8 spooky activities to do this Halloween
Looking for something spooky to book this Halloween? From a scare-filled maize maze and zombie laser tag in the woods to pumpkin carving by a reservoir and a moonlit paddle, here are eight October activities across England, Wales and Scotland. Some are proper frights for teens and adults, others are gentle fun for little goblins, so check who each one suits before you book.
Halloween maze at Chigborough Farm, Essex
For a proper fright, Chigborough Farm & Fishery near Maldon turns its maize maze into a Labyrinth of Terror for Halloween. Expect darkness, actors, jump scares and gore, and allow at least an hour to find your way out.
It's not for young children or anyone of a nervous disposition, and under-18s must come with an adult. The paths are dark and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes, and if you're nervous pick the earliest evening slot. Book the Halloween Maze evening session.
Zombie laser tag in the woods
The Outdoor Ed School runs woodland laser tag at three sites, and for Halloween each one hosts a zombie mission: stop the mad professor and secure his elixir before the undead take over. Games last an hour, with instructors running the action and infrared guns that fire light rather than paint, so there's no sting.
Pick the site nearest you: Alice Holt near Farnham, Wendover Woods in the Chilterns or Parley near Bournemouth. Games need at least six players, so if your group is smaller, choose a session that already has others booked on.
Halloween laser tag in Newquay, Cornwall
Cornwall Laser Tag dresses its arena up for Halloween with two kinds of session. The family session is all spooky decorations and Halloween tunes, with no staff lurking in dark corners waiting to pounce, and fancy dress is encouraged.
Older thrill-seekers can try the adults-only session, which is pitched as properly scary and is open to players aged 14 and over. Book the Halloween family session or the adults-only Halloween session.
Pumpkin carving at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, Cardiff
Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs on the edge of Cardiff has a visitor centre, café and walking trails, and around half term it runs indoor Halloween sessions for children. Pumpkin Carving is recommended for ages 4 and up, and every child takes their creation home.
For something sweeter, The Great Pumpkin Bake Off adds Halloween cupcake decorating to the carving, with a colouring station and squash included. Follow it with a walk around the reservoirs to make a day of it.
Halloween pumpkin carving at Llandegfedd, near Pontypool
Llandegfedd Activity Centre is better known for sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking on its lake near Pontypool, but at Halloween the Lakeside Café hosts a pumpkin carving session for ages 3 and up.
As well as a pumpkin to carve and take home, children decorate biscuits and make a scratch-art spooky mask, and each booking includes a kids' pizza and a cup of goblin juice. Fancy dress is welcome. Book Halloween pumpkin carving at Llandegfedd.
A Samhain pumpkin session in Galloway, Scotland
Near Galloway Forest Park, Way of the Wild runs Wild Child Sessions to help parents and children spend time outdoors together. Its Halloween session celebrates Samhain, the old Celtic festival behind Halloween, at a woodland camp.
You'll carve a pumpkin with a kit and stencils (or your own design), follow a self-led spooky scavenger hunt through the woods and finish by toasting marshmallows over the fire. Book the Wild Child pumpkin carving session.
A full moon paddle on the River Stort, Hertfordshire
If you'd rather swap scares for something atmospheric, Whoosh Explore runs evening paddles on the River Stort near Sawbridgeworth on or around the full moon, timed for moonrise where possible. There are kayaks to suit all paddlers, and on clear nights you can look out for bats and stars from the water.
Some of the longer night paddles head to a riverside pub for refreshments. Wrap up warm and bring a dry change of clothes. Book an evening full moon paddle.
Donutting and tubing for half term
Not every Halloween outing needs a fright. At Alpine Snowsports Aldershot you hop into a giant inflatable ring and zoom down the dry slope. Donutting sessions are open to everyone aged 4 and up with no experience needed, and there are inclusive sessions for children and young adults with special needs.
Norfolk Snowsports Club near Norwich runs supervised tubing for ages 6 and up, and in Lancashire The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale, has family tubing sessions on two slopes, one with a lift to help pull the tubes back up.
Tips before you go
Book early. Halloween sessions only run for a short window around the end of October and the half-term week, and the popular slots go quickly.
Check the age guidance. Scare mazes and adults-only sessions are designed to frighten, while pumpkin carving and family laser tag are made for younger children.
Dress for the weather. Many of these are outdoors in late October, often after dark, so pack warm layers, a waterproof and sturdy shoes, and save the floaty costume for indoor sessions.
Looking for more ideas? Search all Halloween activities on eola, or browse what's on near you in Cardiff, Essex and Cornwall.
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