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October Half Term in Doncaster: Your Guide to What's On!

Posted: 12 October 2026

The school holidays are really creeping up on us, and there's a whole host of autumn adventures waiting across Doncaster. From spooky adventures that'll get you into the Halloween spirit to wholesome autumn activities for the whole family, there's something for everyone this half term.

October Half Term in Doncaster: Your Guide to What's On!

With several attractions and events running across the half term, there's no need to squeeze all the fun into one day. Here are some experiences you can enjoy throughout the break:

 

Rebecca Rabbit's Autumn Adventure – Cusworth Hall 🐰

25th September- 16th November FREE

Fancy a crisp autumn walk with a little adventure along the way?

Join Rebecca Rabbit at Cusworth Hall for a woodland trail where little explorers can match animals to their favourite seasonal treats. Then, head inside the hall to see if you can spot Rebecca's sleepy woodland friends hiding away!

And if you can't squeeze it into half term, don't worry! The trail is sticking around until 16th November, so there's plenty of time to join the fun.

 

Fearless Factory – Thornhurst Manor 👻

17th, 18th, 24th & 25th October | 10am–3pm

If you're after something a little spookier, this event is sure to be a scream.

Head to Thornhurst Manor's Fearless Factory for a family-friendly Halloween adventure packed with spooky characters, toned-down mazes and hands-on activities.

Expect just enough thrills to keep everyone on their toes, without the nightmares afterwards!

 

Pumpkin Picking – Boston Park Farm 🎃

18th–31st October

Because you can't have Halloween without pumpkins!

Head to Boston Park Farm for some pumpkin-picking fun at their mud-free pumpkin patch. Explore the maize maze, hunt for your perfect pumpkin and get creative making your very own lantern.

And there's more! From 25th–31st October, little witches and wizards can enrol in the NEW FREE Witches Academy, where they'll be mixing potions, crafting wands and practising their broomstick flying skills.

Don't miss their Halloween Family Disco on 31st October, either!

 

Halloween Half Term – Brodsworth Hall and Gardens 🦇

24th October–1st November

Calling all little monsters!

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Great Pumpkin Party, bringing plenty of ghoulishly good fun for the whole family.

Expect interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

And don't forget your costumes! There's a daily fancy dress competition, with prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed little monsters.

Indoor fun (just in case the weather turns!) ☔

 

Let's face it, October weather can be a little unpredictable! Luckily, there's plenty of fun to be had indoors, too.

Autumn Half Term – Waterstones 📚

24th–31st October | Frenchgate Shopping Centre | FREE

Waterstones is getting into the spooky spirit with Halloween-themed colouring, activities and a monster picture hunt, complete with a sweet reward!

And on 31st October at 1pm, head to the children's department for a special Spooky Story Time. Fancy dress is encouraged, with stickers for everyone who comes dressed for the occasion!

 

Free Family Crafts – Danum Gallery, Library and Museum 🎨

26th, 28th & 30th October | 10am–3pm | FREE

Get those creative juices flowing this half term!

Join the team at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum for Magic Monday, Weird Wednesday and Frightening Friday, with free drop-in crafts and activities for little creatives aged 3–12.

 

We've got a few more tricks (and treats!) up our sleeves. If you're after a memorable day out, these one-off events are not to be missed.

Doncaster’s Outdoor Cinema: Hocus Pocus 🧙‍♀️

Friday 30th October

A bewitching experience!

Grab your blankets, wrap up warm and settle in for a spooky cinema experience under the stars.

The Sanderson sisters are back on the big screen for a special outdoor showing of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. Expect mischievous spells, plenty of laughs and a little Halloween magic!

 

Creepy Carnival – Sir Nigel Gresley Square 🎪

Friday 30th October |  FREE entry

Returning to Sir Nigel Gresley Square for its fourth year, Creepy Carnival is bringing even more thrills, chills and entertainment to the city centre!

Take a ride on the ghost train, enjoy spooky face painting and keep your eyes peeled for Wednesday Addams herself.

Plus, prepare to be amazed by daring escapology and mind-bending illusions, with plenty of creepy carnival rides and ghoulish treats to enjoy along the way.

And don't forget your fancy dress! With a competition for the most frightful costumes, it's time to get creative.

Entry is free, with £3 wristbands giving unlimited access to rides and face painting.

 

Big Halloween Bug Hunt – Potteric Carr Nature Reserve 🐛

30th–31st October

Creepy crawlies aren't always as scary as they seem!

Head to Potteric Carr Nature Reserve for a Halloween adventure with a difference. Discover the fascinating world of bats, rats, newts, toads and all the other creatures that get their moment in the spotlight at Halloween.

Start with a spooky species quiz before heading outdoors for a big bug hunt, where little explorers can use sweep nets, bug pots and identification sheets to uncover the secret lives of minibeasts.

Who knew creepy crawlies could be so cool?

 

Head to our What's On page to discover even more events and activities happening across Doncaster this half term

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