This October half-term, children can enjoy a range of free Halloween-themed activities, from exploring secret tunnels to spooky bat hunts, as part of family-friendly events across North Yorkshire.
At Knaresborough Castle, families can discover the hidden history of the Sallyport, a medieval tunnel once used for secret escapes and surprise attacks. Guided tours will offer a firsthand look at this fascinating part of the castle’s defences. Younger visitors can enjoy the revamped Castle Critters Room, complete with a play kitchen, foam building blocks, and a Lego corner, as well as history hunts and Halloween-themed trails. The castle is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3.30pm, with £4 admission for adults and free entry for children.
Over at Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room, visitors can explore the newly restored Georgian building, complete with a relocated fountain and a fresh, elegant interior. From October 29 to November 3, the museum offers history-packed activities, including a free bat hunt trail and an object-handling drop-in session on October 31. Admission is £4 for adults, with free entry for children.
Skipton Town Hall is also hosting a variety of half-term events, including an art club, planetarium experience, free craft sessions, and a kids’ comedy night. On October 30, families can enjoy a free Halloween craft session from 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm, where children can make paper pumpkins, bats, and more. Spooky Shakespeare, a puppet-filled performance, will take place on October 30 at 2pm, with tickets priced at £5.
Meanwhile, Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate is offering a free “make and take” session from October 28 to November 1, and various libraries across the county will host Halloween-themed family craft sessions. For more details on these events, visit the Skipton Town Hall website.
Families can also take part in free Halloween-themed eco-friendly craft sessions hosted by Adult Learning North Yorkshire in libraries across the region, including Catterick, Ripon, Whitby, and Scarborough. Full event details and timings are available here.
With a mix of historical exploration, crafts, and Halloween fun, North Yorkshire’s half-term activities promise lasting memories for families.