October Half Term is one of our favourites, especially if the weather holds out… There are so many Halloween Events in Hertfordshire to keep children of all ages (and adults) busy for the whole week. We have a couple of Halloween and Pumpkin Trails that we visit every year including Aldenham Country Park and Audley End.
This year due to work I have mixed it up with two days at the start of the week at ArtShed October Camp – the younger ones (Arthur 8 and Sydney 6) managed to go over the Summer Holidays and have been asking to go back ever since! They spent both days working on different artwork pieces, using different mediums and bring them home at the end. I wasn’t expecting them to be so impressive (and large!). There was also plenty of time for play and getting outside for lots of fresh air.
The best way to support local businesses with their events is to share their information far and wide…
ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK
15th – 31st October 2022 9.00am – 5.00pm
https://www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk/spook-fest
Aldenham Rd, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3BA
Pumpkin picking and carving, horrid hay tractor ride, spooky trail, pumpkin bingo, decorations throughout the farm and much more! Book now and pay 2021 prices.
AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY
22nd – 31st October 2022 9.30am – late
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://audley-end-railway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/42481
Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
Tickets include Halloween Express train ride through the woods to visit the witches and their monster friends, Gift for every child, Belinda the Fortune Telling Witch, William the Woodland Wizard and the Adventure Play Area.
ARTSHED OCTOBER CAMPS
24th – 28th October 2022 9.30am to 3.30pm
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://www.shedloadsoffun.com/online-booking.html
For children aged 6 to 13 years old (5 year olds at their discretion)
Wrap around care available 8.30 – 9.30am & 3.30 – 4.30pm
Camp A (2 days): Mon 24th & Tue 25th Oct 2022
Camp B (2 days): Wed 26th & Thu 27th Oct 2022
Camp C (1 day): Fri 28th Oct 2022
Cost: 2-day camps = £76 – 1-day camps = £38
LUMAGICA UK
22nd – 30th October 2022 from 4.30pm
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://lumagicauk.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/43879
Coursers Rd, St Albans AL4 0PF
A paved 1.2 kilometre circular route that takes visitors through different themed areas and installations. Taking anywhere from 45 – 90 minutes to complete, depending on how much time is spent interacting with the elements.
The trail is designed so that each element is hidden from the next, creating a journey of discovery. Each individual light piece has its own music. Toward the trail’s end you’ll experience a unique light and water projection show before heading back to the food and drink arena.
HATFIELD PARK
22nd – 30th October 2022 11.00am – 4.00pm
https://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/event/october-half-term/
Georges Gate, AL9 5HX
The Park and Woodland Walks will be open as well as Park Trailer rides running each day on the hour from 11am to 3pm. Keep your eyes peeled, there may be a few surprises along the way.
Be sure to book your tickets online before the 22nd October to get 10% off your booking.
ALL SPORTS 4 KIDS CAMP
24th – 26th October 2022
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Maple Primary School, Hall Pl Gardens, St Albans AL1 3SW
Daily Booking from £25 per day 10% discount when attending with a friend
3 Day Booking – £60
Monday: Halloween Decorating
Tuesday: Party Games
Wednesday: Halloween Hunt (Trick Or Treat)
THE DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL
24th – 28th October 2022 5 mornings of 30 minute sessions
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://www.dolphinswimschool.co.uk/crash-course
Drakes Dr, St Albans AL1 5AR
The aim of the courses is to build and improve water confidence in all age groups, to improve weak swimmers strokes and to give the younger ones an introduction to water safety and structured lessons. Children from the age of three years old are welcome.
SCIENCE – LIGHTING UP OUR UNIVERSE
25th- 29th October from 6.00pm
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/science-lighting-up-our-universe
St Albans AL1 1BY
Journey through creation with a stunning science themed light show at St Albans Cathedral.
BURSTON GARDEN CENTRE
27th October 2022 Various times
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://www.burston.co.uk/event/childrens-halloween-activity-halloween-zombie-fridge-magnets/
N Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 2DS
Get creepily creative in the run up to Halloween by making and decorating a zombi fridge magnet! All proceeds from this event will be donated to their chosen charity of the year – Brain Tumour Research.
JJAM CAFE PUMPKIN CARVING
30th October 2022 11.00am – 1.00pm
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://checkout.square.site/buy/Y4WYKLCTSZLF23C37PRE673M
Osprey Home, Coopers Green Ln, Woodcock Hill, St Albans AL4 9HJ
Little ones can carve pumpkins in the Jjam cafe whilst feasting on Halloween food and drink. Pumpkins, stencils and carving equipment provided.
CREPE AFFAIRE
30th October 2022 11.00am – 1.00pm
https://www.crepeaffaire.com/locations/united-kingdom/2019/st-albans
37 Market Pl, St Albans AL3 5DL
Crepes, coffee and Halloween play… A hidden treat upstairs in Crepe Affaire, St Albans, a child friendly floor with drawing, books and spooky bean bag fun.
Teens & Tweens
For older children this Halloween it is worth booking and heading out of St Albans and Hertfordshire if they are too old for pumpkin carving and Halloween Trails. As these are essential to book in advance many will be sold out already for 2022 so worth booking in for next year! You wouldn’t catch me at a fright night – I am too much of a scaredy cat.
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON – THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER
23rd September – 6th November 2022
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/dark-arts/
Leavesden, London WD25 7LR
Discover the Dark Arts returns this Halloween… Discover the secrets behind the Riddikulus spell as a selection of props from Professor Lupin’s Defence Against the Dark Arts class will be on display, including the Boggart wardrobe and the Vulture hat donned by a Boggart in the shape of Professor Snape. The Death Eaters’ procession through the Studio Tour shows a menacing display, showcasing the authentic costumes seen on-screen.
THORPE PARK FRIGHT NIGHT
30th September – 31st October
BOOKING ESSENTIAL – CHECK AGE/HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
https://www.thorpepark.com/explore/events/fright-nights/
Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PN
Featuring spine-tingling scare mazes, truly terrifying scare zones and awe-inspiring shows. Rides in the dark take on a whole new life! Will you know on Death’s Door, or visit the cursed village of Mawkin Meadow – will you return…
