31 fantastic days out for October half term 2023

Calling all Operation Ouch! fans! Don't miss the Operation Ouch exhibition, at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester this October half term. Dive headfirst into the digestive system for an unforgettable journey of super-sized science with the Museum's world premiere blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You. Join Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx for a special mission to discover where our food goes when we eat. Prepare to be shrunk, swallowed, squeezed through and spat out of Dr Xand's digestive system with this lively adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies.
When: Until 2 Jun 24
Where: Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP

The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney's 'Crown Jewels' – more than 250 rarely-seen artefacts and works of art, costumes and props, and other incredible memorabilia. Ten imaginatively themed galleries showcasing renowned classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Encanto (2021), including the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL! Don't miss this brilliant family-friendly exhibition, which offers you the chance to celebrate your love of Disney's most timeless stories.
When: Until 22 Jan 24
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in, live on board a boat.
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames Tour, Tower Bridge Quay, London, E1Q 1LD

Dunster Castle school of magic returns for another adventure in October 2023! There's another mystery that needs your help to solve the riddles and complete the tasks. Are you up for the challenge?
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY

• Autumn is a great time to enjoy National Trust properties. Here are the best NT places for kids

Andy and the Odd Socks are a 5-piece band consisting of CBeebies superstar and Odd Sock's frontman Andy Day, Rio from Planet Rock on guitar, Moxy on drums, Blu on bass and crazy Cousin Mac on the keys. See their live shows, and you'll be treated to a brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness with a show to entertain families of all ages. You'll be able to sing and dance along, as well as absorb the Odd Socks' positive message about being yourself and feeling proud of who you are.
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: Various venues

A herd of unique giraffes are roaming Croydon town centre this half term! Use the bespoke map and mobile app to help you and your family navigate the trail, discover new places, and unlock exciting rewards and discounts. Each of the 30 large giraffe sculptures have been decorated by an artist and sponsored by a local business. Schools and community groups from across the borough have also created 30 small giraffe sculptures which will be displayed in several indoor venues throughout the town. At the end of the trail, the large giraffes will be auctioned to raise money for Crisis Skylight Croydon, and the small giraffes will be returned to their schools and groups.
When: Until 27 Oct 23
Where: In and around Croydon
**FREE**

• Love free fun? Here are more ideas for FREE days out in the UK

Spider-Man fans will LOVE this brand-new concert version of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse touring the UK this October Half Term. Experience the original Spider-Verse movie like never before! Watch the full movie on a massive HD screen, accompanied by a fusion of live orchestra, percussion, and a scratch DJ. Feel the power of the iconic hip-hop-infused film score that made the original Spider-Verse story a global sensation. Don't miss this exceptional event that brings beloved characters, epic music, and breathtaking visuals from ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ to life in a groundbreaking fusion of film and live music.
When: 26 Oct-1 Nov
Where: UK Tour, including London, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, Nottingham, Bath

• Love hearing live music with your kids? These are the UK's best concerts for kids

Visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and follow the enchanting new sculpture trail, installed in 2020. Look out for Alice, Peter Rabbit, Mr Jeremy Fisher, the Owl and the Pussycat, dodos, and more …
When: daily, 10am-5pm
Where: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, West Yard Barn, West Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JT

• Peter Rabbit fans should check out our recommendations for the best Peter Rabbit-themed days out in the UK

You've read the book, seen the film: now see the musical stage show. Roald Dahl's grotesque, villainous parents and teachers really shine in this heart-warming show; you and your kids will find yourselves rooting for 'revolting children' like never before!
When: Booking until Dec 24
Where: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU

• Love musicals? Here's our pick of the best musicals for kids in theatres now

Take your mini Tarzans (over 1m tall) on a treetop adventure this October half term. Visit Go Ape Dalby in Dalby Forest, and your little ones can enjoy intricate tree-top crossings, wobbly bridges, and fab, zip-wire finales to their tree climbing adventures. There are plenty of other brilliant Go Ape centres across the UK; Sherwood, Black Park and Moors Valley even cater to everyone over the age of 1.
When: various dates
Where: Dalby Forest, Low Dalby, Thornton Le Dale, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world the Flower Fairies this October half term. To mark the 100-year anniversary of Cicely Mary Barker's first book, Flower Fairies of the Spring, the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight will feature around 45 original illustrations, with digital projections and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by Vin Burnham. Explore the inspirations behind Barker's paintings, as well as the flora and fauna featured in the work through National Museum Liverpool's botanical collections.
When: Until 5 Nov 23
Where: Lady Lever Art Gallery, Lower Road, Port Sunlight, Bebington, Wirral CH62 5EQ

• Do you believe in fairies? These are the UK's best fairy trails

This October half term, join the Whistlestop Valley team for a Halloween Disco like no other. With spooktacular music, party games, and fancy dress encouraged! It's sure to be a hauntingly good time.
When: 30 Oct-3 Nov 23
Where: Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ

• Peep peep! These are the best days out for kids who love trains

Hunt for pumpkins at the gorgeous Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Kent, walk through the gorgeous, inspirational Pumpkin Grotto, and then buy your own fresh pumpkin to take home. Make sure you save enough time to explore the amazing treehouse playground and pick up a few sweet treats at the Riverhill Collective cafe in the gardens.
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR

• Fancy picking your own pumpkin this Halloween? Here are our recommendations for top pumpkin-picking days out this October

Download the free Gruffalo Spotters app and set off on the Gruffalo Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. Once you've found Mouse, Fox, Owl and the Gruffalo himself, there's more to explore at Westonbirt. Enjoy the natural play trails in the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood and the under-fives play area, Exploratree.
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

• Love the Gruffalo? There are more places to see your favourite orange-eyed, purple-prickled beastie around the UK

Peep, peep! Thomas the Tank Engine will be pulling into he East Anglian Railway Museum this October half term, for a special Day Out With Thomas. The perfect day out for Thomas fans, you'll meet The Fat Controller, as well as Percy, Daisy, Toby and Henrietta, enjoy a train trip, and try more fun activities along the way.
When: 28-29 Oct 23
Where: East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, CO6 2DS

Follow the fairy trail around The Blue Pool at Furzebrook in Wareham to find where the fairies are hiding. The trail follows the perimeter of the pool with its magical, colour-changing water, adding to the magic and mystery of the fairies.
When: Open daily
Where: The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms, Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR

Join Peppa along with her family and friends as they go do the zoo and the beach for a special party. It’s going to be an exciting and fun-packed day, coming to theatres around the UK in 2023 and 2024. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans. It's a perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.
When: 20 Oct 23-14 Apr 24
Where: on UK tour

The smash-hit production of We're Going on a Bear Hunt is back for its 15th anniversary year this October half term. Music, laughter, rhymes, rhythms and repetitions together with puppetry, paint, water and mud... not to mention a bear – we’re not scared! – make this fun-filled adventure the perfect theatrical outing for all young families. Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog as they wade through the swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy squelchy mud, in search of a bear. Expect plenty of interaction and a few surprises along the way.
When: Until 3 Mar 24
Where: UK Tour

Head to Warner Bros Studio Tour: the Making of Harry Potter to see the Great Hall covered with more than 100 floating pumpkins as well as a Hallowe’en feast of lollipops and red apples dressing the long tables. Try your wand combat moves against Death Eaters in a live duel demonstrating how battle scenes were directed.
When: Until 5 Nov 23
Where: Warner Bros Studio Tour: the Making of Harry Potter, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR

• Love Harry Potter? Here are our recommendations for top days out for Potterheads
  

This autumn, celebrate the wonders of mushrooms with Fantastic Fungi at Basildon Park National Trust. There's an outdoor trail, perfect for adventurers of all ages; pick up your trail sheet from visitor reception to help you find fungi themed facts, games and activities. £2 per trail sheet, which includes a prize.
When: Until 31 Oct 23
Where: Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

Head to Young V&A in London to see the new museum's first exhibition since it opening in spring 2023. Japan; Myths to Manga will take you on an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japanese history – where you can explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design.
When: Until 11 Aug 24
Where: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA

• Read our honest review of the new Young V&A museum in London

Kids go free on the Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk this October half term! All children can travel on the 45-minute rail journey (each way) for free when accompanied by a full fare-paying adult, with a maximum of 2 children (0-15 years) per paying adult. In addition, the Whilstlestop Café will decorated to suit the spooky season, and Halloween Lunch Boxes will be available to purchase.
When: 21-29 Oct 23
Where: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6BW

Wiggle into your wellies and head off on an adorable adventure of discovery through Kew Gardens this October half term. 'Swishy swashy' through grass, 'squelch squerch' through mud and 'splash splosh' through rivers as you set off on an expedition in search of bears. This sensory adventure will wind across the Lake and into the Arboretum – home to some of Kew's most magnificent trees and visiting wildlife. Based on the award-winning We're Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, this is an adventure for all of the family to enjoy as you explore different landscapes and make muddy memories in Kew Gardens this autumn.
When: 21-29 Oct 23
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, London

The Ampersand Hotel, home to the hugely popular Sci-Fi afternoon tea, now has another fabulous kid-friendly afternoon treat on offer. The new Jurassic-themed afternoon tea takes its cue from the nearby Natural History Museum's fantastic collection of dinosaur fossils. Alongside savoury treats such as mini hot dogs, T-Rex cheese straws, dinosaur jam sandwiches and homemade scones, you can also enjoy a raspberry and lemon crémeux volcano eruption, a chocolate and caramel dinosaur egg nest, and a mini dinosaur biscuit and milk chocolate fossil. 
When: Afternoon tea is available Monday to Sunday between 12 and 5:30pm in the hotel's Apero restaurant
Where: The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER

• Love the idea of a family-friendly afternoon tea? Here are our recommendations for the UK's top afternoon teas for kids

Explore grottos, caves, bridges and follies at Tollymore Forest Park in Co Down. And October is a perfect time to admire the phenomenal range of trees in the park – from monkey puzzles and eucalyptus, to tall giant redwoods and Monterey pines.
When: Daily
Where: Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford Road, Tollymore Park, Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0PR

Pull on your boots and discover the magic of the wetlands this autumn with Quentin Blake's illustrations as your guide. Pick up a Drawn to Water illustrated trails and explore the seasonal natural highlights, from quiet spots with breathtaking views to close up wildlife encounters. Spend time with family and engage your senses as you experience uplifting autumnal colours, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the sounds of migrating birds. Unlock your creativity and explore wetland nature through this range of art and illustration activities for all ages and abilities, inspired by Quentin Blake's wonderfully distinctive drawings.
When: Until 1 Jan 24
Where: WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Visit the superb Museum of Innovation at the Ulster Transport Museum, and witness Northern Ireland's long and illustrious legacy of innovation. Highlights include the first portable defibrillator, Harry Ferguson's revolutionary 3-point linkage, and the world-famous DeLorean DMC-12 car.
When: Daily
Where: Ulster Transport Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, BT18 0EU

• Love museums? These are our top UK museums for kids recommendations

Look out for the new giraffes, Dr Shrimp and Rudi, in the Giraffe Heights enclosure; visit the brand-new Sloth Forest retirement home for elderly sloths Tuppee, (26) and Lightcap (36!); and take a trip on one of the new Formula K electric-powered karts on the farm's family-friendly Follystone racetrack ... There's so much to see and do, you can make a holiday of it, with a stay at the farm's caravan park or campsite.
When: Daily until 31 Oct 23
Where: Folly Farm, Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA

Roll up, roll up! Circus Zyair combines magic, music, circus and laughter into its packed hour and a half show. These high-energy acts come from all over the world; with jugglers, acrobats, magicians, high wire acts, and the wheel of death, there's plenty to entertain the whole family.
When: 25-29 Oct 23
Where: Mumbles Road Recreation Ground, Brynmill, Swansea SA2 0AU

Kids and adults alike will love this International Storytelling Festival, featuring enchanting performances, workshops, talks and events all centred around traditional storytelling. Look out for exciting, child-friendly performances, and remember, with storytelling, the audience is as much a participant as the performer!
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: In and around Edinburgh, including at the Scottish Storytelling Centre; the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; the National Library of Scotland; and Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.

Journey through history in the National Museum of Flight's latest Lego display by brick artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Travel through time and see more than 30 Lego models showing key moments in history, from the Big Bang to the discovery of DNA. Witness Viking invasions, see Mozart compose The Magic Flute and watch as the Suffragettes campaign for the vote. There'll also be a fun mini-figure hunt around the hangar.
When: Until 5 Nov 23
Where: National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, B1347, North Berwick EH39 5LF