The Autumn half term 2023 runs from October 23rd to the 27th for most Hertfordshire schools. To make the most of this time, we've selected some family-friendly events and attractions across the county for everyone to enjoy.
So get the pencils out, and jot the dates in your diary... oh, and don't forget to tell the kids!
St Albans Cathedral Light Show
Tuesday 24 October - Saturday 28 October
Starting off our half term week, St Albans Cathedral are proud to present their Light Show, Renaissance | Illuminating the Past. From the 24th of October, St Albans Cathedral welcomes you to be transported from the shadows of the Dark Ages and into an age of cultural rebirth, in this mesmerising light show.
Tickets available in September
Halloween at Paradise Wildlife Park
23rd October
Head to Paradise Wildlife Park this October half term and you’ll enter a spooky world filled with tricks and treats, ready for a Halloween Spooktacular at the Park. If you’re lucky you might even see the animals enjoying some amazing pumpkin and Halloween themed enrichment!
Guess what? Dinos After Dark will also be running for 6 nights over the spooktacular season on the following dates in October, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th and 30th October 2022. Paradise Wildlife Park are certainly going all out this Halloween, so why not take a magical trip around the World of Dinosaurs and see the dinosaurs come to life by moonlight.
Discover the Dark Arts
15th September - 5th November 2023
Have you got a Harry Potter fan in the house? Take the kids over to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, for the return of the popular Dark Arts and step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series. From wandering the Great Hall and witnessing over 100 pumpkins floating above a spooky feast, (as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) to discovering the symbol of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters on your hunt for the Dark Mark. You’ll also get to practice your spells on Death Eaters after learning wand combat moves in an interactive display. Now, this sounds like an October half term well spent!
Pumpkin Festival at Willows Activity Farm
14th, 15th, 19th - 31st October
It wouldn’t be October without pumpkin picking! Over at Willow Activity Farm they have the perfect patch with 1000s of Willows-grown pumpkins waiting to be picked, as well as a whole programme of fun! take on the Pumpkin Hunt (with a prize badge for all those taking part) and be sure to visit the Gourds Grotto, the perfect chance to get some snaps of your little ones.
Halloween at the Museum
The Natural History Museum at Tring have two spooky events throughout the Autumn Half Term:
Nocturnal Animals - 24-26 October
Time to immerse yourself in the world of the nocturnal animals and explore what these species need to live and thrive in the dark... You'll even get to create your very own bat to take home.
Museum by Torchlight - 27th October - FREE
Bring your torch and dress up in your best spooky outfit, it's time to explore the galleries after dark...
Vertigo Adventures - Frights at Heights
Saturday 28th October
For some outdoor fun, why not visit Vertigo Adventures? On the 28th of October, Vertigo are offering "Frights at Heights". In time for Halloween, the event challenges you to try its course at night. For a fun-filled spooky night, why not try it?
Suitable for children 5+, and 8+ for the Hawks View Challenge.
Stanborough Park Halloween Trail
We're in for a thrilling time at Stanborough Park this Halloween with the Xplorer event, running on the North side of the park from 25th - 29th October. Fun, free and following a spook-tacular trail through the park, follow spooky markers around the park for a fantastic family day out.
Stevenage Trick or treat trail
Are you ready for a spooky experience? Do you fancy dressing up as a ghost or some other fearsome being? Search for treats in Stevenage Old Town High Street all day on Saturday 28 October. Look out for posters in participating venues to get your hands on a map, and collect a treat (much better than tricks!).
Spooktacular Watford Market
5.30pm to 10pm on Friday 29 October
Watford Market is well and truly taking on the spooky season this October, transforming the market into a Halloween scary-land. Feast on Halloween inspired food and listen to local musicians, all under festoon and lanterns. Oooo don't forget to come as fancy dress!
Spook-fest at Aldenham Country Park
14th - 31st October
Time to grab your spook-fest tickets and prepare your little ones for a jam-packed day of Halloween fun. You'll get to see all the animals, and take part in a range of activities, including, Giant Puzzles, Pumpkin Bingo, Spider Maze, Spooky-Oke, Mini Tractor Play, Bouncy Castle, Dance Tunnel and the Bale Play.
St Albans Museum Half Term Fun
Where to take the kiddies for some half-term fun? St Albans Museum has got you covered with their many events throughout the October holidays. Get involved in the Big Draw Festival where little ones can get creative or why not journey through time and discover the fascinating story of tea at Time For Tea exhibition. As part of the exhibition you can also Paint Your Own Mug and create beautiful designs (personally we'd go for a pumpkin!)
Halloween Ghost Walks in Hertford
The ghosts of Hertford are calling... And we think it's time you put your brave hat on, and head on out for a haunted ghost walk...
There are still tickets available for the Hertford Halloween Ghost walks, so get into the spooky spirit and grab yours now!