October Half Term Events

The nights may be drawing in and there’s a chill in the air, but there’s lots to love about Autumn! This October half term is packed with fantastic events for everyone to enjoy whether you’re looking for a staycation with the kids while they’re off school or 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. 

A magical after-dark adventure awaits at Rufford Abbey where the Spectacle of Light will brighten the long, autumnal evenings. Stunning light installations will bring the romantic ruins and glorious gardens to life as you explore an enchanting illuminated trail, discovering surprising sculptures and a kaleidoscope of colour.

If you’re looking for low cost activities while you’re out and about in the city you can drop into Nottingham Contemporary art gallery for free creative activities where kids can get stuck in creating a costume to turn themselves into a living statue.  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. On various days they have some special free activities planned, like drumming and movement workshops. Find out what’s in store here. 

If dropping the kids off to have an action-packed, yet deceptively educational day - leaving you free to explore, relax or just crack on with that to-do list uninterrupted - sounds like a triple win, take a look at the Junior Game Creators code camp. Or if you want to encourage them away from their ever-present screens and out into nature to get active Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the place to go. To celebrate the release of the new Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon they’ve launched a brand-new guided glow trail, full of puzzles and activities to complete. On Friday 1 November they’ll be hosting a Family Fun Run to let everyone experience the forest at night as you run (walk or waddle) through trees lit up with colour. Don your Shaun the Sheep masks and UV paint and go on a mission to help find Lu-La's spaceship in the forest.

Halloween Events 
 

If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, there are lots of spookily fun things to do for families around the county. Join the Ghost Hunters to help catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the National Justice Museum. Slide and glide over to The National Ice Centre for two Halloween parties suitable for both older children and little monsters, starting with a slime filled Scaries & Fairies family skating party, followed by a garish neon-lit Halloween Club Party with a soundtrack of the best Halloween themed beats.

There’s lots of Halloween half term fun to be had at Newstead Abbey, where you can explore the expansive grounds to track down the bats on their Halloween Trail, join the rangers and gardeners to build a den, take a twilight tour of the atmospheric grounds, or join in the fun and games on the 31st.

It’s also a great time to check out some of Nottinghamshire’s great theme parks and other family attractions, where you can expect a little extra spinetingling fun alongside all the usual rides and attractions. Enjoy spooky-but-not-scary Halloween fun with Honey and Sunny bear at Sundown Adventureland, meet you favourite Uglydolls characters at Gulliver's Kingdom or go wild at the “Ugly Bugs Disco” and explore the haunted wood at Conkers. Wannabee witches and wizards can even join a magical school of witchcraft at the Tropical Butterfly House, complete with broomstick training and a potions class.

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 below, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.