Where can I take young children for Halloween in the East Midlands?

For younger children, Twycross Zoo offers gentle Halloween-themed animal experiences, while Chatsworth House runs family-friendly spooky trails included with admission. Pumpkin picking farms across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire are also a brilliant, low-key option for toddlers and pre-schoolers during October half-term.

When is Halloween 2026?

Halloween is on Saturday 31 October 2026. Many family-friendly Halloween events, pumpkin patches and themed days out run throughout October half-term and across the weekends leading up to Halloween.

When is October half-term 2026?

October half-term dates vary by local authority and school. In many parts of England and Wales, the break falls around Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026, with Halloween on the following Saturday. Always check your child's school calendar before booking.

Are there free Halloween events for families?

Yes, you can find free and low-cost Halloween events across the UK, including Halloween trails, library activities, town-centre events, fancy-dress parades and spooky crafts. Check event details before travelling, as some free activities require advance booking or have limited spaces.

Are Halloween events suitable for toddlers?

Many Halloween events are designed for toddlers and younger children, with pumpkin picking, gentle trails, story sessions, animal encounters and crafts. Look for listings marked family-friendly or suitable for under 5s, and avoid scare attractions with age restrictions.

When do pumpkin patches open for Halloween?

Most UK pumpkin patches open from late September or early October, then run through October half-term and Halloween weekend. Opening dates, ticket availability and pumpkin stock vary, so book early for popular weekend slots.

Do I need to book Halloween events in advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended for popular Halloween events, especially pumpkin patches, illuminated trails, family attractions and activities during October half-term. Some venues offer walk-ins, but pre-booked tickets can help you secure your preferred date and time.

What is the difference between a Halloween event and a scare attraction?

A Halloween event is usually family-focused, with activities such as pumpkin picking, trails, crafts and fancy dress. A scare attraction is designed to frighten visitors and may include actors, loud noises, dark spaces and horror themes. Always check age guidance before booking.

What should I take to a Halloween event or pumpkin patch?

Wear warm layers and waterproof footwear, as many Halloween activities take place outdoors. Bring a waterproof coat, snacks, drinks, a pushchair if needed, and a bag or boot space for pumpkins. Check whether the venue accepts card payments and whether dogs are allowed.

What is on for kids on 31 October?

On Halloween itself, families can find local pumpkin picking, themed days out, Halloween trails, crafts, discos, animal experiences and local trick-or-treat events. Availability can change quickly, so search by your location and book early for Saturday 31 October.

Do Halloween event ticket prices include a pumpkin?

It depends on the venue. Some pumpkin patch tickets include one pumpkin per child or per booking, while others charge separately based on size or weight. Check the listing carefully for what is included, plus any extra costs for parking, activities or food.

Halloween Events East Midlands 2026

Calling all monsters, mummies and mystery-solvers, it's time to discover the best Halloween events in the East Midlands in 2026! From spooky castle trails and pumpkin picking to frightfully fun family days out, we've rounded up the most ghoulish activities for families across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Every spooky day out starts with us

All Halloween Events in East Midlands

Showing 7 events across East Midlands

Twinlakes Park

Twinlakes Family Scream Park

Melton Mowbray

FREE PYO pumpkin, Monster Rave, fancy dress competitions, mummify your mummy and more!

3 Oct – 1 NovFrom £16.29

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

Wheelgate Family Halloween Spooktacular

Newark

There's nothing scary about Wheelgate Family Halloween Spooktacular! FREE PYO pumpkin & games!

3 Oct – 1 NovFrom £16.49

Saxby's Cider and Grange Farm Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Pumpkin Picking at Saxby's Cider and Grange Farm, Northamptonshire

Northampton

Pumpkins grown on a family cider farm on the Northamptonshire border, with trailer rides through the orchards, alpacas and one ticket per car.

10 Oct – 25 OctFrom £5.00

Pumpkin Picking at Mr Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking at Mr Pumpkin, Morley

Nottingham

Around 90,000 pumpkins in more than forty varieties at a fourth generation arable farm outside Derby, with a published day by day timetable.

4 Oct – 31 OctFrom £2.50

Pumpkin Picking at Maxeys Farm Shop

Pumpkin Picking at Maxeys Farm Shop, Kirklington

Nottingham

An old fashioned Nottinghamshire farm shop patch with no booking and no timed slots, pumpkins from £2 and squashes from 50p.

3 Oct – 31 Oct

Pumpkin Picking at Heather Cattows PYO Fruit Farm

Pumpkin Picking at Cattows Farm, Heather

Leicester

A Leicestershire fruit farm that hands itself over to Halloween for five weeks: one pass covers seven attractions, with After Dark on Saturdays.

26 Sep – 1 NovFrom £14.99

Bell's Pumpkin Patch

Bell's Pumpkin Patch, Benington, Boston

Boston

Lincolnshire's original patch, now in its tenth year, with over 300 varieties, more than twenty activities included and a very large pumpkin cannon.

10 Oct – 31 Oct

Viewing 1 - 7 of 7 events

Man on water slide at Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark

From £21.56

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Howletts Wild Animal Park

From £19.50

Port Lympne Safari Park

From £28.00

Godstone Farm

From £16.95

Twinlakes Park

From £11.44

Chester Zoo

From £34.21

West Midlands Safari Park

From £19.90

Jump Inc by AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Liverpool

From £10.99

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

From £10.99

Upside Down House Brighton

From £7.45

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

From £32.00

Manchester River Cruises

From £13.00

Ninja Warrior UK Guildford

From £15.95

Hobbledown

From £22.50

Hide & Secrets Adventure Play at Burghley House

From £11.00

Zip World Tower

From £22.00

Go Ape Chelmsford

From £24.95

The Postal Museum

From £18.50

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Edinburgh

From £15.45

Cockfields Farm

From £8.95

Browse All Tickets

Sandcastle Waterpark

From £21.56

Halloween near Nottingham, Leicester, Derby

Jump to a town, or browse the neighbouring regions.

All UK Halloween events

West Midlands Yorkshire East of England

October half-term 2026

Half-term runs Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov, and Halloween falls on a Saturday

That makes this the busiest Halloween week in years, so book anything with a timed slot early.

UK school holiday dates

England & WalesMon 26 – Fri 30 Oct
ScotlandMon 13 – Fri 24 Oct
Northern IrelandMon 27 Oct – Fri 31 Oct
HalloweenSat 31 October

Frequently Asked Questions

Most asked questions relating to Halloween events in East Midlands.

The East Midlands is packed with Halloween fun in 2026. Highlights include spooky trails at Chatsworth House, Halloween adventures at Twycross Zoo, pumpkin picking across Nottinghamshire, and Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort, which offers both family-friendly daytime fun and scare attractions for older thrill-seekers.

Halloween Events East Midlands 2026