Spooktacular adventures await: your guide to October half term in Test Valley

From ghostly trails and after-dark adventures to animal encounters, crafts and action-packed activities, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Test Valley this October half term.

Here are some ideas to help you plan your half-term adventures.

A frightfully fun day at Paultons Park 🎃

Things are getting spooky at Paultons Park, where Halloween Spooktacular runs from 9 October to 2 November.

Expect Halloween decorations throughout the park, including Peppa Pig World, alongside spooky shows, roaming characters and seasonal entertainment. Young adventurers can take on Viking challenges in Valgard or brave the interactive Ghostly Manor ride.

There are also selected late-night openings during October half term, giving families the chance to keep the Halloween adventures going after dark.

Spooky fun down on the farm 🐐

If your family loves animals, there are two frightfully good farm adventures to discover.

At Finkley Down Farm, Halloween fun runs from 17 to 31 October. Discover your spooky name, explore the Barn of Bones, follow Halloween trails and enjoy storytime, discos and character encounters.

Families can also meet the animals, explore the outdoor adventure areas, enjoy indoor soft play and have a go on the mini Land Rovers and pedal go-karts.

Meanwhile, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm becomes Scare Breeds Farm from 17 October to 1 November. Expect Halloween trails, creepy crafts, pumpkin-themed activities, magic shows and plenty of opportunities to meet the animals.

On 30 October, there’s an added twist when the Trick and Treat Halloween Circus arrives for a special day of family-friendly live performances.

Have a hoot at the Hawk Conservancy Trust 🦉

For Halloween with feathers, head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

Spooky Owl Week runs from 24 October to 1 November, with owl flying displays, spooky storytelling and a giant pumpkin trail to explore.

For an atmospheric evening experience, Owl-O-Ween takes place on 29 and 30 October, combining ghostly tales and a Halloween trail with spectacular owl displays after dark.

Half-term fun takes flight 🚁

There’s lots happening inside the hangars at the Army Flying Museum from 24 October to 1 November.

Young visitors can uncover the secrets of the new Mummy’s Curse trail, hunt for bats around the museum and get creative with spooky Halloween crafts.

There are special activities on selected days too, including Make and Paint your own Model, hands-on Meccano and the chance to meet some Crazy Creatures.

With the activities included with general admission, there are plenty of reasons to make a landing at the museum this half term.

Meet monsters at the Museum of the Iron Age 🐉

History gets a spooky makeover at the Museum of the Iron Age in Andover.

Young adventurers can take on the Medieval Monster Hunt, searching for hidden medieval beasts and discovering the creatures that populated myths and folklore hundreds of years ago. Complete the trail and there’s a reward waiting at the end.

On 24 October, the Samhain Family Activity Trail offers a chance to discover the festival that inspired many modern Halloween traditions. Families can journey through the Iron Age while adding different elements to their own Samhain mask, before collecting a spooky treat for completing the activity.

Then, on Halloween night, the museum transforms into a marvellously macabre funfair, with ghostly games, spooky fairground stalls and gruesome goodies to be won. Entry is free, with tokens available to purchase for the games.

Discover spooky stories in Romsey 👻

Halloween and history come together at King John’s House and Museum in Romsey.

On 26 October, Halloween Cookie Decorating gives families the chance to create and decorate their own spooky treats to take home.

Then, on 31 October, Halloween Tales brings the historic house to life with enchanting tours and storytelling, offering a suitably atmospheric adventure for Halloween itself.

Let your teddy take flight at Romsey Abbey 🧸

Ever wondered whether your teddy has a head for heights?

On 30 October, Light in the Abbey brings an evening of games, crafts, face painting and family fun to Romsey Abbey, celebrating Jesus, the Light of the World.

Children can bring along their favourite teddy and send them soaring on a zipline from the Abbey ceiling!

The event runs from 5pm to 6.30pm, with pizza and refreshments included. Adults cost £4 and children go free, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Climb and craft 🧗🍂

If you’re looking for an activity that combines burning off some half-term energy with getting creative, how about climbing followed by some cosy autumn crafting?

From 26 to 30 October, children booked onto a pre-booked Auto-Belay session can use code CRAFT when booking to receive a free autumn craft pack to create their own seasonal wreath afterwards.

There are only 30 craft packs available, and families need to make a separate booking using the code for each child taking part.

Take on a Halloween Laser Tag mission 🔫

Prefer blasters to broomsticks?

Bats and Blasters at Riverside Activity Zone on 30 and 31 October offers an action-packed alternative to traditional Halloween activities.

For £12 per child, young players can enjoy unlimited Laser Tag, spooky music, a pizza buffet, squash and a Halloween goodie bag, plus a free Laser Tag membership.

Arrival is from 5pm, ready to get those Halloween missions underway.

Trick or treat in Andover 🍬

Finally, get your costumes and spooky dancing shoes ready for the Andover High Street Trick or Treat Party on 31 October.

From 6pm to 8pm, children can trick or treat around the night market and participating local businesses before heading to the Halloween disco.

Bring along a pre-carved pumpkin too, as there’s a best pumpkin competition.

And the best bit? It’s free to attend.

Make this half term one to remember 🍂

Whether you want to brave a spooky trail, meet amazing animals, discover some history, get creative or simply try something completely new, there’s plenty happening across Test Valley this October half term.

Event details, availability and booking arrangements can change. Please check directly with the attraction or event organiser before travelling.