, 10am-1.15pmUnder £10

Green Libraries Week: Saturday craft activities (junk modelling and eco crafts) Trafford Libraries, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 1-2.30pm at libraries across Trafford; just turn upFree

Guided Autumnal Walk with Fungal Punk Dave Arley Hall & Gardens · 25 min Sat 24 Oct, walks at 11am and 2pm£10–25

Haunted Halloween Party (Lyceum Creative Learning) Lyceum Theatre, Crewe · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 24 Oct; listed as a community/creative learning event - times on the Lyceum siteUnder £10

Little Reads Family Day Manchester Central Library, Manchester city centre · 25 min Roughly 10.30am-3pm, times vary by activity; ages 3+Free

Meet Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie (free face painting) Affinity Lancashire outlet, Fleetwood · 90 min Meet and greets 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm; face painting 11am-4pmFree

Merseyday of the Dead Merseyway & Redrock, Stockport · 25 min Merseyway 12-3pm; Redrock 5-7pm (parade finale)Free

Musical Themed Firework Display at Radcliffe Cricket Club (fireworks only, no bonfire) The Racecourse, Radcliffe, Bury · 35 min Sat 24 Oct, gates 5.30pm, display 8pmUnder £10

Pressed Flower Pumpkin Decorating Workshop Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk · 50 min Two sessions: 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm£25+

Steve Backshall's Deadly Live! M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool · 55 min Sat 24 Oct, doors 1pm, show 2pm£10–25

Tilly & Primrose Artisan Market at Victoria Baths Victoria Baths, Manchester · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Listed 'from 24 Oct'; 80+ stalls, three bookable workshops, tea room; explore the historic bathsUnder £10

Autumn Gift Fair in the Tenants' Hall Tatton Park Mansion, Knutsford · 22 min Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct; free fair entry, standard parkland vehicle charge appliesFree

Halloween in the City (MCR Monsters weekender) Manchester city centre · 25 min Monster trail runs for eight days; main weekender Sat 24 and Sun 25 OctFree

Horrible Hunt (free Horrible Histories quest trail) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 24 Oct from 9am, Sun 25 Oct from 10am; drop inFree

Miniature Steam Weekend National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port · 45 min Sat and Sun 10am-4pm£10–25

Monster Mayhem Ball (kids fancy dress) Charlie Park, Atherton · 35 min Sat 24 Oct, 3.15-6pm (a SEN session runs Sun 25 Oct)SEN session Sun 25 Oct£10–25

The Enormous Turnip Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min 11am and 2pm both days; recommended ages 3-10£10–25

Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (live show) Jodrell Bank, Goostrey · 35 min 24–25 OctSold out£10–25

Sunday 25 October 10

Children's Halloween Craft Day (Be Wild Creative) The Bridgewater, Worsley · 25 min Sun 25 Oct 10.30am-12pm (Eventbrite confirms Sunday); ages 5+, adult stays on siteUnder £10

Cooking Together: Parent & Child Cookery Class Cheshire Cookery School, Altrincham · 10 min Sun 25 Oct, 10am-1pm£25+

Halloween Family Day at Aintree Racecourse Aintree Racecourse, Aintree, Liverpool · 55 min Sun 25 Oct: gates 10.40am, pony races 11.45am, first race 12.40pm, last race 4.10pm; crafts, face painting, circus skills, bouncy castle, fancy-dress competition and a KPop Demon Hunters tribute act£10–25

Halloween Spooktacular open day at Wythenshawe Hall Wythenshawe Hall · 15 min Sun 25 Oct, 11am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)Under £10

Not Now, Bernard (Roustabout Theatre) Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Sun 25 Oct, 2.30pm£10–25

Raver Tots Halloween Party Escape to Freight Island, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sun 25 Oct, 10am-12pm£10–25

Slice to Meet You, Phil Corbett! (comic-making workshop) Waterstones Altrincham · 10 min Sun 25 Oct, 10-11amUnder £10

The Illusion of Life: Kids' Stop Motion Animation Workshop Oyez Arts, Altrincham · 10 min Sun 25 Oct, 10am-1pm; bring a smartphone£10–25

The Illusion of Life: stop-motion animation workshop for kids Oyez Arts, Altrincham · 10 min Sun 25 Oct 10am-1pm at Oyez Arts (WA14 1PF); run by Carson Animation£10–25

The Wind in the Willows (Box Tale Soup puppet show) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sun 25 Oct, 11.30am and 2pm; 60 minutes no interval£10–25

Monday 26 October 8

Aardman in Concert (Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep with live orchestra) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Mon 26 Oct, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; Aardman Claystations clay workshops the same morning are sold out£10–25

Broomstick Making Workshop Ordsall Hall, Salford · 20 min Mon 26 Oct, sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm; ages 6+Under £10

Frightfully Fascinating Workshop with Animal Teach Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Mon 26 Oct, sessions 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm£10–25

K-Pop Dance Heroes (KPop Demon Hunters hits live) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Mon 26 Oct, 7pm£10–25

Kids Halloween Glass Fusing Workshop GRIT Studios, Stockport · 30 min Mon 26 Oct, 11am-1pmSold out£10–25

Musical Theatre Masterclass (ages 7-12) Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 25 min Mon 26 Oct, 10am–4pmSold out£10–25

YO! Spooky Sushi School (kids' Halloween sushi-making class) YO! Sushi, Trafford Park · 15 min Mon 26 Oct 10-11am plus other half-term dates on the booking page; ages 5+; prize for best costume£10–25

Jack-o'-Lanterns Light Walk Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Mon 26 and Tue 27 Oct, 5.30-7.30pmUnder £10

Tuesday 27 October 16

Craft and Story October Half Term at Eastham Library Eastham Library, Eastham, Wirral · 55 min Tue 27 Oct 2.30-3.30pm; free (Wirral Libraries)Free

Farshore Funny Fest with Beano (half-term comedy book day) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Tue 27 Oct from 10am; book the headline Beano event plus one free act (Big Beano Draw-along now full)Selling fastUnder £10

Haigh Little Explorers: Halloween family walk and story time Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, Wigan · 35 min Tue 27 Oct, 11am-12pm; bring a picnicUnder £10

Halloween half-term disco at Urmston Library Urmston Library · 20 min Tue 5-6pm; costumes encouraged, prizes for best dressedFree

Meet & Feed the Alpacas (Buzz and Woody) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Tue 10-11am; tickets required for adults and childrenSold outUnder £10

October Half-term Drama Day: Doorway to Dimensions! (ages 5-11) The Met, Bury · 40 min Tue 27 Oct, 10am-4pm£25+

Outdoor Cinema: Hocus Pocus at Tatton Park (half-term Halloween screening) Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Tue 27 Oct, 4pm–6.30pm; bring chairs and blankets£10–25

Stories Around the Camp Fire with the League of Curiosity (Heaton Park half term) Heaton Park classroom by the Stables Cafe, Prestwich · 30 min Tue 27 Oct, 11am show (arrive 10.50am), about 30 mins; ages 5+; £2 per ticket on the door. Same week: free slime making 26 Oct 10.30am, free lantern workshop 27 Oct 12-1pm, microscope drop-in 28 Oct, Hidden Horrors trail booklet from receptionUnder £10

The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show The Met, Bury · 40 min Tue 27 Oct, 2pm; ages 6+£10–25

Self-Led Crafts: Spooky Museum Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min Tue 27 & Wed 28 Oct, drop inFree

Children's Crafting: paint your own ceramics Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Tue 27 and Thu 29 Oct, 10am-1pm; pay on the dayUnder £10

Little Terrors Trail The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Tue 27 to Thu 29 Oct, 11am-4pm dailyFree

School of Witchcraft & Wizardry at Hoghton Tower Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston · 55 min About 2-hour sessions; ages 7-12 only, one accompanying adult per child; children's lunch package £6£10–25

The Littlest Yak HOME, Manchester · 30 min Tue 27 - Thu 29 Oct£10–25

Creative Kids Half-Term Art Club (polymer clay, fairy house pot) Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet, Reddish, Stockport · 25 min Tue 27 Oct polymer clay 10.30am-12pm; Wed 28 and Fri 30 Oct further sessions£10–25

Halloween half term at Salford Museum (Junk Monsters, Crafty Ghosts, Clay Ghosts, spooky storytime) Salford Museum and Art Gallery · 30 min Junk Monsters Tue 27 Oct 10-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm (£3, book); Crafty Ghosts Thu 29 Oct and Clay Ghosts Fri 30 Oct (£3 each, book); spooky keyring (29 Oct) and spooky storytime (27 Oct) freeUnder £10

Wednesday 28 October 14

Beano Presents Dennis the Menace's Year of Mischief! Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min 11am-12pm; ages 6+£10–25

Family pumpkin carving at Kampasi Kampasi Restaurant, Sale Moor · 15 min Wednesday 28 October, 4–7.30pm£10–25

Halloween Fun Day at Smithills Hall Smithills Hall, Bolton · 35 min Wed 28 Oct, 11am-3pmFree

Helga the Haunted Railbus (half-term spooky railbus rides) Ribble Steam Railway & Museum, Preston · 60 min Wed 28 Oct, 10.30am–3.30pm, all-day travel£10–25

Is Generosity Incompatible with a Rising Cost of Living? (free family research day) Manchester Central Library · 25 min Wed 28 Oct, 10am-3.30pm drop-inFree

Meet the Gruffalo! (Gruffalo Granny story session) Waterstones Altrincham · 10 min Wed 2pm per Waterstones (Visit Altrincham lists 10am - check when booking); one adult per family askedUnder £10

Museum Explorers: Halloween Potions Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, Northwich · 35 min Wed 28 Oct, sessions 11am and 12pmUnder £10

October half-term spooky crafts at Gawthorpe Hall Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley · 60 min Wed 28 Oct 12-4pmUnder £10

Pumpkin Paper Plate Wreaths at Halton Lea Library Halton Lea Library, Runcorn · 45 min Wed 28 Oct 11am-12.30pm; free, no booking neededFree

Spooky Halloween Reptile Extravaganza (Torrs Exotics meet and greet, lunch included) Mabel's Cafe & Tea Room, Altrincham · 10 min Wed 28 Oct, from 2.30pm£10–25

The World of Oliver Jeffers (author event) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Wed 28 Oct, 11am; 60 minutes£10–25

Witchy Wednesday (pumpkin carving, creepy crafts, face painting, fancy dress) Congleton Town Hall · 45 min Wed 28 Oct, timed sessions 11am-12pm (sold out), 12.30-1.30pm, 2-3pmSelling fastUnder £10

Self-Led Crafts: Creepy Bats and Spiders Lion Salt Works, Northwich · 30 min Wed 28 & Thu 29 Oct, 10.30am-3.30pmFree

Spooky Family Tea (hot meal, Halloween crafts, dress-up competition) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 25 min Wed 28 and Thu 29 Oct, 5-6.30pmSold out£10–25

Thursday 29 October 17

Claymation Workshop: Boo the Halloween Ghost (SOLD OUT) Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Thu 29 Oct - now showing as Sold Out on the Waterside siteSold outUnder £10

Family Art Workshop with Michelle Leigh Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · 30 min Thu 29 Oct, 1pm-3pm; max 15 participants, children must be accompaniedFree

Free Halloween Mini Disco with Wednesday Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Thu 10am-12pm; bubbles, games, face painting; kids eat free during the holidaysFree

Grosvenor Museum's 140th Birthday Party (free half-term drop-in) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 55 min Thu 10.30am–3.30pm; Victorian birthday party in the Roman Chester Gallery; highlights tours 11am daily 27–30 OctFree

Halloween half-term disco at Timperley Library Timperley Library · 3 min Thu 5-6pm; costumes encouraged, prizes for best dressedFree

Halloween party at Let Loose soft play Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Thursday 29 October, 5.30–7.30pm£10–25

Kids Pizza Making at The General Elliot The General Elliot, Croft, Warrington · 30 min Thu 29 Oct, 12pm and 3.30pm sessions (Thursdays in school holidays)£10–25

Kids' Halloween Disco at Nell's (hosted by the Sanderson Sisters) Nell's Pizza, Altrincham · 10 min Thu 3-5pm; pizza and goodies sold on the dayUnder £10

Magic Makers: Mystical Magic School Chetham's Library, Manchester · 25 min Thu 29 Oct, 2-4pmUnder £10

Spooky Stories for Little Monsters with Rogan Mills Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min Thu 29 Oct: afternoon 3.30-4.30pm (includes pumpkin trail) or evening 5.30-7.30pm (includes light walk)£10–25

Wild Magic at The Hive (woodland school of magic) The Hive, Bolton · 40 min Thu 29 Oct, 10-11.30am or 1-2.30pm; make a cloak, broomstick, wand and wild potions; currently showing FULLY BOOKEDSold outUnder £10

Halloween Party at The Ice Cream Farm The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct, 4.30pm-6pm£10–25

The Wizarding Adventure steam train East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct; arrive 20 min before departure£10–25

Halloween Ghost Trains: the Swamp Monster of Irwell Vale East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min Thu 29–Sat 31 Oct; Scream Train departs Bury 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm (walkthrough has jump scares)£10–25

Myth, Magic and Mystery at the Old Hall Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min 29–31 Oct£10–25

The Spooky Express at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Oxenhope Station, Oxenhope, Keighley · 65 min Sessions 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.05pm, 4.35pm£10–25

Spooky City at Scare City (daytime family Halloween) Camelot Theme Park, Charnock Richard, Chorley · 50 min Thu 29 Oct to Sun 1 Nov, 2-4pm daily£10–25

Friday 30 October 15

Autumn walk and play for under-5s Walton Park, Sale · 10 min Friday 30 October, 2–3pmFree

Creepy Crawly Halloween Experience Flixton House, Urmston · 20 min Fri 30 Oct, 11am–12pm or 12.20–1.20pmUnder £10

Farnworth Cricket Club Bonfire and Fireworks Farnworth Cricket Club, Farnworth, Bolton · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Fri 30 Oct, from 5.30pmUnder £10

Ghost Puppets (Halloween craft) Stockport Museum · 25 min Fri 30 Oct, 10am-12pm drop-inFree

Halloween Cartoon Drawing Workshop with Marc Jackson Warrington Market · 30 min Fri 30 Oct, one-hour sessions at 11am and 1pm£10–25

Halloween Crafts in the Creative Space (squishy making, diamond painting, log decorating) Wythenshawe Forum library · 15 min Fri 30 Oct, sessions 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm; ages 8+, under-13s dropped off and signed inFree

Halloween Family Party in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom (Monster Magic Show, UV show, fancy dress competition) The Blackpool Tower Ballroom · 85 min Fri 30 Oct 7pm-11pm£10–25

Halloween in Concert (live band spooky hits, fancy-dress prize) Stockport Plaza · 30 min Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm£10–25

Halloween Torchlight Tours at Samlesbury Hall Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston · 55 min Fri 30 Oct, 6pm-11:30pm (last entry 10:30pm); tours about 60 min£10–25

Kids Spooky Potion Making The General Elliot, Croft, Warrington · 30 min Fri 30 Oct, sessions at 12pm and 3.30pm£10–25

Knutsford Pumpkin Path Knutsford town centre · 20 min Fri 4pm-7pm; King St and Minshull St closed to trafficFree

Little Monsters Ball kids' Halloween party The Little B, Marsland Road, Sale · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Friday 30 October, from 12pmFree

Michael Rosen: Nice! (80th birthday poetry show) Buxton Opera House · 40 min Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm; about 1 hr 10 mins; all ages£10–25

Monster Face Craft at Ditton Library Ditton Library, Widnes · 50 min Fri 30 Oct 11am-12.30pm; free, no booking neededFree

Spooky goings-on at Stockport Museum: gruesome trail and sugar skull masks Stockport Museum · 25 min Fri 30 Oct, 1pm-3pm mask craft (ghost puppets 10am the same day); gruesome trail and craft table all half-term weekFree

Saturday 31 October 46

Arc Saturday Art Club Hat Works, Stockport · 30 min Last Saturday of the month - check timesUnder £10

Autumn Fayre Stockport Town Hall · 25 min Sat 31 Oct, 10am-4pmFree

Broomwood Spooktacular (free family Halloween in the park) Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road, Timperley · 10 min Saturday 11am–2pm. Bouncy castle, face painting, big garden games, food and a fancy-dress contest.Free

Creepy Crafts with Our Kids Social (pumpkin-patch headbands) Market Walk, Sale · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 45-min sessions at 1.30pm and 2.30pm; ages 3+Free

Dayglo of the Dead Family Rave with Our Kids Social Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 2.30pmSold outUnder £10

Family Friendly Broadway Rave (Halloween musicals party) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, 1pm-4pm; fancy dress encouraged£10–25

Family Halloween Disco Ramsbottom Civic Hall, Ramsbottom, Bury · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, 6-8.30pm (last entry 6.30pm)Under £10

Family Halloween Silent Disco at Chorlton Library Chorlton Library · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 5.30-7pm; headphones, games and spooky crafts; listing shows limited availabilityFree

Feast of Fire: Oldham's free Halloween and Bonfire Night celebration (fire dancers, Puppets with Guts show, fireworks) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, fireworks from 5.30pm; fire dance and The Lips Halloween Show beforehandFree

Festival of Diwali parade and street dancing Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, parade from 11.45am, dancing on Eastgate Street 12.30pmFree

Flip into Wonder with CALFE (children's authors, storytelling, drums, mask-making) Manchester Museum · 25 min Sat 11.30am–4pmFree

Haigh Monster Mash (family Halloween party) Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan · 35 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm-4pm, marquee on the small car parkUnder £10

Halloween at Park Wood (free spooky fun) Park Wood, Wythenshawe · 15 min Sat 31 Oct, 12-4pm; storytelling 12.30-2pm, lantern making 2-4pm; moves indoors to Brownley Methodist Church if wetFree

Halloween Craft: decorate your own trick-or-treat bag Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport · 30 min Sat 31 Oct from 11am; free drop-inFree

Halloween Crafty Kids Pop Up Heald Green Library, Heald Green, Cheadle · 20 min Sat 31 Oct, 11.30am-12.30pmFree

Halloween Creative Workshop (ages 7-12) Hazel Grove Bowling and Tennis Club · 30 min Sat 31 Oct, 2-3.30pmSold out£10–25

Halloween Fright Night at Smithills Open Farm Smithills Open Farm, Bolton · 45 min Sat 31 Oct, timed slots from 5.30pm£10–25

Halloween Ghost Tour at Hoghton Tower Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston · 55 min Evening tour£10–25

Halloween ghost train and fairground at Walton Park Walton Park, Sale · 10 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 31 October: fairground from 1pm, ghost train 4–8pmFree

Halloween Kids Fancy Dress Party Sale West Community Centre · 10 min Sat 31 Oct, 2-4pmUnder £10

Halloween Magic: Family Craft and Pumpkin Party Mabel's Cafe & Tea Rooms, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 31 Oct, 10.30am-12pm£10–25

Halloween Spooky Special family train at Llangollen Railway Llangollen Station · 90 min Departures 10am, 12.20pm and 3.15pm (returns after dark)£10–25

Halloween Trail in the grounds at Gawthorpe Hall Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley · 60 min Sat 31 Oct 12-3pm drop-in; collect trail sheet at the front of the HallUnder £10

Halloween Trains at Peak Rail (steam, free sweets, fancy dress) Peak Rail, Matlock · 65 min All day; Afternoon Scream Tea departs 1pm£10–25

Joss Arnott Dance: Meet The Hatter Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm; 65 minutes no interval£10–25

Kids Halloween Games and Crafts Grill on the Green, Worsley · 25 min Sat 31 Oct 2-3pm at Grill on the Green, Beesley Green, Worsley M28 2QWSold outFree

Kreepy Kargo: Our Kids Social Halloween Party Kargo MKT, Salford Quays · 25 min Sat 31 Oct 10am-12pm; DJ, silent disco, LEGO, crafts, mystery trail, foam machine, circus skills, face painting; best for 10 and underUnder £10

Light Party (glow-themed Halloween alternative) St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey, Ashton upon Mersey · 15 min Saturday 31 October, 5.30–7pmFree

Little Monsters Halloween Ball Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct 5pm-8pm; £5 per person; book via the centreUnder £10

Little Monsters Halloween party at Jackson's Boat Jackson's Boat, Rifle Road, Sale · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Saturday 31 October, 3–6pmFree

Lord Mayor's Spooktacular Fireworks Chester Racecourse · 55 min Gates 4.30pm, junior display 6.45pm, main display 7.30pm; fairground to 9pm£10–25

Make a Flying Bat Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery · 30 min Sat 31 Oct, 2-4pm drop-inFree

Mega Halloween Party (Born To Be Wild Child Monster Mash) Aviva Studios, Manchester · 30 min Sat 31 Oct, sessions 11am-1pm and 2.30pm-4.30pmUnder £10

Monster Disco (Headstrung Puppets) - SOLD OUT Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 20 min Sat 31 Oct 12pm and 2.30pm; ages 4-8; both performances listed as sold outSold out£10–25

Room on the Broom - Interactive Halloween Storytelling The Garden Bar Monton, Monton, Salford · 25 min Listing shows '12:00am til 2:00pm' (likely a midday start); confirm timeUnder £10

Salford Firework Weekend: Buile Hill Park Buile Hill Park, Salford · 25 min From 4pm; three displays including a quieter one for younger children; no bonfireFree

Spooky Halloween Trail at Denbigh Castle (crafts, face painting, chocolate prizes, fancy dress) Denbigh Castle · 95 min Sat 31 Oct 10am-4pm; come in scary costumeUnder £10

Spooky Saturday in Macclesfield town centre Macclesfield town centre · 35 min Sat 31 Oct, from 11am; full programme still to be publishedFree

St Hugh's Fireworks 2026 (PTA fireworks night) St Hugh's Catholic Primary School, Timperley · 10 min Sat 5-8pm, gates 5pm; ticket numbers strictly limited, sold out in 2025; sales close 30 OctUnder £10

The Light Stop! (free family Halloween evening) Church on the Brow, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 5.00-7.30pmFree

The Magic Stick (Indian dance, storytelling and stage magic) The Met, Bury · 40 min Sat 31 Oct, 2pm; 40-45 minutes plus Q&A; recommended ages 6-12£10–25

Ultimate Family Halloween Disco Alford Hall Sports and Social Club, Warrington · 30 min Sat 3-6pm; fancy dress competition, live DJUnder £10

Victoria Park Guardians: The Lost Key (self-led Halloween adventure) Victoria Park, Stretford · 20 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct, day or dusk; pick up an adventure booklet from the Tea Room; up to 90 mins; ages 3-12Free

Halloween Spooky Trains at Ribble Steam Railway (dress up and find the ghosts) Ribble Steam Railway & Museum, Preston · 60 min Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 Nov, 10.30am–4.30pm£10–25

Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet for Halloween The Ivy Spinningfields, Manchester · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 Nov, morning sitting£25+

Trentham Halloween Festival Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 5-9pm both nights£10–25

Sunday 1 November 15

Bonfire and Firework Spectacular at Cannon Hall Farm (quiet fireworks, kids disco) Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley · 65 min Kids disco from 2pm, bonfire 5pm, fireworks 6pm; all-day farm admission included£10–25

Disley Community Bonfire and Fireworks Display Disley Golf Club, Disley, Stockport · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Sun 1 Nov, gates 5pm (Cheshire Fire and Rescue organised-events list)Under £10

Family Halloween Party at John Street Social John Street Social, Droylsden · 30 min Sun 1 Nov, 1-5pmUnder £10

Family Spooky Spider Search in Stamford Park Stamford Park, Stamford Park Road, Altrincham · 10 min Sunday 2–3pm. Pick up a spider map between the play areas; fancy dress encouraged.Free

Halloween Family Feastival Boxpark Liverpool, Baltic Triangle, Liverpool · 55 min Sun 1 Nov 12-4pm; free kids' crafts from 12pm, kids' Halloween quiz 1pm, free face painting, games and entertainer; fancy dress encouraged£25+

Horwich RMI Cricket Club Fireworks Display Horwich RMI Cricket Club, Horwich, Bolton · 45 min Sun 1 Nov, 6pm–10pm; fireworks about 7.40pmUnder £10

Knutsford Makers Market Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sun 1 Nov, 11am-4pmFree

Manchester Storm v Cardiff Devils (half-term ice hockey) AO Arena, Manchester city centre · 25 min Sun 1 Nov, starts 5.30pm£10–25

Mischief Under the Moon: family Halloween day party Campfield House, Castlefield, Manchester · 30 min Sun 1 Nov, 2-4pm (last entry 3.45pm)Under £10

Read and Make: There's a Ghost in This House Waterstones Altrincham · 10 min Sun 10-11am; ideal for ages 3-7, all welcomeFree

Salford Firework Weekend: Prince's Park (bonfire) Prince's Park, Salford · 30 min From 4pm; traditional bonfire and funfairFree

Spark in the Park fireworks and funfair Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan · 35 min Sun 1 Nov: gates 4.30pm, fireworks about 6.40pm, close 7pm; run by Wigan Council£10–25

Steve Backshall's Deadly Live! Winter Gardens Opera House, Blackpool · 70 min Sun 1 Nov, 2pm (doors 1.30pm)£25+

Tarporley firework display and bonfire (1st Tarporley Scouts) Field behind St Helen's Church, Tarporley · 45 min Sun 1 Nov: gates 6pm, bonfire 6.30pm, fireworks 7pm; pay on the gateUnder £10

The Nick Cope Family Show Waterside Arts, Sale · 10 min Sun 1 Nov, 11am & 2pmSelling fast£10–25

On through October half-term 158

Pumpkin patches, trails, exhibitions and seasonal runs, nearest first. Check opening days.

Pumpkin Picking at Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream, Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Pumpkin patch open until 31 Oct; parlour and cafe 12-5pm daily (start date not stated on the farm site)Under £10

From Here to There: a tour for children Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Daily 17 Oct - 1 Nov, 11am-4.15pm; collect passport at house entrance£10–25

Pineapple Post with Speechly the Pineapple Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Daily 10am-4pm; pick up a booklet from reception or the garden kiosk£10–25

Kids Comic Art Workshop with Rick Eades Oyez Arts, Altrincham · 10 min Saturdays 17, 24 and 31 Oct and 7 Nov, 10-11.30am (7 Nov at OYEZ Arts, Market St)Under £10

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Thu 22 Oct - Sun 1 Nov; check performance times£10–25

October Half Term at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min Daily 10am-4pmUnder £10

Collage Creations (half-term craft) Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 10 min 12-3pm, Mon-FriUnder £10

Halloween Arts and Craft Half Term MogeMoge Art Education, Altrincham · 10 min Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct, 10am-3pm; ages 5-9 and 10-14£25+

Octopia: Half Term Drama Workshop (Garrick Academy, ages 6-18) Altrincham Garrick Playhouse · 10 min Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct, 10am-4pm daily; book single days or the week£25+

Count-Alty's Fang-tastic Halloween Town Trail Altrincham town centre · 10 min Mon 26 Oct-Sun 1 Nov, around 10am-4pm; pick up a trail sheet at Everyman AltrinchamFree

Pumpkin Picking at Brookheys Farm Brookheys Farm, Dunham Massey · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Weekends only 4-26 Oct per North West for Kids (not the full month); book a slot onlineUnder £10

Brick or Treat Monster Party LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, Trafford Park · 15 min Daily 26 Sep - 1 Nov; centre open 10.30am-6pm (last entry 3.45pm)£10–25

Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular Circus The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Shows at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5.30pm (times vary by date); about 1hr 45min£10–25

Halloween Fair and Big Wheel at the Trafford Centre The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min 17-18 Oct 2pm–9pm; 19-23 Oct 4pm–9pm; 24 Oct–1 Nov 2pm–9pm£10–25

Indoor play space at Quarry Bank (half term) Quarry Bank, Styal · 15 min Daily 16 Oct - 1 Nov, 10.30am-5pm£10–25

Scarecrow Festival & Sally Scarecrow Trail Quarry Bank, Styal · 15 min Daily 10:30am-5pm£10–25

Stranger Folk at Quarry Bank (app-based folklore trail) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Daily 10.30am-5pm; download the free app beforehand£10–25

Ascarium: Tricks & Treats Sea Life Manchester, Trafford Centre · 15 min 26 Sep – 8 Nov£10–25

Haunted Pumpkin Patch Trail at Stanley Square Stanley Square, Sale · 15 min Daily 10am-4pm; collect a free map from Bean and Brush, return the completed sheet for a treatFree

LEGO Store Halloween scary-creatures scavenger hunt LEGO Store, Trafford Park · 15 min Store hours; find the brick-built creatures hidden in store for a treat while supplies lastFree

Wild's Halloween Extravaganza at Into the Wild Into the Wild, Dunham / Altrincham · 15 min Date unconfirmed · Daily except Mon 26 Oct; Monsters Inc screening from 2pm; pizza 11am-4pm (extra)£10–25

Apprentice House Spooky Tours Quarry Bank, Styal · 15 min Daily 10:45am-3:45pm£10–25

Camera Obscura: Experiments in Animation (free exhibition) Waterside Arts, Sale · 15 min Gallery hours; animated shorts shown with their hand-drawn framesFree

Wild Things: free animal storybook exhibition The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min 18 Jul – 1 NovFree

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Mon 26 Oct - Sun 1 Nov; check times£10–25

Halloween Heart Trail at Fletcher Moss Park Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury · 20 min Date unconfirmed · £1 per trail sheet from the park cafeUnder £10

Find the Familiars Trail (9 imps and familiars hidden in the hall and gardens) Ordsall Hall, Salford · 20 min Sun 25, Mon 26-Thu 29 Oct and Sun 1 Nov during opening hours (Mon-Thu 10am-4pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm); buy at receptionUnder £10

Halloween half term at Ordsall Hall (Find the Familiars trail, broomstick, wand and spell-book workshops) Ordsall Hall, Salford · 20 min Trail Sun 25, Mon 26-Thu 29 Oct and Sun 1 Nov (£2 per child, no booking, 10am-4pm Mon-Thu, 11.30am-4pm Sun); broomstick making 26 Oct £3, spell book 27 Oct £1.50, clay faces 28 Oct £3, wand making 29 Oct £3 (bookable)Under £10

Pumpkin Patch at Tatton Farm Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Selected dates only£10–25

Skellies and Wellies in the Gardens Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Closed Mondays£10–25

Canaletto free drop-in craft workshops Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Wed 28 Oct, Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 NovUnder £10

Moonlight Pumpkin Evenings Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 25 min Sat 17, Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct, 5-8pmUnder £10

Pumpkin Fest at The Lambing Shed The Lambing Shed, Knutsford · 25 min Weekends and school-holiday midweek; choose date at booking; ticket-only, no walk-insUnder £10

Farmer Bertie's Pumpkin Patch (walk-in picking) Farmer Bertie's, Glazebury, Warrington · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm; walk in, pay for what you pickFree

Halloween Pumpkin Festival at Reddish Vale Farm Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 25 min 10–31 OctUnder £10

High Legh Pumpkin Patch (weekends, Moonlit Fridays, Half-Term Golden Pumpkin Hunt) High Legh Pumpkin Patch, High Legh, Knutsford · 25 min Sat & Sun 10am-5pm; Fri evenings from 9 Oct 5-9pm; Golden Pumpkin Hunt Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct 10am-5pmFree

Monster Scare Bear bath bomb workshop at Lush Lush, Manchester Arndale · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Hands-on sessions through to Halloween; press your own bath bomb and sculpt a creature from Rainbow Fun soap; times and price not statedUnder £10

Pumpkin Festival at Kenyon Hall Farm Kenyon Hall Farm, Croft, Warrington · 25 min Daily until Sat 31 Oct, 9am–5pm; advance booking onlySelling fastUnder £10

Weird Wonders: Halloween at Museum of Illusions Museum of Illusions Manchester, Manchester city centre · 25 min 2-31 Oct, 10am-8pm£10–25

Halloweenville (family-friendly, no jump scares) Partridge Lakes, Culcheth, Warrington · 25 min Evenings 2 Oct – 1 Nov, timed arrival slots; spooky not scary, no jump scaresSelling fast£10–25

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals National Football Museum, Manchester · 25 min 27 Mar – 1 Nov£10–25

Human Natures (exhibition, final week) Manchester Museum · 25 min Closes Sun 1 Nov; museum closed MondaysFree

Seven Sisters Pumpkin Patch and Creamatorium maize maze Seven Sisters Ice Cream Farm, Knutsford · 25 min Open Fri 16, Sat 17, Sun 18, Fri 23, Sat 24, Sun 25, Wed 28 - Sat 31 Oct, Sun 1 Nov (11am-4/5pm). Closed Mon 19 - Thu 22 and 26-27 OctFree

Spooktacular October at Treetop Adventure Golf Treetop Golf, Manchester city centre · 25 min 6 Oct-1 Nov: spot the spooky spiders on both courses to claim a treat; fancy-dress photo booth 24 Oct-1 Nov; open daily from 10am, walk-ins welcomeUnder £10

Spooky World Fun-By-Day at Apple Jacks Adventure Farm (daytime, no scares, free pumpkin) Apple Jacks Adventure Farm, Stretton, Warrington · 25 min Sun 18 Oct, then daily Sat 24 Oct–Sun 1 Nov, 10am–4pm (site closes 4.30pm)£10–25

October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House Elizabeth Gaskell's House, Manchester · 25 min 19 Oct-2 Nov; house open Wed, Thu and Sun 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm); drop-in crafts and trails 11am-3pm; ages 4+Under £10

Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige The Whitworth, Manchester · 25 min Closes Sun 15 Nov; gallery open Tue-SunFree

Mythic Reinvention: costumes from 50 years of the Royal Exchange Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester · 25 min 16 Sep – 15 NovFree

Secret Society Skeleton activity People's History Museum, Manchester · 25 min Museum open daily except TuesdaysFree

Sir Alex Ferguson pop-up exhibition National Football Museum, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Included with museum admission (annual pass)Under £10

Smithsonian Starstruck: Immersive Space Experience Transmission House, Manchester (Northern Quarter) · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Timed tickets via Fever; runs to end of December£10–25

The Wind in the Willows family garden trail RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley · 25 min Every day until December 2026 during garden hours£10–25

2026 Banner Exhibition with family Banner Bingo trail People's History Museum, Manchester · 25 min Open daily except Tuesdays, 10am–4pmFree

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min 13 Feb 2026 – 3 Jan£10–25

Performing Trees (free collection exhibition) - closes 4 April The Whitworth, Manchester (Whitworth Park) · 25 min Gallery opening hoursFree

Dead or Alive: Birds in our World Manchester Museum · 25 min Mainly an online exhibition on the museum's collections website; check with the museum what's on show in the buildingFree

English National Ballet: Romeo and Juliet Palace Theatre, Manchester city centre · 25 min Wed 21 to Sun 25 Oct; Sat 24 and Sun 25 fall in the half-term weekend£25+

The Witch's Potion Trail Bramall Hall, Bramhall · 25 min 22–25 Oct and 27 Oct – 1 Nov, 11am–3.30pmUnder £10

The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail Arley Hall & Gardens, Great Budworth, Cheshire · 25 min 22 Oct 2026 - 3 Jan 2027 evenings; times and prices on Fever (organiser)£10–25

Threaded Legacies - Black Heritage in Manchester Museum Manchester Museum · 25 min 23–30 OctFree

Wilmslow Halloween Trail (pumpkins and gargoyles in shop windows) Wilmslow town centre · 25 min Daily during shop opening hours; download the free map PDFFree

Coronation Street Experience: Kids Go Free Coronation Street Experience, Salford Quays · 25 min Weekends only: Sat 24-Sun 25 Oct and Sat 31 Oct-Sun 1 Nov (not midweek); guided tour times at bookingSelling fast£25+

Escape into Autumn spotter trail Hare Hill, Over Alderley, Macclesfield · 25 min 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31 Oct and 1 Nov, 10.30am-4.30pm (closed Mon/Tue)Under £10

National Frightball Museum (Halloween half term) National Football Museum, Manchester · 25 min Sat 24 Oct - Sun 1 Nov, activities 10am-4pm; The Riddler 12pm-2pm£10–25

October half term at IWM North: Story Seekers trail, Making a Museum hub and We Were There IWM North, Trafford Park · 25 min Story Seekers drop-in trail daily 24 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm; Making a Museum family hub Mon 26-Fri 30 Oct; meet veterans and eyewitnesses Wed 28 Oct 11am-3pmFree

October half term: Aliens have landed Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min Daily 10am-4pm; animation sessions 10.20-12.20 & 13.20-16.20Free

Spooky fun at RHS Bridgewater (Wicked Plants trail, ZooLab potions, spooky grass heads) RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley · 25 min Spooky plants trail daily 24 Oct-1 Nov; ZooLab potion sessions Tue 27 and Wed 28 Oct (£5, book); spooky grass heads drop-in 24, 30, 31 Oct 11am-3pm; spell-bag making 26 and 29 Oct (£3, ages 7+)£10–25

Adventures in Wonderland (interactive play experience, ages 1-8) Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester · 25 min Selected days, 10am and 11.30am sessions (1 hour)Relaxed Sat 14 NovUnder £10

Half term family fun at Manchester Museum Manchester Museum · 25 min Tue 27 - Sat 31 Oct, 10am-5pm: Waste to Wonder building (28-29 Oct), Billie Bee storytime (28 and 30 Oct, ages 2-7, book on the day), Halloween eco-makes with Biffa (30 Oct), CALFE storytelling (31 Oct)Free

Free fireworks and funfair at the Irish World Heritage Centre (Halloween and Bonfire Night) Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 31 Oct and Thu 5 Nov; fireworks around 7pm in previous years; funfair rides paidFree

Fright Fiesta at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World Resort, Warrington · 30 min 10 Oct - 1 Nov, selected operating days; park 10.30am-4pm£10–25

Portrait of Black Britain (Cephas Williams photography exhibition) Aviva Studios, Manchester · 30 min Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; closes Sun 1 NovFree

Your Salford 100 (centenary exhibition of 100 objects chosen by Salfordians) - final weeks Salford Museum and Art Gallery · 30 min Museum opening hoursFree

Warrington Wolves: A Game For All (free rugby league exhibition) - final weeks Warrington Museum & Art Gallery · 30 min Museum opening hoursFree

Halloween at HOME (family films, The Littlest Yak, free Creativity Corner crafts) HOME, Manchester · 30 min Family strand includes Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Laika's Wildwood and The Littlest Yak (27-29 Oct); free spider-headdress and enchanted-forest crafts downstairs alongside selected family shows; horror double bills are adults-onlyUnder £10

Little Scare-lings Halloween afternoon tea and potion making Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple · 30 min Date unconfirmed · 24, 25, 29, 30 and 31 Oct; 90-min sessions; ages 3-10; glow-in-the-dark slime potion, decorate a trick-or-treat bag, games; fancy dress prize£10–25

Heaton Park of Horrors (forest tubing after dark) Zip World Manchester, Prestwich · 30 min Selected nights 5.30pm-8.30pm; one hour of unlimited slides£25+

Hidden Horrors trail across Manchester parks (incl. Wythenshawe Park) Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe / Manchester · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Half term; free checklist from each park's cafe or reception; council says 13 parks take part this year, plus free pumpkin carving sessions through the week and a giant recycled haunted house at Alexandra ParkFree

Spooky Trains on the Dragon Miniature Railway Dragon Miniature Railway, Marple · 30 min Date unconfirmed · 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31 Oct and 1 Nov; £1.50 a ride, under-2s freeUnder £10

Land of Lights at Gulliver's World Gulliver's World, Warrington · 30 min 24 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan£25+

Half Term Spooky Crafts at North Manchester Libraries Newton Heath, North Manchester · 30 min Mon 26 Newton Heath; Tue 27 North City; Wed 28 Abraham Moss and New Moston; Thu 29 Beswick and Miles Platting; Fri 30 Avenue; all 2-3pmFree

Grange Farm Pumpkin Festival (timed pumpkin field, funfair, carving tent) Grange Farm, Lowton, Warrington · 35 min Date unconfirmed · Weekends 17-18 and 24-25 Oct plus 27-30 Oct; two-hour slots from 10am, field closes 4.45pm; pre-booking essentialUnder £10

Halloween on the Farm (pumpkin patch, carving tent, Wizard School and show) Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, Chadderton, Oldham · 35 min Weekends 10-11 and 17-18 Oct, then daily 23-31 Oct; farm 9.30am-4pm (last entry 3pm); Wizard School 9.30am-3pm; online booking only, no cash at the gate£10–25

Bugs and Beasties Detective Trail Lyme Park, Disley · 35 min 11am-4pmUnder £10

October Half-Term: Doors to Hallowtide Lyme Park, Disley · 35 min 10:30am-4pm (3pm from 26 Oct)Under £10

Room on the Broom Halloween Trail Delamere Forest, Delamere, Northwich · 35 min Halloween cauldrons and crossword along the 1-mile trail throughout October; Visitor Welcome Point 9.30am-4.30pmUnder £10

The Pumpkin Patch at Cockfields Farm Cockfields Farm, Ashton-under-Lyne · 35 min Main Pumpkin Patch every weekend in October and daily through half term (24 Oct-1 Nov), 10am-4pm; Pumpkin Patch After Dark evenings 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 Oct; Mini Pumpkin Patch midweek in term time; Pumpkin Smashing Sun 1 Nov£10–25

The Trees of Lyme Park and Their Fungal Associates (exhibition and Top Lawn trail) Lyme Park, Disley · 35 min 10.30am–4pm to 25 Oct, then 10.30am–3pm; curator Dr Qin Qi on site Sat 24 and Sat 31 Oct£10–25

The North Revisited (photography exhibition, free with admission) Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington (Macclesfield) · 35 min Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (last entry 3.30pm)£10–25

Big Kid Circus: Jurassic (dinosaur animatronics) Haydock Park Racecourse car park, Newton-le-Willows · 35 min Run 23 Oct-1 Nov; the 23 Oct show is 7pm; check other times on Eventbrite£10–25

Pumpkin Pickin' at Haigh Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan · 35 min 24-29 Oct, four 1-hour sessions daily from 10.15am£10–25

Paper Pumpkin Trail Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, Northwich · 35 min 24 Oct – 1 NovUnder £10

October Half Term at Jodrell Bank Jodrell Bank, Goostrey · 35 min Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (last entry 3:30pm)£10–25

Magical Woodland Halloween Magical Woodland, Sandiway · 40 min Fri 9 Oct-Sun 1 Nov; timed evening entry, allow 1.5-2 hours; live characters, marshmallow toasting, owls and food court£10–25

Pumpkin Patch After Dark at Cockfields Farm Cockfields Farm Park, Ashton-under-Lyne · 40 min Selected evenings 5pm-8pm; festoon lights, Jack and Sally on stilts, Sanderson Sisters disco, animals, carousel; free pumpkin per ticket; not a scare event£10–25

Pumpkin picking and carving sessions at Jersey Girls dairy farm Jersey Girls, Bury · 40 min Date unconfirmed · Daily 24-31 Oct, booked one-hour sessions£10–25

Brereton Heath Halloween Trail Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton · 40 min Daily, maps 9am-4pm from the visitor centre; easy walkFree

Grumpy Pumpkins: A Halloween Trail Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn · 40 min 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 Oct and 1 Nov, 10am-5pmUnder £10

Halloween at Knowsley Safari Knowsley Safari, Prescot · 40 min 24 Oct – 1 Nov£25+

Tegg's Nose Halloween Trail Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield · 40 min Daily, maps sold 9am-4pm; moderate walk, pen neededUnder £10

Pumpkin Patch and Maze at Pye Ash Farm Pye Ash Farm, Bosley, Macclesfield · 45 min Select dates throughout October (farm says "select dates" - check the Beyonk calendar; earlier listing showed weekends plus Mon 26 and Tue 27 Oct); sessions to 4pm, closes 5pm; hourly sheepdog demonstrations£10–25

Indoor Pumpkin Patch and free Autumn Pumpkin Trail Summerseat Garden Centre, Bury · 45 min Daily 9am-6pm; free entry, woodland-themed patch with scarecrows and photo spots; bookable extras: Lancashire Hawks and Owls Mon 26 Oct, Pumpkin Patch Magic School Thu 29 OctFree

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Special at Smithills Open Farm Smithills Open Farm, Bolton · 45 min Pumpkin patch Sat 17 and Sun 18 Oct, then daily Sat 24-Sat 31 Oct, 10am-5pm; Halloween Special 24-31 Oct£10–25

Halloween at Chester Zoo Chester Zoo · 45 min Daily 10am-4:30pm, last entry 3:30pm£25+

Mini Makers (drop-in craft Mondays) Speke Hall, Speke, Liverpool · 45 min Mondays 19 and 26 Oct; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov; 10.30am-12pm at Home Farm restaurant£10–25

Our Story with David Attenborough (immersive experience) Chester Zoo, Upton, Chester · 45 min Daily 10.30am-4.30pm in 50-min slots (not 25-26 Dec, 20 Jan); evening showings Thu-Sun until 9 Nov£10–25

Haunted Halloween Trail around Congleton town centre Congleton town centre · 45 min Sat 24 - Sat 31 Oct, any time shops are openFree

Boo! Planet Aquarium (Halloween half term) Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port · 45 min Daily 10am-5pm£25+

Spooky half term at the National Waterways Museum (free ghost tours, pumpkin trail, crafts, Halloween boat trips) National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port · 45 min Daily 10am–4pm; boat trips 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm£10–25

Wandering Wolves (wolf-spotting at the Tudor hall) Little Moreton Hall, Congleton · 50 min Open dates 16-18, 21-25, 28-31 Oct and 1 Nov; 10.30am-4.30pm£10–25

Stranger Folk at Speke Hall (app-based folklore adventure, ages 7-12) Speke Hall, Speke, Liverpool · 50 min Daily 10am–4pm; start at Visitor Reception£10–25

The Worst Record Covers in the World (free exhibition) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min During museum opening hoursFree

Diggle Scarecrow Trail Diggle village, Saddleworth · 50 min Date unconfirmed · £3 per trail sheetUnder £10

Scarecrow Festival at Rufford: Rufford Rocks Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk · 50 min 23-27, 30, 31 Oct and 1-3, 6-8 Nov (closed Wed/Thu); 10.30am-4pm£10–25

Oaks on Ice and Winter Village at Cheshire Oaks (ice rink, big wheel, free Christmas film screenings) Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Ellesmere Port · 50 min Date unconfirmed · Rink opens Fri 23 Oct; end date not yet published; free film showings from 6.30pm on selected dates; big wheel weekdays from 12pm, weekends from 10am£10–25

Autumn Family Fun (Wandering Wolves, Design Detective) Little Moreton Hall, Congleton · 50 min 10.30am-4.30pm on open days; free spotter guides from the Welcome Building£10–25

Escape into autumn spotter trail Little Moreton Hall, Congleton · 50 min Daily 10.30am-4pm£10–25

October Half Term: School of Witchcraft & Wizardry Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax · 50 min School of Witchcraft & Wizardry Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct; Story Postcards 24-25 Oct and 31 Oct-1 Nov£10–25

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock Trail Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent · 55 min Gardens 9am-6pm, last entry 5pm£10–25

The Great Pumpkin Picking Adventure at Windmill Animal Farm Windmill Animal Farm, Burscough, Lancashire · 55 min Open daily from 10 Oct through half term (end date not stated on the farm site); all-indoor pumpkin patch; Heebie Jeebie live shows 1.30pm and 3.30pm on 10, 11, 17, 18 Oct and every day of half term£25+

Rae-Yen Song: •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~• (free glowing-pond installation) FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool · 55 min Wed–Sun 11am–6pmFree

National Museums Liverpool at 40 (free exhibition: Titanic artefacts and treasures from seven museums) World Museum, Liverpool · 55 min Date unconfirmed · Museum opening hoursFree

WayWord Festival (October half-term family programme) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Includes free Horrible Hunt 24-25 Oct, storytimes, Aardman Claystations 26 Oct, Oliver Jeffers 28 Oct, Meet The Hatter 31 Oct, Stars and Sto£10–25

River of Light 2026 Liverpool city centre & waterfront · 55 min Nightly 5pm-9pmFree

Romeo and Juliet (For Kids) - WayWord festival Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Sat 24 - Fri 30 Oct, approx 50 minutesSelling fast£10–25

World of Wizardry (20-minute wizarding class) The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Chester · 55 min Timed 20-minute sessions daily 24-31 Oct; SEN-friendly sessions also runSEN sessionUnder £10

Branching Out: October half-term family art Tate Liverpool + RIBA North · 55 min Daily 10am-4pmFree

Step into the Shadows: Chester city-centre Halloween trail Chester city centre · 55 min Any time during shop hours over half termFree

SUPER Natural: October half term at WWT Martin Mere (willow wands, potions, canoe adventure, pumpkin carving) WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, Lancashire · 55 min Daily; wand/potion/owl-pellet/silent disco 12–3pm, canoe adventure 1–3pm, pumpkin carving 12–3pm (24–30 Oct), fancy dress comp 1pm Sat 31 Oct£10–25

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure Liverpool Playhouse · 55 min Tue 27 - Sat 31 Oct; daytime shows e.g. 2pm and 4pm on 27 Oct£10–25

Pumpkin Patch Trail at Gordale Garden and Home Centre Gordale Garden and Home Centre, Burton, Wirral · 60 min Date unconfirmed · Daily 9am-5pm, no bookingUnder £10

Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min Fri 23 Oct-Sun 1 Nov in the Big Top at Trentham; show times at booking£10–25

Halloween Half Term in the Gardens Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 24 Oct – 1 Nov£10–25

October Half Term: Myths & Legends Eureka! Science + Discovery, Seacombe, Wirral · 60 min Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm; workshops at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30, 2.30£10–25

Halloween Pumpkin Fest at Samlesbury Hall (pumpkin hunt through the haunted rooms) Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston · 60 min All day, Halloween week; fancy dress encouragedUnder £10

Halloween Trail and Creepy Crafts at The Piece Hall (wizarding theme) The Piece Hall, Halifax · 60 min From 11am; trail ends 2.30pm, crafts until 3pmUnder £10

Pumpkin Patch at Cannon Hall Farm (free craft zone, VR spooky ride, farm admission included) Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley · 65 min Farm from 10am, patch closes 4pm, choose arrival time; weekdays 19-23 Oct £8.95, 18 Oct and 24-31 Oct £12.95£10–25

Halloween at BeWILDerwood Cheshire BeWILDerwood Cheshire, Bickley Moss, near Whitchurch · 65 min 3 Oct-1 Nov, 11am-6pm; open weekends plus half term£25+

Scarefest at Alton Towers (Trick O' Treat Town, CBeebies Monster Ball, rides in the dark) Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire · 65 min 26-27 Sep, 2-4 and 9-11 Oct, then daily 16 Oct-1 Nov; park open until 9pm£25+

The Evolution of Magic Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min Daily 14-30 Oct; show times on site£10–25

Blackpool Illuminations 2026 Blackpool Promenade · 70 min Full route to Sun 1 Nov; shorter Pleasure Beach-Gynn section from 2 Nov, Christmas by the Sea from 20 Nov, season ends 3 JanFree

Wizarding Wildlife School VIP Experience Blackpool Zoo · 70 min VIP experience starts daily 10:30am£25+

Matlock Bath Illuminations (illuminated boats on the Derwent) Derwent Gardens, Matlock Bath · 75 min 6pm-9pm on event nights (weekends); check for fireworks nightsUnder £10

Calan Gaeaf at Erddig Erddig, Wrexham · 75 min 10am-5pm; wishstones 28-30 Oct 11-3; pumpkin carving (£3) and lanterns Sat 31 Oct 11-3£10–25

Fang-tastic Halloween Festival at Matlock Farm Park Matlock Farm Park · 75 min 10am-5pm; Elphaba and Glinda meet 24 Oct; Halloween characters 28-31 Oct£10–25

Half Term Fun at Chatsworth Farmyard (Halloween crafts, face painting, pumpkin carving) Chatsworth House, Bakewell · 75 min Pumpkin carving until 31 Oct; farmyard last entry 4.30pm; house open until 1 Nov£10–25

Skeleton Takeover at Halloween (trail sheet, marshmallow toasting, Halloween games) Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire · 75 min Daily through half term; find the skeletons around the hilltop estate to enter the annual-pass prize draw; Matlock Bath Illuminations boats run evenings to 1 Nov£25+

Wicked Week at Magna (magic show, fizzing potion workshops, spooky inflatables) Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham · 75 min Magic show Mon-Fri 26-30 Oct at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1pm; potion workshops daily 11am-2pm hourly£10–25

Journey to Hell Halloween at Pleasure Beach (daytime family fun, free family maze) Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 80 min Park 10am-9pm; South Park/Nickelodeon Land family fun until 6pm, scare mazes and zones from 6pm£25+

Halloween Trail at Hawkstone Park Follies Hawkstone Park Follies, Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury · 80 min During opening hours; the follies walk takes about 2 hours with caves, tunnels and cliffs£10–25

Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster · 80 min Park 9.45am-5pm, last entry 3pm£25+

Halloween Fun at Crich Tramway Village Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Derbyshire · 80 min Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct; Wendy Witch session Mon 26 Oct 10am£10–25

Myriad by Architects of Air (walk-in luminarium) The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury, Ashbourne · 85 min 30-minute slots 10.30/11.30am to 3.30/4pm depending on day; quieter and slow sessions also listed£10–25

Calan Gaeaf Trail at Chirk Castle Chirk Castle, Chirk, Wrexham · 85 min Daily 10am-5pm (garden/tower close 4pm); After Dark evening Sat 31 Oct 6-8pm£10–25

The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury, Ashbourne · 85 min 10am-4pm daily£10–25

Lightpool Festival (free light art installations and shows) Blackpool town centre and Tower Festival Headland · 85 min Half-term week; installations nightly, Glowtots 22 Oct, Carnival Magic 26 Oct, Magic & Mayhem kids party 29 OctFree

Halloween Half Term: The Great Pumpkin Party at Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle · 90 min 10am-4pm daily; fancy dress competition each day£10–25

October Half Term at Harewood (Spells and Sparkles trail, broomstick making, kids free) Harewood House, Leeds · 95 min Gardens and grounds 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm); house closed for Christmas install£10–25

Every week 37Regular sessions; some take a break in the holidays.

Goodwood Field junior parkrun (2k, ages 4–14) Goodwood Field, Manor Avenue, Sale · Every Sun
Kids' football with Altrincham FC at Broomwood Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road · Weekly Mon+
Move It Kids: drop-in gymnastics play for under 9s (move Altrincham) move Altrincham · Weekly Mon+
Play and Stay for babies and toddlers at Broomwood Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Mainwood Road · Every Mon
Rhymetime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Mon
Salisbury Field junior parkrun (free 2k for 4–14s) Salisbury Field, Broadheath Central FC ground, Salisbury Road · Every Sun
Saturday LEGO Club at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Sat
SEND drop-in gymnastics play at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Wed+
Simply Cycling: all-ability bikes and trikes on the Timperley track Altrincham & District Athletics track, Park Road · Weekly Wed+
Storytime at Altrincham Library (under 5s) Altrincham Library · Every Mon
Storytime at Timperley Library Timperley Library · Every Thu
Under-5s storytime at Brooklands Library Brooklands Library, Moor Road · Every Mon
Walton Park miniature railway rides Walton Park · Every Sun
Baby and toddler swims at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Tue+
Caterpillars baby and toddler group St Mary Magdalene Church, Ashton on Mersey · Every Tue
Family Drop-In after school at St George’s St George's Church · Every Tue
Rhymetime at Hale Library Hale Library · Every Tue
SEND swim sessions at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Weekly Tue+
Storytime at Sale Library (under 5s) Sale Library, Waterside · Every Tue
Under-5s storytime at Forum Library, Wythenshawe Wythenshawe Forum library · Every Tue
Rhymetime at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · Every Wed
Twist & Tales: music and movement for toddlers St George's Church · Every Wed
Move It Minis: drop-in gymnastics play for under 5s (move Altrincham) move Altrincham · Every Thu
Rhymetime at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · Every Thu
Move It Minis: drop-in gymnastics play for under 5s (Sale Leisure Centre) Sale Leisure Centre, Broad Road · Every Fri
Rhymetime at Partington Library Partington Library and Wellbeing Centre · Every Fri
Rhymetime at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · Every Fri
Storytime at Hale Library (under 5s) Hale Library · Every Fri
Under-5s storytime at Northenden Community Library Northenden Community Library, St Wilfrid's Church Hall · Every Fri
Float session at Sale Leisure Centre Sale Leisure Centre, Broad Road · Every Sat
LEGO club at Altrincham Library Altrincham Library · Every Sat
LEGO club at Coppice Library Sale West Community Centre · Every Sat
LEGO club at Hale Library Hale Library · Every Sat
LEGO club at Sale Library Sale Library, Waterside · Every Sat
Sale Water parkrun (5k) Sale Water Park · Every Sat
Under-8s family swim at move Altrincham move Altrincham · Every Sat
Wythenshawe parkrun (5k) Wythenshawe Hall · Every Sat

October half-term runs straight into Halloween and the start of bonfire season, so the busiest days are the two weekends. Pumpkin patches and Halloween trails usually close on 31 October or 1 November; see Halloween and bonfires and fireworks for the full lists.

Dates follow Trafford's school calendar. Some academies and independent schools break up on different days, so check your own school's dates.

Timed slots at farms and soft plays fill up first. Anything selling fast is flagged; see book ahead.

Questions parents ask

When is October half-term 2026 in Trafford?

Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, following Trafford's school calendar. Some schools differ, so check yours.

Where can we go pumpkin picking?

Pumpkin patches are in the "On through October half-term" list, nearest first, and on the Halloween page.

What's free to do?

Look for the Free label on each event, or see free things to do.