Two whole weeks of half term skele-fun in Nottinghamshire!

Families in Nottinghamshire can enjoy a fang-tastic two-week half term from Monday 18 October – Friday 29 October, with a variety of fun and spooky Halloween themed events coming up.

Nottinghamshire County Council has highlighted their top picks for the October Half Term. From spooky trails in the woods at Sherwood Forest, practising archery in the home of Robin Hood, to Halloween puppet making at Inspire Libraries, the county has something to offer everyone!

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This year, half term is extra special, not just because there are plenty of fun Halloween themed events coming up, but also because we have two full weeks of school holidays.

“For those hoping to explore the outdoors this half term, our country parks and green spaces offer thousands of acres of opportunities to explore Nottinghamshire. So, whether you’re planning a crisp Autumn walk at Rufford Abbey, a visit to one of our libraries, or an adventurous activity day at our National Water Sports Centre, Nottinghamshire has it all.

“If you’re attending an event or exploring the outdoors, don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media, making sure to tag #ExploreNotts.

“I'd also like to encourage all families to continue to stay safe over the next two weeks and protect each other from Covid-19 by wearing a face covering in crowded places and washing hands regularly and thoroughly. We all know meeting others outdoors is safer; however, you might be more inclined to meet others indoors in these colder months. So, if you're meeting indoors, please think about ventilation and let in plenty of fresh air.”

Featured events for the October half term include:

Spooky Sherwood Halloween Trail

Sherwood Forest is inviting brave children to lead their petrified parents and frightened families through Sherwood to the famous Major Oak, where, legend has it, Robin Hood and his Merry Men used to hide from the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham.

• Cost: £2.5 per trail
• Date: From Saturday 16 October – Sunday 31 October
•  Time: 11am – 3pm

Witches & Warlocks den building

Children are invited to Sherwood Forest to build a den fit for a witch or warlock to cast their spells and make potions in as part of our fun Halloween half term holiday activities.

There will be spine-tingling tales from a storyteller and hot chocolate to see off the shivers. Why not dress up in your favourite scary costume too?

• Cost: £7.50 (£6 for RSPB Members)
• Date: Saturday 23 October and Wednesday 27 October
•  Time: 10:30am-12pm and 2pm-3:30pm

Have-a-go Archery at Sherwood Forest

Where better to hone your archery skills than in the home of Robin Hood? There’s no need to book to put your archery skills to the test.

• Date: Monday 18 October and Tuesday 19 October
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Cost: £4 for six arrows

Totally Spooky - An outdoor family-friendly Halloween trail at Rufford Abbey

Totally Spooky is suitable for all ages - it's fun and spooky, but not scary. Enjoy a 1km trail through the woods and find the answer to the puzzles as you go...

• Date: Multiple dates available
• Cost: Daytime - £7.95 pp (U2's Free) Illuminated Trail - £10.95pp (U2's Free) - times vary based on sunset

October Half Term Adventure Holiday Club at Holme Pierrepont

The Adventure Holiday Club is back! Open every day over October Half Term for all Outdoor Adventure Zone dry activities, including Sky Trail, Mini Golf and Archery Combat. There will be Halloween specific sessions on 29, 30 and 31 October! PLUS, a spooky trail through the old Segway Woods! 

• Date: During half term
• Cost: £40 per child per day (includes lunch)

Halloween Puppet Making at Inspire Libraries

Join a FREE Halloween puppet making at Worksop, Arnold or Newark Library for families with children aged 3 to 11.

This course aims to provide a fun-filled environment where children and their parents will use a variety of textiles and techniques to create a Halloween Puppet.

• Date: 27/28/29 October
• Cost: Free

Families wishing to attend events across Nottinghamshire this half term can find a full list of activities on our ‘Top Picks for the October Half Term’ page at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/halfterm.