The October half term in Dorset 2026 runs from Monday 26th October – Sunday 1st November. Halloween takes place at the end of October half term this year and there are plenty of spooky activities happening.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Half Term in Dorset, then keep reading. We have a separate post for all the specific Halloween events in Dorset, as well as plenty of places to enjoy pumpkin picking in Dorset. So don’t forget to check those out as well. if you’re looking to save some money this half term, check out where kids can eat FREE.
The following week after half term is Bonfire Night, and there are some great fireworks displays happening across Dorset.
Lulworth Castle Autumn Fun
Dates: 25th – 31st October 2026
Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize.
The Zombie Barn is also open for those who dare to enter!
Halloween Fun At Monkey World
Date 20206 TBC
Free entry for children in full Halloween fancy dress on 31st October at Monkey World. There’s also a free fancy dress costume too.
Littledown Halloween Disco
Date: 2026 TBC
Dress to impress in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win one of many prizes at the Littledown Halloween disco. Suitable for children ages 2.5 – 8 years old.
Sessions include 1-2pm, 2:30-3:30pm and 4-5pm. Tickets £6.50 per child
Kingston Lacy October Half Term Crafts
Dates: 2026 TBC
Keep the kids entertained over October Half term and visit Kingston Lacy. You can make your own magic rainbow mask or stranger folk nature wand.
October Half Term At The Tank Museum
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Enjoy a full day out at Dorset’s Tank Museum this October half Term. There’s plenty of family friendly activities, and perfect for a rainy day.
Halloween Spooktacular At Tivoli Wimborne
Dates: 26th October 2026
This Halloween, get ready for a spine-tingling adventure packed with hilarious comedy, toetapping tunes, and jaw-dropping magic as Halloween Spooktacular comes to town!
Kirsty, Jake, and Melissa have been sent on work experience at the eerie Blackdown Castle—and they’re not happy about it. Boring! But when they arrive, things take a spooky turn!
October Half Term Fun At Nothe Fort
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
You can visit the ghostly tunnels during Halloween week at Nothe Fort. All the activities are included in the standard Nothe Fort admission.
There’s also a Halloween mouse hunt, wand making workshop and more.
A Spooktacular Night At Lyme Regis Museum
Dates: 29th October 2026
Visit Lyme Regis Museum after dark and prepare to get a fright as you take a journey through 200 million years of history.
Expect torchlight tours, creepy crafts, spooky stories and freaky face painting. There will also be hot chocolate refreshments.
Halloween and Autumn Trail At The Walled Garden Moreton
Dates: 2026 TBC
Visit the Walled Garden Moreton for some fun Halloween fun this October. Complete the quiz and learn some great facts about the garden. Can you spot all the ghosts?
Corfe Castle October Half Term Activities
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Take your own teddy bear (or borrow one at Corfe Castle) and send them down the fun zip wire this October Half Term. This is always a fun activity for the whole family.
You can also take part in the family quest to find the critters that call Corfe Castle their home.
Halloween Family Fun At Red House Museum
Date: 2026 TBC
There’s some fun Halloween activities taking place at the Red House Museum this October. Why not join in the spooky woodland walk and trail taking place on multiple days. Or there’s there’s various Halloween themed workshops taking place too.
October Half Term Phaser Night At Lemur Landings
Date: 2026 TBC
Join the crew aboard the SS Clash Landings for an exciting evening of phaser tag! Whether you come alone or bring your friends it’s sure to leave you feeling like a lunar lemur!
Highcliffe Castle October Half Term
Dates: 25th October – 1st November 2026
During October half term at Highcliffe Castle you can take part in some family friendly activities.
West Bay Discovery Centre October Half Term
Dates: 2026 TBC
West Bay Discovery Centre will be filled with a wicked creepy crawler trail and exciting crafts activities for children during October Half Term.
Halloween Trails At Minterne Gardens
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Visit Minterne this Halloween and discover the spooky trails. Set around the Himalayan Garden, you’ll be greeted by giant spiders, pumpkin creatures and barmy bats.
There are treats for the children at the end of the trail and also home grown pumpkins.
Swanage Pier Halloween Trail
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Visit Swanage Pier this October Half Term for the Halloween trail. Wander the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises lurking in unexpected places. Solve the Halloween word puzzle and tackle the themed quiz as you go!
Once you have discovered them all, hand in your sheet at the Pier gift shop for a reward and be entered into our prize draw to win Halloween goodies.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park October Half Term
Dates: October 2026
It’s the end of the season at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm park. Why not visit for some special events, activities and outdoor cooking.
Russell-Cotes Halloween Activities
Date: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Visit the museum in Bournemouth for some fun Halloween crafts this October Half Term.
Ghostly Games at Abbotsbury Swannery
Date: 24th October – 1st November 2026
This Halloween Half Term enjoy –
6 ghoulish games around the grounds – from skeletons to spiders, pumpkins to messy goo… and much more!
Half price entry all week
Daytime fun: 10am – 4pm
Specially designed for under 10s – age-appropriate, safe, and full of giggles!
Sherborne Castle & Gardens Children’s Pumpkin Trail
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Why not join in the family fun trail at Sherborne Castle & Gardens this October. Follow the trail to find the pumpkins and solve the clues along the way. Fancy dress is also welcome.
Halloween At Moors Valley
Date: 22nd October – 1st November 2026
Halloween At Moors Valley, a spectacular illuminated trail, is set to return this year, with even more thrilling installations than before.
Ghostly forest walks, possessed pumpkin patches and spooky scarecrows will line the trail, with delicious food and drink also on offer, providing Halloween fun for friends, families and couples.
Running from 22nd October to 1st November, Halloween At Moors Valley takes place during half term, making it a perfect family activity – you can even bring along your dog!
Halloween Half Term At The Blue Pool
Dates: 24th – 31st October 2026
Explore the family-friendly haunted trail, solve the Curse of the Pumpkin King and Queen, and carve your own spooky creation in the Royal Pumpkin Patch – with none of the mess at home!
Meet mysterious entertainers, brush up on your magical skills and enjoy spooky workshops from the Dorset Wild Ones team. Fancy dress is encouraged, with face painting available too!
Halloween At Sandworld
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
If you’re visiting Weymouth this October half term and thinking of visiting Sandworld then you’re in for a treat. There is FREE entry for adults and kids in full fancy dress.
As well as the amazing sand sculptures, there’s also a Halloween hunt and a sand pumpkin carving competition.