October Half Term Events

This October half term in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire takes place between Monday 19th October to Friday 30th October 2026. The County is packed with fantastic events for everyone to enjoy , so whether you have little ones to keep entertained or you're looking for a spooky thrill this Ocotber keep reading for some brilliant ideas for fun-filled days out which promise to banish the boredom! 

Don’t forget to check out our Twitter and Facebook for regular news and updates, or browse our pages Things to do for under £10 and Things to do on rainy days for lots more ideas. If you're visiting the area, feel free to stop in the Tourism and Travel Centre and speak to our friendly staff, who are happy to help with any enquiry you have.

Whatever you get up to, we hope you have a fantastic time over half term. For more ideas about what's happening in Nottinghamshire over the next week, scroll through our What's On listings at the bottom of this page.

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Halloween events

Who you gonna call? Ghost Busters! Join the Kids' Ghost Hunter Tours at National Justice Museum and help the over-worked Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the museum. 

If you're looking for something fun for all ages, look no further than the Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins patch. Set in the rolling Nottinghamshire countryside a few miles north of Nottingham, this family-run 'Pick Your Own' has 1000's of pumpkins and squashes for you to choose from!

Don’t forget to check out Wollaton Hall's spooky outdoor cinema, where they'll be showing Scream aswell as Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Whether you're looking for a family friendly freight or an extreme scream, a scary movie is a must this halloween. Even better, embrace all the spooky vibes by watching them under the night sky.

If you're looking to get crafty, head to Lakeside Arts and check out their Halloween themed workshops. Design you own spooky monster badges and magnets with the Tim Burton Creepy Workshops or design a spooky self-portrait inspired by the quirky world of Tim Burton and join the drawing workshop. Haven't had enough yet? Why not fully immerse yourself in the fantastical worlds of Tim Burton with the a live theatrical experience at St Mary's Church Nottingham!

For the ultimate family Halloween experience, Kelham Hall's Little Horrors Halloween Party is a must! Dress up, meet magical characters, listen to enchanting stories, or bounce the evening away – there will be plenty to keep the little ones entertained throughout the event.

Click here for more Halloween events.

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Something different

This Halloween season, gather your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling activities, competitions, and ghostly fun at Wheelgate Family Halloween Spooktacular and Twinlakes Family Scream Park. There's something for everyone to enjoy, including free pumpkin picking – it's guaranteed to be a hauntingly good time.

Alternatively, you can always get closer to history and pick up a treat at the Bramley Apple Festival.  It's Southwell’s best loved food and drink fair, and its returning for its annual autumn slot at the Minster. Dozens of stallholders will be in attendance offering all manner of food and drink so this October half term let your taste buds take you on a journey and indulge in some of the best ,local produce Nottinghamshire has to offer.

Your little ones are sure to love the Go Quest Adventures quest if you haven't tried it already! Turning the streets of Nottingham into an adventure playground, you will see the city's highlights, explore its hidden gems and learn some fun facts along the way. It's like a walking tour with an escape room twist - perfect to do as a family!

Get crafty this half term with Lakeside Arts offer of creative workshops. Get ready to twist, float, lift and defy the impossible in the exciting hands-on family STEAM Defying Gravity workshop, get your hands dirty with the Riddles in Clay workshop or create your own iridescent beetle or flying owl puppet. Join a crafty adventure for the whole family and build yourself a heroic helmet, a safety shield to protect you and a (safe) sword, so you're always adventure ready or build, drape, clip and create in the joyful family den-building adventure!

On Sunday 25 October the breathtaking circus, parkour, and heartfelt storytelling show The Hideout will be coming to Lakeside Arts, capturing the highs and lows of making a new friend and the bravery it takes to say, "Do you want to play?". If you've got a bit of a wild side, join Batty and her companion Wildthing for gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as they unravel the magic and power of ageing in BATTY!

Budget friendly

If you’re looking for activities for animal lovers there’s lots of fun to be had at White Post Farm. Get up close to the animals and meet classic farm animals like sheep, goats and guinea pigs, as well as exotic animals, such as Armadillo’s and Crocodiles!! Or for a deceptively educational but still fun-filled outing Green's Windmill and Science Centre, a restored and working 19th Century tower mill, has a brilliant science centre dedicated to mathematical physicist George Green where they can experiment with light, electricity and magnetism. It’s free to enter but to ensure social distancing can be maintained tickets must be booked online in advance.

Looking for a fun and active day out with the family but don’t want to break the bank? At Holme Pierrepont Country Park they’ve got you covered this half term. Between Saturday 17 October and Sunday 1 November, all the family can get stuck in with Mini Golf, Outdoor Badminton, Orienteering and Lagoon Fishing – from just £1! The best part? There's no need to book! Simply turn up during opening hours and let the kids loose on an outdoor adventure.

If you want to encourage them away from their ever-present screens and out into nature take them to the legendary Sherwood Forest where they can walk in the footsteps of folklore hero Robin Hood, visit his hideout the mighty major oak and have a go at archery. Fans of the Gruffalo have the chance to join Storytime with Gruffalo Granny at Sherwood Pines on Tuesday 27 October. Hear the ​brand-​new Gruffalo story​ from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler​ and watch out for a special visit from The Gruffalo!

Click here for Ten Things to do for Under £10.

Click here to get more ideas for a FREE day out!

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Things to do on Rainy Days

All geared up for an exciting day exploring Nottinghamshire’s beautiful countryside, stunning gardens and outdoor entertainment, only to open the curtains and see the rain hitting the windows? Well, don’t worry. Here in Nottinghamshire, there’s no need to despair if it’s a little grey outdoors, and a good old fashioned British downpour has washed in. Instead, you can use the opportunity to grab your brolly and head out to shelter in the welcoming warmth of some of our fantastic indoor attractions and entertainment spots!

Visit one of our Historical Homes & Castles and immerse yourself in stories of the past. Or visit one of our incredible museums or art galleries!

If your little ones need to let off some energy, why not look at our indoor activities like Clip n Climb or the National Ice Centre?

Click here for more things to do on rainy days including theatres, under shelter shopping, escape rooms and more.

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Family Days Out

With a great variety of family friendly attractions and days out to choose from, families will find ample of fun in Nottinghamshire. Fill your days with adventures, exploring vast country parks, visiting the county’s great entertainment attractions or discovering the legendary history of Robin Hood country.

Click here for our full list of recommendations, including theme parks and play areas, experiences with animals, ideas for teenagers and much more!