Halloween falls just outside the October Half Term holiday this year and there are lots of spooktacular events happening in Berkshire in the build up.   If you’re looking for ideas of where to go with the kids over October Half Term and family friendly Halloween activities, then look no further.  Just click on any of the links in red for more information.  There’s also a handy guide for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire too if you’re looking to venture a little further.

Find the best places to go pumpkin picking in Berkshire and in local pumpkin patches.

SPOTLIGHT – NORDEN FARM

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead have not one but three amazing live performances this October Half Term.  WiFi Wars returns with a very spooky version of the live comedy game show where you all play along!  The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl thrills with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles and join The Magical Mr West on an incredible adventure into the world of science!  Want to look spooktacular for Halloween?  At Gory Halloween special effects makeup workshop you create your own spectacular wounds and horrifying diseases on 31st October.

October Half Term Activities in Berkshire 2024

• Brick or Treat at Legoland (Windsor) 27th Sep – 3rd November

Hallcourt Farm (Midgham, West Berkshire) select dates from 12th October

After an amazing first year, Hallcourt Farm pumpkin patch returns for 2024.  Not only that but the Woodland Walk will have new fun and spooky things to spot through the trees, a Halloween clue to solve (and a little prize to win!) The big barn will once again be open for pumpkin carving and decorating. NEW this year is BIG bale play and facepainting.

Welford Park Spectacle of Light 18th October – 10th November select dates

Discover the night-time wonder of Welford Park through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars.

• Halloween fun at Bucklebury Farm (Reading) 16th – 31st October

Wasing Pumpkin Patch & Woodland Trail (Aldermaston) 18th – 31st October

At the heart of the stunning Wasing Estate near Aldermaston lies a very special pumpkin patch. Follow the enchanting decorated  trail through Wasing‘s stunning autumnal woodland then head for the pumpkin patch where a fairytale pumpkin carriage awaits. Choose your perfect pumpkin to take home & carve.

The Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure at Tumblstone Hollow 19th & 20th October, 26th October – 3rd November

It’s that time of year again when the Moon Witch likes to get up to no good at Tumblestone Hollow.  Children are invited to join a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, exploring the beautiful woodland that surrounds Tumblestone Hollow, ticking off spooky items and solving mystical riddles along the way. But beware! Hiding in the shadows is the Moon Witch herself. Can you spot her? We think she’s trying to steal the Moon Stone from our beloved Stone Circle.

Witches & Wizards School at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton) 24th Oct – 3rd Nov

Roves Farm professors will be conducting lessons in potion mixing, wand making, spell casting and broomstick flying for all aspiring little witches and wizards.  There will also be pumpkin carving, tractor rides, an autumn trail and all the fun on the farm.

• The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Corn Exchange (Newbury) 25th – 27th October
• Spooky Half Term Fun at Beale Park (Lower Basildon) 25th October – 1st November

Fright Nights at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton) 25th – 27th October

Experience Roves Farm After Dark with an immersive Fright Night.  In partnership with ‘Totally Crazy Entertainment’ the Hayride Experience includes character actors (zombies), scares & gore under the cover of darkness. PG rated, recommended for ages 10 years+

• Hallo’welly’ween at Wellington Country Park (nr Reading) 26th October – 3rd November
• Outdoor cinema screening of The Adams Family at Cobbs Hungerford (Hungerford) 26th October
• Halloween Trail at Black Park (Wexham) 26th October – 1st November
• Odds Farm Park Pumpkin Festival (near High Wycombe) 26th October – 3rd November
• Mortimer scarecrow trail (Mortimer) 26th October – 3rd November
• Binfield Scarecrow Trail (Binfield near Bracknell) 26th October – 3rd November
• Pumpkin Carving at the Corn Exchange (Newbury) 27th October
• Spencers Wood & Three Mile Cross Halloween Trail (Spencers Wood near Reading) 27th October – 3rd November

Master Builders Club Lego Brick Building Workshop (Sonning Common + Caversham) 28th October (Woodcote 29th October)

Join in for Halloween bricking building adventure.  With 1000’s of LEGO bricks, children can be dropped off for this engaging workshop or parents are welcome to stay. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

• Curious Investigators at The Kenton Theatre (Henley) 28th October
• St Michael’s School scarecrow trail (Sunninghill) 28th October – 3rd November
• Willow Owl Lantern Workshops at The Base (Newbury) 28th October – 1st November

WIFI Wars at Norden Farm (Maidenhead) 29th October

WiFi Wars returns with a very spooky version of the live comedy game show where you all play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show – and prizes!

• Halloween trail at the Nature Discovery Centre (Thatcham) 29th + 31st October
• Casting the Runes at the Corn Exchange (Newbury) 29th October ages 12+
• Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show at the Corn Exchange (Newbury) 2nd November
• Daydreams and Jellybeans at the Corn Exchange (Newbury) 3rd November
• Mishchief and Mystery in Moomin Valley at South Hill Park Arts Centre (Bracknell) 3rd November

Trainmaster Play Session (Binfield) 3rd November

Bring your little train fan along for train themed fun with train tracks, ride on trains and more.

If you’re looking to blow away the cobwebs, head outdoors for an Autumn family walk.  Lots of great ideas

Where to go for a Family Walk in Berkshire

Once half term is over it will be time for bonfire night & fireworks.  Find all the firework displays in Berkshire 2024.