Monday, October 27th to Friday, October 31st
Half Term is nearly here, and Hertfordshire is full to the brim with autumnal enchantment.
From wild woodland wanders to indoor snow slopes, roaring dinosaurs to quiet sculpture gardens, this is your one-stop guide for a week of family fun that blends nature, culture, creativity and just a touch of spooky magic. Let’s dive in...
Days out
A must-do for every witch and wizard
Hogwarts awaits! Walk through Diagon Alley, stand in the Forbidden Forest, and sip Butterbeer at this spectacular studio experience. Half term brings added magic with themed activities, wand duelling workshops and spooky seasonal decorations. Whether you're a lifelong Potterhead or introducing little ones to the Wizarding World, this is a truly unforgettable day out at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter.
Halloween at Chiltern Open Air Museum
Wander through 2,000 years of English history at this beloved open-air museum. With more than 30 reconstructed historic buildings, including a Victorian school, 1940s prefab and medieval barns, it’s a real-life time machine. Kids can get hands-on with ‘Terrible Tuesday’ traditional crafts, join Halloween-themed trails, and meet costumed interpreters bringing local history to life.
A peaceful and arty day out for families
Explore the legacy of one of Britain's most famous sculptors, Henry Moore, in this stunning outdoor setting. Children can spot gigantic sculptures hidden in flower beds and grassy hills, with activity trails encouraging sketching, building and even clay modelling in the sculpture barn. Wrap up with cake in the on-site café and pick up art-themed souvenirs. Quiet, creative, and surrounded by beauty, this is a fantastic half-day for families who love nature and making things.
Adrenaline days for speed-loving teens (& grown-ups!)
Got a budding racer at home? Drift Limits offers driving experiences for ages 11+ in supercars, police interceptors, and even Formula 1-style racers. Younger kids can watch from the viewing platforms while teens and adults tear up the track. Choose from stunt sessions, drifting lessons or police chase thrill rides. It’s an exhilarating day out where even the spectators get a thrill.
Indoor snow sports, whatever the weather!
Step into a snowy world where the chill is real, and the fun never stops. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned skier, The Snow Centre caters to all levels with expert instructors, group lessons and freestyle fun. Kids will love the Mini Snow Sessions with sledging, snow-play and games, while grown-ups can relax in the alpine-style Lodge with hot chocolate and hearty food. A flurry of fun without needing a passport!
Thrill-Seekers & Glow-Chasers: Big Fun Indoors
When the October chill hits, Hemel Hempstead delivers non-stop indoor excitement for families looking to burn off some energy. Get your game faces on at Laser Quest, where the whole crew can dive into a high-energy battle across an atmospheric sci-fi arena, but only one can be crowned champion! Craving more neon-lit fun? Mulligans is your go-to for glow-in-the-dark crazy golf, arcade action, and even pool - it’s like stepping into your very own funhouse.
For adrenaline lovers, The XC is unmatched - think climbing, caving, high-ropes and skating, all wrapped into one epic adventure space. And if skating’s your thing, Planet Ice offers a frosty twist with disco sessions and beginner aids that’ll have everyone gliding with glee. When it's time to slow the pace, tuck into a cosy cinema trip at the luxurious Rex Cinema, or catch a captivating performance at The Old Town Hall, where magical storytelling and child-friendly theatre shows are centre stage this half term.
Wild Walks, Zoo Days & Creative Ways to Unwind
Looking for fresh air and autumn vibes? There’s a whole world of seasonal beauty and discovery just waiting outside. Step into the wild at Whipsnade Zoo, where you can meet elephants, penguins and tigers on a full-day animal adventure, just don’t forget your camera! Prefer something more peaceful? Tring Reservoirs is the perfect escape for spotting birds, crunching through golden leaves, and soaking up tranquil views.
Set sail on a slower-paced adventure with Waterways Experiences, offering family-friendly canal cruises through the Grand Union’s autumn-kissed landscapes. And for curious kids who love to get hands-on, Frogmore Paper Mill is a brilliant, brain-boosting visit, the world's oldest mechanised paper mill offers demos, workshops, and activities where young minds (and hands) can run wild with creativity. Whether you're following paw prints, drifting along the canal, or crafting your own masterpiece, these day-out gems make for a perfectly memorable October Half Term.
Special events
Step back to Celtic Harmony with Samhain Celebrations
Step back in time with your tribe for an unforgettable prehistoric day out. Head to Celtic Harmony Camp for a day of prehistoric discovery where children can step into the shoes of Stone Age villagers. From grinding flour and making fire to exploring woodland trails and joining in Halloween-themed fun like the Trick or Treat Trail, it’s a hands-on, educational experience in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. With archery, ancient crafts and storytelling around the campfire, it’s the perfect way to get kids off screens and into the great outdoors.
Autumn Owls in Tring
28, 29 & 31 October / 10:30-12:00 & 14:00-15:30
Step into the cosy, creature-filled world of Tring’s Natural History Museum for a hands-on owl experience. Perfect for ages 5+, this drop-in event invites kids to peer up close at UK owl specimens, uncover what they eat, and learn how we can protect them in the wild. Then, it’s time to get crafty with an owl mask-making session, using autumnal colours and natural textures. A delightful blend of science, discovery, and seasonal creativity.
Stay the night
Luxury meets family fun in this country escape
It’s not just a hotel, it’s a half-term haven. Down Hall Hotel & Spa blends old-school charm with modern fun, offering tree-trail walks, tennis, paddle and even giant chess.
Family rooms come complete with bunk beds, board games and even Nintendo Switches for cosy evenings in, while the grounds are perfect for tree-trail walks, tennis and giant chess. The highlight? A visit to the Princess Afternoon Tea, where little ones can enjoy sweet treats and meet real-life princesses in a Disney-inspired setting. It’s a magical end to a holiday that balances mud-splattered memories with a touch of royal sparkle.
A serene stay with Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel
This gorgeous manor offers a gentler pace for families who love elegance and activity in equal measure. Kids can learn beginner golf on the lush green fairways, then unwind in the indoor pool or take part in seasonal nature trails around the grounds. Grown-ups can enjoy a round on the championship course or a well-earned massage in the spa. End the day with a family dinner overlooking the estate’s autumnal trees.
Grown-up treats with kid-friendly touches
At Pendley Manor, families are welcomed with spooky trails and children’s afternoon teas, while parents can enjoy historic surroundings and a cocktail (or two).
Nearby, Puddingstone Distillery offers gin tastings and behind-the-scenes tours. Some experiences are adults-only, so plan to combine with a stay or child-friendly event nearby.