Once children are past the toddler stage, half term gets easier and more fun. They can queue for a ride, walk all day and actually remember the trip. The catch is that the best options fill up fast and prices climb. This guide covers theme parks and Halloween events in the UK and Europe that suit children aged roughly 6 to 12, with dates for this year where we could find them. If your children are younger, our guide to where to take a toddler in October half term is a better fit.

When is half term?

Dates vary by area, so check your own school's calendar first. The most common week is Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, which covers all of Wales and most English councils. A few areas start a week earlier, including Leicestershire and Surrey, and Scottish dates vary the most, with many councils off from 12 October. In Northern Ireland the Halloween break is just Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October. Academies can set their own dates.

Abroad: four parks worth the trip

Disneyland Paris, France

The Halloween Festival runs at Disneyland Park from 26 September to 1 November, so it covers half term. This year's festival includes character meets with Jack Skellington and Sally, a treat hunt around the park and Halloween decorations on Main Street. By train, the fastest journey from London we found takes about three hours with a change at Lille, and the station is right by the park. Book the whole trip as one ticket so a delay on the first leg doesn't leave you stranded.

See Disneyland Paris tickets on Viator

Europa-Park, Germany

This is one of the best parks in Europe, and it runs Halloween from 26 September to 1 November, open from 9am to at least 6pm. For this age group, the park lists a funfair area, a children's disco, a parade and a family-friendly spooky ride. There's also a new Pumpkin Village with market huts. Check the official site for ticket prices.

Efteling, Netherlands

It doesn't do Halloween, but the Fairytale Forest is lovely in autumn colours, and the park stays open longer during the autumn holidays. The park's own guide suggests indoor attractions such as Fata Morgana and Symbolica for wet days, and says some rides close in the autumn, so check the ride status before you go. That guide is from last autumn, so confirm this year's details.

See Efteling tickets on Viator

Gardaland, Italy

Its Halloween event runs from 12 September to 1 November this year. It includes a new immersive scare maze called Preda, which sounds intense, so check the age guidance before you take younger children. The rest of the park suits this age group well. It's by Lake Garda, so you can pair it with a stroll in the town, but pack a jumper, as late October can be cool.

In the UK: less travel, less cost

If you don't want to fly, these events cover half term:

  • Alton Towers, Staffordshire. Trick O' Treat Town runs from 26 September to 1 November and is the family-friendly area, for children who would rather avoid the scares in the wider Scarefest
  • Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey. Howl'o'ween runs from 3 October to 1 November on selected dates, a gentler mix of shows and seasonal activities
  • Legoland Windsor. Brick or Treat runs on selected dates through October, with trick-or-treat trails and "spooky but not scary" entertainment. See Legoland Windsor tickets on Viator
  • Drayton Manor, Staffordshire. Blazing Halloween runs from 10 October to 1 November on selected dates, with a sweets trail and a lake show. The ghost train is recommended for ages 4 and up
  • Warwick Castle. The Haunted Castle runs from 24 October to 1 November, with family shows during half term. See Warwick Castle tickets on Viator

Avoid events aimed at older visitors. Thorpe Park Fright Nights is for ages 13 and over, and Warwick Castle's Castle After Dark is 10+ and more intense. Event dates can change and some run only on selected days, so check each park's website before you book.

Making it cheaper and easier

  • Book early and go midweek. Half term fills the busiest days, so a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually calmer
  • Pack light. With a family it's tempting to bring everything, but our cabin bag guide shows how to avoid paying for hold bags
  • Check the ride list for height limits. Children aged 6 to 8 are often the ones who miss out on the bigger rides, so check before you promise anything
  • Budget for food. Park food is expensive, so a family can easily add £60 or more to the day. Our Trip Budget Calculator can help you plan it, using "My own numbers"
  • Know your rights if it goes wrong. Our guide to what you're owed if a flight is delayed or cancelled is worth a read before you book

Want more ideas?

If you'd rather go further afield, our guides to the best theme parks in Europe and the best European destinations for Halloween have more options.

Where this comes from

Dates and opening times change, so this is a snapshot checked on 12 October 2026. These are the sources it draws on: