It only feels like the kids went back to school a couple of weeks ago, but October half term is almost upon us and thoughts have turned to fun events to keep the kids occupied.
What is there to do in Dorset this October half term?
Go Pumpkin Picking
It just isn’t Halloween without carving or decorating pumpkins and one of my kids favourite activities is heading to our local PYO farm and selecting their own pumpkins.
For pumpkin picking and activities, head to the Pumpkin Picking Patch and Halloween Maze at Fordingbridge. They are offering spooky fun is on offer with their ticketed Halloween Maze open both day and night. In the daytime you will sniff some ghastly smells, lose yourself in the circus maze and meet the friendly clown and in the evening, older children with enjoy a spookier experience as they lose their pals, get lost in the maze, meet new “friends” in the dark and brave the creatures of the night!
Entry to the maze is £6.50 per person with under 5’s free.
Visit Wimborne Model Town
Wimborne Model Town is a lovely day out as you get to peer inside the shops, which include the Butchers, Ironmongers, Bakery and the Fishmongers and for October half term, there is a fun pumpkin challenge to add to their normal activities and trails.
Entry costs £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for children, with children under 3 free, or save money with a family ticket at £24.
The Mad4Animals Halloween Show
Being held at Parkstone Trades and Labour Club on Saturday 30th October, there are two shows to choose from.
With laughter, challenges, fun with a few screams along the way you and children will have a fantastic time as you are introduced to creepies crawlies, Roger the 13ft Burmese python and other fantastic creatures.
Find out more and book tickets on the Mad4Animals facebook page.
Halloween on the Heath
Parley Common is home to all sorts of wonderful and unique species including the elusive smooth snake. During the Halloween on the Heath walk, you’ll weave your own spider webs, filling them with things you find around us, play a game of ‘Halloween myth-busters’, finding out what is true and false about frogs, snakes and lizards and will finish by doing some wild art.
Stour Valley Nature Reserve
We love the Stour Valley Nature Reserve as a gorgeous place to walk. You can now collect a bat themed trail to follow from Kingfisher Barn visitor centre.
Don’t forget your wellies!!
Corfe Castle
This October half-term travel back to 1572 for fun and festivities at Corfe Castle!
Join Mistress Gabrielle the kitchen maid and Thomas the master carver as they prepare for a feast in honour of Sir Christopher Hatton, the first private owner of Corfe Castle. There will be fun and frivolity as you dine and discover what the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of Tudor table manners are. Thomas the master carver teaches what’s involved in the making of cutlery during the Tudor period and their importance for day to day life. Will you catch the two gossiping about the household of Sir Christopher Hatton?
The Tudor Table interactive experience will happen at 10.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm each day.
Durlston Country Park
There are lots of activities and workshops running through half term at Durlston Country Park, including an introduction to orienteering, children’s nature and woodland art plus a Halloween trail.
Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue Halloween Special
Meet and feed their gorgeous Alpaca’s and then take part in a spooky treasure hunt.
Find out more and how to book on their facebook page.
Moors Valley Halloween Trail
Pick up a ‘Wanda the Witch’ trail pack at the Visitor Centre and follow the 1.5 mile route through the forest and around Moors Lake. The Moors Valley Railway pumpkin trail is also back and you can purchase a trail sheet at Lakeside or Kingsmere Station and see what word you can make from the letters you spot around the railway.
Additional activities on selected dates include Besom Broom Making, Autumn Trundle, Pitch and Putt and Meet the Ranger, plus you have the new Gruffalo Spotters trail, the play trail and play parks to make a full day of your visit.
Halloween Half Term at Monkey World
It’s going to be spook-tacular half-term at Monkey World this year! As well as seeing over 260 rescued monkeys and apes, visitors have a whole host of extra activities to get involved in.
Discover the creatures of the night, with the Halloween Trail and creepy clues dotted around the park! The trail will lead you around our enclosures & allow your little ones to learn more about our very own creatures of the night, the slow-loris! Stickers are available for all completed trails.
Have you got any plans for half term yet?