There are lots of activities to keep you and the kids busy this Halloween half-term, especially if you're looking for fun of the frightening variety. Here are my picks for some of the best around Hemel Hempstead:
Half-term at Waddesdon Manor
Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 October: Halloween half-term activities including scary films in the Power House, face painting, terrible trail round the garden and free craft activities. Children in fancy dress receive a free gift from the Stables shop. There are also free children's tours of the house at 11.30am on 27, 28 & 29 October (one adult also gets in free; £5 per adult thereafter). Booking required: 01296 653226. www.waddesdon.org.uk
Box Moor Trust's autumn activities
Join in the Box Moor Trust's Autumn Family Activity Day on Thursday 28 October, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. Crafts and activities (indoor and out) based on the themes of autumn colours and patterns. Meet at the Old Barn, Westbrook Hay. Adult supervision required. Booking required: 01442 253300. Suggested donation £2.50 per child.
Little ones' Halloween fun
Jacqu'in the Box babies and Toddlers Halloween Fancy Dress Musical Party 10.00am to 11.30am, Monday 25 October, 10am-11.30pam at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish Centre. Booking required. Email jacquitomlin@aol.com for booking form or text 07948371615. www.jacqinthebox.com
Old Town Halloween classic
Sunday 21 October: Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without the Old Town Hall's ghost walk. This year, follow the clues to find the wicked witches of witchety wood (featuring A Level Gobstoppers' students). For ages 6+, tickets £2 available on the door. Fancy dress optional. Walks start at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead. For more info ring 01442 228091 or visit www.theoldtownhall.org.uk
Chilling & thrilling: Kids' ski courses
The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is offering skiing courses for kids as young as 4-7 years old this half term. One-hour courses over four days teach children balance and co-ordination, with the emphasis on fun in the snow. £66 for the week (£46 for members). There are also courses for older kids (7-10 and 11-16) - these run for two hours and cost £110 (£77 to members) for the week. Visit the Snow Centre's website to find out more or ring 0845 258 9000.
Frights down on the farm
Mead Open Farm are running a Freaky Fortnight which carries on through half-term, with a haunted castle, phantom trailer ridde and a creepy tots corner. More details on their website.
Further afield: Halloween at Capel Manor
Head to Capel Manor Gardens near Enfield for their annual Halloween Howler on Sunday 31 October, 10am-4pm. Carve up some pumpkins and get stuck into some other traditional craft activities. Tractor rides and ghostly stories, plus storytelling are all on offer. It's Trick o' Treating with a country feel. Website: www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
HELPFUL LINKS
Top tips for Halloween from Mum's The Boss blog (Hertfordshire)
Half-term activities - Gade Extended Schools (see October half-term newsletter)
Sportspace Hemel Hempstead: Kids' half-term activities - download available
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