Looking for the best Yorkshire October half term activities to keep the kids busy this October? This is our guide to activities that you’ll enjoy as much as they do.
Whether you’re hunting for spooky ghosts in York or getting hands-on with science in Bradford, there is so much going on across Yorkshire this half term. It can be hard to know which activities are worth your time, so we’ve pulled together a list of the most exciting, educational – or plain fun – activities out there.
From pumpkin trails and Halloween adventures to heritage railways, wildlife encounters and hands-on museum activities, there’s something to keep children of all ages entertained this October.
Quick picks: Best October half term activities in Yorkshire
Best October half term activities in North Yorkshire
Halloween at Stockeld Park
Credit: Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park goes all-out for Halloween this October, with a full day of spooky family adventures across its woodland. Families can explore the Enchanted Forest, where live-action witches are waiting with magical challenges, before tackling the Monster Maze and Mummy Maze.
There’s also the chance to go pumpkin picking on the Stockeld Estate. Hop aboard the tractor-trailer to reach the pumpkin patch, then choose your own pumpkin to take home. Younger visitors can meet the live-action scarecrow keeping watch over the patch, while aspiring zombie hunters can upgrade their day with a laser tag experience through the spooky woodland.
Fancy dress is encouraged, with a daily costume competition, and there’s even spooky face painting available throughout the Halloween Adventure. With plenty of activities packed into one ticket, it’s a full day out for families who really want to embrace the spooky season.
Looking for more pumpkin patches? Here’s our guide to where to go pumpkin picking in Yorkshire.
Why families love it: There’s a huge amount to do in one place, from pumpkin picking and mazes to immersive storytelling and zombie laser tag.
When: Every October weekend, plus daily from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
Cost: Tickets vary depending on the date and activities selected. Pumpkins, laser tag and face painting are additional.
Halloween at Castle Howard
Credit: Carole Poirot
Castle Howard is embracing autumn with a mixture of Halloween fun, outdoor adventure and seasonal nature activities. Inside the House, families can take on the Pesky Pumpkin Trail, hunting down mischievous pumpkins hidden around the historic rooms before collecting a sticker reward.
Outside, the award-winning Skelf Island adventure playground is open for children to burn off some energy, with rope bridges, a long zip wire, tunnel slides, climbing walls and winding walkways.
Autumn is also a particularly beautiful time to explore the Castle Howard Arboretum, home to more than 7,000 trees from around the world. During October, families can join free red squirrel talks and keep an eye out for the Arboretum’s newest arrival, a young female squirrel named Cinnamon.
Why families love it: It combines Halloween activities with huge outdoor spaces and autumn nature, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not looking for a full-on spooky day.
When: The Pesky Pumpkin Trail runs from Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st October 2026, with other activities taking place throughout October.
Where: Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7DA.
Cost: The pumpkin trail is included with House & Garden tickets. Other activities vary in price, with some included in Arboretum admission.
Ghosts of Station Hall at the National Railway Museum
© Copyright Trustees of the Science Museum Group
York’s railway history is getting a spooky makeover this October half term as the National Railway Museum teams up with York Ghost Merchants for a brand-new ghost trail.
Thirty hand-crafted York Ghosts will be hidden throughout the newly restored Station Hall, challenging families to spot them while discovering the ghostly stories connected to the museum’s collection, Victorian rail travel and York’s famously haunted heritage.
The trail forms part of the museum’s wider Echoes on the Line programme, which includes short live storytelling sessions and a Victorian-inspired make-and-take activity. Children can create a small keepsake inspired by themes of travel, communication and memories of railway journeys.
The whole programme is designed to be family-friendly, with plenty to explore across the museum alongside the special half-term activities.
Why families love it: It combines Halloween activities with huge outdoor spaces and autumn nature, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not looking for a full-on spooky day.
When: 10am–5pm daily, Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ.
Cost: Free.
Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave
Credit: Mother Shipton’s Cave
Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough is leaning into its magical history this October half term with a Halloween adventure inspired by Hocus Pocus.
From 24 October to 1 November, families can explore the woodland as it’s transformed with witches, magical displays and spooky surprises. Look out for the iconic witchy trio, join in with seasonal activities and snap a photo with the characters.
There’s plenty to discover beyond the Halloween decorations, too. Explore the cave said to be the birthplace of England’s most famous prophetess, see the mysterious Petrifying Well and discover the cabinets of objects that have gradually been turned to stone by its unusual mineral-rich waters.
You can also follow the mile-long walk beside the River Nidd, make a wish at the Wishing Well and warm up with a pumpkin spice latte or marshmallows toasted over the fire.
Why families love it: The combination of woodland, caves, folklore and Halloween activities makes this feel like a proper adventure rather than simply a seasonal trail.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD.
Cost: Standard admission applies. Booking is essential.
Pumpkin Trail at Bolton Abbey
Head to Bolton Abbey this October half term for a pumpkin-filled adventure through Strid Wood. Families can pick up a trail sheet from the Cavendish Shop before heading into the woodland to follow the giant pumpkins and search for mystery boxes.
Solve the clues along the way to complete the puzzle, with the trail offering an easy way to explore the estate while adding a little Halloween magic to an autumn walk.
If all that fresh air works up an appetite, families visiting during half term can also make the most of the Kids Eat Free offer at The Brasserie at The Devonshire Arms. Midweek before 6.30pm, children can get a free main course with every adult main course purchased.
Why families love it: It’s a simple, affordable way to add some Halloween fun to a proper autumn day out in the Yorkshire countryside.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX.
Cost: The pumpkin trail is included in the £12.50 estate car parking fee.
York Castle Museum
Credit: Anthony Chappel Ross
Step back into Yorkshire’s past this October half term at York Castle Museum, where storytelling, immersive experiences and hands-on activities bring history to life. There are plenty of things for families to get involved with, from following escape stories through the old prison cells to learning about Victorian Halloween traditions on Kirkgate.
Look out for Tales of Nut-Crack Night, a daily storytelling performance featuring two eccentric Victorian characters and the traditions of All Hallows’ Eve, known as Nut-Crack Night in Victorian Yorkshire. The museum has plenty of self-led activities running throughout the week, too. Children can follow the Time Traveller’s Activity Trail, explore historic fashions with Little Spotters or get creative in the Victorian-themed Creative Studio. Older children and adults can tackle the new Prison Escape Stories, while sensory stations let visitors experience the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of York’s chocolate-making history.
Why families love it: There’s a good mix of storytelling, hands-on activities and things to explore at your own pace, with all the October half-term activities included in general admission.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9RY.
Cost: Included with general admission. Family saver tickets are available from £52, and tickets are valid for 12 months, meaning you can return free of charge throughout the year.
Haunted Hall at Barley Hall
Credit: York Archaeology
Something spooky has taken over Barley Hall this October – and the venue needs a team of trainee ghost hunters to help deal with it.
During Haunted Hall: Ghost Hunters!, spirits from more than 2,000 years of York’s history have descended on the medieval townhouse. Young recruits can explore the Hall, search for troublesome ghosts and help paranormal investigators contain the outbreak.
Each ghost-hunting adventure lasts around 45 minutes and is designed for brave children aged six and over. It’s spooky rather than seriously frightening, making it a good choice for families who enjoy Halloween but aren’t looking for anything too terrifying.
Why families love it: It turns a historic building into an interactive ghost hunt, giving children a reason to explore every shadowy corner.
When: 10am–4pm, Saturday 24th October to Saturday 31st October 2026.
Where: Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AR.
Cost: A child ticket is £9.50 and an adult ticket is £10.50. The ticket allows visitors to return for free as many times as they like within the next 12 months.
Halloween at Forbidden Corner
Credit: The Forbidden Corner
Forbidden Corner is always a little bit unusual, but things get even more mysterious during October as the Yorkshire attraction gets dressed up for Halloween.
The gardens will be decorated for the season, with a Halloween quiz giving families the chance to explore while answering spooky questions. There’s also a Green Bone Puzzle, where visitors search the grounds for hidden words on green bones to reveal a secret sentence.
Those visiting on Halloween itself can get involved in the fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best-dressed children and adults.
With its unusual tunnels, sculptures, mazes and hidden surprises, Forbidden Corner is already an adventure for curious children, making the Halloween additions an extra layer of fun.
Why families love it: Even without the Halloween activities, Forbidden Corner is unlike most family attractions, with hidden passages, puzzles and surprises around every corner.
When: Throughout October, with the fancy dress competition on Saturday 31st October.
Where: Forbidden Corner, Tupgill Park, Coverham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4TJ.
Cost: A child ticket (age 4-15) is £17 and an adult ticket is £19.
October Half Term on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway makes a brilliant autumn day out, and this October half term families can take advantage of a special School Holiday Savings Rate.
From 24th October to 1st November, families can travel through the North York Moors on one of the UK’s best-known heritage railways, with one child travelling free for every fare-paying adult on standard services.
There are also extra low-cost activities during the school holidays. Children can dress up and go Station Trick or Treating at Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont, while younger train fans can enjoy Tiny Engine Tuesdays on 27th October. Under-fives can also enjoy a Stay & Play session on 28th October, with soft play, sensory activities and steam-inspired fun.
Why families love it: You get the experience of a proper heritage railway journey without the usual school-holiday price increase, plus extra activities for younger visitors.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, on running days.
Where: North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with stations including Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont.
Cost: School Holiday Savings Rate applies. Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per paying adult. Additional activities range from free to £3.
Halloween Chocolate Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story
Credit: York’s Chocolate Story
Chocolate lovers can spend half term making their own spooky treats at York’s Chocolate Story. The Halloween Masterclass gives budding chocolatiers the chance to get hands-on with everything from creepy chocolate lollies to skull-shaped slabs and Halloween-themed truffles.
Led by an expert chocolatier, the session includes demonstrations of chocolate-making techniques before participants create and decorate their own treats. There’s also a pre-made chocolate bar to personalise and a hot chocolate to enjoy while you work.
Best of all, you get to take your chocolate creations home at the end – assuming they make it that far.
Why families love it: It’s a hands-on experience where children get to make something delicious and take their creations home, rather than simply watching a demonstration.
When: Monday 26th, Wednesday 28th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October 2026.
Where: York’s Chocolate Story, 3–4 King’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LD.
Cost: £37.50 per person. Recommended for ages four and over.
Spy Week at Eden Camp Modern History Museum
Credit: Eden Camp
Budding detectives can put their investigative skills to the test at Eden Camp this October half term, where Spy Week turns the museum into a giant mystery to solve.
Families can take on the I-Spy Halloween Trail, following hidden clues around the museum and attempting to crack the code. Young detectives can also investigate evidence and learn about forensic science during the CSI Drop-In Sessions on 24th and 25th October.
From Monday 26th to Friday 30th October, Fingerprint Detectives gives children the chance to learn how fingerprints are collected, analysed and compared, just like real forensic investigators.
The activities are designed to be hands-on, so children can explore the museum while solving puzzles, examining evidence and learning about espionage and forensic science.
Why families love it: It turns a museum visit into an interactive mystery, combining history, science and detective work.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6RT.
Cost: Adults from £17, children from £15 and under-fives go free.
Best October half term activities in South Yorkshire
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is getting seriously spooky this October half term, with Halloween entertainment running throughout the park from 24th October to 1st November.
Alongside all the usual animal encounters, families can enjoy creepy characters, live Halloween shows and seasonal entertainment. There’s also a Trick or Treat Trail, where children can collect a bag before visiting spooky cabins around the park to discover whether they’ll receive a trick or a treat.
There’s even freaky fairground fun to enjoy, making this a full day out rather than a quick Halloween activity. For children who want to go all-in on the spooky season, it’s a chance to combine animals with costumes, shows and Halloween surprises.
Why families love it: There’s enough going on to make a full day of it, with animals, live entertainment and Halloween activities all included in park entry.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Brockholes Lane, Branton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 6TB.
Cost: Park admission from £28.99 per adult and £24.99 per child.
Halloween Half Term at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is celebrating Halloween with its Great Pumpkin Party, bringing family-friendly games, storytelling and spooky activities to the historic estate.
Families can follow a themed trail around the grounds, take part in interactive storytelling and games, and stop at a seasonal selfie spot for some Halloween photos. Fancy dress is encouraged, with a daily competition giving visitors the chance to win a prize for their costume.
It’s a good option for families who want some Halloween atmosphere without a full-on scarefest, with the historic house and gardens providing plenty of space to explore between activities.
Why families love it: It combines a Halloween trail and entertainment with the chance to explore a beautiful historic estate.
When: 10am–4pm, Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Brodsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 7XJ.
Cost: Tickets from £13.85 per adult and £6.88 per child.
Noisy Toys at Clifton Park Museum
Credit: Clifton Park Museum
Children can get creative with old technology at Clifton Park Museum this half term during Noisy Toys, a free workshop with artist collective Scavenger Hub.
The session invites children to rummage through museum objects and old tech to discover just how much sound and noise they can create. The aim is to transform discarded and unexpected objects into noisy creations, making this a hands-on activity for curious children who like making things as much as looking at them.
There’s no need to book, and the activity is suitable for all ages, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Rotherham.
Why families love it: It’s completely free and gives children permission to make as much noise as they like while exploring old technology in a creative way.
When: 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm, Tuesday 27th October 2026.
Where: Clifton Park Museum, Clifton Lane, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S65 2AA.
Cost: Free. No booking required.
Best October half term activities in West Yorkshire
Diggerland Yorkshire
Credit: Diggerland
If you’re looking for an alternative option this October half term, families can spend the day driving diggers and operating construction machinery at Diggerland Yorkshire.
The Castleford theme park is open every day from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, with more than 20 rides and drives for children and adults. Young visitors can get behind the controls of construction-themed vehicles and enjoy a full day of hands-on rides.
It’s particularly good for children who love vehicles and machinery, with plenty of opportunities to dig, drive and operate rather than simply watch.
Why families love it: It’s an unusual alternative to traditional October half term events, giving children the chance to operate real construction-themed machinery and rides.
When: 10am–4pm, Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Diggerland Yorkshire, Willowbridge Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5NW.
Cost: £25.95 per person for visitors over 90cm. Under-90cm visitors go free. Seniors aged 65+ pay £12.97.
Halloween in the Wild West at Wakefield Exchange
Credit: Wakefield Exchange
There’s a Wild West twist on Halloween at Wakefield Exchange this October half term, with a week of free family activities running from 27th to 30th October.
Families can take part in a different activity each day, from Wild West arts and crafts at the Makers Frontier to an immersive Haunted Campfire storytelling experience. Budding cowboys and cowgirls can also test their aim at a Cowboy Nerf Shootout.
The week finishes with a Cowboys Disco followed by a Family Hoedown, where families can try beginner line dancing and meet Ermintrude the rodeo cow.
Why families love it: It’s completely free and offers something different from the usual pumpkin trails and Halloween parties, with a Wild West theme running throughout.
When: Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th October 2026.
Where: Wakefield Exchange, Union St, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3AD.
Cost: Free, although some activities ask for booking.
Spooky Science at the National Science and Media Museum
Credit: National Science and Media Museum
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is getting a spooky makeover this October half term, with a programme inspired by Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.
Families can take part in spooky science experiments, animation workshops and special effects activities, while daily film screenings bring the new Shaun the Sheep adventure to the big screen.
On Halloween itself, 31st October, there’s an extra helping of spooky fun, including free face painting, a family-friendly silent disco and tours exploring how film and television use sound to create creepy scenes and frightening monsters.
Museum admission and the half-term activities are free, so it’s a particularly good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly rainy-day activity.
Why families love it: There’s a great mix of hands-on science, animation, film and special effects, with most activities completely free.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, with additional Halloween activities on Saturday 31st October.
Where: National Science and Media Museum, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1NQ.
Cost: Museum admission and activities are free. Cinema screenings start from £3.
Best October half term activities in East Yorkshire
Halloween at Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Credit: Sewerby Hall
Sewerby Hall and Gardens is getting ready for Halloween with a week of magical family activities from 24th October to 1st November.
The programme includes spooky magic shows, autumn crafts, face painting and interactive storytelling from Rusticus Theatre. Children can get involved in spell casting, wand combat and even broomstick flying as the performers transform the grounds into an outdoor magical adventure.
Families can also follow a Love Exploring trail, search the gardens for spooky dancers and explore the decorated Walled Gardens. With the zoo, woodland walk and historic house also open, there’s plenty to fill a full day.
Why families love it: There’s a wide mix of activities, animals, gardens and outdoor space, so children can keep exploring rather than spending the whole day on one Halloween event.
When: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026. The zoo and Walled Gardens are open daily, while the House is open at weekends and during half term.
Where: Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, YO15 1EA.
Cost: A day ticket is £13.75 per adult and £9.75 per child.
Tooth be Told at The Deep
Credit: The Deep
Things are getting a little toothy at The Deep this October half term as the Hull aquarium explores the fascinating world of animal teeth.
Tooth be Told gives families the chance to handle real artefacts from animals ranging from the tiny small-spotted catshark to the enormous Megalodon. Children can learn more about shark species from around the world and discover how their teeth have adapted to different ways of feeding.
There’s also a crime-scene investigation-style activity called Chew Dunnit, where visitors use clues to work out which animal is responsible. Families can then use 3D-printed jaw and teeth models to create their own sketches.
Why families love it: It’s a hands-on way to learn about sharks and other animals, with real artefacts, puzzles and unusual objects to investigate.
When: Throughout the October half-term holidays.
Where: The Deep, Tower Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 4DP.
Cost: A ticket is £24 per adult and £18 per child. Pre-booking is recommended.
Halloween Trail at Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes Hall is adding a spooky twist to its peaceful woodland this October half term with a Halloween trail filled with handcrafted scenes.
From 24th October to 1st November, families can explore the grounds and search for the eerie displays hidden around the woodland. Once the trail is complete, there’s still plenty of space for children to burn off some energy in the woodland adventure playground, which includes swings, a tower with a corkscrew slide and a double zip wire.
The Carriage House also provides a place to stop for refreshments, making it easy to turn the trail into a relaxed autumn day out.
Why families love it: It combines a gentle Halloween trail with a proper outdoor adventure playground, so there’s something for children who prefer running around to solving spooky clues.
When: 11am–5pm, Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
Where: Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB.
Cost: A ticket for the gardens costs £11.36 per adult and £7.27 per child.
