Top Picks to BOOK NOW for October Half Term and Spooky Season 2026
Updated: Oct 5
AD-This featured blog article includes top picks for family events and activities across The Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire. With ideas for all ages and budgets during October Half Term 2026 and the rest of October (Spooky Season). All useful information provided to make planning that bit easier for you!
All information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check directly with the organisers for any further info including any updates and availability. Booking/more info links are provided under each listing.
Saturday 10th October - Saturday 31st October –
The Wizard Walk of York-Experience the MAGIC on York’s only tour created especially for families! Spellbinding magic, comedy and five-star fun. WINNER of Best Tour, Experience of the Year and more. Early booking recommended!
York City Centre, starts at the bottom of The Shambles (must be pre-booked)
Ideal for children aged 5-10 years but all are welcome
Running every Saturday and selected dates during the week then daily 24/10-31/10
ÂŁ12 per adult | ÂŁ12 per child aged 3-17 yrs | Under 3's go free
More info and booking here
Friday 23rd October and Saturday 24th October –
Landscapes is a playful new dance theatre experience by Xenia Aidonopoulou, created especially for children and their families. Together, audiences will journey through ever-changing worlds inspired by nature — where flowers bloom taller than you, snow falls from the sky, waves rush and swirl, and every sound, movement and surprise invites you to look a little closer.
Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
Aimed at ages 3 plus
ÂŁ10 per person | ÂŁ36 group of 4 ticket | Under 12 months free with paying adult
Neurodivergent friendly performance 1pm on 23/10
MULTIBUY OFFER FOR AUTUMN SHOWS- book 2 shows for 5% off, 3 shows for 10% off and 4 shows for 15% off.
More info and booking here
Sunday 25th October –
Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It's up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam's new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! Live Show Ahoy!Â
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
All Ages-best suited to younger audience
ÂŁ19.50 adult | ÂŁ18.50 child | ÂŁ70 family of 4 (2ads 2 ch) | small online booking fee applies ÂŁ1pp
More info and booking here
Sunday 25th October - Wednesday 28th October –
Middlesbrough Museums are hosting some spooktacular family-friendly low cost activities this October Half Term with something for a mixture of ages! Here's some highlights:
Interactive Creepy Critters Reptile Zoo Session:
Sunday 25th October at Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
Free with museum entry-ÂŁ3.50-ÂŁ4.50pp | family tickets available (valid until Jan 27)
Best suited to primary aged and younger alike
Book your space on arrival
More info here
Monster Circus Workshops :
Wednesday 28th October at Dorman Museum
ÂŁ7.50 per child (adults do not require a ticket)
Best suited to 7-12 yr olds, younger are welcome with adult support
Free admission to museum
More info and book hereÂ
Silly Spells and Monster Magic:
Friday 31st October at Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
Free with museum entry-ÂŁ3.50-ÂŁ4.50pp | family tickets available (valid until Jan 27)
All ages-best suited to primary aged and younger
Book your space on arrival
More info here
Monday 26th October- Friday 30th October –
Sporting Futures have lots of exciting activities and events planned throughout the week, including a Halloween Disco! They can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another action-packed holiday camp!
St Augustine's School, Darlington
Suitable for ages 4-13 years
ÂŁ10 half day | ÂŁ20 full day
More info and booking here
Wednesday 28th October –
For one day only, Elsa is stepping straight out of Arendelle to meet her biggest local fans. Whether your child wants to wear their favourite princess gown or simply their everyday clothes they feel happiest in, they’re in for an enchanting private mini photoshoot they won’t stop talking about. The setup is relaxed, fun, and completely stress-free for parents. Plenty of time to chat with Elsa, share a magical moment, and have beautiful, cinematic portraits taken with her.
Blench Photography Studio, Darlington (new ground floor studio on Lingfield Way)
All ages
ÂŁ35 per session (max 2 children per session)
Includes 15 minutes Elsa Meet & Greet and 2 Cinematic Digital Images
More info and booking here
Wednesday 28th October –
Join Tommy and Tilly on a thrilling adventure through their enchanted castle, where ghosts giggle, pumpkins dance, and magic is around every corner! Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines, jaw-dropping illusions, and plenty of hilarious audience interaction, this is a spellbinding treat for the whole family.
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
All Ages
ÂŁ15 adult | ÂŁ11 child per person | small booking fee applies ÂŁ1pp
More info and booking here
Wednesday 28th October –
Looking for something fun for the kids this half-term? Bring them along to Virtual Fairways for a fantastic two-hour golf session! Perfect for young golfers aged 8–16, whether they're picking up a golf club for the first time or already love the game!
Virtual Fairways NE, Darlington
8-16 years
ÂŁ20 per child
All equipment, soft drink and prizes for the winners included
Call or whatsapp Michael to book-07507 348241. More info here
Thursday 29th October –
Love Science are back this half term with a fun, interactive 2 hour session packed with experiments, discovery and plenty of science magic!
Bedale Hall
Aimed at ages 5-11 years
ÂŁ15 per child
More info and booking here
Thursday 29th October-Friday 30th October –
A theatre adaptation of the beloved childrens book. David McKee’s wickedly funny story roars on to the stage through physical comedy, a live soundtrack performed on instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster, this show explores big themes of attention, imagination, and being heard, offering lots to talk about for both children and adults.
Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
Aimed at ages 3 plus
With integrated Makaton
Neurodivergent friendly showing on 30/10 at 1:30pm
ÂŁ10 per person | ÂŁ36 group of 4 ticket | Under 12 months free with paying adult
MULTIBUY OFFER FOR AUTUMN SHOWS- book 2 shows for 5% off, 3 shows for 10% off and 4 shows for 15% off.
More info and booking here
Friday 30th October –
Join Tommy and Tilly on a thrilling adventure through their enchanted castle, where ghosts giggle, pumpkins dance, and magic is around every corner! Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines, jaw-dropping illusions, and plenty of hilarious audience interaction, this is a spellbinding treat for the whole family.
The Witham, Barnard Castle
All Ages
ÂŁ11 per person | ÂŁ37 family of 4 atleast 1 ad and 1 ch | carers with paying disabled person/wheelchair user goes free | small booking fee applies less than ÂŁ1pp
More info and booking here
Saturday 31st October –
Make your own menacing-monster mask, a haunted-headband or other Halloweeny crafts.
Join in some ghostly-games like Halloween Hoopla, Pumpkin noughts and crosses and so much more!
Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
Aimed at ages 1-5 years
Neurodivergent friendly setting (1:30pm) for 0-10 year olds
ÂŁ4 per person, each person attending requires ticket | Babes in arms free with adult.
More info and booking here
Saturday 31st October –
A spooktacular filled afternoon filled with spooky songs, sensory play, halloween games, autumn themed fun, dancing and movement and lots of photo opportunities!
St Helens Parish Centre, Bishop Auckland
Aimed at babies from birth to crawling
ÂŁ10 per child
More info and booking here
Saturday 31st October –
A spooktacular filled afternoon filled with Halloween themed dancing, party games and music, lots of spooky fun and prizes for the best dressed little mover!
St Helens Parish Centre, Bishop Auckland
Aimed at children from walking to 7 years
ÂŁ12 per child
More info and booking here
THANKS FOR READING :)
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This article has been written and published by Charlotte Walcott (Business Owner of ©️Family Fun Darlo Mum)
“Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-10 and Leo-4. Sharing and producing honest and informative social media content and reviews, website guides and articles for family days out ideas, family venues, UK Breaks, family friendly events and general family fun!"
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