What to do in the October Half Term

This half term, there are plenty of activities taking place across Bradford and Kirklees which are perfect for all the family. From pumpkin trails to arts and crafts workshops, there’s plenty to get involved with to keep the kids busy over Halloween. 

Here are just a few of the activities we’ve found for you to enjoy as a family this Halloween. 

Half‑term Pumpkin Trail 

East Riddlesden Hall | 25th October– 2nd November

Open from 10am to 4pm every day, the National Trust site, East Riddlesden Hall, is the perfect location for a spooky Halloween trail. Outside in the gardens, you’ll be able to search for pumpkins and uncover a hidden word if you find them all. In the Discovery Room, you’ll also be able to create your own spooky Halloween craft. 

There’s no need to book a place for this event, but there is an entry fee to East Riddlesden Hall for non-National Trust members. You can find the full details on entry prices here. 

Wizard Spectacular 

Centenary Square | 31st October 

Organised by Bradford BID, this free event will transform the city centre and pack it with performances and interactive adventures for all ages, from 11am to 4pm. 

During the performances, you can cheer on your favourite heroes in the Battle of the Wizards, meet Dreyo the Dragon and speak to the Enchanted Cauldron to find out your magical element. 

For children who are budding witches or wizards, there are free workshops to take part in. Join the potions workshop to brew a magical concoction, or attend the wand-making workshop to craft a unique wand. 

During the day, there will also be roaming characters to meet and take photos with, including Dragon Master, Esme and Beastie, and the mighty Ord the Ogre.  

Don’t forget to come in costume to this fantastic event. No booking required. 

Creepy Calico Bags 

Bradford Industrial Museum | 31st October 

Taking place from 11am to 3pm, this event is perfect for children to make their own bag to collect their sweets in during trick or treating. Make sure to dress up in your scariest costume to frighten the museum staff. 

There is no charge for the event; however, the museum has suggested a recommended donation of £1 to cover the materials. 

Boll-o-ween 

Bolling Hall Museum | 29th October 

Head down to Bolling Hall Museum on the 29th October for an evening of family activities. The evening will start with a tour around the hall from one of the resident ghouls, followed by facepainting, crafts, and a monster-mash disco. After some tales in the ghost room, your guide will then give you a tour of the rest of the hall, where you should keep an eye out for ghosts along the way. 

Six tour slots are available each day from 5:30pm, with each tour lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets are available to be booked for Boll-o-ween here.

Please remember this is an event for families, so no admittance will be given to unaccompanied children/adults. 

Little L’s and Natasha Jackson Ceramics Halloween Playtime

St. Mary The Blessed Virgin, Gomersal | 21st October

Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, this Halloween-themed playtime features soft play, crafts, messy play and a sensory corner. Running from 10:30am till 11:30am, don’t forget to dress up in your scariest or cutest Halloween costume, ready to make your own pumpkin out of clay.  Booking is essential for this event as there are limited places available.

Kids’ Club: Corpse Bride (PG)  

Pictureville Cinema | 1st and 2nd November 

Visit the Pictureville Cinema at the Science and Media Museum this Halloween weekend to watch Tim Burton’s animated classic Corpse Bride in the Cubby Broccoli Cinema. Playing at 11am on both Saturday and Sunday, the kids’ club showing is open to all families with children, but are ideal for families with children aged 12 and under. 

The Sunday Kids’ Club screenings are also autism friendly, ideal for visitors with autism, an anxiety disorder, or a Special Educational Need that means they would benefit from a quieter, more relaxed environment. Lights will be left on, the volume of the soundtrack will be reduced, and it’s fine for you to move around, make noise or take a break when you need to. 

Booking is required for the cinema. You can get your tickets for either the Saturday or Sunday showing here. 

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