If this year hasn’t been scary enough, Halloween is just around the corner! And although there aren’t as many family-friendly activities as usual planned, you can tire out your little terrors with these 13 spooky things to do with the family this October.
1. Now until Nov 1. Halloween Displays. Free
Most parents don’t feel it’s right to be knocking on strangers doors this year so peopl have been organising Halloween Displays instead. Get involved by decorating your windows and adding your house to the trail or just take your kids on a spooky walk around the neighbourhood between 5 and 7pm any evening. Check out BS3 Haunted Houses on Facebook, or search for a trail near you.
2. Sat Oct 24 – Jan 3. Gromit Unleashed – The Grand Adventure. Free
Forgot your worries and let Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw and Shaun the Sheep put a smile on your face! They will be among several sculptures on display at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway during October half-term and throughout winter. Make an afternoon of it with fun events for little ones, a prize draw and trail merchandise on sale in the shop. Proceeds go to Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, The Grand Appeal.
3. Now until 28 Feb. Do you believe in magic? Pay what you think
We would all benefit from believing in a bit of magic at the moment so why not take the family to this exhibition which takes over the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for the next few months. Showcasing over 200 objects and stories that tell how magic has been used to heal, hunt and harm throughout the centuries.
4. Sat Oct 24 – Nov 1. Half-term Halloween Trail at Clifton Observatory. From £2.50
The kids will love a trip to Clifton Observatory this autumn where there will be a Halloween Trail and quiz. Giants Ghyston, Goram and Avona have hidden a number of clues around the observatory which will help children solve the Halloween Quiz.
5. Now until Oct 31. Pumpkin Picking Patch, Bath. Free
Get the family outdoors for an adventure this Halloween where they can pick their own pumpkins, hunt for Toad, make their own witch’s broom & spider decoration.
6. Sat Oct 31 . We are family – life drawing on Zoom. Free
Artist Bella Franks will help children aged 5 plus learn the art of learning to draw through observation. The model will of course be fully clothed and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
7. Now until Nov 1. Pumpkin Patch – pick your own at Avon Valley. From £3
If you book in advance you can pick your own pumpkin at Avon Valley Adventure Park this year from £3 per person. Make an afternoon of it and have fun on the fair rides, take part in Pumpkin Paintball or have a go on the Pumpkin Slingshot.
8. Sat Oct 24 – Nov 1. The Grand Halloween 2020 at the Grand Pier.
Take your little terrors on a day trip to Weston-Super-Mare this half-term for a terror-ific day out. Some activities like pumpkin carving and face painting are free but no doubt the kids will want to go on the rides (day passes start from £10).
9 Tue Oct 27. Junior Drawing School at the RWA. £5
Map Your World is an opportunity for 7 to 12-year-olds to use their imaginations and and draw their experiences from 10:30 to 11:30am.
10 Wed Oct 28 to 31. From £3.50
If you fancy a day out in Glastonbury then why not combine it with a visit to the Somerset Rural Life Museum where toddlers can fall in love with the rescue goat, donkey and sheep! There will also be a themed trail around the museum but you’ll need to book in advance.
11 Tenpin bowling 2 for 1 during October. From £6.99
This October why not swap your slippers for bowling shoes as it’s 2 for 1 at Tenpin bowling aisles across the UK – see individual websites for details and to book in advance.
12. All half-term. Free
On a dry day you can’t go far wrong with a trip to one of Bristol’s Adventure Playgrounds. Check out their individual websites to see what’s on especially as restrictions may apply. At Southmead Adventure Playground there are a few activities planned including make your own slime but booking in advance is required. Also check out Felix Rd and St Pauls Adventure Playground.
13. All half-term. Cinema. From £4.99
Avoid the rain and take the kids to the cinema to watch one of the latest releases like Cats & Dogs or Bill & Ted Face the Music at Vue Longwell Green or Cribbs Causeway from £4.99.
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