Your ultimate guide to the best October half-term events and activities across the Harrogate district

October half term is almost here, and with a week away from the classroom, families across the Harrogate district will be looking for ways to keep children entertained.

From spooky Halloween trails and pumpkin patches to creative workshops, outdoor adventures and seasonal events, there's no shortage of activities taking place in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Wetherby and Nidderdale.

Whether you're planning a fun-filled day out, searching for budget-friendly events or simply looking to make the most of the autumn break, there's something to suit children of all ages.

To help you plan your week, we've rounded up some of the best October half-term events and activities happening across the Harrogate district...

HARROGATE

Harrogate Halloween Potion Trail

Pick up a trail sheet and complete the trail by collecting all of the Harrogate themed potion ingredients and return your sheet and collection your free prize and potion

Where? The Crown Hotel

When? Saturday 24 October till Sunday 1 November

For more information, click HERE

The Great Halloween Party

Join for a fun-filled family event featuring a disco, Julie’s world-famous hot dogs, and traditional apple bobbing — all while helping to raise vital funds for Saint Michael’s Hospice

Where? Harlow Hill Club, College Street

When? Saturday 31 October - from 6pm

For more information, click HERE

LUSH - October Half Term Bath Bomb Making Workshop

Get hands on with bath bomb making and create your own monstrous (or adorable) creation

Where? LUSH, Cambridge Street

When? Monday 26 October - 10.30am till 2.30pm

For more information and to book, click HERE

Rascals Entertainment Halloween Parties

Mini Monsters Toddler Halloween Party (Under 5’s) - Sunday 25 October -10.30am till 12pm

Witches, Wizards and K-POP Demon Hunter Halloween Party (5-10 years) - Sunday 25 October -2pm till 4pm

Where? The Crown Hotel, Crown Place

For more information and to book, click HERE

Spooky Plants Trail

Explore the interactive garden trail featuring scary-looking species, plants with legendary healing powers and poisonous plants with dark secrets

Discover fascinating plant facts, collect rubbings and design your own spooky plant to take home

Keep an eye out for potion-making inspiration and plenty of fiendishly fun photo opportunities along the way

Enter the photo competition for the chance to win a bundle of Jellycats worth £100

Where? RHS Garden Harlow Carr

When? Saturday 24 October till Sunday 1 November - 9.30am till 4pm

For more information and to book, click HERE

KNARESBOROUGH

Make and Take: Bubbling Cauldrons

Create and decorate your own bubbling cauldron, dream up a magical spell, and fill it with strange and wonderful ingredients inspired by objects from the museum collection

Where? Knaresborough Castle and Courtyard Museum

When? Friday 30 October - 10am till 3pm

For more information and to book, click HERE

Hocus Pocus Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave

Step into a world of enchantment as you explore themed displays filled with witches, cauldrons and magical mischief

Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic witchy sister trio, who are conjuring chaos throughout the woodland

Take part in spooktacular activities and soak up the Halloween atmosphere

Even witches need a treat - stop by for a wickedly delicious black vanilla ice cream, cosy up with a pumpkin spice latte, or gather around the fire to Toast a Ghost with marshmallow toasting

Where? Mother Shipton’s Cave, Harrogate Road

When? Saturday 24 October till Sunday 1 November - 9.30am till 5.30pm

For more information, click HERE

RIPON

Fountains by Floodlight

Discover the story of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal brought to life through striking projected animations, created by Illuminos, cast onto the abbey ruins

As darkness falls, centuries of history will unfold across the stonework in a unique and immersive experience that celebrates this extraordinary place

Wander through glowing ruins, under shadowed archways and hear haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium

Where? Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

When? Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October (LAST AVAILABILITY)

For more information, click HERE

Luminescence - A Winter Light Trail

Journey along a mile-long illuminated trail where breath-taking light installations bring the beauty of the natural world to life

Each captivating scene creates an immersive and atmospheric experience, transforming the gardens into a wonderland of colour, light and imagination

Pause along the trail to enjoy warming drinks and seasonal treats

Where? Swinton Estate

When? Saturday 31 October till Sunday 21 February

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

WETHERBY

Halloween at Stockeld Park

Complete a forest trail with the help of the Woodland Witches, go pumpkin picking, explore the Mummy Maze and go to battle in the Laser Zombie experience

Where? Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road

When? Saturday 24 October till Sunday 1 November - 9.30am till 5.30pm

For more information and tickets, click HERE

Wetherby Sports Association Halloween Party

Bring the whole family, dress up in your spookiest, funniest, or most creative costume, and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun

Tickets are £5 – admits two adults and two children

Where? Wetherby Sports Association, Lodge Lane

When? Friday 30 October - 6pm till 8pm

For more information, click HERE

NIDDERDALE

Pumpkin Festival at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm

Visitors of all ages can explore the pumpkin fields, where thousands of home-grown pumpkins in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours are ready to be picked

From giant orange pumpkins to unusual white, green and warty varieties, there is plenty to discover

Entry is free and pumpkins are priced between £2.50 and £15

Alongside the pumpkin patch, families can enjoy a host of seasonal attractions, including photo opportunities, animal encounters and outdoor activities

Where? Birchfield Ice Cream Farm, Summerbridge

When? October - 10am till 4pm

For more information, click HERE

How Stean Gorge Halloween Trail

The trail will take you through the steep-sided limestone gorge, ancient woodland tracks, and underground passages

Along the route, visitors will encounter eerie sounds, Halloween decorations, spooky sights and ‘the ghost of Tom Taylor’

Children will receive a trail map or activity sheer to complete as they explore, with those finishing the trail can claim a prize

Fancy dress is highly encouraged for visitors

Where? How Stean Gorge

When? Saturday 24 October till Sunday 1 November

For more information and tickets, click HERE

Kids Halloween Party

Dance along to Halloween music, take part in fun games, and show off your costume in a fancy dress competition, with prizes to be won

Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween-themed buffet, plus a treat bag to take home filled with goodies and sweets

The hall will be transformed with child-friendly Halloween props, festive decorations, and a spooky light display, creating the perfect setting for a fun-filled family event

Where? Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall

When? Saturday 29 October - 3.30pm till 5.30pm

For more information and tickets, click HERE

If you're hosting an event that you'd like to feature, email [email protected]