Halloween and Half-Term Fun for the Whole Family

5 hours ago

4 min read

Autumn has arrived, the leaves are turning golden, and October half term is just around the corner. Whether your family loves pumpkin picking, spooky adventures, creative crafts or dressing up in fancy dress, there is plenty happening across Filey, Hunmanby, Cayton and the surrounding villages to help you make some unforgettable half-term memories.

From meeting farm animals and hunting for hidden clues to dancing at Halloween discos and creating magical potions, local organisations have put together a fantastic programme of activities for children of all ages. And once the little monsters have exhausted themselves, there are even a few Halloween celebrations for grown-ups to enjoy too.

Pumpkin Patches, Farm Animals and Autumn Magic

Few things say autumn quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch, and families are spoilt for choice this year.

At Graffitoe Farm Campsite, Hunmanby, visitors can enjoy a relaxed day out surrounded by friendly farm animals and seasonal fun. Open every weekend and throughout half term, the farm offers pumpkin picking and carving, Halloween hunts, hot chocolates and Halloween-themed ice cream sundaes, alongside the chance to meet sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and alpacas. Best of all, there is no entry fee. Find them at Graffitoe Farm, Bridlington Road, Hunmanby, YO14 9RS. For more information call 01723 890312 or visit their Facebook page.

Over at Muston Farm Stall, the pumpkin patch will be open daily throughout half term from 10am to 4pm. There is no entry fee, simply pay for the pumpkins you choose. Free parking is available and refreshments can be purchased on site. The stall is located on Scarborough Road (A165), Muston, YO14 0EH. For information call 07967 663819 or visit the Muston Farm Stall Facebook page.

For those looking to make a full day of it, Humble Bee Farm's Pumpkin Festival offers pumpkin picking and carving, farm animal encounters, a spider-themed pumpkin patch, autumn photo opportunities and a few magical surprises from a whimsical witch. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £12 for children, with sessions running at 10am, 11am and 12pm on selected dates throughout October. Humble Bee Farm is located at Flixton, Scarborough, YO11 3UJ. To book, visit www.humblebeefarm.co.uk, call 01723 890437 or email info@humblebeefarm.co.uk.

A Spooky Zoo Adventure

If your children love animals and a challenge, Filey Zoo has the perfect half-term activity.

Its Halloween Treasure Hunt adds an extra layer of fun to a family day at the zoo. For £1.50 per participant, children receive a treasure hunt sheet, logo pencil and sweet treat prize on completion. Participants must search for spooky silhouettes hidden around the zoo before solving a Halloween mystery phrase.

Filey Zoo is located on Scarborough Road, Filey, YO14 9PG. Visit www.fileyzoo.com, email info@fileyzoo.com or call 01723 514439 for details.

Get Creative This Half Term

The team at The Aska Hub on Cayton Low Road has organised a fantastic programme of family-friendly activities throughout the school break.

The Spooktacular Craftlab takes place on Tuesday 27 October from 10am to noon, giving youngsters the chance to create pumpkins, bats and friendly ghost-themed crafts. Tickets are £4 per person.

On Wednesday 28 October at 2.30pm, Lilly's Reptile Rescue will host an educational reptile meet-and-greet session, offering children the opportunity to learn about and handle a variety of fascinating reptiles. Tickets are £5 per person.

The celebrations conclude with a Halloween Disco on Friday 30 October from 3pm to 5pm, where fancy dress is encouraged and children can enjoy music, dancing and plenty of seasonal fun.

All events take place at The Aska Hub, Unit 1, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, YO11 3BY. For bookings visit www.theaskahub.co.uk or contact the hub on 07864 980250.

A Little Magic Further Afield

Families looking for something a little different may want to visit The Four Pillars Wellbeing House in Scarborough for an enchanting spell and potion experience.

Young witches and wizards can create their own magical spell using botanicals and intentions, while adults are welcome to join in the fun. Prices are £12 per child, £20 for a child and one adult, and £8 for additional adults.

The venue is located at 64 Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, YO12 5AX. To arrange a session, contact Aurora Spiritual Health & Wellbeing on 07895 850472 or visit their social media pages. https://www.facebook.com/auroraspiritualhealthservicesandproducts

More Family Fun Across the Area

There are plenty more opportunities to celebrate Halloween closer to home.

Dave Marshall's Family Halloween Disco takes place at The Tow Bar, Cayton Bay, on 31 October from 5pm to 6.30pm. Entry is free, and prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress costumes. The Tow Bar can be found on Mill Lane, Cayton Bay, YO11 3NN. Find out more at www.thetowbar.co.uk or call 01723 584161.

Meanwhile, Gristhorpe & Lebberston Village Hall will host a free Halloween party on 30 October from 5pm to 7pm, featuring games, hot dogs and a best-dressed lantern competition. Places should be booked in advance with Sue on 07889 048090.

At The Belle Vue, Filey, children can enjoy a free Halloween Movie Night on 27 October from 4pm to 6.30pm, with popcorn, sweets and hot chocolate available for £1. The venue will also host a free Kids' Halloween Party on 1 November from 1pm to 3pm, featuring games, crafts, dancing and hot dogs.

The Belle Vue is located at 37 Belle Vue Street, Filey, YO14 9HU. More information can be found on their Facebook page The Belle Vue - Filey or by calling 01723 448257.

Halloween Fun Isn't Just for Children

Of course, Halloween is not only for the youngsters.

Once the pumpkin carving is done and the fancy dress costumes have survived another year, adults can keep the celebrations going with Halloween-themed evenings at The Belle Vue with Alliance and feeling that disco fever with Mick Britton at The Star. Whether you enjoy dressing up, dancing with friends or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the spooky season while supporting local venues.

Make the Most of Half Term

With so many local events taking place, this year's October half term is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you spend the week searching for the perfect pumpkin, meeting exotic animals, crafting spooky creations or dancing the afternoon away, there is no shortage of opportunities to get out, support local businesses and community groups, and create lasting family memories.

So, pull on the wellies, dust off the fancy-dress box and get ready for a week filled with community spirit, autumn adventure and Halloween magic.