School Holidays: Ten things to do with the kids this half term
Class is dismissed for one long week this Friday, as the autumn half-term arrives! Check out our top ten list of things to do over the school break to keep you and your youngsters entertained
Last updated: 21st Oct 2021
Originally published: 20th Oct 2021
Parents, guardians and custodians, take note - The autumn school holidays are almost upon us.
Teachers eagerly awaiting the sound of the last school bell on Friday afternoon have already begun winding down to one well earned week of downtime, as tiny tots and teens across the land equally look forward to nine days of freedom packed with excitement and fun! And there's plenty to be found...
Those of you here reading who will find themselves responsible for one, two or maybe even a whole group of rascals over the coming school break need not worry, as we've got hundreds if not thousands of experiences on offer to keep them thoroughly entertained.
From amazing days out visiting outstanding attractions, such as the mesmerising underwater world at Sea Life Blackpool, to spooky family-friendly gatherings and parties celebrating the forthcoming Halloween holiday - Whatever it is your whippersnapper's desire, we've got in spades.
Below, we've listed our top ten selection of half-term shindigs, activities and excursions - fit for all the family - taking place from Friday 22nd October right through until All Hallows Eve on Sunday 31st. Simply click or tap on the links provided for tickets and more.
When: Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th, Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th October 2021
Where: Sealife London Aquarium in London
Take your little ones on an underwater adventure this half term, and visit the Sea Life London Aquarium.
Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames next to the London Eye, this huge attraction is home to over five hundred species of sub-aquatic creatures - from Sharks and Sting Rays to Octopus and Jellyfish - occupying a staggering two million litres of tank space, as well as an array of overland critters and mammals.
Offering a mesmerising and educational trip through three different aquarium zones, Sea Life London promises a day of fun and excitement fit for all ages.
Find tickets for Sealife London Aquarium - here
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When: Saturday 23rd October 2021
Where: The Blackpool Tower in Blackpool
Gruesome tales, bewitching laugh-a-minute stories and a host of exhilarating rides and attractions await those who dare enter Blackpool's Tower Dungeon.
Step into reenacted folklore and experience the journey of the notorious Pendle Witches, as amazing theatrical actors lead you through a series of mind-boggling sets, stages and scenes. Appear before the judge and executioner on a witch trial and discover your fate, before meeting your end on 'The Drop'. Experience how it felt to be hung as a witch, hear the crowd roar as the sound of a neck snaps before everything goes dark. Eerie.
Meet The Torturer and abandon all hope as you enter his torture chamber at Lancaster Castle. Learn the tricks of his craft as he demonstrates the methods he used back in medieval times to punish his enemy prisoners.
A must-see attraction for fans of the macabre. Suitable for children aged ten years and over.
Find tickets for Blackpool Tower Dungeon - here
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When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Where: Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel Windsor
There are over fifty-five out-of-this-world rides and attractions to experience at the UK's only LEGO-inspired theme park, The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, this half-term.
A must-attend destination for parents with budding engineers, mini architects and kids with overactive imaginations, the award-winning family resort will allow your youngsters to escape into another reality, built up of the world-renowned interlocking bricks, for one whole day.
Watch on as they soar over treetops whilst being chased by magical LEGO dragons. Join in on the fun and experience the thrill of the LEGOLAND rapids with the LEGO Viking fleet, or head underwater with the LEGO divers and learn the secrets of the deep.
Halloween madness has recently taken over the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort! Be sure to get down and see for yourself the many spooky and time-limited attractions on offer.
Find tickets for Legoland Windsor Resort - here
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When: Thursday 28th October 2021
Where: Alton Towers Resort Hotel in Alton
Yet another amazing theme park, considered by many seasoned thrill-seekers as one of the best in Europe, Alton Towers is, without doubt, the place to be if your kids seek an exhilarating day of full-throttle fun!
Boasting some of the most daring and outrageous rollercoaster rides - from Oblivion to The Wickerman and the disorientating, fourteen-loop experience that is The Smiler - this white-knuckle haven will have hearts in mouths and adrenaline pumping from the moment you enter to the moment you leave.
For those who might not yet be tall enough to ride the big hitters, the theme park also has its own designated kids area - CBeebies Land. Take your tiny tots on their first-ever safe rollercoaster experience or instead check out live entertainment such as the show at the Furchester Hotel.
With Halloween now just over a week away, Alton Towers has begun its transformation, as its award-winning Scarefest takes over the park once more. Guests can experience hair-raising attractions in the dark, as the park remains open until 9 pm each night, on top of an array of terrifying experiences.
Find tickets for Alton Towers Resort - here
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1994 Family Fun Day - Halloween Rave
When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: The Classic Grand in Glasgow
An all-ages Halloween extravaganza is coming to Glasgow's city centre on Saturday 30th October...
The 1994 Family Fun Day Halloween rave will see a coming together of oldskool ravers and future dance floor dwellers, with the Fami-Lee Rave Team providing the best in PG-rated dance music from 1 pm until 5 pm in the evening.
Commandeering the city's Classic Grand Hall venue, your little monsters should also expect to find a selection of activities, alternative entertainment and delicious treats to choose from once inside. From bouncy castles, soft play areas and party games to mouthwatering fairy cakes and hotdogs, face painting stalls, foam machines and so much more.
No COVID passports are required to enter this event. Children under one year of age enter for free. Standard tickets are now on sale and selling fast.
Find tickets for 1994 Family Fun Day - Halloween Rave - here
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When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: The Elms in Wolverhampton
A popular Halloween event amongst the wicked inhabitants of Wolverhampton, RubyDoo's spookiest and creepiest holiday-themed party returns to The Elms Pub in Shareshill on Saturday 30th October.
Local to the area? Round up your kids, dress up in your best Halloween attire and head out for an afternoon of fun - running from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm. Be prepared for plenty of spooky Halloween games and much more!
Find tickets for Rubydoo Halloween Party - here
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When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Where: Luna Springs Digbeth Birmingham
Situated in the heart of Birmingham's creative quarter, from this Saturday onwards, a brand new winter wonderland and ice skating experience is set to offer guests large and small a slice of Yuletide magic in the lead up to the coming festive season.
The Digbeth Ice Rink at Luna Springs will allow skating specialists and complete novices to glide side by side all whilst enjoying the atmosphere at one of the coolest new hangouts in the city. Rally together your family clan and head out on the ice for an hour of seasonal fun, immersed in the sights, sounds and decor of Christmas and the New Year.
Expect fairy lights, plenty of rosy red cheeks and a wholesome party vibe. Book your tickets by following the link below. Skate hire is available at the venue.
Find tickets for Digbeth Ice Rink - here
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When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Where: Warwick Castle Warwick
With over a thousand years of history contained within its keep, Warwick Castle is renowned for its many spooky stories and tales of ghostly residents. The haunted medieval fortress, set upon sixty-four acres of former battlegrounds and enchanted woodland, is, therefore, the perfect setting for a Halloween-themed day out with your family this October.
Experience brand new shows at the castle for 2021 - including Upscares DownScares, Witches School, Troll Hunter School and The Dead Centre Stage packed with live entertainment. Those who have previously attended Halloween at Warwick Castle can also expect to see returning attractions and crowd favourites the likes of The Haunted Hollows, The Witches Tower, and the Wizards School.
The Castle's dungeon will also be open to the public to explore. Expect grizzly tales as told by a cast of fearsome characters telling the stories of former prisoners and executioners.
The list of family-friendly attractions on offer this October at Warwick Castle is endless. We could go on and on... A real treat for all ages, don't miss your chance to experience this relic of a bygone era.
Find tickets for Halloween at Warwick Castle - here
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When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Where: Prince Edward Theatre London
Returning to the West End this October, the award-winning stage adaptation of the cult classic musical, Mary Poppins will take you and your children on a magical and immersive adventure over the rooftops of London and into magical new worlds.
Brought to London's Prince Edward Theatre by Disney and brought to life by British producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, this breathtaking show stars Zizi Strallen in the title role, joined by Charlie Stemp as everyone's favourite cockney chimney sweep, Bert, and a superb supporting cast.
Expect amazing stage production and choreography, and a timeless score featuring some of the film's biggest hits - including Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds - performed by a live orchestra.
Don't miss your chance to witness this dazzling live theatre production over the half-term break with your family.
Find tickets for Mary Poppins - The musical - here
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When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Where: The Blackpool Tower in Blackpool
The UK's longest-running and most cherished Circus show, The Blackpool Tower Circus has been attracting and entertaining audiences from across the British Isles for way over a century.
First opened to the general public back in 1894, the circus has welcomed guests and spectators every single year without fail, never missing a season since its launch. Even throughout the years of unrest during World War One and World War Two, the circus, its clowns and many skilled performers brought smiles to faces both young and old. And still, they continue to do so today...
Flaunting an array of adventurous and jaw-dropping acts from around the globe, delivering breathtaking shows and death-defying stunts, as well as laugh-a-minute appearances from resident clowns, Mooky and Mr Boo, The Blackpool Tower Circus never fails to disappoint.
A family-friendly day filled with wonderment awaits you and yours this half-term (Pssst - Be sure to hang around for the extraordinary grand finale as the Circus ring begins to flood with over forty-two thousand gallons of water!).
Find tickets for The Blackpool Tower Circus - here
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In need of more event inspiration? Still haven't found that perfect day out?
Get on to our What's On Guide, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find, or head to Inspire Me page and scroll through our event selections tailored to special dates in the calendar and events in the city's near where you are.
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