Things to do in October half term

Inclusive holiday activities

SEND specific activities

S.E.N.D. Family Fun at Fenton Manor (ages 0-12)

  • Fenton Manor Sports Complex, City Road, Fenton, ST4 2RR
  • Monday 26 October, 9:30am - 11:30am and 12pm - 2pm
  • Friday 30 October, 9:30am - 11:30am and 12pm - 2pm
  • Inflatables, mobile play, games and activities for children and families.
  • Dedicated session available on Friday 30 October, 12pm - 2pm, for children and young people with complex needs.
  • Booking required. Book here: Family play oct half term - non aiming high with Active Stoke · Eequ
  • £1 per child. Children under 3 years attend free.

Dimensions Sensory Splash session

  • Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
  • Friday, 7-8pm 
  • Sunday, 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

Super 1s Cricket Sessions (ages 10-25)

  • Clayton Sports Centre, 1 Stafford Avenue, Newcastle, ST5 3BN
  • Sunday 25 October, 10:30am - 12pm
  • Free cricket session for young people with disabilities.
  • Develop cricket skills, take part in team activities and meet new people in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • All disabilities welcome.
  • For more information, contact Steve Lightfoot at s.lightfoot@staffordshirecricket.co.uk or visit www.lordstaverners.org.
  • Free entry.
  • For ages 10-25.

Together Thursday with Indi Club 

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Thursday, 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

Day opportunities at the Grocott Centre (age 18+)

  • Blurton Community Hub, Ingestre Square, ST3 3JT
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am - 3pm
  • Social opportunities for adults (age 18+) to engage in activities and meet new people.
  • For more information about day opportunities pathways, contact louise@thegrocottcentre.co.uk or 01782 324715

SEND Youth club (ages 12-25)

  • Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU
  • Tuesday, 6:45pm - 8:45pm
  • 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

SEND Youth club (ages 12-25)

  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishop Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6QW
  • Wednesday, 6:45pm - 8:45pm
  • 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

Indi Club day time activities (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - morning session 9:30am - 12pm, afternoon session 1 - 3:30pm, full day 9:30am - 3:30pm
  • 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 (age 16+)

  • Clayton Sports Centre, 1 Stafford Ave, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 3BN
  • Tuesday, 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

Ninja Warrior SEND session

  • 1 Sun St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4JW
  • Saturdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm
  • A SEN friendly session with fewer people, and reduced noise levels. For more information and to book see their website Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Stoke online tickets
  • £9 per child, carers free - entry cost pays for 1 hour of play.
  • For ages 4+

Inflato SEN session

  • Inflato Bounce Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5SG
  • Wednesday, 5-6pm
  • Inflato SEN session - a calm, fun session for children with additional needs and their families. The session runs at half capacity, with no music, calm lighting and no loud distractions. One carer free with every child.
  • For more information and to book, visit: Inflato Stoke – Top Inflatable Park for Family Days Out
  • Cost: Under 4 years - £7.99, ages 4-14 - £11.99

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.

Wild Play (ages 0-7)

  • The Wallace Centre, Abbey Hulton
  • Thursday 29 October, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
  • Join the Nature Connect Club for outdoor autumn activities including wild painting, a mud kitchen, rain charm making, clay play and nature-based exploration.
  • Suitable for children up to 7 years old.
  • Good to know: Activities take place outdoors and include messy and nature-based play.
  • No booking required, just turn up.
  • Free entry.

Burslem Family Fun Day (all ages)

  • Legends Lounge, Port Vale Football Club, Hamil Road, Burslem
  • Monday 26 October, 11am - 3pm
  • A free family fun day with arts and crafts, activities and games, illustration workshops and a toddler zone.
  • Meet the author and illustrator of Stop Loan Sharks and celebrate the launch of a new book.
  • Good to know: A free copy of Doubling Doubloons is available for each family.
  • No booking required - drop in at any time.
  • All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Free entry.

Autumn Story Week (ages 0-12)

  • Various Best Start Family Hub locations across Stoke-on-Trent.
  • Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October
  • Step into an autumn story world filled with crafts, messy play, sensory play, games, story time and lots more.
  • Free fun for children aged 0 to 12 years.
  • Good to know: We sometimes take photos and videos at events. If you do not want your child to be included, please tell a member of staff.
  • Free entry.

Room on the Broom (ages 0-12)

  • Blurton Best Start Family Hub, Finstock Avenue, ST3 3JU
  • Monday 26 October, 10am - 12pm
  • Autumn Story Week activities based on the story Room on the Broom, including crafts, sensory play and themed activities.
  • Free entry.
  • Chell Heath Best Start Family Hub, Bishops Road, ST6 6QW
  • Monday 26 October, 1pm - 3pm
  • Autumn Story Week activities based on the story Room on the Broom, including crafts, sensory play and themed activities.
  • Free entry.

That's Not My Pumpkin (ages 0-12)

  • Best Start Family Hub at Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre Basement, Hanley, ST1 1PP
  • Tuesday 27 October, 10am - 12pm
  • Autumn Story Week activities inspired by That's Not My Pumpkin, including sensory and themed play opportunities.
  • Free entry.
  • Best Start Family Hub at Tunstall Town Hall, 142 High Street, ST6 5TP
  • Tuesday 27 October, 1pm - 3pm
  • Autumn Story Week activities inspired by That's Not My Pumpkin, including sensory and themed play opportunities.
  • Free entry.

How to Train Your Dragon (ages 0-12)

  • Normacot Best Start Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, ST3 4RF
  • Wednesday 28 October, 10am - 12pm
  • Join in with themed crafts, games, sensory activities and story-based fun inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.
  • Free entry.
  • Best Start Family Hub at Longton Market, Stall 33, Transport Lane, Longton, ST3 2HW
  • Wednesday 28 October, 10am - 2pm
  • Join in with themed crafts, games, sensory activities and story-based fun inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.
  • Free entry.

Autumn Tales and Trails (ages 0-12)

  • Breathe New Life Church, 1455 Leek Road, Abbey Hulton, ST2 8BY
  • Wednesday 28 October, 11am - 2pm
  • Enjoy autumn-themed stories, trails and family activities as part of Autumn Story Week.
  • Free entry.

We're Going on a Monster Hunt (ages 0-12)

  • Shelton Best Start Family Hub, College Road, ST4 2DQ
  • Thursday 29 October, 10am - 12pm
  • Join in with monster-themed crafts, sensory play, games and story activities.
  • Free entry.
  • Abbey Hulton Best Start Family Hub, Abbots Road, ST2 8DU
  • Thursday 29 October, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
  • Join in with monster-themed crafts, sensory play, games and story activities.
  • Delivered in partnership with Nature Connect and The Wallace Centre.
  • Free entry.

Owl Babies (ages 0-12)

  • Bentilee Best Start Family Hub, Dawlish Drive, ST2 0HW
  • Friday 30 October, 1pm - 3pm
  • Story-themed activities based on Owl Babies, including crafts, sensory play and family fun.
  • Free entry.
  • Best Start Family Hub at Longton Market, Stall 33, Transport Lane, Longton, ST3 2HW
  • Friday 30 October, 10am - 2pm
  • Story-themed activities based on Owl Babies, including crafts, sensory play and family fun.
  • Free entry.

Halloween Animal Session (ages 4-16)

  • The Unconventional Menagerie, 11-15 Market Street, Longton, ST3 1BE
  • Thursday 29 October, 1pm - 2pm
  • Come and meet a whole host of different animals and take part in spooky Halloween-themed activities.
  • Good to know: This is a SEND-focused session.
  • The venue is wheelchair accessible.
  • Please note: There is no wheelchair-accessible toilet.
  • Booking required - please call 01782 593819.
  • £5 per person.
  • For ages 4-16.

Halloween Spooktacular (all ages)

  • The Unconventional Menagerie, 11-15 Market Street, Longton, ST3 1BE
  • Sunday 25 October, 1pm - 4pm
  • A Halloween-themed afternoon featuring animals, stalls, games and family activities.
  • Meet and learn about a variety of animals including farmyard animals, meerkats, small mammals, owls, parrots, crocodiles, lizards and snakes.
  • Activities include creepy crawlies, bush tucker trials, apple bobbing and face painting.
  • Good to know: Organisers advise visitors can arrive at any time between 1pm and 4pm to avoid queues. Cash is preferred for stalls.
  • All money raised supports local rescues.
  • £2 per adult, £1 per child.

Mitchell Arts Centre Half-Term Activities

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • A range of family-friendly activities taking place during the October half-term holiday.
  • Many activities require booking. For more information and booking, visit the Mitchell Arts Centre website.

Bubble Displays (all ages)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 26 October, throughout the day
  • Interactive outdoor soap bubble displays featuring giant bubbles, long bubble tubes, waves of bubbles and clouds of bubble foam.
  • Display times: 10:30am-11am, 11:30am-12pm, 12:30pm-1pm and 1:30pm-2pm.
  • Good to know: Located outdoors at the front entrance.
  • Drop-in session.
  • Free entry.

Party Roo "Through the Years" Disco (all ages)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 26 October, 11am-12:30pm
  • Wednesday 28 October, 10:30am-12pm
  • A family disco featuring music from different decades, party games and current chart favourites.
  • Adults accompanying children do not require a ticket.
  • Good to know: The event takes place in the Spitfire Café. Food and drinks are available to purchase.
  • Wednesday's session includes free face painting between 11am and 1pm.
  • £4 per child.

Clay Fossils and Shells (ages 7+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 26 October, 11am-12:30pm
  • Create clay fossils and shells in this immersive pottery workshop delivered in partnership with HSL Pottery.
  • Good to know: One ticket includes one child, one accompanying adult and one fired clay piece.
  • Takes place in the Ellipse Room.
  • £5 per child and one adult.
  • For ages 7+.

Butterflies (all ages)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 26 October, 1:15pm
  • A film screening of an uplifting story about friendship, courage and overcoming worries.
  • Good to know: Takes place in the auditorium.
  • Free entry.

Interplanetary Craft Workshop (ages 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 27 October, 10am-11:30am
  • Create 2D and 3D planets using paint, collage and mixed-media materials in this imaginative space-themed workshop.
  • Participants will contribute to a collaborative artwork displayed at the arts centre.
  • Good to know: One child ticket allows one accompanying adult to attend.
  • Takes place in the Ellipse Room.
  • Free entry.
  • For ages 6+.

Under 18s Open Mic (under 18s)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 27 October, 12pm-2pm
  • A welcoming performance space for young people who enjoy music and performing.
  • Designed to build confidence in a supportive environment.
  • Good to know: Takes place in the Spitfire Café.
  • Drop-in session.
  • Free entry.

Sand Dragon Show (all ages)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 27 October, 12pm-1pm
  • A magical theatre performance featuring songs, puppets, changing scenery and storytelling.
  • Good to know: Takes place in the auditorium.
  • £5 per child, £4 per adult.

Dance Through the Decades Dance Workshop (ages 7+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Wednesday 28 October, 10:30am-12pm (registration from 10:15am)
  • A fun dance and drama workshop packed with movement, creativity and performing arts activities.
  • No previous experience required.
  • Good to know: Children should bring a drink.
  • Takes place in the Dance Studio.
  • £5 per child.
  • For ages 7+.

Make Your Own Zine Workshop (ages 6+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 29 October, 10am-11:30am
  • Create your own zine through art, doodling and mindfulness-based activities.
  • Good to know: One child ticket allows one accompanying adult to attend.
  • Takes place in the Ellipse Room.
  • Free face painting available between 10:30am and 12:30pm.
  • Free entry.
  • For ages 6+.

Circus in a Box (ages 8+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 29 October, 12pm-1:30pm
  • Learn circus skills including juggling, plate spinning, diabolo and balancing activities.
  • Suitable for beginners and families wanting to try something new together.
  • Good to know: This is a parent/carer and child activity involving physical movement.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • £5 for one adult and one child.
  • For ages 8+.

Make & Bake – Spooky Spider Biscuit and Ghost Cookie (all ages)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Friday 30 October, from 11am
  • Create spooky themed biscuits and cookies in this self-led drop-in activity.
  • Children can develop new skills and get creative in a relaxed environment.
  • Good to know: No booking required. Early arrival is recommended.
  • Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible spaces, sensory bags, quiet areas and familiarisation visits.
  • Donations towards materials are welcome.
  • Free entry.