October Half Term Events

This October half term in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire takes place between Friday 18th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024. And the County is packed with fantastic events for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a staycation destination for a family getaway while the kids are off school. We also have some brilliant ideas for a fun-filled day out 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.

---

Bus Discounts

Nottingham City Transport are offering a third-off existing group tickets this October half-term! Between Saturday 19th October until Sunday 3rd November 2024 inclusive, the price will be £6 for all day travel in the City Zone, or £9 for all day travel in all zones.

From Saturday 19th October until Sunday 3rd November, you can travel as a group for less on TrentBarton busses. Usually £18, you can now enjoy a Zigzag Plus group ticket for only £12. This gives you all day travel until 4am for up to 5 people!

---

Halloween events

This Halloween, take on the Tricker Treat Maze Farm, where you can expect  pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the fire, face painting, a scavenger hunt and much more! 

If you're feeling brave, you can book onto The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, where under 12s go free (at parent/guardian discretion). You will learn all about the gruesome history of Nottingham on this unique tour, strating at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem.

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 The National Justice Museum and walk in the footsteps of those sentenced to death here, followed by a fright night within the walls of the dark eerie Gaol cells.

Click here for more Halloween events.

---

Something different

If you're looking for something different this half term, look no further than the National Ice Centre. Check out their calendar of events, often including a a Halloween skating party, parent & tots sessions, intensive lessons & more!

Alternatively, you can always get closer to history and pick up a treat at the Bramley Apple Festival!

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!

Competitive gaming venue Roxy Lanes, will be offering £5 bowling for kids during the October half term. The offer will be available from 26^th October to 3^rd November on bookings made before 5pm. Kids will also be able to enjoy dishes from their new ‘Mini Ballers’ menu, where they can choose a main, side dish and free soft drink for £7.95. 

---

Budget friendly

If you’re looking for low cost activities there’s lots of fun to be had at Stonebridge City Farm, a little slice of the country in the heart of the city. Entry is free and there’re lots of cute critters to meet, from sheep and goats to bunnies and guinea pigs. 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.

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.

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

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

---

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.

---

Family Days Out

With a great variety of family friendly attractions and days out to choose from, families will find oodles 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!