Things to Do With Kids in Derbyshire This October Half Term
As the leaves ignite in golds and russets, Derbyshire offers the perfect blend of countryside calm and half-term sparkle. Whether you’re after a day of witchcraft and wizardry, a family walk that doesn’t feel like a full expedition, or an indoor craft session in case the weather turns, here’s a round-up of the very best outings for children this October half term.
Spell-casting at Haddon Hall - Little School of Sorcery
Few places capture autumn’s atmosphere quite like Haddon Hall. This October, the historic house near Bakewell hosts its Little School of Sorcery, where children can make brooms, craft wands and cast spells in a setting straight from a storybook. The workshops take place inside the transformed Stable Block, complete with hay bales, pumpkins and plenty of magic.
It’s the perfect mix of creativity and make-believe, designed to spark imagination while parents soak up the atmosphere of one of Derbyshire’s most enchanting houses. Inside the hall, visitors can also explore the exhibition ‘Magic: Charms, Rituals and Superstition in Elizabethan England’, adding a fascinating historical layer to the day.
Animal Fun at Matlock Farm Park
Matlock Farm Park is always a family favourite, but it goes all-out for Halloween. Running through half term, the park’s Halloween Festival includes pumpkin picking, craft sessions, spooky forest trails and even a visit from the Headless Horseman.
For younger children, it’s just the right balance of fun and gentle spookiness, while animal lovers can meet the goats, ponies and alpacas that make the farm such a hit. With indoor and outdoor play areas, it’s also a reliable choice whatever the weather decides to do.
Vintage Trams and Woodland Trails at Crich Tramway Village
Step back in time at Crich Tramway Village, where half-term week brings vintage tram rides, storytelling, face painting and a woodland trick-or-treat trail. It’s a lovely blend of nostalgia and family fun, perfect for children who like a little adventure without the high-octane chaos of a theme park.
Parents will appreciate the relaxed pace and the café options, while little ones can enjoy the hands-on crafts and dressing up. It’s an ideal day out for families who enjoy history, imagination and the charm of old-fashioned fun.
Autumn Adventures at Calke Abbey
For families who prefer a slower pace, Calke Abbey near Ticknall is perfect for a crisp autumn day. Its sprawling parkland and woodland trails are full of colour at this time of year, and the National Trust often adds seasonal extras such as bat trails and children’s activity sheets.
Pack a flask of hot chocolate, pull on wellies and let the children collect conkers, acorns and colourful leaves. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to soak up the best of the season and you’ll come home with tired legs and happy faces.
Halloween at Thornbridge Hall
Thornbridge Hall near Ashford-in-the-Water runs a family-friendly Halloween week each year, with pumpkin picking, crafts and face painting set in the stunning gardens of the hall. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed day out that still feels special, and a nice way to combine some gentle spooky fun with a wander around the grounds.
There’s plenty of space for little ones to run off energy, and refreshments are available on site - making it easy to turn into a full afternoon.
Halloween at the Heights of Abraham
Over in Matlock Bath, the Heights of Abraham take Halloween to new heights - literally. Ride the cable cars above the valley to find witches and wizards wandering the hilltop, scarecrow hunts for the kids and marshmallow toasting around the fire pits. As dusk falls, the views across the Derwent Valley are spectacular, and the atmosphere feels beautifully autumnal.
It’s an experience that combines adventure with a touch of magic, and it’s especially fun for children who love being outdoors but want something a little different from the usual walks.
Gulliver’s Kingdom - Fright Fiesta
Also in Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Kingdom goes bright and bold for Halloween with its annual Fright Fiesta. Expect colourful decorations, themed rides, costumes and live entertainment throughout half term. It’s aimed squarely at families, so there’s nothing too scary, just plenty of energy and fun.
If your children love a theme park atmosphere, this is a great choice for a full day out - and with the Peak District hills as a backdrop, it’s one of the most scenic amusement parks around.
Carsington Water - Halloween Trail
For something a little more low-key, Carsington Water near Ashbourne runs a Halloween Trail through half term. Children can follow riddles and clues around the water to win a small prize at the end, making it a lovely mix of outdoor exploration and gentle challenge.
It’s ideal for families looking for a few hours of fun rather than a full-day event, and the on-site café offers a great spot to warm up afterwards with hot chocolate and cake.
Creative Indoor Days
If the weather turns, keep a few indoor ideas up your sleeve. Denby Pottery Village often runs Halloween-themed craft workshops, and Peak Village near Rowsley usually hosts children’s activities through half term. Alternatively, look for local play cafés, climbing walls or art studios - they’re brilliant for filling a rainy morning and keeping spirits high.
Indoor days can be a nice breather between busier outings, giving everyone time to relax while still doing something creative or active.
Making the Most of the Week
Half term tends to fly by, so plan a good balance of big and small days: perhaps Haddon Hall or Gulliver’s Kingdom one day, followed by a local walk or craft morning the next. Booking ahead is essential for the most popular events, and layering up is key - Derbyshire weather in October is famously changeable.
Most of all, enjoy the mix of fresh air, family time and those little pockets of magic that seem to appear everywhere at this time of year. Whether you’re exploring historic halls, picking pumpkins or simply crunching through leaves, October in Derbyshire is full of moments that will stay with you long after the half-term break ends.