October half term is nearly here, and if you’re looking for ways to keep the children entertained in and around Tonbridge, there’s plenty to get excited about! From spooky Halloween trails and pumpkin picking to hands-on science shows, creative crafts and a spectacular fireworks display, there are activities for all ages this autumn.
Whether you’re planning a local adventure that won’t cost a penny or a full family day out at one of Kent’s historic castles and gardens, here are 18 fun things to do during the October half term holiday, from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
1. Halloween Trail at Tonbridge Castle
📍 Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge
Fancy exploring a historic castle with a Halloween twist? Tonbridge Castle is getting into the spooky spirit with a self-guided Halloween trail through its atmospheric historic rooms.
Children receive an activity booklet to help them hunt for hidden Halloween items around the castle. Once they’ve completed the trail, they can return to reception to collect a sweet treat. Grown-ups can also pick up an optional written or audio guide if they’d like to discover more about the castle’s history.
It’s a lovely way to combine a little local history with some seasonal fun, and you can book ahead or purchase admission on the day.
📅 17th October–8th November 2026 (includes all half term dates)
🎟️ The trail is included with castle admission.
🔗 Tonbridge Castle Halloween Trail – official event details
2. Frightening Fungi Trail at Haysden Country Park
📍 Haysden Country Park, Tonbridge
Looking for a free activity that gets everyone outdoors? Head to Haysden Country Park for a Halloween-themed circular walk around Barden Lake.
This self-led trail challenges children to hunt for some rather frightening fungi and find the missing letters that spell out a spooky word. You can collect a worksheet from the leaflet holder on the main noticeboard opposite the building and café.
Wrap up warm, bring a pen or pencil, and enjoy the autumn colours along the way. It’s a particularly good option for families who want to combine a bit of Halloween excitement with fresh air and a walk by the lake.
📅 23rd October–1st November 2026
⏰ Self-guided; complete the walk at your own pace.
🎟️ Free
🔗 Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council – Halloween trails
3. Curious Creatures Trail at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground
📍 Tonbridge Park and Racecourse Sportsground
There’s another free Halloween trail to discover in Tonbridge, this time along the riverside paths at the Racecourse Sportsground.
Follow a circular route past the play area and skate park, keeping your eyes peeled for curious creatures and frightening fungi. As with the Haysden trail, you’ll need to find missing letters to uncover a spooky word.
Worksheets can be collected from Tonbridge Castle or the café in the children’s play area. Why not make a morning of it, with a play in the park afterwards?
📅 23rd October–1st November 2026
⏰ Self-guided
🎟️ Free
🔗 Official Tonbridge Halloween trail information
4. Beware the Bad Apple! Halloween Trail at Penshurst Place
📍 Penshurst Place & Gardens, near Tonbridge
If your children love a good mystery, Penshurst Place has a wonderfully imaginative Halloween adventure planned for half term.
Meet the mischievous twin brothers Fergus Fang and Frightful Fred, and explore the grounds in search of the ingredients needed for their not-quite-deadly poison apple potion. It’s a seasonal outdoor adventure with plenty of opportunities for little detectives to follow clues and let their imaginations run wild.
There’s more to enjoy than the trail, too. Halloween crafts will be available in the Old Coach House, while a programme of not-too-scary, pantomime-style storytelling is scheduled for the week. The trail and crafts run throughout the main half term period, with storytelling from 26th to 31st October.
📅 Halloween trail and crafts: 24th October–1st November 2026
⏰ Trail: 10am–5pm; crafts: 11am–3.30pm. Storytelling on selected dates, 26th–31st October.
🎟️ Included with admission.
🔗 Penshurst Place – events and activities
5. Spooktacular Science at Hever Castle
📍 Hever Castle & Gardens, near Edenbridge
For children who love experiments, mysteries and a little Halloween magic, Hever Castle is hosting a science-themed half term event called Spooktacular Science.
Start with the Mad Scientists Halloween Trail around the grounds, searching for hidden letters and solving a puzzle to claim a sweet reward. Budding inventors can also make their own cardboard scientist goggles, while the highlight for many families will be Dr Frankenstein’s Science Adventure Show.
Expect audience participation, fascinating experiments and a few spectacular surprises as Dr Frankenstein attempts to bring his creation to life. Halloween face painting is also available on selected dates for an additional charge.
Most activities are included in admission, making this a great option for a full family day out exploring the castle and gardens as well as enjoying the seasonal programme.
📅 17th October–1st November 2026
⏰ Main activities run during the day; the science show is scheduled at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.
🎟️ Included with admission; face painting costs extra.
🔗 Hever Castle – Halloween Half Term 2026
6. Monsters Around the Moat at Scotney Castle
📍 Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst
A visit to Scotney Castle is always a treat in autumn, with its romantic old castle, beautiful grounds and woodland scenery. During half term, there’s an extra reason to visit: the Monsters Around the Moat Halloween trail.
The monsters have apparently been enjoying a rare day off, but there’s a problem — they’ve lost their invitation to an eerie gathering! Families are invited to explore the grounds, spot hidden creatures, solve riddles and complete challenges to uncover the secret party message before nightfall.
It’s a lovely choice for children who enjoy a puzzle-solving adventure, with the added bonus of exploring the National Trust estate and its autumn colours.
📅 17th October–1st November 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm
🎟️ £3.50 per trail, plus standard admission. Car park booking is essential.
🔗 National Trust – Monsters Around the Moat
7. Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle
📍 Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Ready for some medieval magic? National Trust-owned Bodiam Castle is inviting young sorcerers to take part in Spell Quest, a magical adventure around its impressive medieval fortress.
Children can choose their magical path and seek out activities around the castle, making this an ideal outing for anyone who loves wizards, spells and stories of long-ago times.
There are additional Halloween activities on selected dates, including a best-dressed costume competition from 24th October to 1st November, Halloween crafts from 26th October to 1st November, and face painting on Halloween itself.
With its towers, moat and dramatic setting, Bodiam provides a fantastic backdrop for a family day out.
📅 Spell Quest: 19th October–1st November 2026
⏰ Generally 10am–4pm; check individual activities for their times.
🎟️ Trail and activities are subject to the castle’s admission arrangements; check the official listing for current details.
🔗 National Trust – events at Bodiam Castle
8. Riverhill Pumpkin Festival
📍 Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks
Pumpkin season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a pumpkin festival, and Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is bringing back its popular autumn celebration.
Families can follow a pumpkin trail through the gardens, admire the seasonal colours and visit the cosy pumpkin-carving grotto. You can bring your own pumpkin to carve or purchase one on site, making it easy to get creative without having to organise everything beforehand.
There’s also the chance to look out for Yeti in the Chestnut Woods — a fun extra for younger visitors who enjoy a little mystery alongside their autumn adventure.
The gardens close on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit for one of the open days during half term.
📅 17th October–1st November 2026
⏰ Pumpkin festival activities: generally 10am–4pm on event days.
🎟️ Standard garden admission applies; pumpkins purchased on site cost extra. No pre-booking is required according to the organiser.
🔗 Riverhill Himalayan Gardens – official website and festival details
9. Pumpkin Picking at Loddington Farm
📍 Loddington Farm, Linton, near Maidstone
Fancy choosing your very own pumpkin straight from the patch? Loddington Farm is teaming up with Blooming Green for a pumpkin-picking experience that makes a lovely change from a traditional Halloween attraction.
Alongside the pumpkins, families can enjoy games, a flower safari and food trucks at weekends. It’s a chance to get outside, choose the perfect pumpkin for carving and enjoy a relaxed autumn outing.
Entry tickets are just £1 per person, with pumpkins paid for separately, so you can keep the cost down if you’re happy to browse rather than buy a particularly large pumpkin.
📅 17th–31st October 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm
🎟️ £1 per person, plus the cost of pumpkins.
🔗 Loddington Farm – pumpkin picking and booking information
Tip: there are lots of places close to Tonbridge where you can pick pumpkins, if Loddington doesn’t sound like the right one for you. Find our guide to the best here.
10. Spooky Halloween Trail at Leybourne Lakes Country Park
📍 Leybourne Lakes Country Park, near Snodland
For families who enjoy an evening adventure, tmactive is organising a Halloween pumpkin trail at Leybourne Lakes Country Park.
This isn’t your usual daytime nature walk. The trail takes place after dark, with families following arrows around the lakes, searching for hidden pumpkins and solving creepy clues along the way. Complete the challenge and there’s a trick-or-treat prize waiting at the end.
Fancy dress is encouraged, and you’ll definitely want to bring a torch. With five time slots available, it’s worth booking early if you fancy making this part of your Halloween weekend plans.
📅 Saturday 24th October 2026
⏰ 5pm–7pm, with booked time slots.
🎟️ £6 per child; advance booking recommended.
🔗 tmactive – October holiday activities and Halloween trail
11. Spook-Tober Discovery Days at The Amelia Scott
📍 The Amelia Scott, Tunbridge Wells
If you’re looking for a creative activity without the expense of a full day out, The Amelia Scott has some free Halloween-themed drop-in activities planned for half term.
The Spook-Tober Half Term Discovery Days offer families a chance to get involved in seasonal activities in a museum and cultural setting. It’s a handy option for a shorter outing, particularly if you want to combine a little creativity with a wander around Tunbridge Wells.
The programme also includes a special Halloween messy-play session for younger children on Monday 26th October, available for a separate fee.
📅 Discovery Days: 24th, 26th, 28th and 30th October 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm on listed dates.
🎟️ Free drop-in activities; some separate activities are chargeable.
🔗 The Amelia Scott – October 2026 events
12. Paddle boarding holiday clubs
📍 River Medway, Tonbridge
Fancy swapping Halloween trails for an adventure on the water? If your children love being outdoors and trying something new, October half term is a great opportunity to give paddleboarding a go. Two local providers, Paddleboarding with Ana and Epic Life, offer options for young people to get out on the River Medway, build confidence on the water and learn new skills.
Option 1: Kids’ SUP Holiday Camp with Paddleboarding with Ana
This multi-day camp is ideal for children who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to develop their paddleboarding skills. Across three days, children can enjoy paddleboarding practice, games, teamwork and river exploration, alongside activities such as wildlife spotting, a nature quiz and a mini river clean-up. There may even be hot chocolate around a campfire, weather permitting!
Children can book individual days or attend the full three-day camp.
📅 Monday 26th–Wednesday 28th October 2026
⏰ Four hours per day
🎟️ From £45 per child, plus booking fees. Paddleboard hire costs extra.
👧 Age: 8+; children must be able to swim.
🔗 Find out more and book the Kids’ SUP Holiday Camp
Option 2: Kids Paddle Club with Epic Life
Epic Life offers another way for children to get out on the water during the school holidays. Led by qualified British Canoeing instructors, the Kids Paddle Club introduces young paddlers to stand-up paddleboarding, paddling techniques, river safety and teamwork in a supportive environment.
It’s a good option for children who would enjoy learning new skills, developing their confidence and spending an active morning outdoors.
📅 School-holiday– check availability for Monday 26th October 2026
⏰ 9am–12 noon
🎟️ £29 per child
👧 Age: 8–14
🔗 Find out more about Epic Life Kids Paddle Club
Both options offer a fun way to get active this half term, whether your child fancies a single morning on the water or a longer outdoor adventure. Check directly with each provider for availability, equipment requirements and any weather-related arrangements before booking.
13. Tonbridge Castle Artisan Market
📍 Tonbridge Castle Lawn
Not every half term outing needs to involve witches and monsters! On Sunday 25th October, Tonbridge Castle’s Artisan Market is a chance to enjoy a relaxed wander around the town centre.
Expect independent traders, handmade items and interesting finds, with the opportunity to support local makers and pick up something a little different. It’s an easy activity to combine with a walk along the river, a visit to the castle or a stop for lunch in town.
📅 Sunday 25th October 2026
⏰ Check the organiser’s event page for the latest timings.
🎟️ Check the event listing for entry information.
🔗 Tonbridge Castle – events and artisan market
14. October Half Term Holiday Clubs at Tonbridge School – Recre8
📍 Tonbridge School Centre, Tonbridge
Need to keep the children busy during half term while you get on with the week? Recre8, based at Tonbridge School, offers a varied programme of school-holiday courses and activities, with options for sporty children, budding performers, creative minds and curious learners.
The October half term programme features a mix of short courses and workshops, so you can choose activities to suit your child’s interests rather than committing to a whole week of the same thing. Previous favourites include cookery, musical theatre, trampolining, Bricks 4 Kidz, football skills and creative sewing activities, alongside study courses for children preparing for the 11+.
It’s a useful option for families looking for structured activities during the school holidays, with the flexibility to combine morning and afternoon courses. Early and late clubs are also available for children aged six and over, offering drop-off from 8.30am and collection until 5.30pm, subject to booking and availability.
All half term courses register and finish at Tonbridge School Centre, making drop-off and collection straightforward.
📅 October half term: 26th–30th October 2026
⏰ Course times vary; early and late clubs are available by arrangement.
🎟️ Prices vary by activity and course length. Advance booking is required.
🔗 Explore Recre8 holiday courses and book online
15. Halloween SEN Bounce Session at the Angel Centre
📍 Angel Centre, Tonbridge
For families looking for a more relaxed and inclusive Halloween activity, tmactive is running a special SEN Halloween Bounce session at the Angel Centre.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities can enjoy Halloween-themed bouncy castles, playful activities and opportunities to move at their own pace in a welcoming environment. The session is designed to let children take part in a way that feels comfortable for them, with plenty of opportunities for fun and confidence-building.
Advance booking is required by telephone, so make sure you reserve a place before setting off.
📅 Friday 30th October 2026
⏰ 10.30am–12 noon
🎟️ £7.10 for casual users or £5.20 with a Leisure Pass.
🔗 tmactive – SEN Halloween Bounce at the Angel Centre
16. Rainy-Day Rescues: Four Indoor Activities Around Tonbridge
If October half term brings rain, don’t panic! There are plenty of indoor options to keep the children entertained.
- Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge – Challenge the kids to tackle colourful climbing walls and test their skills at this exciting indoor climbing centre. Advance booking is recommended.
- Tonbridge Library – Enjoy a free, quieter outing browsing children’s books and discovering new stories. Check opening hours and any half-term activities before visiting.
- AirHop Tunbridge Wells – Let energetic children bounce, jump and take on inflatable and trampoline challenges at this indoor adventure park.
- Amazon Adventure Soft Play, Tunbridge Wells – Perfect for younger children, this jungle-themed soft-play centre offers climbing, slides and plenty of space to burn off energy while parents relax with a coffee.
17. Half Price Intensive Swimming Courses
📍 Tonbridge Swimming Pool and Larkfield Leisure Centre
For something a little different, tmactive is offering five-day intensive swimming courses during the October school holiday.
These courses can be a useful way for children to build confidence in the water, practise their skills and make progress during the break. There are options for different levels of tuition, including individual and small-group lessons, subject to availability.
Places are limited, so check the organiser’s information for the latest course details and booking arrangements.
📅 Monday 26th–Friday 30th October 2026
⏰ Morning courses; check available sessions with the organiser.
🎟️ Half-price courses are advertised, with prices depending on the type of tuition and membership status.
🔗 tmactive – October holiday activities
18. Tonbridge’s Halloween-Themed Fireworks Display
📍 Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground, Tonbridge Park
Finish the half term holiday with a bang! Tonbridge’s annual fireworks display takes place on Sunday 1st November this year, with a Halloween-themed show set to music.
Gates open at 5pm, giving families time to find a good viewing spot and enjoy the food stalls, bars and entertainment before the fireworks begin at 6.30pm. The programme also includes a radio-controlled plane display before the main show.
It’s a brilliant way to round off the school holiday, particularly if you missed out on Halloween celebrations the night before. Advance tickets are available, and it’s worth checking the organiser’s information before travelling for the latest ticket prices and entry arrangements.
📅 Sunday 1st November 2026
⏰ Gates open at 5pm; fireworks begin at 6.30pm.
🎟️ Advance tickets available; check the booking page for current prices.
🔗 Tonbridge Fireworks – event and ticket information
Tip: if you can’t make this event, check out our guide to alternative fireworks events in the area here.
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