October Half Term 2025 Autumnal Adventures & Days Out
Free Half-Term Events
Free and low cost events and days out for families in October half term school holidays, autumnal fun, halloween fun and just great memory making days out.
Whitby Abbey Illuminated
24th October to 1st November 2025
An unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey. Ghost hunters will also relish the chance to join Time Will Tell for a performance of their thrilling new show The Dead Shall Walk the Earth, featuring shadowy figures, strange powers and perhaps even a visit from Dracula himself.
Halloween Events
Looking for some Halloween fun this October half term, try our dedicted Halloween events page. Family fun and scary halloween for teens and adults.
Echoes of Yorkshire
24th October to 2nd November 2025
Light, colour and music surround you at the extraordinary light and sound installation by Luxmuralis in the York Museum Gardens this autumn.
Moonlight On The Lake
24th and 25th October 2025
Moonlight on the Lake is a journey around the beautiful Peasholm Park, celebrating the heritage of Scarborough and the park itself with hundreds of handmade lanterns and illuminations reflecting on the surface of the water.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Carriageworks
29th October to 2nd November 2025
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. Four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Dark Skies Fringe Festival - Yorkshire Dales
24th October to 2nd November 2025
With an array of Festival events hosted by local businesses and Dark Sky Friendly places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find lots of opportunities to linger, look up and marvel at the beauty of our amazing night skies.
Dark Skies Festival - North York Moors
24th October to 2nd November 2025
Prepare yourself to welcome in the stargazing season with night navigation walks, astrophotography workshops, dark skies watercolour sessions, dinners surrounded by stars and so much more. Take a look at the programme below and join us to celebrate some of the darkest night skies.
York Ghost Week
25th October to 2nd November 2025
Celebrate the ghosts of York with events in the city centre, you may even find a York Seed Ghost to keep.
Pumpkin Patches and Festivals
Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patches in Yorkshire, what could be more fun than finding your special pumpkin out in the field and bringing it back ready to carve. Halloween Family Fun in Yorkshire.
Autumn Daze at Peasholm Park
29th October 2025
'Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental themed Peasholm Park on Scarborough's north side and feature a whole range of free, autumn themed activities set against the colourful seasonal backdrop of the park's impressive woodland.
Wizard Walk of York
Available year round, very suitable for a Halloween themed outing. Help find magical creatures on a walking tour wizard fans go Potty for. Unlike a ghost walk, there are no spooky ghosts and no scary stories…just fun and laughter for all the family!
Whitby Abbey Illuminated
24th October to 2nd November 2024
an unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey. Time Will Tell theatre group will take you on a journey into a nightmare world of Victorian gothic in new creation 'If these Stones could Talk'.
Halloween Half Term at Brodsworth Hall
25th October to 2nd November 2025
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Brodsworth Hall this half-term. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues, and gather round to listen to spooky stories.
Wicked Week at Magna Science Adventure Centre
28th October to 1st November 2024
Join the Trick or Treat Trail, the Forge Demonstrations and host of family fun filled activities.
Autumnal Colours at RHS Harlow Carr
26th October to 3rd November 2024
As autumn paints our landscape with a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing colors, immerse yourself in the enchanting hues that inspire the soul. And for families seeking excitement during the half term break, look no further than our lineup of autumn-themed activities and workshops!
Ghosts in the Garden
19th September to 2nd November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.
Let's Get Glowing at The Deep
19th October to 3rd November 2024
Tune into 'The Glow Show', running daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm in Endless Ocean. Explore the creatures that dwell in the depths of the ocean and the incredible way that they use their own light!
Visit the 'Let's Get Glowing' demonstration station between 11am-4pm daily in Endless Ocean to discover a series of magical demonstrations and experiments.
Petrifying Poisons at Thackray Museum
26th October to 3rd November 2024
Poisons: the perfect remedy or a recipe for disaster?
This October half-term, we’re brewing up a wickedly fun programme all about the perils – and the perks – of poisons!
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries
28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
Autumn Adventure with Ripon City Cruises
26th October to 3rd November 2024
Find the owls and squirrels in the trees, the beautiful colours of the leaves whilst the fairy doors unlock the clues to solve the puzzle!
Enjoy a wonderful autumn cruise for all the family this half-term - no scary halloween frights in sight.
Skipton Monster Trail
26th October to 3rd November 2024
Ten monsters are hiding around town, are you brave enough to find them!
Find the monsters and find the hidden word to be entered into a prize draw to win a Spooktacular prize!