October half term is the perfect time to enjoy some great autumn activities - from picking pumpkins, to getting spooky to enjoying firework displays. Across Wales plenty is going on to keep you and your little ones entertained.
If you are looking for some free events to enjoy this half term read our article here. The half term school holiday runs from Monday, October 31 to Friday, November 4 here in Wales and a lot is going on during that week and on the weekends either side, especially with both Halloween and Bonfire Night taking place during that time.
You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here. Grab your hats, scarves and gloves and head out the door this half term with these great events and activities.
Halloween for dogs, Cwmbran
If you have a furry friend why not let them join in the fun this Halloween too? You can visit the Cwtch Animal Homestay in Cwmbran and enjoy the Halloween photo opportunity, that comes with costumes, props and headsets, they have set up to get the perfect Halloween snap of your pooch.
You will also be able to use their solo use secure dog fields for £15 for 45 minutes during the week and £17 on weekends.
Halloween Ghost Train, Swansea
The normally sweet little train, the Swansea Bay Rider, that trundles along the Swansea and Mumbles promenade is undergoing a spooky makeover. On Sunday, October 30 and Monday, October 31 you will be able to join a creepy journey along the front - and you can come dressed up.
Tickets cost £5.50 and you can book the Halloween Ghost Train here. There are lots of other great Halloween events to enjoy in Wales and you can read our comprehensive guide here to find out more.
Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish, Pontllanfraith
The theatre adaption of the children's book Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish is coming to Blackwood Miners' Institute in Pontllanfraith on Tuesday, November 1. There will be two performances, one at 11am and one at 2pm, tickets cost £11 or £32 for a family of four.
The show is recommended for ages three to 12 and you can book your tickets here.
Haunted Castle Experience at Oystermouth Castle
Enter...if you dare. Taking place at Oystermouth Castle is the Haunted Castle Experience where you will be given a creepy tour within the castle walls. With the lights out, who knows what unsettling spirits or creepy characters you might meet – are you brave enough to find out?
The tours will take place on Monday, October 31 between 5.30pm and 10.15pm. Tickets cost £13 for adults, £11 for children aged 12-16 and a group ticket for five people costs £55. You can book your tickets here.
Pumpkin Picking
You can really get into the spooky and autumnal spirit by picking your own pumpkins this year. There are lots of pumpkin-picking patches across Wales and you can read our handy pumpkin-picking guide here.
National Trust
There is so much happening at National Trust sites in Wales this half term. Children can also eat for free at National Trust cafes when adults spend £5 or more during the half term.
At Erddig in Wrexham you can take part in an apple harvest celebration, enjoy spooky tales and craft sessions or snuggle up at the outdoor cinema. If you take a trip to Tredegar House in Newport you can join in with pumpkin carving, a spooky sightings trail and craft activities. Find out more about what is happening at National Trust properties near you here.
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night falls at the end of the half term, on the last weekend. There are plenty of bonfires and firework displays to enjoy across Wales and you can read our handy roundup here.
Cadw
Cadw sites are also hosting some great half-term activities at locations across Wales. Taking place at Raglan Castle is the Raglan Castle School of Magic on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30.
Castle Coch just outside Cardiff is hosting a feast of activities including a Halloween quest, spooky face painting and creepy crafts. You can read more about your local Cadw events here.
1001 Arabian Nights, Swansea
You can enjoy a show like no other, 1001 Arabian Nights at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. A hairy tale of a Princess, a Sultan and a Genie, a shipwreck and an unfortunate pirate who keeps getting transformed into a baboon! Join Grandma Dingley and BBC NOW for an hour-long adventure through 1001 Arabian Nights.
You can buy family tickets for the show which is taking place on Saturday, October 30. Buy your tickets here.
Demon Dentist, Swansea
David Walliams' children's book Demon Dentist has been transformed into a play and is coming to Swansea. Demon Dentist will be showing in the Swansea Grand Theatre from Wednesday, November 2 to Saturday, November 5.
Tickets start at £17 and you can buy your tickets here.
Llandegfedd Lake
Llandegfedd Lake near Coed-y-paen and Panteg is putting on some great activities meaning you and your family can get outdoors this half term. There will be archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, crazy gold and more to enjoy. You can find out more information here.
Milkshake at the Grand Pavilion Porthcawl
A great children's show this half term is Milkshake at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl. Join characters including Paddington, Daisy and Ollie, Milo, Noddy, Pip and Posy and Blue’s Clues.
The show takes place on Saturday, October 29 and you can book tickets here.
Get scared at Silver Mountain, Llywernog
Dark, creepy underground mines and Halloween - what could be scarier? Head to the The Silver Mountain Experience near Aberystwyth for some top Halloween action. There's a great mixture of events, depending on your 'prepared-to-be-scared' level - from not-so-scary fancy dress and 'Trick or Treat' trails.
The events are running throughout half term and you can find out more here.
Porth Eirias 1K Kids Halloween Fun Run
Taking place in Porth Eirias on Saturday, October 29 is the 1k kids' Halloween fun run. The run is along the North Wales Coastal Path for children aged three to 14.
Runners are being encouraged to dress up in their most wacky Halloween costumes. It costs £6 to take part and you can book your place here.
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