October half-term: Eight of the best family activities across the Black Country and Shropshire

With October half-term fast approaching, families across the Black Country and Shropshire will be looking for ways to keep the children entertained.

From Halloween adventures and pumpkin picking to animal encounters and autumn walks, there is plenty to explore across the region during the school holidays.

Whether you're looking for a spooky day out, an educational experience or an activity that won't break the bank, we've rounded up eight family-friendly attractions to visit this October half-term.

1. Discover spooky Black Country traditions at the Black Country Living Museum

Where: Dudley

When: October 24 to November 1

Families can step back in time and discover the stranger side of Black Country history during a special half-term programme at the Black Country Living Museum.

The Dudley attraction will explore historic myths, superstitions and traditions, with visitors able to meet a village witch, discover old wedding customs and hear tales from the village undertaker.

There will also be the chance to explore the museum's historic buildings, watch live demonstrations, enjoy traditional fish and chips and take a ride on vintage transport.

The museum will be open from 10am to 5pm throughout the event, with tickets priced at £27.95 for adults and £15.50 for children aged three to 15. Under-threes can enter free of charge.

A 10 per cent discount is available for advance online bookings.

2. Take a magical Halloween boat trip beneath Dudley

Where: Dudley Canal & Caverns

When: October 24 to 31

For families looking for something a little different this Halloween, Dudley Canal & Caverns is inviting visitors on an underground adventure.

Its special event, The Missing Magic, will see families board a narrowboat and travel through the historic caverns to help restore Halloween magic after a mishap involving Wilma the Water Witch.

Children will be able to solve clues, meet fantastical creatures and enjoy storytelling before the adventure concludes with a light and sound finale and UV entertainment party.

The experience runs from October 24 to 31, with evening sessions between 6pm and 8pm.

Tickets cost £17 per person, with reduced prices for children under three and carers. Under-ones can attend free of charge.

Quieter sessions with gentler lighting and reduced sound are also scheduled for October 27 and 29 at 2pm.

3. Go ghost hunting at Himley Hall

Where: Himley Hall, near Dudley

When: October 26

Young ghost hunters can explore the historic corridors of Himley Hall during a special family-friendly Halloween experience.

The Ghost Spotters event will see visitors join Professor Black on a tour of the hall in search of ghostly goings-on.

It offers families the chance to explore the historic building while enjoying a Halloween-themed activity during the school holidays.

The event takes place on Monday, October 26, with sessions at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £8 for children.

4. Enjoy a Halloween safari at West Midlands Safari Park

Where: Bewdley

When: October 10 to November 1

Families can enjoy a wild Halloween adventure at West Midlands Safari Park, which is bringing back its Spooky Spectacular event for 2026.

Alongside the usual animal encounters and four-mile safari drive, the park will be offering a programme of Halloween entertainment, including Patch's Pumpkin Party live show and appearances from mischievous monsters Frankie and Mitzy.

Visitors can also explore the park's walking areas and enjoy its Adventure Theme Park rides, subject to the ticket purchased.

The Halloween celebrations will culminate in a special Safari Skies drone show on Saturday, October 31, when hundreds of drones will create images of animals above the park.

The 12-minute display is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm and is included with admission for that day.

Tickets for October 31 start at £27.90 for adults and £23.90 for children, with under-threes admitted free of charge.

5. Explore space and aviation at RAF Museum Midlands

Where: Cosford, Shropshire

When: October 24 to November 1

For families looking for an educational day out without spending a fortune, RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford is offering a programme of space-themed activities during the school holidays.

Its Jet and Space Week will give children the opportunity to discover more about aviation and space exploration through a range of hands-on experiences.

Young visitors will be able to build Lego balloon jets, see a genuine piece of Apollo moon rock and meteorites, and enjoy planetarium shows designed for children aged six and over.

Families can also explore the museum's extensive aircraft collection, making it an option for children interested in history, science and engineering.

General admission to the museum is free, although some of the special activities may carry an additional charge or require advance booking.

6. Enjoy a pumpkin-filled day out at Park Hall Countryside Experience

Where: Oswestry, Shropshire

When: October 2 to November 1

Families looking for a traditional autumn day out can head to Park Hall Countryside Experience near Oswestry, where Pumpkinfest will be running throughout October and into November.

The farm attraction is offering a Halloween experience aimed at younger children, with every paying child receiving a pumpkin to carve and take home.

Alongside the seasonal activities, families can meet the farm's animals and explore its play areas, providing plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy themselves.

The event runs daily from October 2 to November 1, making it an option for families looking to get into the Halloween spirit during half-term week.

7. Get lost in a spooky woodland adventure at BeWILDerwood

Where: Near Whitchurch

When: October half-term

For children who love climbing, exploring and getting outdoors, BeWILDerwood offers a woodland adventure with a Halloween twist.

Located at Bickley Moss, just north of Whitchurch, the attraction features treehouses, giant slides, climbing structures, mazes and outdoor play areas.

During October, the woods will take on a Halloween theme, with seasonal activities designed to provide younger visitors with spooky fun without being too frightening.

Families can also enjoy storytelling sessions and meet characters as they explore the woodland.

The Halloween event runs on weekends throughout October, including half-term week, with the woods open from 11am to 6pm during the event.

Free parking is available on site.

8. Enjoy a free family day out at Dudley Museum

Where: Dudley

When: October half-term

For families looking to keep costs down during the school holidays, Dudley Museum at the Archives offers an opportunity to discover the area's prehistoric past.

The museum is home to a dinosaur gallery, with exhibits exploring the natural history of the region alongside displays telling the story of the Black Country's industrial heritage.

Visitors can discover how the area's natural resources helped shape its development, while younger children can explore the museum's dinosaur and fossil collections.

The museum also offers family trails, fossil-handling sessions and craft activities, with seasonal activities advertised during school holidays.

The museum is normally open from 10am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with free admission.

Families should check the museum's website for details of any additional half-term activities and whether advance booking is required.