Free or nearly free things to do this October half-term

Half-term is nearly here, and with Halloween falling in the middle of the school break, there’s definitely a spooky feeling in the air.

Most UK schools will break up from 26 - 30 October 2026, but make sure you check your own school dates, as they can vary depending on where you live.

We all know that school holidays can be an expensive time for families, especially when you’ve got a few kiddies to keep entertained. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great day out.

There are plenty of free days out, cheap activities and family-friendly things to do if you know where to look.

Just remember that half-term is a busy time of year. Even when something is free, places can get booked up quickly, so it’s always worth checking the details and booking ahead where you can.

London

London Museum Docklands

If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, this one is well worth a look.

From 24 - 31 October, London Museum Docklands is putting on a whole host of free family activities, including clay charms, spooky storytelling, mythical-creature making, a silent disco and a Little City Halloween session.

Everything is free, although some activities need to be booked in advance, so check the individual listings before you set off.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

The National Maritime Museum has a particularly good half-term programme this year, with creepy-crawly crafts, storytelling and family activities taking place every day from 24 October - 1 November.

And if the weather’s on your side, why not combine your visit with a wander around Greenwich Park? You can pack a picnic, let the kiddies have a run around and make a whole free family day of it.

North West

MCR Monsters, Manchester

If you see giant inflatable monsters popping up around Manchester city centre during half-term, don’t panic!

They’re part of Halloween in the City, which returns this October with a free weekend packed with monster parties, live performances, a brand-new bake-off and what’s billed as the biggest fancy-dress takeover yet.

The Halloween in the City Weekender takes place on Saturday 24 October, 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 25 October, 10am - 5pm.

The Vault, Buxton

If you’re looking for something indoors, head to The Vault in Buxton for its Halloween Free Kids Craft Morning on Monday 26 October 2026 at 10am.

You can take the little ones along for some free indoor holiday crafts, which could be just the ticket if the October weather isn’t playing ball, which wouldn’t be surprising in Buxton!

North East

Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear

If your kids love getting stuck into a craft, head to Souter Lighthouse and the Leas for Crafty Cruiser family crafts on Wednesday 28 October.

It’s a free, drop-in event with lots of hands-on activities for everyone, whatever your skill level. You might have a go at folding origami or making something colourful.

There’s no need to book. Just turn up and join in on the day.

And if sport is more your kiddies’ thing, the same venue is hosting free sports activities on Tuesday 27 October, with archery, football and lots of other games for all skill levels.

Again, you don’t need to book. Just turn up, have a go and see what you fancy.

Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead

The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead is hosting a free, drop-in Explore and Draw session on Tuesday 27 October 2026.

You can use special drawing activity cards and a variety of art materials provided in the gallery while you explore the collections.

It’s not a formal taught class, so you can take things at your own pace and let the kiddies decide what they want to draw.

Children and adults can also relax, play and unwind in the gallery’s dedicated Sensory Space.

Yorkshire & Humber

National Science and Media Museum, Bradford

If you’re after a free day out with a bit of a difference, head to the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford.

There’s a Shaun the Sheep and Halloween-themed programme during half-term, with science shows and stop-motion activities to keep the youngsters entertained.

Best of all, entry to the museum is free, so you can have a fun and educational day out without having to dig too deeply into your pockets.

Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

If your family would rather be outdoors, Gibson Mill in beautiful Hardcastle Crags is well worth a visit.

There are free Halloween crafts taking place throughout October, including pumpkin decorating, pebble painting and other creative activities during half-term.

You can combine the crafts with a walk through Hardcastle Crags, making it a lovely autumn day out. Wrap the kids up, pack some snacks and let them burn off some energy exploring the woods.

Parking may cost, so check before you travel.

West Midlands

Kings Heath Park, Birmingham

On 31 October, Thrive Birmingham is running a free family morning at Kings Heath Park.

You and your tribe can get stuck into leaf art, autumn mandalas, pumpkin printing and other nature activities.

There’s no booking required, so you can simply turn up and enjoy a bit of autumn-themed family fun.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

If you fancy doing something a little different, then head to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for Bam-BOO!, running from 28 - 30 October.

There’ll be a giant bamboo marble run, puppets and hands-on activities for children to enjoy.

The activities are free with garden admission or membership, so this is an especially good option if you’re already a member. You can make a day of it by exploring the gardens once the kids have finished with the activities.

East Midlands

Nottingham Contemporary

There are free family activities at Nottingham Contemporary from 20 - 29 October, with plenty of opportunities for creative making, playing and exploring.

The sessions are drop-in, although booking is encouraged because spaces can be limited.

It’s a good rainy-day option if you want somewhere indoors where the kids can get creative without you having to spend a fortune.

Nottingham City HAF activities

If your children qualify for Nottingham City Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, there are free activities and meals available during the October half-term.

The 2026 programme runs from 19 - 28 October.

It’s worth checking whether your family is eligible, as you could save money on both entertainment and lunch while the kids are off school.

East of England

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Museum’s October Half Term Family Day on 28 October is completely free.

There will be activities throughout the galleries, along with self-led drawing, storytelling and play activities.

University of Cambridge Museums

There are also lots of free activities taking place across the University of Cambridge museums during half-term.

You can find everything from Skeleton Science at the Whipple Museum and free workshops at the Polar Museum to an Evolution Expedition at the Sedgwick Museum and free family workshops at Kettle’s Yard.

With so many museums close together, you could easily plan a full day around them and keep your spending to a minimum.

South West

MA-AD Science Mayhem at Bristol Dockyards

If you’re in Bristol, you can join Shaun the Sheep for a fun-filled scientific adventure at Bristol Dockyards, home of the iconic SS Great Britain.

MA-AD Science Mayhem runs from 26 September to 1 November 2026 and celebrates the release of the new Sky Original film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

The kids can get involved with hands-on challenges, puzzles and creative activities as they explore the historic dockyard.

This one isn’t completely free, so check the admission price before you go.

Bristol City Farms

If you’re in Bristol and trying to keep your half-term spending down, don’t forget about the city’s brilliant community farms.

Windmill Hill City Farm and St Werburghs City Farm both offer free entry, so you can take the kids along to see the animals without paying for an expensive family attraction.

You can easily make a cheap day of it by taking a picnic with you, letting the children explore and then heading home before you’re tempted to spend money on every snack and souvenir in sight.

Bristol is also a great city for free museums and family-friendly attractions, so you could easily put together a whole half-term day without spending much at all.

South East

Sompting Pumpkins, West Sussex

If the little ones are pumpkin mad, you could head to Sompting Pumpkins on Halewick Lane, Sompting.

You’ll find pumpkins, craft activities, food and drink and plenty more at this family-run pumpkin farm.

It’s open throughout half-term, from 24 - 31 October, and entry is free. You only need to pay if you decide to buy pumpkins or anything else while you’re there.

Winchester Spooky Letter Search

The Winchester Spooky Letter Search is a fun Halloween-themed trail around the city, organised by the Winchester Business Improvement District.

You can pick up a free copy of the Spooky Winch trail sheet from the Visitor Information Centre, The Arc or Winchester City Museum, or download one online.

The trail runs from 24 October - 1 November and involves solving clues and finding spooky Halloween messages around Winchester.

More free things to do this half-term

And if all those ideas still haven’t filled your diary, don’t worry. You don’t need to book a big attraction every day to keep your brood entertained.

There are loads of little things you can do at home or close to where you live that cost absolutely nothing.

• Library treasure hunts and craft sessions – Check your local library before half-term, as many run free craft sessions, storytelling, treasure hunts and Halloween activities for children.
• Free museum days – Lots of museums around the UK have free entry all year round. You might be surprised at what’s on your doorstep, so have a look at your local museums before paying for a big day out.
• Go on a Halloween hunt – Make a list of things for the kiddies to spot on a walk, such as a pumpkin, a spider, an autumn leaf, a black cat or a spooky-looking tree. You could even give out little prizes when they get home.
• Have a home bake-off – You don’t need fancy ingredients. Set the kids a small budget, raid the cupboards and see what they can come up with. Bonus points for anything Halloween themed!
• Have a family film afternoon – Build a huge pillow fort, make some popcorn and let the youngsters choose the film. You could even make your own cinema tickets and turn the living room into a mini cinema.
• Go on a bike ride adventure – Pick somewhere you haven’t explored before, pack a picnic and make the journey part of the fun. You could give the kids a list of things to spot along the way.
• Create a neighbourhood scavenger hunt – Write down clues and see if the little ones can find certain objects, colours, shapes or landmarks around your local area.
• Go on a conker hunt – October is perfect for this. See who can collect the biggest, smallest or strangest-looking conker, then use them for crafts when you get home.
• Have an autumn nature walk – Collect fallen leaves, sticks and other safe natural treasures and then turn them into pictures, collages or Halloween decorations.
• Do a park litter pick – Grab some gloves and a bag and head out for a family litter pick. It’s free, gets everyone moving and gives the kids a chance to do something positive for their local area.
• Put on a DIY talent show – You’re the judge and the kids are the stars. Let them sing, dance, tell jokes, perform magic tricks or show off whatever strange talent they’ve decided they have!
• Make your own Halloween decorations – Cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, old newspapers and leftover craft supplies can become ghosts, bats, spiders and pumpkins. You don’t need to spend money on decorations when you can make your own.
• Have a Halloween treasure hunt at home – Hide sweets, toys or little notes around the house and give the kiddies clues to find them. You could make it as easy or as tricky as you like.
• Take a picnic to the park – It might sound simple, but kiddies often don’t need much to have fun. Pack sandwiches, fruit, drinks and a blanket, then let them run around and burn off some energy.
• Check your local council website – Councils, libraries, community centres and local parks often put on free or very cheap activities during school holidays, and these can be easy to miss if you’re only looking at the big attractions.

And, of course, in between ferrying your kids from one activity to the next, you’ve got to feed them!

The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on food either. Pack a picnic where you can, take drinks and snacks from home and look out for places offering free or discounted kids’ meals during half-term.

With a bit of planning, you can keep the kids entertained all week without your bank balance looking too scary by the time Halloween arrives.