Ideas for October Half Term – South Wales

So here it is, our list of whats on to give you plenty of ideas for October Half Term.  It’s listed in date order as we’re not all lucky enough to have the full week off, so hopefully this way makes it easier to see what’s on for the days you are free to spend with the kids.  Where events are running for more than a day I have listed them under the start date.

We’ve covered activities within the Vale, Bridgend, Swansea and Cardiff.  I came across some events which were already sold out I’ve not included them on the list. Although clearly this list may change and some listed may now be sold out.  It’s always worth checking with the organisers.  I’ve tried to include relevant links in the headers or in the main text.

Have a great October Half Term everyone!

Friday 26th October

Halloween with Sadie and Frankenstein, Sadie and Franks, Ewenny 

Friday 26th October

£7.50 per ticket

Join Sadie and Frankenstein at their Halloween party.  Food, treats, party games, pinata and music included.  There will be a spicy chilli and garlic bread available to purchase for grown ups.  Further details HERE

Pumpkin Carving, Tredegar House, Newport

Friday 26th to Wednesday 31st October

£3.00 per pumkin.  Normal admission charges also apply.

Get your spooky creation ready in time for Halloween.  All tools provided and there will be help on hand.  Throughout half term you will also be able to take part in walking a mile in a hedgehogs shoes.  This interactive trail is at no additional cost.  You could also take part in the Toffee Apple creations for an additional £3.00 from 27th October (see below)

Hunt Down the Big Cats, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff

Friday 26th – throughout half term

FREE

Putting the Tiger back into Tiger Bay with a display of 12 big cats plus some cubs all made with Lego bricks.  Well over 650,000 bricks have gone into the making of these impressive cats.

Saturday 27th October

Spooktacular Walk at Bryngarw Park, Bridgend 

Saturday 27th October

£7.50 per ticket

Are you brave enough to take a walk through the park after dark and listen to a spooky story?  There are a series of spooky walks taking place throughout the day from 5 p.m., each getting spookier as the evening gets later.  To book your tickets visit: www.bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk

The Big Slide at Bryngarw Park

Pumpkins in the Park,  Central Park, Barry

Saturday 27th October

FREE EVENT (Charges apply for pumpkin carving)

Family halloween fun brought to you by Holton Road Traders Association with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.  There will be pumpkin carving, a freaky dog show, face painting, bouncy castle and Halloween Crafts.  Entry is FREE but pumpkin carving needs to be booked HERE.

Aberavon Fun Day & Firework Display,  Aberavan Seafront

Saturday 27th October

FREE ENTRY (Charges apply for rides and activities)

From 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. you can meet your favourite characters, there is also a fun fair, stalls and refreshments.  To finish the day there will be a free firework display.

Spooks in the City – Day of the Dead,  Castle Square Swansea

Saturday 27th October

FREE ENTRY 

From 11.00 a.m. the Castle Square will be transformed with Mexican decorations, bunting, flower garlands and skull images.  There will be circus skills, face painting, tarot card reading a skull scavenger hunt and hopefully Swansea’s biggest ever Mexican Wave.  The event will finish with a showing of Disneys Coco, which will start at 4.00 p.m.

Halloween Party at Bijou Play Centre, Cowbridge

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October

£10.00 per child

Ticket price includes a sandwich box.  Tickets and additional information available at the soft play centre.

Into the Wild Animal Encounters at Plantasia, Swansea 

Saturday 27th – Monday 29th October

£4.95 per child, £5.95 per adult, under 3’s Free

Come face to face with some unusual and exciting animals including meerkats, armadillos, skunks, kinkajous, tenrecs, foxes and a kookaburra.  Pre-booking essential.

Bobbing Boats at National Waterfront Museum, Swansea

Saturday 27th – Tuesday 30th October

FREE

Create a cool craft that makes a tiny boat bob up and down on the sea and learn sea safety tips as part of the coastguards exhibition.

Building the Wickerman at St Fagans, Cardiff

Saturday 27th – Tuesday 30th October

FREE (normal admission charges apply)

Make a mini straw man to help all the giants that will burn as part of the Halloween Nights.

Halloween at National Showcaves for Wales, Swansea

Saturday 27th – Tuesday 30th October

Normal Admission Charges Applies

Deep underground in the Dan Yr Ogof Cave the annual Halloween experience takes place.  The cries and moans of the ghosts and ghouls can be heard echoing throughout the cave.  There’ll be flying witches, human skulls, spiders and rats.  Dogs on leads welcome.

Pumpkin Carving at Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan 

Saturday 27th – Wednesday 31st October

£4.00 per pumpkin, normal admission charges also apply

Get creative and create your very own pumpkin ready for Halloween.  There will be helpers on hand with stencils and carving sets to help you create your designs.  No need to book.  Dogs on leads welcome.

Spot the Bat Tail at National Waterfront Museum, Swansea

Saturday 27th October – Friday 2nd November

FREE

10 bite sized bats have hidden themselves around the galleries for a daytime doze.  Search and find them all.

Haven’t been?  You can read our review HERE.

Smallfoot showing at Barry Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Saturday 27th October – Friday 2nd November

£3.00 pre-booked, £3.50 on the door

Join the search for Smallfoot in this animated comedy staring Channing Tatum and James Corden.

Half Term Fun at Llanelli Wetland Centre, Swansea

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November

Normal Admission Charges Applies

Experience the spookier side of the wetland wildlife.  Everyday during half term head to the Discovery Room between 11a.m. and 12.p.m. to take part in the Wetland Detectives Workshop to enjoy some gruesome owl pellet dissections, mystery skeletons and intriguing insects.  Then in the afternoons join the experts for some spooky pond dipping.  To wrap up the day head on to the craft corner for some Halloween crafts to make and take home.

Halloween Week at Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November

Join Magenta the witch at school for spooks and all things that go bump in the night.  Learn about magic and how to give a good fight.  There will be pumpkin carving, spooky pottery and craft activities.

Halloween Fun at Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November

Normal Admission Charges Applies

Daily events include Room On The Broom story read, marshmallow toasting and the spooky pumpkin trail.  Dressing up for Halloween is encouraged.  Dogs on leads welcome.  You can read of Mountain View Ranch HERE.

Halloween Fun at Techniquest, Cardiff

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November

Normal Admission Charges Applies

There are eerie events and ghostly goings on throughout half term as Techniquest are running either the Spooky Science or the Graham the Ghost exhibitions on alternate days throughout the school holidays. These are running along with their Star Tours which are on each day where you can find out more about constellations, the planets and how stars are born.  You can find out about our previous visit to Techniquest HERE.

Toffee Apple Bar, Tredegar House, Newport

Saturday 27th to Sunday 4th November

£3.00 per pumkin.  Normal admission charges also apply.

Get your spooky creation ready in time for Halloween.  All tools provided and there will be help on hand.  Throughout half term you will also be able to take part in walking a mile in a hedgehogs shoes.  This interactive trail is at no additional cost.  You could also take part in the carving a pumpkin for an additional £3.00 from 26th – 31st October (see above)

Sunday 28th October

Mini Beasts and Pond Dipping at Amelia Farm, Barry

Sunday 28th October

£5.50 per child (please note normal entrance charge still applies)

grab your wellies and be prepared to spot some mini beasts scurrying around the woodlands, delve deep into the pond to discover what’s lurking beneath.  Every farm explorer will have the use of the explorers kit for the activity.  Book your tickets HERE.  Dogs on leads welcome.

You can read about our visit to Amelia Trust HERE.

Beach Buddies Llantwit Beach, Llantwit Major

Sunday 28th October, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

£5.00 per child (one adult free per child)

A family session for parents and children to learn about coastal nature.  Suitable for children aged 12 and under.

Halloween Cinema at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Sunday 28th October – Wednesday 31st October

£5.00

Halloween cinema is running at the castle with three days of freaky feature films.  PG rated films showing over the three days are Hocus Pocus, The NIght Before Christmas, Coco and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Ghostly Nights at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Sunday 28th October – Wednesday 31st October

Normal Admission Charges Apply

Runs from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Black Knights returns to the castle.  Help the brave knights find a way to conquer this evil being.

Pumpkin Hunt at Ty Cerrig Christmas Tree Farm, Cowbridge

Sunday 28th October – Sunday 3rd November

Pumpkin hunt, Crazy Golf, festive scenes to explore and the Ty Cerrig elves to find.

Monday 29th October

Halloween Slime Special, Margam Park, Port Talbot

Monday 29th October

£6.50 per child

Learn how to make spooky slime, swirls, bubbles and waves with your own slime.  Pre-booking advised.  Tickets available from the Park Office on 01639 881635.  Dogs allowed into the park but not inside the Castle where craft sessions are held or in the play park areas.

You can read our review of Margam Country Park HERE.

Den Building and Fire Making, Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth

Monday 29th October

£5.00

Help build a shelter in the woods, make a fire and roast some marshmallows.  Pre-booking essential.  Call 02920 701678

Welsh Halloween Workshop, Grand Pavillion, Porthcawl

Monday 29th October at 2:00 p.m.

£2.50

Celebrate Halloween in Rala Land with party fun through the medium of Welsh.  Competition for the best costume.  Recommended ages 4 – 10 years.

Unicorn Afternoon Tea, New House Hotel, Cardiff

Monday 29th – Tuesday 30th October

£22.95 per adult, £12.95 per child

An opportunity for any fairy obsessed little ones to meet a unicorn courtesy of Sunnybank Equestrian Centre / Riding School, Caerphilly.  Those attending are encouraged to go along dressed in anything unicorn related.  All children will get a gift to take home.  Pre-booking essential.

Halloween Animal Sessions, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Monday 29th – Tuesday 30th October

£4.00 for each session

Halloween Animal Session – An opportunity to get up close to a variety of creepy creatures from maggots and frogs to lizards and snakes.  Pre-booking essential.

Spider Sessions – An in-depth insight into spiders.  You can then test your nerves by holding a tarantula.  Spider sessions are only suitable for ages 6+  Pre-booking essential

Ghoul School, Pyle Garden Centre, Pyle

Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st October

£15.00 per child

A Halloween themed session with trained actors.  Learn the magic taught at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry and Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches.  Dress up and play in a spooky environment.  Recommended ages are between 3-12. However, there is nothing scary about this event so all ages are welcome.  Pre-booking is advised, tickets available HERE.

Halloween Nights at St Fagans, Cardiff

Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st October

£15.00 per adult, £8.00 per child

Put on your halloween costume for a night at the museum from 6.00 – 9.00 p.m.  There will be live music, creepy craft workshops, ghostly tales and fiery jugglers with the finale of watching the wickerman burn.  There will also be the traditional fun fair.  Dogs on leads are allowed at St Fagans.

Frankenstein Laboratory, The Royal Mint, Llantrisant

Monday 29th October – Friday 2nd November

General Royal Mint Experience Tickets Apply

Young scientists are invited to assist Dr Victor Frankensteins ground breaking laboratory at the Royal Mint Experience.  Assist in experiments including techniques to import life to non living matter.  A 40 minute workshop which can be done before or after the Royal Mint Experience.

Tuesday 30th October

DIY Trick or Treat Bags, Margam Park, Port Talbot

Tuesday 30th October

£3.00 per child

Sessions running through out the day to make your own creative trick or treat bag ready for Halloween.  Tickets can be purchased at the entrance cabin.  Dogs welcome at the park but not in the play areas or inside.

Halloween Party Nights at Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea

Tuesday 30th October and Wednesday 31st October

Adult £7.00, Children £6.00, Family (2 + 2)  £30 (some concessions apply)

Shake your wings and stomp your feet to the spooky disco beat.  There’s competitions, fancy dress and spooky tales.  Pumpkin carving at an additional cost and a BBQ and tea rooms will be open for refreshments.  Pre-booking essential.

Wednesday 31st October

Halloween Spooktacular Party, Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Wednesday 31st October

£3.00 – £6.00

An afternoon of spooktacular mayhem with a disco, party games, competitions and a bar for the adults.  Fancy dress is encourages for kiddies and adults alike.  Pre-book your tickets HERE.

Halloween Potions, Margam Park, Port Talbot

Wednesday 31st October

FREE 

Join in on a spooky trail with a chance to make magic potions and slime.  No need to book.  Event is free but normal parking charges apply. Dogs welcome at the park but not in the play areas or inside.

Halloween fun at National Waterfront Museum, Swansea

Wednesday 31st October

FREE

In the morning watch a FREE screening of Monsters Inc.  Then from mid-day have a unmissable day of spooky fun in the museum where you will meet some unusual characters, listen to ghostly tales and create some creepy crafts.

£7.50 for Ghostbusters Screaning

In the evening, join their Hunt the Ghost Gallery Trail and make some ecto –slime, then grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the original Ghostbusters movie – the perfect cult classic for Halloween.  Pre-booking required.  Tickets available HERE.

Behind the Scenes at the Cardiff National Museum, Cardiff

Wednesday 31st October

FREE 

Wave your wand, say ‘Abracadabra!’ and a whole world of wonderful wizarding treats awaits you this Halloween at the Museum.  In this family friendly behind the scenes day you can discover some of the creepier objects in our collection and chat to the people behind the jars about the specimens.

Creepy Crafts The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff

Wednesday 31st October from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

Get ready for a spooktacular time with ghoulish balloons and free eco friendly crafts.  Usual parking terms and minimum spend applies.

Halloween Tour, Cosmeston Medieval Village, Penarth

Wednesday 31st October

£7.50

An hour long tour which starts at 10.30 a.m.  Children will be led on an atmospheric tour as they discover All Hallows Eve.  Pre booking essential.   Call 02920 701678

Ghostly Goings On, Cosmeston Medieval Village, Penarth

Wednesday 31st October

£7.50

Hear all about paranormal activity that has been witnessed by staff on an hour and half tour which starts at 3.00 p.m.  What secrets will be revealed about the people who used to live here.  Pre-booking essential.  Children may be frightened and must be accompanied by an adult.   Call 02920 701678

Little Pumpkins Party at Amelia Farm, Barry

Wednesday 31st October

£5.50 per child (please note normal entrance charge still applies)

A party for the little pumpkins.  2 hours of music, bouncy castle and a fancy dress competition with a prize for the best dressed.  Face painting at an additional cost.  Ticket price includes the pumpkin trail and a goody bag.  Book your tickets HERE.  Dogs on leads allowed.

Childrens Halloween Party, Three Horseshoes Playbarn, Barry

Wednesday 31st October, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

£6.99

A Halloween Party at the family friendly Threee Horseshoes in Barry.

Halloween Trail, Ogmore Beach

Wednesday 31st October, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

From £5.00 per child

Join Home Ed Beach Academy on a trail to discover the horrors of marine nature.  One adult goes free per child, additional siblings £6.00.  Trail from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Then from 2:00 – 3.30 p.m. there is a family session for parents and children to learn together about the horrors of marine nature.  Suitable for ages 12 and under.  Register attendance by emailing beachacademywales@gmail.com

Thursday 1st November

Creative Crafts, Margam Park, Port Talbot

Thursday 1st November

FREE 

Make a firework card, try out a Guy Fawkes mask and find out about wildlife safety for bonfire night.  No need to book.  Event is free but normal parking charges apply.  Dogs allowed but not inside areas or at the play areas.

Dark Museum Tour at St Fagans, Cardiff

Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st October

£12.50 per adult, £10.00 per child (suitability 10+)

An eerie atmosphere, history, legends and true ghost stories.  A 90 minute evening ghost walk through St Fagans Museum in a torch lit tour.

Friday 2nd November

Cook on a Campfire, Dyffryn Gardens, Dyffryn

Friday 2nd November

£2.00 plus normal admission charges

Get your s’more kit from the Snack Shack and toast your own marshmallows to squish between two delicious chocolatey biscuits.

Saturday 3rd November 

Sparks in the Park, Blackweir Fields, Bute Park Cardiff

Saturday 3rd November

£10.00 per adult, £5.00 per child, Family (of four) ticket £25.00.  Under 3’s go Free

Wales’ largest firework display accompanied by live presenters from Heart FM.  Full fun fair, food and drinks stalls and a carnival atmosphere.  All proceeds raised from the Event will be distributed to Charity, arranged by Cardiff Round Table.  Pre-booking essential, tickets can be purchased HERE.

I hope you found this list useful – if you did, I’d really appreciate you sharing it with others.  Or why not pin for later.