‘Tis the season to pick pumpkins, seek out spooky events and huddle around the bonfire (not too close, mind). October is a brilliant time to visit York with kids, with a wide variety of activities going on, from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking and even the odd event NOT involving large root veg! Here’s our pick of the best things coming up in and around York this October half term – do keep an eye on this guide as we’re updating it all the time. And make sure you subscribe to our newsletter, too, so you never miss a thing.
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Ghosts in the Gardens (FREE)
Back by popular demand, Ghosts in the Gardens sees ghosts popping up in York Museum Gardens and at other green spaces across York. This year promises to be the best yet, with more ghosts than ever, and it’s a great way to explore the city.
21 September to early November 2024 – Across York – Visit the website
Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton’s
Deep within the spooky forest at Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough, a world of eerie enchantment awaits! Prepare to be thrilled and amazed by hauntingly captivating displays and spine-tingling surprises. Explore abandoned circus tents as they whisper ghostly secrets from their forgotten past and meet a host of creepy characters waiting to steal the show in this festival of frights. Step into a world of enchantment as you explore themed displays featuring witches, mysterious
cauldrons and magical spells cast by characterful actors. mothershiptons.co.uk
Pumpkin picking at The Balloon Tree
Nothing says ‘autumn’ more than a giant orange root vegetable, so celebrate the season with a spot of pumpkin picking. The Balloon Tree, just outside Stamford Bridge, is our top spot so we can combine it with a trip to the Little Vikings Award-winning cafe and play area while we’re there. Visit the website to find out more
The Little York Ghost Hunt
The ever-popular Little York Ghost Hunt returns for 2024. Each evening a hundred of York Ghost Merchants’ little ghosts are hidden along the atmospheric streets that flank York Minster and if you find one, you can keep it! The Little York Ghost Hunt 2024 – 28th to 31st October 2024 – Find out more
The Hole in Wand
Swap your broomstick for a putter and enter the extraordinary world of The Hole in Wand, York’s wizard golf experience. Located opposite another of York’s must-see attractions, JORVIK Viking Centre, park your broom at the door as you search for the missing gargoyle, Grobblenook. Complete a series of crazy challenges and be rewarded with a magical potion when you complete the trail! Show your Little Vikings Family Card for a FREE Premium upgrade. Open daily – Visit the website for details
Halloween fun and a pumpkin patch at Castle Howard
The Castle Howard Garden Centre Pumpkin Patch is back for 2024! From 1st to 31st October, explore the patch and choose your perfect pumpkin. Whether small, medium, or large, they’ll have various sizes and colours for carving, decorating and making the most of the spooky season. Head to the Garden Centre when you arrive and follow the signs for PYO pumpkins. Keep your eye out for more Halloween activities at Castle Howard to be announced. Halloween at Castle Howard – Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA – Visit the Castle Howard website
New! Visit The Potions Academy
Choose from two magical experiences in York’s newest little attraction: Broom School is a broom flying experience that invites wizards and witches to embark on a virtual flying adventure across the cityscape, evading landmarks and outsmarting dragons, with a personalized souvenir video to take home. The second experience, Potions Class, offers a 30-minute immersive journey into the world of alchemy. Led by skilled actors, participants will delve into the art of potion-making while savouring the renowned elixirs crafted by The Potions Cauldron. Visit The Potions Cauldron website to book
Meet a Viking at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre
At JORVIK, visitors stand on the site of the famous Coppergate dig, which revealed astounding archaeological discoveries. Hop aboard a time capsule for an unforgettable trip back to 10th-century York. Hear a Norse couple arguing over what to have for dinner, take in smells from fish to woodsmoke and spot the famous Bogar, who has been sitting on the toilet since the day it opened! Chat to friendly Vikings who can tell you more about life on Coppergate and get up-close with some of the most beautiful Viking artefacts in the world (including a fossilised Viking poo!). Visit the JORVIK Viking Centre website
Discover a hidden medieval gem
This October, Barley Hall is celebrating the stories of animals in medieval life. Learn about all creatures great and small with games, activities, and guided tours. Combine your visit with a trip to JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG: An archeological Adventure and The City Walls Experience by purchasing a PastPort for all four attractions starting at £18 per person. Visit the Barley Hall website
Dig after Dark at JORVIK Dig
If you’re looking for something fun and creative to do with the family this October, why not try Dig After Dark? Gather around the campfire and listen to some spooky ghost stories appropriate for the whole family. Cosy around the campfire with snacks and a hot drink, all included in the price. digyork.co.uk
Explore the history of York’s City Walls this October
Take the kids to visit City Walls Experience – the Royal gateway to the city of York – and discover 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction of the walls! Learn about the characters whose stories are intertwined with Micklegate Bar: a princess, a Royalist and a 20th-century policeman who made the gatehouse his home. Visit the website
Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2024
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, start your stargazing journey and truly appreciate the delights of the night. There’s a host of fun events, from stargazing to night experiences and much more. 25 October to 3 November 2024 – Visit the website for more
Hallowtween at York Maze 2024
Calling all fearless 10-15-year-olds, and adults of a more nervous disposition…Venture into a new dimension of spine-tingling fun this Halloween, as York Maze invites you to explore the farm’s most mysterious buildings, each with its own twisted history you will discover for yourself once you step inside…26th to 31st October 2024 – Visit the Hallowtween website
York’s Chocolate Story Trick or Treat Trek
This hauntingly delightful escapade is tailor-made to enchant and entertain children. Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the enchanting streets of York, where your expert tour guide will unveil spine-tingling tales lurking within haunted walls. Within York’s Chocolate Story, there are special Halloween Family Masterclasses and Halloween Truffle Rolling too. Visit York’s Chocolate Story website for details and to book
Halloween After Dark in The Plotters’ Forest
As dusk descends, The Plotters’ Forest stirs with an eerie excitement. Adventurers should don their spookiest costumes and venture into the shadows, where spiders spin webs and witches and wolves hide. Amidst the darkness, enchanting creatures appear, inviting brave souls to uncover the forest’s mysteries. Head to Raby this October for a thrilling journey through The Plotters’ Forest after dark.
Discover Wonderlab at the National Railway Museum
Head to the Railway Museum this October half term and discover the new Wonderlab, an interactive exhibition that’s completely inspiring for children. Admission to the museum itself is free, and Wonderlab tickets are available separately. Visit the Railway Museum website for details.
Illuminated Abbey at Whitby Abbey
One of the best autumn events on the Yorkshire coast returns for 2024! Camera phones at the ready as Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is bathed in dramatic illuminations once again for Illuminated Abbey this October half term. It’s an unforgettable, instagrammable evening that families will love, with Victorian Gothic entertainment thrown in. 24th October to 2nd November 2024. Visit the website
Piglets Pumpkin Festival
Where can you go this October half term where you can get lost in a mysterious maze, watch a magic show, enjoy oodles of indoor and outdoor play AND pick and carve your own pumpkin? Piglets Adventure Farm, that’s where! Selected October weekends and the whole of half term – visit the website for more
The Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park
Experience the spookiest adventure this Halloween at Stockeld Park. Stir up trouble with the Witches in the Enchanted Forest, rattle your bones down Halloween Street in the theatre and step aboard the all-new ghost train, the Flying Stocksman! The pumpkin field is back and EVERY child gets a free pumpkin, so be sure to select a child ticket for the children in your group. 26th October to 3rd November 2024 – Visit the website
Little Vikings I Spy Trail – A free family walking trail of York
Recommended by The Sunday Times, the Little Vikings I Spy Trail is a fun, free walking trail around York. We’ve designed it to help families explore the best bits of York, with lots to see along the way. Download a map from our website or pick one up from the Visit York Information Centre.
The Kirkgate Ghost Count – Visit Kirkgate at York Castle Museum, a detailed recreation of a Victorian era high street which features shops that existed in York from 1870 until 1901. Wander this atmospheric street and its back lanes and try and count the York Ghosts that dwell there, there will be three specially created Kirkgate Ghosts; more details to be announced.
York Castle Museum – Visit the website
Explore autumn at RHS Harlow Carr
Explore RHS Garden Harlow Carr this October half term, where there’s always lots to see and do, from brilliant play areas to seeing how the seasons change. There’ll be autumn-themed activities and the return of The Garden Detectives, who are back with the perfect mix of fact and nonsense and maybe even the odd game.
Saturday 26th October to 3rd November 2024 – Visit the RHS Harlow Carr website for details
Step back in time at Eden Camp Modern History Museum
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of WW2 at Eden Camp. Located within an original POW Camp built in 1942, enjoy a fully immersive experience throughout the museum including the brand-new Blitz Experience! Visit the Eden Camp website
Fear in the Forest at Dalby Forest
Head to Dalby Forest this Halloween for an exhilarating and spine-tingling experience. As the sun sets and darkness descends upon the forest, the atmosphere transforms into a world of eerie enchantment. Twisted trees and shadowy trails set the stage for a night of heart-pounding adventure. From haunted walks that test your courage to interactive installations that play on your deepest fears, this event offers a unique blend of entertainment and fright.
Dates TBC – Visit Events at Dalby Forest for more details
Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail
The Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail is returning for 2024! Navigate your way through Strid Wood using the map and the giant pumpkins. Keep your eyes peeled for clues hidden in the mystery boxes along the way and help to solve the puzzle. The trail is included in the car park fee (pre-booking of car park spaces recommended).
Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November 2024 – Visit the Bolton Abbey website for more info
Go for an autumnal family walk
It’s a beautiful time of year for a family walk around York. Read our guide for the pick of the best, from a walk around York’s city walls to the Little Vikings I Spy Trail and woodland walks.
