Are there daytime Halloween activities for young children in the North East?

Yes, the North East has plenty of daytime Halloween options for young children in 2026. Pumpkin picking at Holmside Park in Edmondsley is a great low-key option, while Beamish Museum's Halloween events offer a family-friendly open-air experience. Many local farms and parks across County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear also run gentle Halloween trail activities.

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 North East 2026

Calling all spooky adventurers, fearless families and pumpkin patch explorers, it's time to discover the best Halloween events in the North East in 2026! From ghostly open-air museums and haunted castle tours to creepy forest trails and frightfully fun farm days, we've rounded up the best October activities for families across County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Teesside.

Every spooky day out starts with us

Featured Halloween Events

All Halloween Events in North East

Showing 11 events across North East

Park Dean Holidays

Halloween activities at Parkdean Resorts

Newcastle upon Tyne

Pumpkin carving, autumn trails, ghost walks, and much more!

2 Oct – 1 NovFrom £99.00

Whitehouse Farm Centre

Pumpkin Picking at Whitehouse Farm Centre

Newcastle upon Tyne

An indoor pumpkin patch in Northumberland with a free pumpkin for every full-paying child, live shows all day and free date changes up to six hours before.

10 Oct – 31 OctFrom £16.95

Tweddle Farm

Pumpkin Picking at Tweddle Farm

Durham

A County Durham pumpkin patch with garden games, funfair rides and face painting, where the ticket covers farm entry and free tractor and barrel rides.

10 Oct – 30 Oct

Thorpe Farm Centre

Pumpkin Picking at Thorpe Farm Centre

Durham

Free entry to the pumpkin patch at Thorpe Farm Centre in Teesdale, open daily through October, with a hay bale mountain and a separate maize maze trail.

3 Oct – 31 Oct

The Alnwick Garden

The Pumpkin Garden at The Alnwick Garden

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Alnwick Garden's autumn Pumpkin Garden is free with Garden entry, with a scavenger hunt and harvest games added through half term.

10 Oct – 1 Nov

Holmside Park

Pumpkin Picking at Holmside Park

Durham

Pumpkin picking comes with a normal day ticket at Holmside Park, which also covers more than twenty indoor and outdoor activities, with pumpkins bought at the kiosk.

2 Oct – 31 Oct

Hall Hill Farm

Pumpkin Picking at Hall Hill Farm

Durham

Choose and carve a pumpkin at Lanchester, with a haunted Sheep Race, a Mini Monster Maze and the tractor and trailer ride included in the ticket.

17 Oct – 1 NovFrom £13.50

Family Fright Fest

Family Fright Fest at Lintz Hall Farm

Newcastle upon Tyne

A daytime family Halloween event at Lintz Hall Farm near Burnopfield, with pick your own pumpkins, stage shows, mazes and a parade in one ticket.

10 Oct – 25 Oct

Down at the Farm

Pumpkin Picking at Down at the Farm

Sunderland

The last week of the season at this 20-acre farm near Houghton-le-Spring, with a redeemable £3.50 pumpkin patch charge, barrel rides and a Dino Maze.

17 Oct – 31 OctFrom £10.95

Brocksbushes Farm Shop

The Pumpkin Experience at Brocksbushes

Newcastle upon Tyne

A Northumberland field planted with over 155,000 pumpkins, with a witches area, a monster pumpkin castle, carving, carnival rides and free parking.

3 Oct – 31 OctFrom £12.00

Baydale Farm

Pumpkin Picking at Baydale Farm

Darlington

A family-grown pumpkin patch on a working farm at Darlington, with no entry fee, pumpkins from £2 and an indoor pumpkin store for muddy days.

3 Oct – 31 Oct

Viewing 1 - 11 of 11 events

Thorpe Farm Centre

From £4.50

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Howletts Wild Animal Park

From £19.50

Chester Zoo

From £34.21

Sandcastle Waterpark

From £21.56

Godstone Farm

From £16.95

Port Lympne Safari Park

From £28.00

Blackpool Tower Circus

From £12.75

Twycross Zoo

From £28.75

Twinlakes Park

From £16.29

West Midlands Safari Park

From £19.90

PAC-MAN Live Experience

From £20.00

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

From £10.99

Browse All Tickets

Thorpe Farm Centre

From £4.50

Halloween near Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham

Jump to a town, or browse the neighbouring regions.

All UK Halloween events

Yorkshire North West Scotland

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 12 - Fri 16 Oct
Northern IrelandThurs 29 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
IrelandMon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
HalloweenSat 31 October

Frequently Asked Questions

Most asked questions relating to Halloween events in North East.

The North East has a strong line-up of family Halloween events in 2026. Beamish Museum runs atmospheric Halloween Evenings on 27th, 29th and 31st October, Raby's Plotters' Forest hosts Halloween After Dark from 25th to 31st October, Bamburgh Castle offers The Gruesome Anglo Saxon Doctor from 27th to 29th October, and Holmside Park in Edmondsley has pumpkin picking.

Halloween Events North East 2026