Free or cheap Halloween activities to do this October!
Halloween is creeping up fast and I know the pressure of feeling like you need to go all out just to make it special. So I’ve rounded up a huge list of free and low-cost Halloween activities and events you can enjoy with the kids this autumn! From cosy home crafts to bigger events, here’s how to have a fantastic Halloween without breaking the budget!
Free or low-cost fun at home or locally
Pumpkin decorating - skip the pricey carving kits and head to Asda or Aldi and grab a pumpkin for £1 or less and let the kids colour or stick stickers on them for an equally effective spooky design!
Halloween scavenger hunt - hide mini treats or get the kids to do some Halloween drawings and hide them around the house or garden for a mini hunt! You could even draw them a checklist and watch their excitement unfold!
Costume challenge - challenge the kids to create costumes using only whats in the wardrobes or recycling and have a mini fashion parade! My personal favourite is using a bed sheet and a pair of sunglasses to create a ghost!
DIY shadow puppets - use scrap paper and cut out some spooky creatures or shapes, then use a torch for a spooky show!
Make a potion lab - use water and food colouring or even baking soda and vinegar if you’ve got some lying around and make magic ‘fizzy’ potions!
Go on a nature walk and collect pinecones, twigs and colourful leaves to create a witchy decoration!
Free and cheap halloween events across the UK
Halloween in the City Weekender, Manchester - on Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th October expect giant inflatable monsters on rooftops, live street performances, face painting, craft stations, and a family-friendly spooky maze in the city centre. All for FREE! Perfect for a day out without spending a penny!
National Trust sites - there are free Halloween events and adventures nationwide across all of the National Trust sites that are included within your normal admission fee! Throughout October half term there will be pumpkin trails, spooky storytelling, and haunted woodland walks. If you’re already a member, it’s an incredible freebie!
English Heritage sites - throughout October half term, castles and historic houses are coming alive with creepy solve the mystery quests across the UK. Think ghostly clues, dress-up opportunities and even more!
London spooky local events - from council run bat-trails to pumpkin-carving contests in local parks, London is buzzing with affordable halloween fun. Check your local library or council website for free afternoon craft sessions or outdoor movie nights!
Sheffield - Sheffield’s local cinemas and community centres are hosting family friendly Halloween movies for super cheap! Plus several perks such as spooky scavenger hunts and fancy dress competitions throughout the whole of October.
Yorkshire - there’s more than 50 events throughout the whole of October across Sheffield including haunted train rides, free village ghost walks and more - all for under £10 a family! Many pumpkin patches in the area offer free entry if you’re only browsing too!
Chessington Howl’o’ween - although not free, Chessington’s Halloween transformation includes shows, costume parades, and kid-friendly spooky zones. Booking in advance can snag serious discounts compared to on-the-day prices. Available dates are 4-5th, 11-12th, 18th October-2nd November.
My overall tips to stretch those ££ in the October half term would be:
Use loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard or Nectar points that can sometimes be used for attraction tickets!
Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid pricey on-site food.
Car share if you’re going with your friends or use public transport as it can sometimes be WAY cheaper than paying for car parking!
Check community notice boards in libraries, schools and local Facebook groups that often share free events.
Mix and match your activities - pair a free scavenger hunt with a paid (but still affordable) even to keep costs balanced!
With a little planning you can give the kids a halloween to remember, without breaking the bank!
Let me know in the comments below if you know about any free or low cost Halloween activities near you!
