Half term is here again — and while the weather’s getting cooler and pumpkins are popping up on every doorstep, it’s the perfect time to make some special memories together without spending a fortune!
Here are ten free (or almost free) ideas to keep everyone smiling this October half term:
1.
Go on a Halloween Decoration Walk 👻
Wrap up warm, grab a torch (or lantern), and go for an evening stroll around your neighbourhood to spot all the spooky decorations. From glowing pumpkins to inflatable ghosts, kids love counting how many witches or skeletons they can find! If you have local yarnbombers, check out their free Halloween displays, such as in Milford Haven and Haverofrdwest, Pembrokeshire.
2.
Make Toilet Roll Monsters or Mummies 🧻
Save those toilet roll tubes and turn them into little Halloween characters. All you need is some paint, googly eyes, and tissue paper. It’s messy, creative fun — and completely free if you use bits and bobs from your craft drawer. A roll of toilet paper is always fun for a quick free Mummy costume.
3.
Host a Movie Afternoon 🎬
Draw the curtains, make some popcorn, and have a cosy Halloween movie marathon. Choose age-friendly films like Hotel Transylvania, The Addams Family, or Hocus Pocus.
4.
Enjoy a Leaf-Hunting Walk 🍁
Head to your local park or woodland and see how many different coloured leaves you can collect. Take them home and make a collage, or press them between books to create autumn art. We love the children’s book, The Witches Hand– this is great inspiration for a spooky leaf hunting walk- can you find a Witch’s hand?
5.
Bake Together 🧁
Use what you have at home to bake simple biscuits or fairy cakes. Let the kids decorate them with orange icing or chocolate chips to make spooky faces! Having less means using your imaginations more.
6.
Visit a Local Library 📚
Many libraries host free craft sessions or story times during half -term. Even if they don’t, it’s a lovely quiet trip out — and a great chance to pick up a few Halloween-themed reads.
7.
Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt 🌿
Make a list of things to find: a pine cone, a red leaf, a spider’s web, a feather, a shiny conker. Head outdoors and see who can tick off their list first! As your kids get older, ask them to make a scavenger hunt for you to find too!
8.
Pumpkin Drawing Challenge 🎃
No pumpkin? No problem! Print or draw outlines and let everyone design their own imaginative pumpkins — unicorn pumpkins, silly faces, spooky cats — anything goes!
9.
Free Community Events 🎡
Check your local council or community Facebook groups. Many towns host free Halloween trails, story walks, or outdoor film nights during half term. The FIS have organised a Free Pumpkin Trail at Withybush Woods, Pembrokeshire.
10.
Cosy Family Games Night 🎲
End the week with a games night. Dust off old board games, play charades, play “Consequences “Spooky Style or invent your own spooky quiz. Don’t forget the hot chocolate! ☕
🎃 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend much (or anything at all!) to make half term magical. Whether it’s exploring outdoors, crafting at the kitchen table, or getting creative with what you already have, the best memories come from the simplest moments. I know it sounds corny but the the greatest thing we can give our loved ones is time.
Happy half term — and have a wonderfully spooky Halloween! 👻🍂
Tell me your favourite free October half-term activities in the comments.
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