Things to do in October half term

25 October - 2 November

Super 1s inclusive cricket session (ages 10-25)

  • Clayton Sports Centre, Stafford Avenue, Newcastle, ST5 3BZ
  • Sunday 2 November, 11:30am – 1pm
  • Free inclusive cricket sessions for ages 10-25. All disabilities welcome.
  • For more information and to book email Steve s.lightfoot@staffordshirecricket.co.uk or call 07789 265 618
  • Free

SEND Youth club (ages 12-24)

  • Tuesday 28 October, 6:45pm - 8:45pm @ Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU
  • Wednesday 29 October, 6:45 - 8:45 @ Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishop Road, ST6 6QW
  • Meet other young people and make friends while you enjoy activities like playing pool, board games and arts and crafts.
  • For more information email alan.mason@stoke.gov.uk or call 07717 714 299
  • Free

Dimensions Sensory Splash session

  • Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
  • Friday 31 October, 7-8pm 
  • Sunday 2 Novemver, 9-10am
  • A SEND sensory family session will be in a fun-filled environment designed to stimulate and engage different senses.
  • £5.30 per person, carers free.
  • For more information and booking: • Call us at 01782 233500 • Email us at dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

Peter Pan stay and play group (age 0-5)

  • Monday, 27 October, 10am - 12pm
  • @ Port Vale Family Hub (previously known as Bescura Hub), Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW -
  • Relaxed and friendly sessions for families with young children who require extra support.
  • For more information or to book, please call 01782 715 219 or email familysupport@thepeterpancentre.co.uk
  • £5

Indi Club day time activities (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Monday 27 Oct
    • 9:30am - 12pm: Hallowe'en arts and crafts
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Dance workshop with Harji
  • Tuesday 28 Oct
    • 9:30am - 12pm: Cook and eat with Tom
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Essential skills with Sarah
  • Wednesday 29 Oct
    • 9:30am - 12pm: Multisports with Stoke City Community Trust
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: The Indi Choir - singing session
  • Friday 31 Oct
    • 9:30am - 12pm: ETS Indi Martial Arts with Pete 
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Dance session with ABSOD
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs.
  • To find out more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 07709 716 293 or 01782 212 000
  • To book visit: Project Indi
  • Cost: £11 for half day session, £20 for full day session, carers go free

Indi in the Community - Board games and brews (age 16+)

  • Clayton Sports Centre, 1 Stafford Ave, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 3BN
  • Tuesday 28 October, 1pm - 3pm
  • An inclusive weekly social group for adults with disabilities to connect, have fun and enhance their wellbeing. From art and music sessions to sports and nature walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs
  • For more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 01782 212 000
  • Book online here: Project Indi
  • £5 per person

Indi Club Together Thursday (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Thursday 30 October, 4:30pm - 8:30pm
  • An inclusive and welcoming weekly social night where you can connect, have fun, and experience new and exciting activities.
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs
  • For more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 07709 716 293 or 01782 212 000
  • Book online here: Project Indi
  • £5 per person

Trampolining sessions (ages 4-18) 

  • Wallace Centre, 63 Abbots Rd, Abbey Hulton, ST2 8DU
  • Thursday 30 October
    • SEND group session: 1:30pm - 2:30pm 
      • Coaches will be on the trampoline with your child and provide 1:1 support. This will be for 20 minutes of the session. 40 minutes is free time (unable to run around)
      • There will be a Sensory and chill out matted area
      • Cost £5.50 per child
      • For ages 4-18
  • Open to children and adults with learning and/or physical disabilities (hoist available)
  • To book visit Class Timetable – Jump 2 it Coaching and North Staffordshire Trampolining Gymnastics Club

NSAAA (North Staffs Aspergers and Autism Association) activities

  • Activities are for NSAAA members only - annual membership is £15 per person, or £55 for a family of up to 6 people. To find out more about membership and activities please contact info@nsaaa.co.uk or 01782 627002. 
    • Tuesday 28 October - Hurricane Gaming (under 18s)
    • Friday 31 October - Explore Apedale Country Park

Family Hubs Sensory Rooms

  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW
  • Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • Shelton Family Hub, College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ
  • Suitable for any age and can be therapeutic for people with a wide range of different needs.
  • Must be booked in advance, Bookings are for one-hour slots.
  • To book call the Family Hub you would like to visit:
    • Chell Heath - 01782 232 977
    • Normacot - 01782 237 500
    • Shelton - 01782 237 100
  • FREE

Additional Needs Evening @ Waterworld

  • No music, reduced guest numbers, friendly team on hand to assist, ride slides with a carer, floatation devices available, all rides and attractions open (excluding the Nucleus and outdoor pool)
  • For more info: 01782 205 747
  • £24 – book tickets at www.waterworld.co.uk
  • 6 – 8pm @ Waterworld, Festival Park, Etruria, ST1 5PU

Other activities you may enjoy:

These activities are not SEND-specific but have been identified by the organisers as being SEND-inclusive. All information is provided by the organisers. Please do contact them to find out any further details that are important for your family.

Family Hubs family fun sessions (ages 0 - 12)

  • Autumn themed activities, no need to book, just come along.
  • Monday 27 Ocrober - 1 - 3pm @ Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishops Road, ST6 6QW
  • Tuesday 28 October - 1 - 3pm @ Blurton Family Hub, Finstock Avenue, ST3 3JU
  • Wednesday 29 October - 10am - 12pm @ Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, ST3 4RF
  • Thursday 30 October - 1 - 3pm @ Shelton Family Hub, College Road, ST4 2DQ
  • Friday 31 October - 1 - 3pm @ Family Hub @ Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre, Basement, ST1 1PP

Climate Café @ B Arts (all ages)

  • @ B Arts, 72 Hartshill Road, ST4 7RBThis month’s theme is Leaves and Light, Roots and Regeneration.
  • Saturday 1 November - 10am- 3pm
  • Activities include Knit and Natter, Charcoal Sketching, and clothes, toys and books swap.
  • Free activities, with 'pay what you can' vegetarian / vegan community meal.
  • Please note: 10 – 11am is usually the quietest hour.
  • For more info see What's On — B arts

Halloween Fun with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (ages 5+, but younger siblings welcomed)

  • @ Brampton Museum, Brampton Road, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Tuesday 28 October, drop in 11am – 2pm
  • Come and join the Wildlife Trust for some fantastic Halloween Fun, including weird and wonderful arts and crafts, cooking, muddy potions and a Halloween trail.
  • No need to book but do let us know in advance if your child has any access needs or if there is anything we can do make the sessions more accessible.For more information contact Elise Turner 01782 742212 elise.turner@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

Dance and Drama workshops (age 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Step Up - street dance workshop - Monday 27 October: registration 9:45 am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm - book here: Mitchell Arts Centre
  • Tchaikovsky ballet workshop - Tuesday 28 October: Tuesday October: registration 9:45 am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm - book here: Mitchell Arts Centre
  • MAC say: “Let your child shine this half-term with our exciting Dance and Drama Workshops! Packed with fun, creativity, and thrilling performing arts activities, it's the perfect way for kids to explore their talents and make new friends. Please note this is a student only activity and is strictly age 6+."
  • "Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs. 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. MAC are not able to provide 1:1 support”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk Age 7 - 11
  • £5 per child

Make and Bake session - Halloween pictures & firework cones

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Friday 31 October, 11am
  • A free, self-led, drop-in session at the Spitfire Cafe bar that allows children to create their own items around a variety of themes.
  • No booking is required, but it's recommended to arrive early to get a reservation
  • More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and Mitchell Arts Centre
  • All ages welcome
  • FREE

Tots' Film Club

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Sunday 26 October, 10am: Room on the Broom and Stickman
  • Friday 31 October, 10am The Curse of the Were Rabbit
  • MAC say: “Our Tots Films are ideal for your little ones; providing a relaxed environment for their first cinema experiences! Due to high demand, please book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!”
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Family Film Club

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Sunday 26 October, 12pm: Coco (PG)
  • Friday 31 October, 12pm: Hotel Transylvania (PG)
  • MAC say: “Whether you are introducing these films to your children for the first time or just look forward to enjoying them once again on the big screen this season we have chosen some of the most popular family films. No trailers or adverts. Film starts at 12 midday prompt. Film starts at advertised times so please arrive with plenty of time.This is a relaxed film screening. Due to high demand, please book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!"
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Hallowe'en Scary Trains - Apedale Valley Light Railway (all ages)

  • Loomer Rd, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7LB
  • Friday and Saturday, 31 October and 1 November- 3pm - 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 Specials Apedale Valley Light Railway 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)

YMCA Go! trips (ages 10 - 16)

  • Pick up and drop off from various locations
  • YMCA Go! are running a variety of day trips throughout half term including a trip to Heaton Park of Horrors and a New Vic workshop. 
  • Transport pick ups and drop offs are offered at multiple locations around the city, to create access for all young people
  • To find out more about the activities and to book them, please visit YMCA GO! -
  • Ages 10-16
  • £6 per child (£3 if in receipt of free school meals)

World Anatomy Day (Age 7+) @ Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 25 October, 11am - 3pm 
  • Celebrate World Anatomy Day with lecturers from Keele University. Discover the functions of organs in our bodies with trivia questions, worksheets and jigsaw models. Have a go at making a skeleton with plastic bones and take part in a trail designed for all ages exploring the structure of the human body.
  • Good to know: We have a disabled toilet on the Lower Ground and the Ground Floor.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • Free

Ozzy Owl's Spooky Spell Trail (Age 4+) @ Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 25 October - Saturday 1 November during opening times. 
  • Ozzy Owl is casting a spooky spell. He needs 12 ingredients from around the museum for the spell to be completed. Can you find them all?
  • Good to know: We have a disabled toilet on the Lower Ground and the Ground Floor.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • £1.50 per trail, includes free pencil.

The Hidden Wonders Hunt (Age 4+) @ Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 25 October - Saturday 1 November during opening times. 
  • Children aged 4+ and their families are invited to experience the joy of discovery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery this October half term. The Hidden Wonders Hunt is a free spotter trail from Kids in Museums and Walker Books, celebrating the release of The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours, a new book from bestselling author-illustrator Chloe Savage
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • Free

DJ Booth and the Wheels of Steel – Zombie Disco (Age 7+) @ Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 25 October, 11:30am - 3pm. Free appearances at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. 
  • Presenting DJ Booth, Vince Vinyl and the “Wheels of Steel” mobile disco and cabaret. Experience Saturday Night Fever and Sunday Night at the Palladium rolled into one big Halloween glitzy ball of music, mullets and bingo-calling. You will hear them in our galleries playing thrilling tunes to send a shiver down your spine. Zombie Disco will bring that disco groove to the unlikeliest situation.
  • Good to know: We have a disabled toilet on the Lower Ground and the Ground Floor.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • Free

Creepy Clay Cauldrons (Age 6+) @ Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October, 11:30am - 3pm. Drop in 10:30-12:00 and 13:00-15:00
  • Get creative and make your own creepy cauldron from clay to take home. ‘Eye of newt, and toe of frog’ what will you put inside your cauldron?
  • Good to know: We have a disabled toilet on the Lower Ground and the Ground Floor.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag
  • Free

Reaseheath Mini Zoo (activities from age 4+)

  • Reaseheath College, Nantwich, CW5 6DF
  • 10am - 4pm daily
  • Reaseheath say, "Reaseheath Mini Zoo is set in the scenic rural grounds of Reaseheath College. During your visit you will see species from around the world, why not catch a keeper talk to find out more about our collection. The zoo is used by students at the college in term time, and because of this we are only open to the public during school holidays and at weekends.There’s something for everyone at Reaseheath Mini Zoo, we hope you enjoy your visit!"
  • Good to know: venue is wheelchair accessible, there are wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities. Reaseheath Mini Zoo is fully inclusive. We have a quiet room available, sensory bags to borrow. More info on accessibility here: Accessibility - Reaseheath Zoo Quieter times are generally Saturday before 11am or after 2.30pm or Sunday before 11am. 
  • For further information please email Zoo@reaseheath.ac.uk or call 01270613222 (opt 1 for the zoo)
  • No need to book in advance, please note only card payments are accepted.
  • Cost: £8 adults, £7 children/concessions, age 3 and under free, one free essential carer per disabled visitor (for further details see Opening times and prices)