Things to do in the autumn half term holiday

Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November

Gastro Goblins at the Potteries Museum

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 26 October
  • Appearances at 11am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm
  • Gladwyn and Bulbus are haplessly questing to find new ingredients, auditioning members of the public for their latest stew. They bring their topsy-turvy perception of our world into magical life. How would you like to be served rare, medium or well done?
  • We will also have a range of real animals including insects, snakes and spiders.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag

Hallowe'en Spooky Specials - Apedale Valley Light Railway

  • Loomer Rd, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7LB
  • Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 October - 4pm - 8pm
  • It’s a fun outing, suitable for all ages – they aim to amuse rather than terrify. Trips earlier in the day, before dark, may be more suitable for young children.
  • The steam trains will run at frequent intervals, finishing at with the last train at 8pm. It is advised that you wrap up warm and bring a torch – it’s dark in the carparking area. There’s a chance (actually, pretty much a certainty) you may get wet – so be prepared!
  • No need to book, just turn up and ride. Call 0845 094 1953 for more information or see Halloween Spooky SpecialsApedale Valley Light Railway (avlr.org.uk) Suitable for all ages.
  • They are pleased to welcome visitors of all abilities, and their train can convey wheelchairs
  • Standard fares apply: return tickets: adult - £4, child £2, family £9. See Fares and Times | Apedale Valley Light Railway (avlr.org.uk)

Pumpkin Carving with Grow North Staffs

  • Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Sunday 27 October - 2pm
  • If you would like to discuss your family's accessibility requirements please get in touch: bramptonmuseum@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk or 01782 619705
  • Age 7+
  • FREE

Bee Active Hallowe'en Spooktacular

  • Hanley Park, Cleveland Road, Hanley, ST1 4DX
  • Sunday 27 October, 10am - 1pm (last entry at 12:30pm)
  • Walk, run, scoot, skate or ride around the course, finding clues hidden along the way. Collect stamps and cash them in for a sweet treat at the end. There will be stalls and entertainment as well.
  • The organisers expect the course will take most families about an hour to complete.
  • There will be a prize for the best fancy dress costume.
  • Bok tickets and find out more: Bee Active Hallowe'en Trail tickets
  • £3 per child (under 2s and parent carers free)

Warhammer Sundays at Vellichor Books

  • 11-12 Piccadilly Arcade, Hanley, ST1 1DL
  • Sunday 27 October, Sunday 3 November, 11am - 5pm
  • Build, paint, play.
  • Don't know where to start? use one of our FREE models to build, paint and get to grips with Warhammer.
  • Please contact Vellichor Books for further details vellichorbooks@outlook.com or 07538 322 271.
  • Please note that wheelchair access is unfortunately limited.
  • Free

Hocus Pocus dance and drama workshop (age 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 28 October: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • A workshop exploring dance and drama. Young people will have chance to socialise, have fun and get creative. Perfect for budding stage stars.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/
  • Age 6+
  • £5 per child

Tots’ Film Club – Room on the Broom and The Highway Rat/ Coco

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 28 October: 10am: Room on the Broom and The Highway Rat
  • Monday 28 October: 12pm: Coco
  • MAC say: “Our Tots Films are ideal for your little ones; providing a relaxed environment for their first cinema experiences!”
  • No trailers or adverts. Film starts promptly at time stated.
  • For more information and to book a place see https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/ or call 01782 409 307

A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Zoo2U family session with Kindi by Project Indi

  • The Indi Club, Ralph Drive, ST1 6HZ
  • Tuesday 29 October, 9:30am - 11:30am
  • A fun family session where you can meet and interact with the animals. Breakfast will be provided.
  • Places must be booked in advance by phone 01782 212 000 or email info@projectindi.org.uk.
  • FREE - booking is essential

Harry Potter dance and drama workshop (age 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 29 October: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • A workshop exploring dance and drama. Young people will have chance to socialise, have fun and get creative. Perfect for budding stage stars.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/
  • Age 6+
  • £5 per child

Hallowe'en crafts at Vellichor Books

  • 11-12 Piccadilly Arcade, Hanley, ST1 1DL
  • Tuesday 29 October, 12pm onwards
  • Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Pick your spooky shape, decorate it and take it home to scare your family!
  • Please contact Vellichor Books for further details vellichorbooks@outlook.com or 07538 322 271.
  • Please note that wheelchair access is unfortunately limited.
  • £2 per person

Wellbeing day with Action for Children

  • Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Tuesday 29 October - drop in any time
  • If you would like to discuss your family's accessibility requirements please get in touch: bramptonmuseum@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk or 01782 619705
  • Everyone welcome
  • FREE

Wildfamilies Drop-in

Kindi Club Senior by Project Indi (for Year 7 to age 18)

  • The Indi Club, Ralph Drive, ST1 6HZ
  • Tuesday 29 October, 5pm - 7pm
  • An inclusive club for young people with special educational needs or disabilities, providing a safe and fun environment where children can connect, grow, and thrive.
  • Each session will offer exciting activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re into sports, creative arts, movie nights, fun-filled discos, or karaoke, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Includes a tasty meal
  • To book, call 01782 212 000 or email info@projectindi.org.uk.
  • £5 per child, parents and carers free.

Kindi Club Junior by Project Indi (for children in Year 1 - Year 6)

  • The Indi Club, Ralph Drive, ST1 6HZ
  • Wednesday 30 October, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
  • An inclusive club for young people with special educational needs or disabilities, providing a safe and fun environment where children can connect, grow, and thrive.
  • Each session will offer exciting activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re into sports, creative arts, movie nights, fun-filled discos, or karaoke, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Includes a tasty meal
  • To book, call 01782 212 000 or email info@projectindi.org.uk.
  • £5 per child, parents and carers free.

Tots’ Film Club – Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit/ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Wednesday 30 October: 10am - Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit
  • Wednesday 30 October: 12pm - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
  • MAC say: “Our Tots Films are ideal for your little ones; providing a relaxed environment for their first cinema experiences!”
  • No trailers or adverts. Film starts promptly at time stated.
  • For more information and to book a place see https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/ or call 01782 409 307

A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Wednesday dance and drama workshop (age 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Wednesday 30 October: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • A workshop exploring dance and drama. Young people will have chance to socialise, have fun and get creative. Perfect for budding stage stars.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/
  • Age 6+
  • £5 per child

Clay Goblins at the Potteries Museum

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Wednesday 30 October
  • Thursday 31 October
  • Drop in activity 10:30am -12pm and 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Have ago at making your very own grotesque Goblin from clay to take home.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • £3 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homestart Hallowe'en party for under 7s

  • Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Thursday 31 October - 10:30am
  • If you would like to discuss your family's accessibility requirements please get in touch: bramptonmuseum@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk or 01782 619705
  • For under 7s but siblings welcome to come along
  • FREE

Pumpkin in the Park with Friends of Yeaman Street Park

OOOAARGH! Pirates at Gladstone Pottery Museum

  • Uttoxeter Rd, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ
  • Thursday 31 October, Drop in 11am – 3pm.
  • Join us this Halloween for a ghostly pirate event at the museum. Gather round all ye mummies and deadies, bouys and ghouls and listen to these dead men tellin’ no tales! The captains of their very own grim galleons the OOOAARGH! Pirates glide like ghosts of the seven seas, liftin’ the spirits with their supernatural ships. There will also be a range of live animals including a pirate’s favourite Macaw parrot. 
  • Normal admission charges apply. Adults: £8.50 Children: £5.95 (4 – 16 years inclusive) Concessions: £6.95 (Students and over 65's) 
  • (Gladstone’s Annual Pass provides outstanding value if you plan on visiting the museum more than once. Adult passes cost £12.95 each – children and concessions £10.95 each – and entitle the user to free entry for 12 months.)

Dimensions Sensory Splash session

  • Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
  • Friday 1 November 7-8pm 
  • Sunday 3 November 9-10am
  • A SEND sensory family session will be in a fun-filled environment designed to stimulate and engage different senses.
  • *Payment required when booking to secure your spot*
  • £4.90 per person, carers free.
  • For more information and booking: • Call us at 01782 233500 • Email us at dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

Climate Cafe at B Arts

  • B-Arts 72 Hartshill Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7RB
  • Saturday 2 November, 10am - 3pm
  • A space to try out creative ways of making art, crafts, mending, re-using, thinking, cooking, eating, sharing resources and talking about climate justice.
  • There is an easy read booklet that tells you what you can expect at the Climate Cafe - you can read it here.
  • FREE
  • All ages

Panda-monium Interactive Trail event @ Peak Wildlife Park 

  • Winkhill, Leek, ST13 7QR
  • Open 10am – 5pm every day.
  • This event will be included with the regular day ticket price and does not require a separate booking.
  • Book online at www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk
  • Call 01538 308 880 for more information. The park is fully wheelchair-accessible. See the website for more accessibility information. https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/accessibility
  • Suitable for all ages. £18.95/child, £20.95/adult. Carers and under 2s free.

Pirate Hats at Gladstone Pottery Museum

  • Uttoxeter Rd, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ
  • Thursday 31 October, Drop in 11am – 3pm.
  • Ahoy there! Why not have a go at making a pirate hat to wear. Decorate it with ribbons and feathers. (All children must be accompanied by an adult)
  • £3 plus normal admission charges. Adults: £8.50 Children: £5.95 (4 – 16 years inclusive) Concessions: £6.95 (Students and over 65's) 
  • (Gladstone’s Annual Pass provides outstanding value if you plan on visiting the museum more than once. Adult passes cost £12.95 each – children and concessions £10.95 each – and entitle the user to free entry for 12 months.)

Diwali at the Potteries Museum

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 2 November, 11am-5:30pm
  • Discover the story of Diwali as we celebrate the colourful and vibrant Hindu and Sikh Festival of Lights at the museum with traditional music, dance and craft activities. Free, 11am – 5.30pm
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • FREE

Make a sparkling clay pot at the Potteries Museum

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 2 November 
  • Drop in activity 11am-1pm and 2pm - 3pm
  • As part of the Diwali celebrations at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery you can make a small pot from clay. Add some sequins to make it sparkle! You can even add a battery tea light if you have one at home and use it as a lamp.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • £3 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.