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October Half Term 2026: Fun Things to Do with Kids This Autumn 🍂
October half term is nearly here! With a whole week away from school, it's the perfect opportunity for children to recharge, try something new and enjoy some family time.
But let's face it, keeping the kids entertained for a week isn't always easy. Between juggling work, managing the family budget and dealing with unpredictable autumn weather, finding activities that everyone enjoys can be a challenge!
The good news? There are plenty of fun things to do with kids this October half term, whether you're planning a family day out, looking for free activities near you or simply need some inspiration for a rainy afternoon.
We've rounded up some of our favourite October half term activities for families in 2026, with ideas to suit different ages, interests and budgets.
1. Enjoy an autumn adventure with the National Trust 🍁
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors. Think crunchy leaves, colourful woodland walks, conker collecting and plenty of fresh air!
The National Trust has hundreds of beautiful places to visit across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, from historic houses and gardens to woodland trails and open countryside.
Many properties offer seasonal family activities during the school holidays, which may include:
Autumn nature trails and scavenger hunts
Creative crafts inspired by the changing seasons
Halloween-themed activities and spooky storytelling
Family-friendly walks and outdoor play areas
Our top tip: Give the kids an autumn treasure hunt! Challenge them to spot five different coloured leaves, find a conker, listen for birdsong and discover something they've never noticed before.
Check the National Trust website for October half term events near you, along with admission prices and opening times.
2. Discover amazing museums and galleries 🦖
Looking for something fun, educational and weatherproof? A museum visit could be just the ticket!
The UK is home to some fantastic family-friendly museums, many offering free entry to their permanent collections.
Here are a few favourites worth exploring:
Natural History Museum, London
From towering dinosaur skeletons to fascinating creatures and extraordinary discoveries about our planet, there's plenty to capture children's imaginations. Perfect for curious minds and budding scientists!
Young V&A, London
Designed with children and families in mind, Young V&A brings creativity, imagination and play together through interactive galleries and inspiring displays.
Science Museum, London
Ideal for children who love finding out how things work! Explore space, technology, engineering and scientific discoveries, with plenty to spark questions and conversations.
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
A brilliant option for families in Cambridgeshire, with fascinating collections of art and historical objects to explore. Look out for family resources and seasonal activities.
Don't forget your local museums, libraries and community centres, too. Many organise special activities during the October holidays, often at little or no cost.
Money-saving tip: While many museums offer free general admission, some exhibitions and activities require paid tickets or advance booking.
3. Pick your own pumpkin 🎃
Is it really October without a pumpkin or two?
Pumpkin picking has become a favourite autumn tradition for families, and it's a lovely way to get children outdoors.
Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkins, with opportunities for photos, farm trails, games and seasonal treats.
Let the children choose their own pumpkin, then take it home for a creative afternoon of decorating.
Not keen on carving? Try painting funny faces, creating colourful patterns or turning your pumpkin into a favourite character.
For younger children, painting and decorating can be an easier alternative to carving.
Search for pumpkin picking near me to discover local farms and events, and remember to check availability before travelling.
4. Get creative with autumn arts and crafts 🎨
You don't have to spend a fortune to keep children entertained during half term.
In fact, some of the most enjoyable activities can happen around the kitchen table!
Autumn is full of natural inspiration, so why not collect a few leaves, twigs and pine cones on your next walk and turn them into something special?
Here are a few easy October craft ideas:
Leaf printing: Paint fallen leaves and press them onto paper to create colourful autumn artwork.
Pine cone creatures: Transform pinecones into hedgehogs, owls or funny little monsters.
Autumn collages: Use leaves, paper, recycled materials and colourful scraps to create seasonal masterpieces.
DIY monster masks: Get ready for Halloween with imaginative masks made from cardboard and craft supplies.
Spooky slime: Make a supervised batch of slime for some hands-on sensory fun.
Make it extra fun: Set up a mini art gallery at home and let the children display their creations for the whole family to admire.
5. Explore the great outdoors with a family nature challenge 🌳
There's something special about getting wrapped up and heading outdoors on a crisp autumn day.
Whether it's your local park, a nearby woodland or a favourite nature reserve, October offers plenty of opportunities for children to explore.
Why not turn an ordinary walk into an adventure?
Try an autumn scavenger hunt, a woodland obstacle course or a photography challenge where children capture their favourite signs of the season.
You could even have a family competition to see who can spot the most wildlife!
The Woodland Trust has lots of inspiration for outdoor adventures, including ideas for exploring nature with children.
And the best part? Many outdoor activities are completely free.
6. Plan a fun-filled day at the zoo or wildlife park 🦁
If your children love animals, a trip to the zoo, wildlife park or local farm could be a fantastic half term treat.
From discovering unusual creatures to learning about endangered species, animal attractions offer plenty of opportunities for fun and learning.
Some also run seasonal trails, keeper talks and special events during school holidays.
For younger children, smaller farms and wildlife centres can be a great option, particularly if they enjoy getting closer to familiar farm animals.
Our top tip: Look for online family tickets, special offers and annual-pass benefits before booking.
7. Enjoy a cosy cinema afternoon 🍿
After all that outdoor exploring, sometimes everyone needs a little downtime!
A cinema trip is a lovely way to spend a chilly or rainy October afternoon.
Check your local cinema for the latest family-friendly releases and half term screenings. Some cinemas offer discounted children's screenings, making a trip to the movies a more affordable treat.
Or why not create your own cinema experience at home?
Let the kids choose a film, make some popcorn, gather the blankets and settle in for a cosy family movie afternoon.
For a little extra fun, get children to design their own cinema tickets and snack menus!
8. Have a spooky (but not too scary!) Halloween adventure 👻
With Halloween falling just after half term, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy some mystery and spooky fun.
And Halloween activities don't have to be frightening, especially for younger children.
Try some of these family-friendly ideas:
Create a Halloween treasure hunt around the house or garden.
Bake and decorate monster biscuits or spooky cupcakes.
Organise a fancy-dress afternoon with homemade costumes.
Tell silly ghost stories by torchlight.
Play a game of Halloween-themed charades.
Make your own mystery sensory boxes and guess what's inside.
For children who aren't keen on Halloween, simply swap the spooky theme for an autumn adventure, complete with woodland creatures, colourful decorations and seasonal games.
9. Get active with sports and family challenges ⚽
After a few days at home, children often have plenty of energy to burn!
October half term is a great opportunity to get moving, try a new sport or enjoy some friendly family competition.
Depending on your child's interests, you could try:
A family swimming session at your local leisure centre
Indoor climbing or bouldering
Bowling or mini golf
A bike ride or scooter adventure
A family football match in the park
An indoor obstacle course on a rainy day
You could even organise your own family sports day, complete with silly challenges, team games and homemade medals.
It's all about getting active, having fun and spending time together.
10. Let them become little chefs for the day 👩🍳
Cooking together is a brilliant way to keep children busy while helping them develop useful life skills.
And with plenty of delicious autumn ingredients around, there's lots of seasonal inspiration!
Try making:
Homemade pizzas with funny monster faces
Apple and cinnamon muffins
Pumpkin-shaped biscuits
Warming homemade soup
Spooky fruit skewers
Younger children can help with mixing, decorating and choosing ingredients, while older children might enjoy following a recipe more independently with appropriate supervision.
The best part? Everyone gets to enjoy the results!
11. Discover free October half term activities near you
Keeping children entertained doesn't always mean spending lots of money.
If you're looking for budget-friendly ideas, there are plenty of places to start.
Your local library may have storytelling sessions, craft workshops or reading challenges. Community centres often organise family events, while parks and nature reserves provide opportunities for free outdoor adventures.
You could also check your local council's website for school holiday activities, family events and free things to do in your area.
Our money-saving tip: Mix one or two special days out with simple activities at home. Children don't need an expensive outing every day to have a memorable half term!
12. Make October half term unforgettable with Barracudas! 🌟
Maximum fun for them, peace of mind for parents.
Of course, we know that for many families, October half term isn't a week off work.
Balancing childcare with work commitments can be tricky, especially when you want your children to enjoy their school holidays rather than spend the week at home.
That's where Barracudas Activity Day Camps come in!
Running from 26th–30th October 2026, our October half term camps are packed with exciting activities, new friendships and plenty of opportunities for children to try something different.
Our fun-filled Mystery & Mini Monsters Weekly Theme brings together autumn adventures, imaginative challenges, creative activities and a little Autumn magic, all designed to suit a wide range of ages and interests.
At Barracudas, children aged 4–14 can enjoy:
6 activity sessions each day (and a choice for every session) offering variety and opportunities to discover new interests
Our ACTIVE timetable, combining Active, Creative, Teamwork, Inspiring, Variety and Energetic experiences
A fun Friday Finale, bringing the week's adventures together
Ofsted-registered childcare, with experienced teams focused on safety and wellbeing
And for busy parents, we've got the practicalities covered too.
Our standard camp day runs from 8.30am–5.30pm, with optional Early & Late Clubs extending childcare from 8am–6pm.
You can book individual days or the full week to suit your family's plans, with flexible payment options including Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers and Klarna, subject to eligibility and terms.
Whether your child loves sports, creative activities, team challenges or making new friends, there's plenty of fun waiting to be discovered.
Explore our October half term camps and book your child's place
Frequently asked questions about October half term 2026
When is October half term 2026?
For many schools in England, October half term runs from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026. However, school holiday dates can vary by local authority and individual school, so it's always worth checking your school's calendar.
What are the best things to do with kids during October half term?
Popular October half term activities include pumpkin picking, woodland walks, museum visits, Halloween crafts, wildlife parks, family sports and activity day camps. The best choice depends on your children's ages, interests and your family's budget.
What free activities can children do during October half term?
There are lots of free October half term activities, including nature scavenger hunts, local park visits, autumn crafts, library events and visits to museums offering free general admission. Check your local council and library websites for additional family activities.
What can families do on a rainy day during October half term?
Rainy-day activities include visiting museums, baking together, creating autumn crafts, watching a family film, visiting an indoor leisure centre or setting up a home treasure hunt. Indoor activity centres and family-friendly attractions are also worth exploring.
Are there October half term activity camps for children?
Yes! Barracudas offers October half term activity camps for children aged 4–14 at selected locations. With a wide choice of activities, full-day childcare and optional extended hours, they're a great way for children to have fun while parents manage their working week.
