What’s on In Leeds For Kids This October

What’s on In Leeds For Kids This October And More

Here is our ultimate guide to what’s on in Leeds for kids, including Wakefield, Bradford and York for October 2023 – Family Day Fun ….. And a few Eerie Nights!

Make sure to check out out listings of pumpkin patches near you.

We are in October, and although the weather hasn’t yet caught up with us, the smell of pumpkin lattes is in the air, ready for this spooky season and its going to be a busy on the next couple of months. We have some special events listed and have gone out and found all the great places hosting kid friendly events this October and put them all in one ultimate guide of what’s on. So you don’t have to search for that half-term day out. We even have you covered with some great outdoor activities and even on a rainy day!

Get ready to dive into a world of family-friendly fun for kids of all ages this October in the best City of Leeds, York, Harrogate, and all across West Yorkshire! We’ve scoured the region to bring you a curated list of great events and best places tailored just for younger kids and some older kids to have a great time no matter the budget, including the half term. From enchanting Halloween adventures to captivating cultural experiences, there’s something for every young explorer. It is time to embark on a journey full of laughter learning, and give you a little bit of peace while they have the best time ever this October. 

Read on to discover the fantastic lineup awaiting your family this autumn! If we have missed any, do let us know at abbie@mmbmagazine.co.uk

As always please check with the venue the details before setting off. We do our best to bring you the correct details but things can change.

Whats On In Leeds For Kids This October

# child friendly Leeds

Stockeld Park

The Adventure Park, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN
Website: Halloween events at Stockeld Park

As always Stockeld does not disappoint with a fantastic range of activities and great adventure playgrounds. Only a short drive away from Leeds and as always so great no matter how many times you make a return visit. You can also grab some great food in the food court.

21st October to the 23rd October 2023 – Lots of Halloween activities from pumpkin picking 
21st Oct to 5th November – Its Halloween adventure time at the park
21st October – 5th November Have a go at Zombie laser this Halloween

Spooky Skeletons

Halloween attire is a must, so whether your kids opt for a pumpkin costume or a witch’s hat, ensure they’re dressed to uncover all the skeletons that call Lotherton home. Kids a little older then check out the Skeleskare below at Lotherton.

Skeleskare: Return of the Lost Souls

Date/Time: October 27, 2023 – November 3, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue: Lotherton
Booking essential – Tickets on sale from 10 am Wednesday, September 27
Book your tickets here
Suitable for: Families with 8 – 15 year olds
Event times: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Dare to venture into the depths of Lotherton, through the graveyard of the forgotten, into the accursed clearing, and then through the ominous dark forest, all in search of the elusive ghosts and ghouls.

Last Halloween, the ethereal residents of 17th-century Lutherington clawed their way back to the earthly realm, their peaceful rest disrupted by the malevolent Mazikeen. While the demon and his witchy accomplice may have been banished, the boundary between our world and theirs remains precariously thin. This year, the ghostly villagers return, grateful for another chance to roam the earth.

As the sun sets and darkness blankets the land, a more sinister presence lurks in the shadows. Charon, the Ferryman to the underworld, is on a mission, dispatching anyone who crosses his path to the deepest, darkest corners of the beyond. Your challenge? Offer your coin to the Ferryman, align with the villagers, and find your way back to the land of the living before the veil seals shut.

But be cautious. As you delve deeper into the abyss of the underworld, desperate souls will stop at nothing to claw their way back to the mortal realm. Their ticket back? Taking YOUR place.
Stay vigilant and keep your wits about you. Watch the shadows, for they will be watching you.

T his Halloween, brace yourselves for a night of spine-chilling frights, heart-stopping surprises, and bone-rattling fun. Will you survive the Fright Night at Lotherton Hall? Or will you become another lost soul, forever ensnared in the shadows?

Haunted Halloween Hunt

Where: Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH
When: 31 October 2023 – 05 November 2023
Website: Kirstall Abbey Halloween Hunt

This October half term, from the 31 October 2023 – 05 November 2023, make your way to the hauntingly beautiful Kirkstall Abbey for a spooktacular adventure!

Embark on a family-friendly trail that winds through the atmospheric ruins of this medieval abbey in the school holidays. Along the way, hunt for haunted Halloween objects in the family friendly trail. The experience strikes just the right balance of spooky and fun, ensuring it’s suitable for adventurers of all ages!
For those residing in Leeds, don’t forget to bring along your ID as proof of residency to snag a complimentary annual pass to the abbey. Non-Leeds residents can obtain a pass for a small one-time annual fee, granting you access to the ruins for an entire year.

Pirates and Highwaymen

Where: Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, LS10 1LT
When: Saturday 8th October to Sunday 5th November 2023
Website: 

Get ready for a thrilling time filled with captivating adventure stories and thrilling live combat demonstrations. Plus, your little buccaneers can try their hand at crafting their very own pirate flag or sporting a temporary tattoo.

Feeling the sea breeze in your hair? Don’t miss out on live shanty performances by Blackbeard’s Tea Party and Kimber’s Men, ensuring a lively and entertaining week for all! Set sail for a half term full of swashbuckling fun!

Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH

Shadow Seekers Trail

Date: 28 October 2023 – 05 November 2023

Venue: Leeds City Museum
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8 BH
Website: Shadow Seekers Trail

There is so much going on at the Leeds free museums this October. Step into the shadows of the museum this October half term and celebrate Halloween by creating your own shadows as you explore the museum with our fun family trail.

Halloween Funday

Date: October 31, 2023 10:00 am – 3:00 pmVenue: Leeds City Museum Free Event
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 8BH

Halloween At Thackray Medical Museum

Website: Halloween Information
Date: Sat 28 October 2023 – Sun, 5 November 2023

Join them for a Spine-Tingling Half-Term Adventure!

Discover the eerie history of surgery and unearth the forgotten tales of Leeds Union Workhouse residents.

👨‍⚕️ Step into the shoes of a surgeon in our giant operation game. Can you beat the clock and save your patient?

🎨 Let your creativity flow at our dedicated crafting station, where you can conjure your own spooky figure. Witness it come alive in our haunted Thackray graveyard.

👩‍⚕️ Attention! Matron is on her way! Our daily talks will transport you to a day in the workhouse, shedding light on your chances of survival on the Victorian operating table.

🔍 Show and Tell: Beckett Street Bodies – Get an up-close look at a Victorian surgeon’s toolkit and delve into the forgotten stories of those on the operating table. Our team will delve into how dissections and post-mortems from that era shaped our modern understanding of the human body, but at what cost? And would such experiments be conducted today?

These captivating fun activities are complimentary with your museum ticket and are tailored for the entire family. Show and Tell: Beckett Street Bodies is recommended for ages 12+ and is a great chance for those eager to delve deeper into medical history.

Activities are available every day during the holidays. Show and Tell: Beckett Street Bodies will be held at 11am and 2pm, except on Tuesday, 31 October, Thursday, 2 November, and Saturday, 4 November. Secure your spot upon arrival.

Kemps Farm

Pumpkin Picking
Website: Pumpkin picking

Booking is essential. You can find all the details, including dates, times, and additional information, on our booking site (see below).

🎃 With a staggering 70,000 pumpkins planted this year, we have a wide array of varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer your pumpkin petite, regular, or even jumbo-sized, and whether you fancy it in white, pink, blue, yellow, or classic orange, the choice is entirely yours.

🗓 Dates:

• Saturday, September 30th & Sunday, October 1st
• Friday, October 6th – Sunday, October 8th
• Friday, October 13th – Sunday, October 15th
• Wednesday, October 18th – Halloween

Plus, as part of the ticket price, enjoy tractor and trailer rides for an added touch of fun. There are plenty of spooktacular photo opportunities all around the farm, and our talented face painters will be on hand to transform your little ones (for an additional cost). Don’t miss out on this pumpkin-picking adventure!

Halloween Pumpkin Carving 

Date/Time: October 31, 2023 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE
Website: Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Embrace the spooky spirit by carving your very own Halloween pumpkin in the enchanting Walled Garden at Temple Newsam.

Halloween Cellar Tours

Where: Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE

Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure with Halloween Cellar Tours!

Date/Time: October 28, 2023 – November 4, 2023 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Venue: Temple Newsam
Website: Cellar Tours Halloween

Will you dare to explore the depths of the Temple Newsam House cellars? Embark on a journey into the dark and eerie path beneath the creaking floorboards. What horrors might await you in the shadows?

Make sure to book your cellar tour in advance and avoid any potential disappointment. When purchasing your general admission tickets, you’ll have the option to add on these chilling tours for just an additional £5 per person. Tours are scheduled every half hour, starting from 11:00 am and concluding at 4:00 pm. Get ready for a Halloween experience like no other! 

Little Bookshop Leeds, Chapel Allerton

Website: Event info 
Meet Author A.M. Dassu at The Little Bookshop! Exclusive After School Book Signing and author talks
Date: Thursday, 26 October​
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Join The Little Bookshop on Thursday, 26 October, for an extraordinary opportunity to meet acclaimed children’s author A.M. Dassu. She will be presenting her latest book, “Kicked Out,” which continues the journey of Ali and Sam as they adjust to their new lives in the UK.

In this gripping tale, when their friend Aadam is accused of theft and faces deportation, Ali and Sam devise a plan to prove his innocence and raise funds for his legal battle before time runs out. Ali’s world is further shaken when his estranged father reenters his life with a new family.

Booking in advance is crucial. Secure your timeslot.

Spooky Streets

Where: Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS53EH
Date/Time: October 28, 2023 – November 5, 2023
On Thursday, November 2nd, from 10-11 am, they have a Relaxed Hour without any eerie sounds and lights. Join us for a spooktacular time!
Website: Spooky Streets

Step into the Victorian Streets, eerily adorned for Halloween during this October half term. Watching out for spooky spiders, mischievous witches, enchanting bats, and skeletons tending to the pub! There will be a toddler-friendly trail, as well as a more challenging one for those ready to sink their fangs into it. Seek out the creepy creatures hidden around the museum. Upstairs, the Education Room will provide a tranquil space for any visitors seeking a quieter moment.

​

Whats On In Wakefield For Kids This October

Oakwell Spooky Barn

Where: Oakwell Hall, Nutter Lane, Birstall, WF17 9LG
Website: Spooky Barn
Date: Event schedule 31.10.2023 – 2.11.2023

And, of course, don’t forget to greet our enigmatic resident ghost, William Batt. Here’s a sneak peek of the spooky activities in store:

• Begin with some spine-tingling storytelling.
• Try your hand at crafting some truly spooktacular creations.
• Dive into our scary storybook corner.
• Enjoy Halloween games and toys.
• Embark on a frightful walk around the Country Park and conquer our Halloween trail – the trail sheet is included with your Spooky Barn ticket.

Admission is £5 per child. Get ready for a Halloween adventure like no other!

Creepy Crawlies Half-term Trail at Nostell

Where: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
When: Daily Oct 21 – Nov 5
Cost: Family admission from £12 – please see the website for full information on prices. Under 5’s are free. Parking £5. Free entry and parking for National Trust members.

Embark on an engaging family adventure through the lush gardens, where you’ll uncover hidden treasures beneath rocks and logs in your quest for eerie critters on these nature trails. Test your creativity by crafting intricate spider webs, and trace the paths of giant snails. Dive into the world of creepy-crawly crafting on November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, crafting your very own spider companion. Extend your search for these fascinating creatures within the house, an activity available until October 29th. And for the more energetic explorers, scurry and scale through the woodland adventure play area, immersing yourself in the world of bugs!

Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival 2023

Where: Farmer Copleys, Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Purston, WF7 5AF
Cost: £6

October Half Term @ Pit – National Coal Mining Museum

Where: Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH
When: Oct 28 – Nov 5 (CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY)
Cost: Most events free, some bookable, paid events
Website: Coal Mining Museum events

The Rock ‘n’ Coal Show
Daily: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm Free Admission

Journey through time and unravel the secrets of coal formation. Meet iconic figures from history like the pioneering geologist William Smith and the trailblazing scientist Marie Curie, the first woman to clinch a Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking discoveries.

Makers’ Shed
Daily: 11:30am – 3:30pm Free Admission, Drop-In

Unleash your creativity! For the little ones under 5, dive into the exploration of how light impacts our vision underground. Older participants over 5 can delve into the art of Notan, a Japanese technique, experimenting with the interplay of light and dark in their creations.

Patch’s Big Adventure Light TrailDaily: Free Admission

Embark on a journey through the Museum’s hidden corners, illuminating a captivating tale along the way.

Halloween Disco at Whistlestop Valley

Where: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
When: Daily Oct 30 – Nov 3
Cost: Adult: £13.95, Child (2-16 years): £13.95, Family of 4: £53.95
Booking website

The perfect place to groove with ghosts and ghouls! This October Half Term, brace yourself for a Halloween Disco that’s out of this world. Expect spooktacular tunes, lively party games, and don’t forget to come dressed to impress in your most eerie attire. It’s bound to be a chillingly fantastic experience! When you purchase a ticket for the Halloween Disco, you’ll be asked to select an entry timeslot, not a train departure time.

Remember, your chosen timeslot indicates when you should ARRIVE at the venue (you’re welcome to stay until closing time at 5 pm!):

ENTRY TIMESLOTS AVAILABLE: 10:00-11:30, 11:30-13:00, 13:00-15:15. Please adhere to your booked slot and avoid arriving earlier, as we won’t be able to grant entry.

Whats On In Bradford For Kids This October

1. Spooks by Day
   • Where: Thornton Hall Country Park
2. It’s almost Fall at Billy Bob’s y’all!
   • Where: Billy-Bob’s Parlour, Calm Slate Farm, Skipton, BD23 6EU
   • Cost: Costs vary

Whats On In York and Harrogate For Kids This October

Mother Shipton’s Cave Creepy Carnival Trail

Where: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
When: Oct 28 – Nov 5
Cost: Entry is £30 per car (max 5 people per car), including parking. Pedestrian entry is £10 per person while under 3’s are free.

Embark on a thrilling adventure suitable for all ages with Mother Shipton’s Creepy Carnival Trail!

A great place to journey through an ancient, enigmatic forest. Delve into abandoned circus tents and encounter a diverse array of eerie characters, brought to life by live actors. Immerse yourself in numerous photo opportunities featuring chillingly captivating displays and spine-tingling surprises. Don your spookiest costumes for a chance to win tickets and add to the thrill. Explore the adventure play area, perfect for letting little ones burn off some energy. Discover the enchanting well, adding a touch of magic to your journey.

Welcome to Spilman’s Pumpkin Fest 2023 in Sessay, North Yorkshire!

When: Weekends starting from October 1st, and daily from October 18th to 30th.
Where: Spilmans Farm, Church Farm Sessay, YO7 3NB.
Cost: Admission is £7.50, which includes a £5 voucher to spend on-site.

This year, Spilmans Farm boasts an impressive array of over 125,000 pumpkins awaiting eager pickers. Additionally, your admission grants you access to the brand-new ‘Last Pumpkin’ musical for an added dose of entertainment. The event promises a plethora of photo-worthy moments, a dedicated pumpkin carving tent, thrilling corn cannons, spooky walks, and much more!

For added experiences, consider:

• Late Night Date Night: An exclusive opportunity for adults to revel in the festivities.
• Back to Basics Pumpkin Picking: A quieter, more serene pumpkin picking experience.
• Fairground Rides: Please note, these are a separate and carry an additional cost

Outdoor Adventure Cinema

• Where: Castle Howard, York
• When: Daily Oct 27 – 31
• Cost: Tickets start at £12.50

Prepare for a spookily spectacular lineup of Halloween films this October at Castle Howard! Bundle up, bring a snug blanket, and immerse yourself in a delightfully chilling selection of Halloween favorites. The list includes beloved classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Monsters Inc., Ghostbusters, Coco, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, and Scream! Don’t miss out on this eerie cinematic experience!

Pumpkin Festival at Piglets Adventure Farm

Where: Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York, YO32 9ST
Cost: £12.95 – £16.95
Date: From October 7th to November 3rd, 2023

Website: Piglets Adventure

On selected weekends in October, and until October 31st, you can come and pick your very own pumpkin from a vast array of their home-grown beauties.

There is a spacious marquee where you can unleash your creativity in pumpkin carving. Plus, be spellbound by the amazing Professor Dan and his captivating shows right inside the marquee. And don’t forget to dress up for our daily “Bat Walk” – it’s bound to be a spook-tacular time!

Explore the Beach area with its massive sand and water play zone, and brave the thrilling cliffside slide and rocky scrambles. Embark on a magical journey along the Fairy Tale Trail to visit the enchanting fairies. But be cautious in the corn maze this year – rumors say one of the ghosts has been spotted haunting the Maize Maze!

Hop on the Tractor and Trailer ride to reach the Play Barn for even more fun. And of course, don’t miss our daily “spooky animal encounters” where you can meet the lovely animals up close and personal. And for a special treat, Piggy Poo ice cream and pizza are sure to keep little tummies satisfied!

​Wizard Walk of York

Where: York City Centre, York, YO1 7EF
Website: Wizard Walk Of York
Cost:  Adults £9 , Children £9, Children under 4 go free

The “Wizard Walk of York” is a magical experience in the heart of the city. This enchanting journey takes you through the historic streets of York, where you can embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of wizards and sorcery. With a blend of mystery, folklore, and wizardry, this walk promises to be an adventure for both young and old. You can even add Wizard Wand Kits for children to practice their own spells, learn tricks at home and become a Trainee Witch or Wizard. 

Ghosts In the Gardens

Where: York City Centre
When: Sept 23 – Nov 12
Cost: Free

Website: Ghosts in the garden 2023

Ghosts In the Gardens really is something special,  a captivating event held in the city of York. This eerie affair features haunting sculptures strategically placed in various gardens, including the Museum Gardens, Treasurer’s House, The Merchant Adventurers Hall, Middleton’s Hotel, Barley Hall, The Artists Garden, and St Anthony’s Garden. With a total of 25 ghosts to discover, including a jilted bride haunting the Hospitium and a crusading knight, it promises an enchanting and slightly spooky experience for all who attend. Don’t miss the chance to explore this unique event in the heart of York!

Spooktacular Half Term Fun

Where: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, HG3 1QB
Website: Harlow Car Halloween events

Join the spooky fun this half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, with activities for all the family to enjoy.

From making magic wands to creepy Halloween crafts; animal encounters and your chance to become a garden detective.

Fright Night

Where: Monk Park Farm, Bagby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 2AG
Date: October 6th to November 5th, 2023, opening from 10am to 5pm
Booking: Fright Night at Monk Park Farm

For the little ones, they have a delightful lineup of activities:

• Pumpkin Painting: Unleash your creativity on these autumn icons.
• Mini Pumpkin Trail: Follow the trail and discover hidden treasures!
• Witches Potion Making: Stir up some magical concoctions.
• Giant Pumpkin Patch: Pick your perfect pumpkin to take home.
• Best Fancy Dress Competition: Show off your spookiest attire!

For the older kids and kids at heart, they have thrills and chills:

• Pumpkin Carving: Craft your own ghoulish masterpiece.
• Spooky Farm Tour: Explore the farm and uncover its eerie secrets.
• Spider Infested Barn: Enter if you dare!
• Witches Lair: What mysterious spells await you?
• Pumpkin Catapult, Bowling & Much More… Action-packed fun for everyone!

Halloween Trail

Where: Burton Agnes Hall, Rudston Rd, Burton Agnes, Driffield, YO25 4NB
​Date: October 28th to November 5th 2023
Website Halloween Trail Burton Agnes

This eerie adventure takes you through the hauntingly beautiful woodland, where handcrafted scenes await your discovery.

For added excitement, explore our woodland adventure playground, featuring thrilling swings, a tower with a corkscrew slide, and a double zip wire. And don’t forget to recharge at the Stableyard!

🗓️ Dates:

• October 28th to October 31st: 11am – 5pm
• November 1st to November 5th: 11am – 4pm

Perfect for families and furry friends too—dogs are welcome!

🎟️ Admission:

• Adults: £9.50
• Children (4-15 years): £6.50
• Under 4s: Free
• Family tickets from £16.50