Family-Friendly Activities in Leeds This October Half Term

October 14, 2026 Off By

Explore a Range of Events Across Leeds Over the October Half Term

Leeds is offering a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the October half term, catering to different interests and age groups. From Halloween-themed events to creative workshops and outdoor adventures, there are numerous opportunities for families to enjoy the autumn break.

Key Events and Attractions

Pumpkin Patch at Lotherton
Dates: Saturday 17 to Saturday 31 October
Visitors can pick pumpkins and enjoy photo opportunities. The patch is open on weekends from 3 October and weekdays from 19 to 31 October.
Cost: £4 plus general admission.
Pumpkin Competition at Leeds City Museum
Dates: Thursday 1 October to Sunday 1 November
Participants can design their own pumpkin using various art materials. Winning designs will be recreated and displayed at the museum.
Cost: Leeds City Museum operates on a give-what-you-can basis.
Halloween at Temple Newsam Home Farm
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Activities include a trail sheet with quizzes, spooky displays, a pumpkin trail, and self-led crafts such as making paper-chain skeletons. Pumpkin carving sessions are available on 27 and 28 October with tools and assistance provided.
Cost: Included in admission; pumpkin carving is free but booking is recommended.
Scarecrow Trail at Leeds Industrial Museum
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Families can explore scarecrows around the museum and participate in autumn crafts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Cost: Included in admission.
Nocturnal Creatures Trail at Kirkstall Abbey
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
A family trail to learn about nocturnal animals living in the Abbey ruins.
Cost: Give what you can.
Glow in The Dark Week at Leeds City Museum
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Includes a glow in the dark trail, a glow disco on 27 October, and a shadow art workshop from 27 to 29 October.
Cost: Give what you can; some events require prebooking.
Halloween Hauntings at Temple Newsam House
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Visitors can explore the house and hear spooky stories, including tales of the Blue Lady. Family crafts and activities are also available.
Cost: Included in admission.
Cellar Scares at Temple Newsam
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
An immersive, scary experience suitable for ages 12 and above. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Cost: £5 plus general admission.
Spooky Streets at Abbey House Museum
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Visitors can explore Victorian shops with Halloween-themed characters and take part in dressing up and photography.
Cost: Included in admission.
Junior Ghost Walk at Temple Newsam Home Farm
Dates: Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October
A family-friendly ghost walk with fun and silly Halloween stories. Prebooking is required.
Cost: Included in admission.
Spellbound at Lotherton
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
A trail involving finding words scattered across the estate to mend a witch’s charm.
Cost: Included in admission.
Monkey Madness at Tropical World
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
Activities include monkey-themed games, keeper talks, and interactive challenges.
Cost: Included in admission.
400 Stories at Leeds Libraries
Dates: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October
Workshops for children aged 4 and above to create artwork about stories, with creations displayed at Leeds City Library.
Cost: Free.
Holiday Clubs at Herd Farm and West Leeds Activity Centre
Dates: Monday 26 to Friday 30 October
Outdoor holiday clubs offering activities and adventures for young people.
Cost: £48 at Herd Farm and £45 at West Leeds Activity Centre.
Half Term Madness at Leeds Kirkgate Market
Dates: Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Activities include Lego, Duplo, colouring, and Halloween-themed ‘Lotions and Potions’ sessions on 29 and 30 October.<br