October half term is just around the corner, bringing a week of fun and opportunities for children and young people to stay active, try something new and make the most of their time away from school. Whether you’re looking for a local Essex ActivAte holiday club, family-friendly days out, autumn adventures or simple ways to keep active at home, there are plenty of opportunities across Essex to keep everyone entertained this half term.
To help you plan your week, we’ve rounded up some great activities and free resources to help children and families stay active whatever the weather.
Essex ActivAte October Half Term Holiday Clubs
For eligible families, Essex ActivAte holiday clubs offer children and young people the chance to enjoy exciting activities, nutritious food and enriching experiences throughout the October half term break. From sports and dance to arts, crafts, games and outdoor activities, there’s something for every interest and ability. Find your nearest club by entering your location on the Activity Finder and exploring what’s available in your area.
Rainy Day? Stay Active at Home
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, but there are plenty of free ways to keep children active and entertained indoors.
You can:
- Visit the Family Support Hub for helpful resources and support
- Get moving with our Active Families Workout Channel
- Explore learning and games on BBC Bitesize
- Discover crafts, puzzles and printables on Activity Village
- Access free eBooks and learning activities through Oxford Owl
Half Term Days Out and Autumn Adventures
From country parks and woodland walks to family attractions and seasonal events, Essex is packed with places to explore during October half term. Take a look at some of our top picks below and get inspired for a fun-filled week of family adventures…
North Essex
Spooky Castle Trail
Follow a spooky trail through Colchester Castle this October half term, The trail is self-guided, so families can explore at their own pace. Complete the challenge and return your trail sheet to claim a spooky prize.
Address: Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ
Date: 24/10/2026 – 01/11/2026
Price: From £5.00
Find out more about it here!
Shriek Week at Wyvernwood
Something terrible has happened in the Enchanted Lost Kingdom of Wyvernwood from the 24th to the 31st of October… The Wicked Witch is back – and this time, she has discovered her most powerful spell yet!
Address: Wyvernwood, St. Osyth Road, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8AP
Date: 24th- 31st October
Price: 20% off when using code EARLYBIRD
Find out more about it here!
Family Halloween Festival
Something SPOOKY lurks at your favourite family fun park this Halloween! Come in fancy dress and creep through our DEVILISHLY decorated farm. Enjoy our FABULOUS funfair rides, go pumpkin picking on our hugely popular patch, tackle the adventure play area, bounce on the GIANT inflatable pillows and 𝘴𝘖𝘰𝘖𝘰𝘰 much more.
Price: Within 48 hours – £16.50, On the Door – £18.50
Find out more about it here!
FREE activities and event in North Essex
Beacon Hill Fort
The fort’s buildings date back to the 1890’s and were in front line use during WWI and WWII. There is plenty of history relating to those dark periods in a 3½ acre site along with four underground passages to explore.
Address: CO12 3FR. What3Words: snapped.spices.completed
Date: Weekends and Bank Holidays only
FREE ENTRY – though donations are always welcome
Find out more about it here!
High Woods Country Park
High Woods Country Park is open seven days a week all year round. It has 21 pedestrian entrances which are never locked and two car parks.
Address: Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JR
Time: 10am to 4pm
Find out more about it here!
Walton-on-the-Naze Fossil Hunting
It is the best coastal location for fossils from the Red Crag and is famous for fossil bird remains from the London Clay. It also while yields some of the largest sharks’ teeth in the UK (including the rare Carcharocles megalodon), together with plant remains and much, much more.
Directions: Follow the road heading north through the town and, at a fork in the road, take the left hand road (Hall Lane which turns into Naze Park Road).
Find out more about it here!
The Maltings Free Pumpkin Patch
Cullen Family Farming runs a free-entry pick-your-own pumpkin patch located at The Maltings, Ramsey, Harwich (CO12 5LN)
Times: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the season
Find out more about it here!
Mid Essex
Museum of Chelmsford Museum Magical Makes
Families can craft their own broomstick keychains, spin a spooky web, create a fabulous pumpkin, and design a magical thaumatrope that brings pictures to life before your eyes!
Dates: 27th October 2026 – 29th October 2026
Price: £5 Members, £6 Non-members
Find out more about it here!
Sherlock Bones
Help Sherlock Bones to solve the mystery of the missing bones at Mountfitchet Castle!
Address: Essex, Great Bardfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM7 4SP
Dates: 24th Oct 2026 – 1st Nov 2026
Price: Adult £18.00 per ticket, Child £14.00 per ticket
Find out more about it here!
Stow Maries: Autumn Family Nature Day
A chance to enjoy spend quality time in our amazing Wildlife Conservation Zones, enjoying a different side to our historical site.
Address: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Hackmans Lane Purleigh, Chelmsford, CM3 6RN
Date: 30th October 2026
Price: Adult Admission (16yrs+): £ 12.00, Retired / Junior (11-15yrs): £ 9.00, Child (0-10yrs) Admission: FREE
Find out more about it here!
FREE activities and event in Mid Essex
Family Science Day: SEN Hour (Saturday)
During this dedicated SEN Hour, visitor numbers will be limited and noise levels reduced where possible. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to support families and make adjustments where they can. The main event opens at 10.30am. Not all activities will be open during the SEN Hour, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like and enjoy the whole Family Day. Your SEN Hour tickets are valid all day.
Address: ARU Bishop Hall Ln, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
Date: 24th October 2026
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Find out more about it here!
Other free events here!
Spooky Magic Trail at Great Notley Country Park
Watch out! Witches, werewolves and magical creatures are lurking in the park. Count them as you go, uncover the hidden magic letters, and help the rangers create a spell to send them on their way.
Address: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Great Notley, Essex, England, CM77 7FS
Dates: October 17 – November 1, 2026
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Find out more about it here!
The Mushroom Show
Augustine Fogwoode might be the world’s MOST enthusiastic mushroom enthusiast! She is on a quest to make sure everyone knows about the brilliance of fungi: their scientific superpowers and amazing abilities.
Address: Beaulieu Community Centre, 17 Centenary Way, Beaulieu Square, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6AU
Date: October 26, 2026
Time: 12:30 pm
Find out more about it here!
West Essex
Dare you ride the Ghost Train from North Weird?
Then take a steam hauled journey on our full size ghost train… follow in the footsteps of the Hollywood stars as we spread a little “Practical Magic” with our wizards and warlocks theme, but watch our for the living dead who are lurking on board who may scare and entertain in equal measure!
Address: At Ongar station, CM16 5DN
Price: Adults from £24, Child from £14, Children under 3 are free – no ticket needed!
Find out more about it here!
Monster Museum: A spooky after hours event!
Explore the museum after dark! Create spooky crafts, decorate biscuits, and listen to a Monster Museum story! You can do the activities at your own pace.
Address: Epping Forest District Museum CIO, Essex, EN9 1EL
Date: Thursday 29th October 2026
Time: 4:30PM
Price: £7 per child, £3 per adult, for ages 5+
Find out more about it here!
FREE activities and event in West Essex
Halloween Happenings at The Harvey Centre Friday
Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween at The Harvey Centre with two days of FREE family-friendly activities this October half term!
Address: Harlow CM20 1XR
Dates: 30th October, 10am-3pm, Saturday 31st October, 11am-4pm
Both events are FREE to attend and no pre-booking is required.
Find out more about it here!
Audley End House and Gardens
Join the Great Pumpkin Party as we celebrate the season with family activities and entertainment. There’ll be interactive storytelling and spooky games, as well as a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot around the site.
Dates: Sat 24th Oct – Sun 1st Nov 2026
Time: 10am – 4pm
Find out more about it here!
South West Essex
Spooky Train Adventure
Are you brave enough to climb aboard? This Spooky Train Adventure is packed with eerie encounters, creepy characters and plenty of Halloween fun!
Address: Basildon Miniature Railway, Wat Tyler Country Park, Wat Tyler Way, Basildon SS16 4UH, UK
Dates: 31st Oct -1st Nov multiple times available
Price: £7 per ticket
Find out more about it here!
Langdon Spooktacular
Spooktacular fun this half term with wand whittling, potion making, creepy bug hunting and tasty treats around the fire!
Address: Basildon, SS16 6EJ
Date: Monday 26 October 2026
Times: 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm
Price: £10.88 per child
Find out more about it here!
Brentwood Halloween Mega Fun Day
Mega Fun Day is BACK, and The Brentwood Centre is being transformed into a GIANT Halloween inflatable wonderland for children aged 2–11
Address: Brentwood Centre, CM15 9NN
Date: Thu 29 Oct 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM GMT
Price: From £7.99
Find out more about it here!
Halloween Festival at Hopefield
Get ready for a fangtastic Halloween at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary! From 24 October to 1 November, enjoy a family-friendly Halloween Festival packed with spooky fun. Follow the Pirate Treasure Trail and bag yourself a goodie bag, pick up a FREE pumpkin from our indoor pumpkin barn, meet creepy crawlies, encounter fangtastic character walkarounds and get creative with Halloween arts and crafts.
Address: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BZ
Dates: 24th Oct 2026 – 1st Nov 2026
Time: 10:00- 15:00
Price: £12.50 child ticket
Find out more about it here!
FREE activities and event in South West Essex
Nuclear Adventures – Kids Go Free this October Half-Term
Experience the greatest outdoor adventure at Nuclear Adventures. Take on our thrilling high ropes or Zip trek course where you’ll test your balance and courage.
Address: Nuclear Adventures, Secret Nuclear Bunker, Ongar Road, Brentwood, CM15 0LA
Dates: 24th October – 1st November
1 Free child per paying adult, high ropes course only, deducted at checkout
Find out more about it here!
Spooky Magic Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Watch out! Witches, werewolves and magical creatures are lurking in the park. Count them as you go, uncover the hidden magic letters, and help the rangers create a spell to send them on their way.
Address: South Ockendon, Aveley, Greater London, England, RM15 4XJ
Dates: October 17th – November 1st 2026
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Find out more about it here!
Festival of Frights in Brentwood from Brentwood Connected
Free exciting, spooky activities for families, with creepy characters, face-painting and treats, all funded by businesses. Dress up and bring something to collect your treats, and don’t miss the Grand Finale fire performance in Crown Street.
Address: High Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4JX
Date: 30th October 2026
Time: 2pm-5pm
Find out more about it here!
South Essex
Canvey Town Halloween Trail
The Halloween Trail is designed to provide children with a fun and safe way to enjoy trick-or-treating, passing through participating local businesses rather than children going door-to-door at unknown houses.
Address: Knightswick Centre Canvey Island SS8 7AD
Date: 31st October
Time: 12 PM – 3 PM
Price: £3.96 per ticket
Find out more about it here!
Scott’s Pumpkin Patch
Explore our outdoor Pumpkin Patch and choose from pumpkins in all colours, shapes and sizes. Wander through the Maize Walk and meet our gorgeous Baby Highland cows in their paddock.
Address: Sutton Rd, Rochford, Southend, Essex, SS4 1LQ
Price: £4.95 per ticket
Find out more about it here!
Halloween Raver Tots
A Raver Tots Halloween Party is coming to Southend! Enjoy a spooktacular family rave with top DJs, spectacular special effects, face painting, fancy dress competitions, prizes and Halloween fun for all ages. Dress up and create unforgettable family memories on the dancefloor. Book early as tickets sell out in advance and there will be no door sales.
Address: Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA
Date: 31st October 2026
Time: 2pm
Price: Family ticket £14.50
Find out more about it here!
FREE activities and event in South Essex
Fright Fantastic
Join us as your favourite Halloween characters come to life. All event activities are free to enjoy. If you’d like to experience our rides too, you’ll need a valid Adventure Island Annual Pass, Day Band or individual ride ticket.
Address: Adventure Island, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EE
Date: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Time: 11am
Find out more about it here!
Canvey Critters October half term family fun
Join us at Canvey Wick this October to celebrate all things creepy-crawly. Explore our fascinating nature reserve, hunt for bugs, make your own spider friend, concoct a potion and whittle a magic wand.
Address: Canvey Wick Nature Reserve Northwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex
Date: 29th October 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Find out more about it here!
Rochford historic halloween trail 26 october 2026
This October half-term, families will once again be invited to explore Rochford, discover its history and visit local businesses and community spaces along the way.
Address: Rochford town centre
Dates: 26th October – 1st November 2026,
Find out more about it here!
Other family fun activities
Alongside Essex ActivAte holiday clubs, there are plenty of opportunities for families to stay active, have fun and spend quality time together during the October half-term break. From autumn walks in country parks and coastal adventures to family-friendly attractions, seasonal events and local community activities, there’s lots to enjoy across Essex and Thurrock. You can also discover free and low-cost ways to get moving together as a family with Find Your Active.
Have a fantastic October half term and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on social media using #EssexActivAte
