The October Half Term holiday falls just before Halloween and there are lots of spooktacular events happening  in Oxfordshire.   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.

Visit High Lodge Farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Spooky Trail for your perfect Halloween experience!

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 …

They’re even running after dark pumpkin nights over four evenings in October.  Pick your pumpkins by moonlight for a truly spooky Halloween experience.

October Half Term Activities & Events in Oxfordshire 2023

Witch’s House at Cogges (Witney) 20th – 29th  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 for a Halloween-themed October half-term, including a special after dark sessions for adults only.

Science Oxford Family Days (Oxford) 21st + 28th October

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for hands on discovery whatever the weather on Saturdays. Make flying ghouls at the Air Table in the Exploration Zone, try Live Lab experiments with real scientists with IF Oxford science and ideas Festival, and go on a pumpkin trail in the Forbidden Forest – enter if you dare! Spooky outfits encouraged.

School of Witchcraft & Wizardry at  Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park (easy reach from Bicester & Thame) 22nd – 30th October

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

Tuff Nutterz Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course at Bicester Heritage (Bicester) 21st – 29th October

Measuring 300 metres long, this supersized inflatable maze is packed with 30 fun and challenging obstacles to complete, including huge slides, climbing walls, hanging rails, balance balls and more!

The Moon Witch Halloween adventure at Tumblestone Hollow (Stonor) 18th – 29th October

Follow the clues around the mysterious world of Tumblestone Hollow and the Gardens at Stonor to win a special chocolate prize (or an alternative treat).

Earth Trust Pumpkin Patch & Maize Maze (Little Wittenham) 21st – 29th October

Get your hands dirty and boots muddy as you pick pumpkins and squash direct from the growing field.  You can also get lost in the sweetcorn maze and enjoy refreshments from local suppliers.

Halloween Trail at Blenheim Palace (Woodstock) 20th – 29th October

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.

Pumpkin Picking & Halloween Trail at Millets Farm (Frilford)

Pick your pumpkins by day or if you’re looking for an after dark experience, the Halloween Trail and torchlight pumpkin picking is great fun.  Spooky but not too scary and there’s live entertainment too.

Halloween Hunt at Waterperry Gardens (Waterperry) 21st October – 5th Nov

Take part in the Waterperry Halloween Hunt throughout the October half term. £3.00 per child with a prize.

John Lawson Circus at Millets Farm (Frilford) 22nd – 28th October

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

Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle & Prison (Oxford) 

Are you brave enough to visit one of the most haunted places in the UK? Explore the vaulted well chamber, visit the punishment cells and go underground into the dark and spooky Crypt.  There will also be potion making sessions underground in the crypt (booked separately)

Carve your own pumpkins and half term activities at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton) 19th – 29th October

Visit Roves Farm this October half term, for lots of seasonal and farm activities, including the chance to carve your very own pumpkin, get crafty and make a wand, tractor rides and an Autumn trail.

Pirates & Pumpkins at Fairytale Farm (near Chipping Norton) 21st – 29th October

Lots of family friendly Halloween activities and fun at Fairytale Farm this October half term.  Included in admission, you can also visit the ‘Pumpkin Patch’, where every child can pick a free pumpkin for Halloween.

Chilton scarecrow trail 21st – 29th October

Always hugely creative and a great trail with a sci-fi theme for half term.

Mr Chirrup’s Global Bug Safari at The Story Museum (Oxford) 23rd October

Join Curious Company on a fun-filled journey through stories, facts and songs in this interactive global bug safari!

Master Builders Club Brick Building Workshop (Henley) 23rd October

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

Spooky Stories Workshop at the Museum of Oxford (Oxford) 23rd October

Join local authors Angela Kecojevic and Sam Pope in creating spooky characters and scary stories in time for Halloween at our Spooky Stories workshop!

Special Art Workshop at The Story Museum (Oxford) 24th October

Learn how to make gorgeous creepy crawlies, wise owls and barking bats in simple steps using natural materials combined with recycled or found materials from around the home. Ages 6+

Family Dance Workshop at the Museum of Oxford (Oxford) – 24th October

Take a journey through the fantastic and drastic world of plastic at the Museum of Oxford. Get creative together in a fun, interactive experience for the whole family, led by the Akademi dance company.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at Oxford Playhouse (Oxford) 25th – 26th October

Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Medieval Medicine at the Museum of Oxford (Oxford) 25th October

Make your very own herbal posset to ward off infection, learn just what the ‘four humors’ were and mix a real medieval potion. 1 hour workshop for ages 5+

The Oxford Boat Adventure Family Day (near Dorchester) 26th October

A unique opportunity to parents or carers to join their kids for family day at The Oxford Boat Adventure. Explore the island, set out on a water adventure and learn to survive and thrive in the woods.

Cutteslowe Park miniature railway (Oxford) 29th October

Finish the October half term holidays with a trip to Cutteslowe Park and a the miniature railway will be running.  Great value and lots of fun.

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 2023

Awaiting details for 2023

 Beale Park (Lower Basildon)

 The Old Shed (Charlbury)