Lana Crouch
18th October 2018

Just as quickly as the leaves have turned their Insta-worthy shades of red, yet another half term break has snuck up on us in Herts. It’s true - the long, hot summer seems as though it was here just yesterday, but fear not – venues across the county have been busy cooking up an enticing witches’ cauldron of events and activities to keep little monsters entertained until the school bell chimes once more...

Kids stay for free at Down Hall Hotel & Spa
Forget the summer getaway, it’s all about an autumn break this year. And with Down Hall Hotel & Spa’s ‘kids stay for free’ deal, there’s really no excuse not to enjoy a family escape to the countryside this October. With 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens to explore, the kids will be worn out in no time – and you’ll feel totally rejuvenated too with a quick visit to the hotel’s luxurious onsite Eden Spa. Escape to the country... 

Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
This Halloween, fans of Death Eaters, daring duels and fearsome feasts are invited to immerse themselves in the wicked side of the Wizarding World. The Dark Arts special feature returns to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London this autumn bringing with it over 100 floating pumpkins, plenty of chances to dual with Death Eaters and vats of slimy Troll snot and dribbling drool (of the three-headed dog variety) to get your hands on. Quite frankly, if the troll snot hasn’t sold you, we’re not really sure what will... Wicked wizardry

Halloween crafts at Frogmore Papermill
Head to Hemel on October 31st where families can swap creepy for crafty at the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill. Little ones can enjoy a Halloween themed craft session at Frogmore Papermill with the opportunity to make their own spooky costumes or props, and even get their faces painted ahead of the evening’s Trick of Treating fun. Creepy crafting...

Half term at Hatfield Park Farm
Feeling fearless? Prepare for a fearlessly fun day out with the family at Hatfield Park Farm where you’ll have the chance to hear some silly Spooky Stories for Halloween between November 1st and 3rd. Alternatively, if you’re visiting on October 31st or November 4th don’t miss Halloween Hoots as the park welcomes the fantastic CJ’s Birds of Prey to the farm. Fang-tastic farmyard fun...

Halloween at Hertford Theatre
Dress up your little spooks and take them along to Hertford Theatre this half term where they’ll be showing a host of frightfully good family films. From Frankenweenie to The Corpse Bride, even little ones can get involved in the Halloween film festivities. What’s more, the theatre is also inviting families to join them for Spooky Stories between 31st October and 2nd November, on the hour between 10am and 3pm. Frightening films...

NHM Tring’s Dangerous and Deadly Trail
Do you dare to explore the galleries of the National History Museum at Tring for their deadliest animals? Tip-toe around the museum in search of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Once you’ve scoped out the species, use stickers to create a savannah scene and discover a whole host of fascinating facts. Spooky species...

Howl-o-ween at Paradise Wildlife Park
Make the kids scream with excitement at Paradise Wildlife Park. Join the zoo for its annual Howl-o-ween extravaganza, with themed activities throughout the week. Experience the fear factor of getting up close with some creepy crawly animals in the daily Animal Spooktacular Shows or join in with a host of ghostly games at the Safari Stage. Howl with excitement...

Pumpkin Festival at Willows Activity Farm
Pop down to the pumpkin patch at family favourite Willows Activity Farm near St Albans. Kids can pick out their free pumpkin from Willows’ Pumpkin Patch on arrival, before joining in a packed programme of pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, the Pumpkin Olympics and magic shows. Oh, and don’t forget to stop and say hello to some of Willow’s farmyard friends whilst you’re visiting - their far more friendly than fearsome! No tricks, just treats...

Stevenage Gingerbread Trail
If you go down to Stevenage town centre today, you’re sure to get a surprise… An exciting gingerbread hunt begins on October 27th and runs throughout the school holiday. Children are encouraged to collect their activity sheet at the information desk (you can even get ahead and download a copy here), before setting off on an adventure around the town. What’s more, by entering each child will be in with a chance of winning £25 Westgate Shopping Vouchers and a Harry Potter gift from Hawkin's Bazaar. Terrifyingly tasty...