October Half Term Events

This October half term in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire takes place between Friday 20th October to Friday 31st October 2025. 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.

Halloween events

If you're feeling brave, you can book onto 'The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk - Kids & family edition', where the whole family can now get involved with the very popular Nottingham attraction. Led by costumed guides, children aged 6–11 (with adults in tow) will uncover eerie legends, curious hauntings, and mysterious moments from Nottingham’s past — all told with a playful twist and just the right amount of shiver.

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 Lakeside Arts spooky outdoor cinema, where they'll be showing Little Shop of Horrors aswell as The Blair Witch Project. 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.

Click here for more Halloween events.

Something different

This Halloween season, gather your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling activities, competitions, and ghostly fun at Twinlakes Family Scream Park. There's something for everyone to enjoy and with online tickets as low as just £5, 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!

Following a record - breaking performance at Wembley Arena, this October half term KIDZ BOP are bringing their sell out tour to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall. Performing their versions of all the biggest pop hits, it's a must do for any music loving child in your life this half term.

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 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!