Things to do in the autumn half term holiday

Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November

SEND-specific activities:

Our Space's Halloween Disco (ages 16+)

  • Our Space, The Brook Centre,Stanier Street, Newcastle, ST5 2SU.
  • Saturday 26 October, 6:30 - 9pm
  • Find your best and scariest Halloween costume and go along for some spooky tunes and ghoulish dancing
  • This is a social for over 16s only - an event for teenagers and adults with a disability.
  • Please contact office@ourspacestaffs.org.uk for details, or phone us  01782 436758.
  • Age 16+
  • £5.00 per person, carers free. No need to book in advance.

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

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.

Our Space family session

  • Our Space, The Brook Centre,Stanier Street, Newcastle, ST5 2SU.
  • Tuesday 29 October, 9:30am - 12:00pm
  • A chance for the whole family (including siblings who do not have any additional needs) to come and use the facilities together.
  • All places must be booked in advance.
  • Please contact office@ourspacestaffs.org.uk for details, or phone us on  01782 436758.
  • All ages

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.

Indi Club Halloween Party (all ages)

  • The Indi Club, Ralph Drive, Sneyd Green, ST1 6HZ
  • Thursday 31 October, 4:30pm - 8:30pm
  • An evening of Halloween funm with ghoulish games, a live DJ and a spooky costume competition.
  • Tickets include a burger or hot dog.
  • Buy your tickets online here: Buy tickets – Halloween Party! – The Indi Club
  • £7.50 per adult, £5 under 16s, £5 carers

Other activities you may enjoy:

Please note: These activities are not SEND-specific, for further details on accessibility, please contact the organisers.

The BIG Hallowe'en Street Party (all ages)

  • Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley)
  • Saturday 26 October 
  • Timings
    • 10am onwards - market
    • 11am - Keep it Local Crafts (no need to book, but subject to availability)
    • 1pm - Costume parade (starting by the big blue clock near the main entrance to the Potteries Centre
    • Other entertainment will be staggered through the day.
  • Enjoy music, street entertainers, a costume contest and trick-or-treating plus an autumnal appearance from Potteries Artisan Market and creepy crafting in the Keep It Local Creative Department store located in The Potteries Centre.
  • Free, all ages

Gastro Goblins at the Potteries Museum (all ages)

  • 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 (all ages)

  • 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 (age 7+)

Bee Active Hallowe'en Spooktacular (all ages)

  • 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

Baby Pumpkins Baby Sensory Session with Family Hubs (0-12 months)

  • Monday 28 October, 10am - 11am, Stoke North Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW
  • Monday 28 October, 1pm - 2pm, Thomas Boughey Family Hub College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ
  • Tuesday 29 October, 1pm - 2pm, 9:30am - 10:30am, Westfield Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • See www.facebook.com/stokefamilyhubs for more information
  • Free
  • Ages 0-12 months

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

Mini Monsters with Family Hubs (0-5 years)

  • Monday 28 October, 10am - 11am, Thomas Boughey Family Hub College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ
  • Monday 28 October, 1pm - 2pm, Stoke North Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW
  • Thursday 31 October, 11:30am - 12:30pm, Westfield Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • Messy play with songs and fun.
  • See www.facebook.com/stokefamilyhubs for more information
  • Free
  • Ages 0-5 years.

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 307A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

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

Monster Mash with Family Hubs (0-10 years)

  • Tuesday 29 October, 1pm - 3pm, Tunstall Family Hub, 194 High St, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5TP
  • Wednesday 30 October, 10am - 12pm, Stoke North Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW
  • Wednesday 30 October, 1pm - 3pm, Westfield Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • Thursday 31 October, 1pm - 3pm, Stoke LIbrary, South Wolfe Street, Stoke, ST4 4SZ, 
  • Friday 1 November, 10am - 12pm, Thomas Boughey Family Hub, College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ
  • Friday 1 November, 1:30pm - 3pm, Hope Centre, Upper Huntbach Street, Hanley, ST1 2BN
  • Music, activities and ghoulish games.
  • See www.facebook.com/stokefamilyhubs for more information
  • Free
  • Ages 0-10 years.

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

Jurassic Takeover - T-Rex and Dilophosaurus - all ages

  • Affinity Outlet shopping centre, Talke Pits, ST7 1XD
  • Tuesday 29 October, 11am - 4pm
  • T-Rex appearance - 2 interactive shows during the day - featuring giant, lifelike walkabout dinosaurs,
  • Dilophosaurus appearance - 2 interactive shows during the day - featuring giant, lifelike walkabout dinosaurs
  • Meet the baby dinosaurs - 2 interactive shows during the day
  • Ranger training workshops - 5 sessions during the day
  • No need to book but there is more info at their website - Jurassic Takeover details.
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Free

Jurassic Takeover - Spinosaurus and Raptor - all ages

  • Affinity Outlet shopping centre, Talke Pits, ST7 1XD
  • Tuesday 29 October, 11am - 4pm
  • Spinosaurus appearance - 2 interactive shows during the day - featuring giant, lifelike walkabout dinosaurs,
  • Raptor appearance - 2 interactive shows during the day - featuring giant, lifelike walkabout dinosaurs
  • Meet the baby dinosaurs - 2 interactive shows during the day
  • Ranger training workshops - 5 sessions during the day
  • No need to book but there is more info at their website - Jurassic Takeover details.
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Free

YMCA Go! trip to the Halloween trail at Quarry Bank (ages 10 - 16)

  • Pick up and drop off from various locations
  • Wednesday 30 October, 3pm - 10pm
  • Outdoor evening activity - enjoy seeing fire dances, a light up spider tunnel and luminous pumpkin patches. Enter the glow in the dark haunted forest if you dare...
  • Transport pick ups and drop offs are offered at multiple locations around the city, to create access for all young people
  • For more information and to book a place please visit YMCA GO! -
  • Ages 10-16
  • £6 per child (£3 if in receipt of free school meals)

Autumn Tales and Trails (0-5 years)

  • St Stephen's Church, 161A Dawlish Dr, Bentilee, ST2 0ET
  • Wednesday 30 October, 11am - 3pm
  • By the Literacy Trust in partnership with Thrive at Five
  • A day of free autumn stories, crafts and outdoor adventures 
  • Families can enjoy 
    • Magical storytelling
    • Woodland crafts
    • Puppet theatre
    • Pumpkin sensory play
    • Free autumnal books for every child
  • No booking needed, just drop in and enjoy the fun.

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.

Big Cup Halloween party with Alice Charity (ages 0-5, older siblings welcome)

  • Westfield Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • Thursday 31 October, 10am - 12pm
  • Booking required - please  call 01782 614 838
  • £2.50 donation

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

CANCELLED - Pumpkin in the Park with Friends of Yeaman Street Park - CANCELLED

  • Thursday 31 October

SEND-friendly Halloween craft workshop

  • Diamond Families, Saverley Green Road, Saverley Green, ST11 9QX
  • Thursday 31 October, 12pm - 2pm
  • Halloween fun including games, cute animals, fancy dress prizes and a prize for the best pumpkin 
  • Call or text 07496 672 456 to book a place
  • £5 minimum donation per child

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.)

Spooky Halloween fun day at the Dudson Museum (all ages)

  • Dudson Museum, Hope Street, Hanley
  • Thursday 31 October, 10am – 2pm
  • Pumpkin painting, decorating a ceramic pumpkin, small activities painting and colouring, painting a canvas.
  • For more information, call 01782 68 30 30 or visit www.dudsonmuseum.vast.org.uk
  • Most of the activities are free, there are a couple of small payable activities which will be £1-£2.

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 email us at dimensions@stoke.gov.uk
  • To book call us at 01782 233500

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.