Half term is fast approaching, but it doesn’t have to fill you with dread!
Yes there may be rain, yes it may be cold and… yes you might want to shed a tear or two, but never fear, we’ve done the research for you and found some ghoulishly good activities that will keep your kids entertained this Halloween half term.
Spooky Science 2014 National Space Centre
18 October – 02 November, 10am – 5pm
Would you (and your kids) like to witness a team of mad scientists make slime and discover the frightening side of space? Well then head down to the National Space Centre in Leicester for Spooky Science 2014.
Admission: Adult £13. Child (5-16) £11. Concessions £11. Under 5 free.
Spooky Halloween Trail, Ilam Park
Fancy a self-led spooky trail?
Head to Ilam Park and try to find your way around the woods by yourself (collecting a spooky biscuit or two at the end)!
Skiing
Why not get in the swing of winter and learn a new skill with the family… like skiing!
The UK is full of dry ski slopes and we’ve listed the UK’s top ones for you below!
- The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
- Snozone, Milton Keynes and Castleford
- Chill Factore, Manchester
- Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffordshire
- Snowtrax, Christchurch, Dorset
- Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre, Cardiff City Centre
- Suffolk Ski Centre, Ipswich
- Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre, Plymouth
- Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre, Gloucester
- Norfolk Snowsports Club, Norwich
- Snow Factor, Braehead, Glasgow
Discover the story behind Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher and Tom Kitten at The Beatrix Potter Gallery.
The 17th Century building, once the office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, has remained pretty much untouched since their day and the Gallery hosts an exhibition of Beatrix Potter’s original drawings and illustrations.
Costs: Adult, £5.60; Child, £2.80; Family, £14.
Go Canoeing!
If you’ve landed yourself with some active children, but are fine ‘taking a seat’ while they get on with it (thank you), how about canoeing?
The UK is swimming in canoe groups; there’s everything from starter sessions, guided tours and special trials.
Check out Go Canoeing to see what’s out there!
Boo at the Zoo! Whipsnade
If you love animals then head to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for a spooky schedule of special activities including creepy crafts, spooky storytelling, bug handling, menacing mask making and much more!
Plan ahead and book online with epoints.
Carve a Pumpkin (it is Halloween after all)
Get stuck in with Halloween and carve a pumpkin! It’s fun for all the family and you can even turn it into a competition – best design gets to pick the first treat! If you’re feeling really brave, you could also have a go at making pumpkin soup or growing your own pumpkin heads.
Carving is easy:
- Draw your design.
- Scoop out the seeds and middle.
- Cut the top off with a small sharp knife.
- Cut out the design – there are some great child-proof carving tools out there, but it might be a good idea to do the actual cutting yourself… depending on your own knife skills!
And if those suggestions don’t keep you going try: 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾