With Halloween nestled in the middle of the Oxfordshire October Half Term holidays there are lots of spooktacular events happening.   If you’re looking for ideas of what to do with the kids over October Half Term and family friendly Halloween events, then look no further.  Just click on any of the links in red for more information.  There’s also a handy guide for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire coming too if you’re looking to venture a little further.  If you’re working a need childcare, check out the October half term holiday club guide.

Find all the best pumpkin patches in Oxfordshire and nearby.

SPOTLIGHT –  Millets Farm Halloween Spooktacular (Frilford)

From gremlins and goblins to witches with charm, Millets invite you all to a Spook-tacular Farm! With a circus full of tricks, a disco full of spooks and fields full of pumpkins, there’s spookily good fun to be had by all by day or by night.

October Half Term Activities & Events in Oxfordshire 2024

High Lodge Farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Spooky Trail

High Lodge Farm’s spellbinding Halloween trail and PYO pumpkin patch is returning for a second year this October half-term. Venture into the witchy woods if you dare …

Witch’s House at Cogges (Witney) 25th – 4th October

This was AMAZING last year.  Keep an eye on Red Kite Days socials for this year’s review. Cogges Manor will be transformed again into The Witch’s House. Tiptoe through spooky rooms decorated as scenes from our favourite childhood stories, and see spooktacular sights and sounds.  There will be a pumpkin trail around the grounds again too.

Potion Making at Oxford Castle & Prison (Oxford) 26th October – 3rd November

As the nights draw in and Halloween draws closer, it’s time to brew up some fantastic potions!  Join the witches and warlocks at Oxford Castle & Prison this October half term  in the Castle crypt for a fantastic potions experience.  You’ll learn how to make three delightfully disgusting distillations!

Science Oxford Family Days (Oxford) 26th October + 2nd November

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for hands on discovery whatever the weather on Saturdays. Try Live Lab experiments with real scientists with IF Oxford science and ideas Festival

• 26 Oct: Blood-safe virtual reality: a life-saving experience with Oxford University – Nuffield Dept of Medicine 
• 2 Nov: Diamond – more than just a gemstone with Element Six (UK)

Witches & Wizards School at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton) 24th Oct – 3rd Nov

Roves Farm professors will be conducting lessons in potion mixing, wand making, spell casting and broomstick flying for all aspiring little witches and wizards.  There will also be pumpkin carving, tractor rides, an autumn trail and all the fun on the farm.

Fright Nights at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton) 25th – 27th October

Experience Roves Farm After Dark with an immersive Fright Night.  In partnership with ‘Totally Crazy Entertainment’ the Hayride Experience includes character actors (zombies), scares & gore under the cover of darkness. PG rated, recommended for ages 10 years+

John Lawson’s Halloween Circus (Millets Farm) 26th – 31st October

This thrilling, fun family show at Millets Farm, features lots of new and popular acts especially for the whole family to enjoy!

School of Witchcraft & Wizardry at  Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park (easy reach from Bicester & Thame) 26th October – 1st November

Follow the herbology tutor down to the pumpkin patch to collect your specimen for decorating and spot fellow Wizard School pupils getting up to mischief around the farm. For pumpkins, potions, broomsticks, owls & more

Earth Trust Pumpkin Patch & Half Term Activities (Little Wittenham) 13th, 20th, 27th – 31st October

Get your hands dirty and boots muddy as you pick pumpkins and squash direct from the growing field. Take on the MEGA maize maze,  visit the storytelling teepee with seasonal stories and harvestime tales and follow the scarecrow trail around the farm

The Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure at Tumblstone Hollow 19th & 20th October, 26th October – 3rd November

It’s that time of year again when the Moon Witch likes to get up to no good at Tumblestone Hollow.  Children are invited to join a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, exploring the beautiful woodland that surrounds Tumblestone Hollow, ticking off spooky items and solving mystical riddles along the way. But beware! Hiding in the shadows is the Moon Witch herself. Can you spot her? We think she’s trying to steal the Moon Stone from our beloved Stone Circle.

Halloween Trail at Blenheim Palace (Woodstock) 25th October – 3rd November

Wander from dusk into darkness and through the spooky spider tunnel to be surprised by fantastic fire performers as you watch out for the headless horseman emerging from the mist.

Master Builders Club Brick Building Workshop (Henley)

Join in for Halloween bricking building adventure.  With 1000’s of LEGO bricks, children can be dropped off for this engaging workshop or parents are welcome to stay. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

• Henley 30th October
• Witney 31st October
• Yarnton 31st October

Ghost Fest Spooky Tours at Oxford Castle & Prison (Oxford)

With over 1000 years of gruesome history, Oxford Castle & Prison has seen more than its fair share of horror! Join the guides as they take you on an atmospheric journey through the castle; uncovering some of the most grisly tales of its inhabitants, some of whom are still said to roam the grounds.

Sprouts Play Barn Spooktacular Disco (Millets Farm) 28th – 30th October

Join the Sprouts team for a Spooooktacular evening full of play frame climbing and disco dancing fun!

• Illuminated Evenings at Fairytale Farm (near Chipping Norton) 5th October – 17th November
• Halloween Hunt at Waterperry Gardens (Waterperry) 26th October – 3rd November
• Ghost Fest Spooky Tours at Oxford Castle & Prison (Oxford) 25th – 31st October
• Family Dance Party (Kidlington) 26th October
• A Tiger’s Tale childrens theatare at The North Wall (Oxford) 26th October
• Scarily Ever After at Fairytale Farm (Chipping Norton) 26th October – 3rd November
• After Dark Halloween Fright Night at Jump Inc (Bicester) 26th October
• How to Train Your Dragon with Cressida Cowell at The Story Museum (Oxford) 28th October
• Family Dance Festival Workshop at the Museum of Oxford (Oxford) 29th October
• The Ugly Duckling children’s theatre at the Cornerstone (Didcot) 27th October
• Wildflowers Forest School Halloween event (Wallingford) 31st October

Enjoy the outdoors and get outside for an Autumn walk.  Check out my guide to family walks in Oxfordshire.

Once half term is over it will be time for fireworks, find all the bonfire night and firework displays in Oxfordshire 2024

Awaiting details for 2024

 Beale Park (Lower Basildon)

 The Old Shed (Charlbury)

Chilton scarecrow trail