October half-term is nearly here! Although it’s quite nice to have a general ease in routine, sometimes having the kids at home can be hard work. Luckily, there’s still lots of fun things for children and families to do this half-term!
Here’s a run-down of free events and activities taking place from Saturday 24th October until Sunday 1st November, some which will take you and your kids out and about in Bristol, some which your kids can enjoy at home.
SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Bristol’s Storytale Festival
When: Various times throughout the day
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Throughout the day there will be several free and fantastic children’s storytelling sessions and craft activities as part of Bristol’s Storytale Festival. Click on link above to find out more!
We Are Family Life Drawing: Arnolfini
When: 12-1.30pm or 2-3.30pm
Where: Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
Cost: Free
Booking: Essential
An activity for all of the family. Inspired by Chantal Joffe’s beautiful pastel work, the drawing class will give you the opportunity to draw from a clothed figure who’ll be modelling in a colourful set up.
You will be given all support you need, so no previous experience needed.
Maximum family groups of 6. Ages 5+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Social distancing measures will be in place. Face coverings requested.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Night Sky
When: 6.30-7.30pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
A great introduction for anyone getting started in astronomy! Learn how to find your way around the night-time skies with astronomer, Neill Sanders. Neill will use the fantastic “Stellarium” planterium software to show you how to spot planets, identify some of the brighter stars and constellations as well as locate interesting objects that you can observe using binoculars or a telescope.
This event will take the form of a Zoom meeting that will also be streamed LIVE to the Go Stargazing Facebook page. If you wish to participate in the Zoom meeting (where you may ask questions of the presenters) pre-register here: https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/beginners-guide-to-the-night-sky/
SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Bristol’s Storytale Festival
When: Various times throughout the day
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Throughout the day there will be several free and fantastic children’s storytelling sessions and craft activities as part of Bristol’s Storytale Festival. Click on link above to find out more!
MONDAY 26th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Bristol’s Storytale Festival
When: Various times throughout the day
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Throughout the day there will be several free and fantastic children’s storytelling sessions and craft activities as part of Bristol’s Storytale Festival. Click on link above to find out more!
Sensory Baby Session: North Bristol Children’s Centres
When: 10.30-11am
Where: North Bristol Children’s Centres
Join family support practitioners Bret and Lianne for 30 minutes of singing and story time with your baby.
Support your babies language development, bond and have fun with your baby and help them understand the world around them.
The group is aimed at babies from 0-12 months.
Please contact nbcc@bristol-schools.uk for details of how to join. Places limited so don’t hesitate to get in touch!
For more details about this event please click here.
TUESDAY 27th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Baby Bounce and Rhyme Live
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Join Bristol Libraries for a live Baby Bounce and Rhyme session!
Nursery rhymes and songs to join in with at home, perfect for little ones and their families.
Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Bristol’s Storytale Festival
When: Various times throughout the day
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Throughout the day there will be several free and fantastic children’s storytelling sessions and craft activities as part of Bristol’s Storytale Festival. Click on link above to find out more!
Forest School: Dame Emily Park, Bedminster
When: Tuesday 9.15am & 11am
Where: Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3
Cost: Free
Free forest school session for 2 – 8 year olds. Today’s session will be focused on fairies and children will be making fairy doors and wands.
If you are interested in coming to a session please fill out a booking form with the time and number (including babies) who will be attending. Please send the booking form to info@forestchild.co.uk.
WEDNESDAY 28th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Pumpkin Hunt: Lawrence Weston Community Farm
When: 10am-2pm
Where: Saltmarsh Drive, BS11 ONJ
Cost: Free (but donations gratefully received)
Come and search around the farm for hidden pumpkins. Make your own pumpkin face!
Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Bristol’s Storytale Festival
When: Various times throughout the day
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Throughout the day there will be several free and fantastic children’s storytelling sessions and craft activities as part of Bristol’s Storytale Festival. Click on link above to find out more!
An Evening of Astronomy with Institute of Astronomy Cambridge
When: 7.15pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
THURSDAY 29th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Baby Bounce and Rhyme Live
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Join Bristol Libraries for a live Baby Bounce and Rhyme session!
Nursery rhymes and songs to join in with at home, perfect for little ones and their families.
Halloween storytelling for Little Monsters
When: 3pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free but limited
Join storyteller John Kirk for some seasonally spooky stories! During this 30-45 minute session you will meet monsters, witches and things that go bump in the night!
This session is recommended as interactive fun for the whole family. Halloweenies may want to wear scary fancy dress!
Suitable for families with children age 3+. Please book via Eventbrite (one ticket per family)
FRIDAY 30th OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking: Bath Pumpkin Picking Patch
When: 9.30am-4pm
Where: The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, BA2 9BB
Cost: Free entry and free parking
More details: Click here
Get outdoors and have a family adventure this Halloween! Visit this amazing patch to pick your own pumpkins and gourds, get involved in Halloween crafts and enjoy a tasty treat in the Pumpkin Cafe.
You bring the wellies and we’ll provide the farm, the field and the fun!
Forest school: Dame Emily Park, Bedminster
When: 9.15am & 11am
Where: Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3
Cost: Free
Free forest school session for 2-8 year olds. Today’s session will be focused on Halloween and children will be making witches and wizard hats and spiders webs.
If you are interested in coming to a session please fill out a booking form with the time and number (including babies) who will be attending. Please send the booking form to info@forestchild.co.uk.
SATURDAY 31st OCTOBER
We Are Family Life Drawing
When: 13:30 to 15:00
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Booking: Essential
An activity for families, ages 5+. Inspired by Chantal Joffe’s beautiful pastel work, the drawing class will give you the opportunity to draw from a clothed figure who’ll be modelling in a colourful set up. No previous experience necessary; full support, tips and guidance will be given throughout.
You will need: Paper / sketchbook to draw on and art materials to draw with including a pencil, charcoal or biro. ‘Art packs’ to be sent out for the class so you have all you need to draw from home.
BS9 Halloween Window Wanderland
When: Evening/night time
Where: The BS9 area
Cost: Free
A covid-safe alternative to trick or treating. The BS9 community are invited to decorate their windows, houses or gardens, with bright and colourful designs such as witches, pumpkins or black cats! Designs for alternative festivals to Halloween welcome too.
Take a walk around the area, dressing up if you wish, spot the designs and enjoy the spooky atmosphere!
To join in the fun please email BS9WindowWanderland@gmail.com, giving your address and you will be added to the map.
The Downend & Staple Hill Big Pumpkin Trail
When: Saturday 31st October & Sunday 1st November
Where: Downend and Staple Hill
Cost: Free
A huge neighbourhood pumpkin trail for children and families to go out and spot over the Halloween weekend. All welcome to take part!
Why not pop a treat into your child’s buckets as they spot the pumpkins or at the end of the trail to add to their fun?
If you would like to become part of this event, you can do so by joining the Downend & Staple Hill Big Pumpkin Trail Facebook group.
SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER
The Downend & Staple Hill Big Pumpkin Trail
When: Saturday 31st October & Sunday 1st November
Where: Downend and Staple Hill
Cost: Free
A huge neighbourhood pumpkin trail for children and families to go out and spot over the Halloween weekend. All welcome to take part!
Why not pop a treat into your child’s buckets as they spot the pumpkins or at the end of the trail to add to their fun?
If you would like to become part of this event, you can do so by joining the Downend & Staple Hill Big Pumpkin Trail Facebook group.
Bristol Mum 