The first half term of the new school year is done, and October half term presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the many attractions Staffordshire has to offer.
Daily Focus has compiled a guide to what’s on in the county guaranteed to keep big and small kids happy.
With Halloween sitting in the middle of the week off for most pupils, it’s no surprise that there’s pumpkin picking aplenty. Staffordshire’s biggest pick-your-own pumpkin patch – along with a host of other activities – can be found at Lower Drayton Farm in Penkridge.
Other attractions offering pumpkin picking include the ever popular Lichfield Maize Maze – also home to two new Halloween trails and many photo opportunities – Canalside Farm in Great Haywood, and the National Forest Adventure Farm, near Burton upon Trent.
Alternatively, try the free Root n Fruit Pumpkin Party in Newcastle under Lyme.
If you’d prefer to decorate rather than carve a pumpkin, check out the sessions at World of Wedgwood, in Barlaston.
Alpacas have joined the fun at Tunstall Farm Park, in Woodseaves, and, staying with animals, half-price kids’ tickets are part of the offering at Peak Wildlife Park’s Panda-monium event.
In Hanley, Chit Chat 4 U All Artisan World Shop, is hosting a creepy carnival week featuring stories, films and a special fun day on Halloween itself.
Free fun with creepy crawlers takes place at The Trentham Estate’s shopping village with the timetable available here.
The Trentham Estate is also hosting Trentham Makers Market tomorrow and a Halloween Festival in the gardens this weekend with fire-eaters, live music, walkabout performers, a pumpkin trail, makers market.
And don’t forget the Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular continues at The Trentham Estate until Sunday, 3 November.
Witches Week begins at Tamworth Castle tomorrow complete with a witches’ trail, information about the historical perceptions of witches and witchcraft and other themed events. Children are encouraged to come in their favourite Halloween costumes.
Whilst in Tamworth, the SnowDome has two events to mark the spooky season. Running from today until 3 November, choose from either Treats & Chills (suitable for families and little ones) or Spooks & Slide (for Halloween lovers and thrillseekers).
Meanwhile, Weston Park’s Walled Garden will be transformed into a Haunted Hallow complete with pumpkin patch, animal encounters and creepy critter shows from Zoolabs from 29 until 31 October. Visitors will also be able to create their own bubbling magic potions and have a go at making their own magic wand with Educating Kids Outdoors.
There will be ghoulishly good music at a Halloween family day rave at Stafford’s Top of the World venue, whilst a similar event takes place at Keele University. Both events are being held tomorrow.
Or why not enjoy spooky films such as Hocus Pocus Spooktacular (for families), Scream or The Lost Boys (for older ones) at the outdoor cinema coming to the Shugborough Estate?
There’s no need to book at the free Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Wildfamilies Drop-in at Biddulph Grange Country Park, taking place on 29 October. Click here for more information about this event and here for others organised by the Trust during half term.
Visitors to Emma Bridgewater, in Stoke-on-Trent, can have a go at spooky screen printing and take part in a free pumpkin treasure hunt alongside the usual attractions.
At Ford Green Hall, in Stoke-on-Trent, there’s a Halloween School of Magic for families and evening of paranormal stories for adults. Find out more here.
The Museum of Cannock Chase is hosting a Lunar Antics event, Spooks and Spells day and a night featuring Tales of the Unexpected.
If it is scares rather than spooky fun then Screamfest (not recommended for under 16s) at the National Forest Adventure Farm could provide the thrills you’re after, or try Scarefest at Alton Towers.
Staffordshire’s town centres are also hoping to draw in the crowds (and provide a chance to start Christmas shopping at the same time).
The BIG Halloween Street Party returns to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre tomorrow with music, street entertainers, a costume contest and trick-or-treating plus an autumnal appearance from Potteries Artisan Market and creepy crafting in the Keep It Local Creative Department store located in The Potteries Centre, which has organised a life-sized Trick or Treat boardgame for visitors of all ages.
The Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay Halloween Walk also take places tomorrow. Now in its fifth year, the walk sees people decorate and leave sweets outside their homes and businesses for families to walk around at their leisure.
In Leek, the free Bat Hunt on 2 November challenges children to find hidden spooky bat pictures in town centre shops and businesses in return for a goodie bag.
Longton Exchange Shopping Centre has begun its Spooky Hal-Longton Countdown with prizes being given away every day until 29 October and the Octagon Shopping Centre in Burton upon Trent has family fun planned for tomorrow, 26 October.
The Stone Sunday Series has promised free fun activities for the whole family this Sunday, including a kids’ craft workshop, Halloween Punch and Judy, entertainment and a Halloween trail.
There is also a Halloween street party in Stafford town centre on Halloween with a fun fair, street food, stalls and entertainment.
But not everyone likes cats, bats and the rest that Halloween brings.
For something different, try the Jurassic Takeover at Affinity Staffordshire for some dinosaur fun.
Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts service are hosting a range of events as part of the Staffordshire History Festival and Family Learning Festival – more information is available here.
Tamworth Borough Council has free active activities going on too and Active Lichfield Communities has organised a variety of Getin2it sessions across the district.
A fireworks display would also be a great way to round off half term. Local ones include Betley Bonfire on 2 November, Weston Park and Staffordshire County Showground on 3 November and Drayton Manor Resort on 2 and 3 November.
Do you have a Halloween event to promote? Leave a comment below.
