Looking for ways to keep children entertained this half term? We've rounded up some of the best activities and events across the UK, from London to Manchester and South Wales. Click through the gallery to see what's on...
The Amazing Animals Fluffytorium:
Make their day with a visit to The Guinness World Records Amazing Animals Fluffytorium in London, a two-day pop-up celebrating the fluffiest and furriest animals in the world. Animal lovers will have the chance to pet some of the world’s longest haired cats and dogs, in a room covered from floor to ceiling in long, soft and colourful faux fur.
Open for two days, the free experience is available to book for visits on Friday 27 October for cat sessions and Saturday 28 October for dog sessions.
To book your place, email amazinganimals@hopeandglorypr.com with your preferred date and time with the number of spaces you wish to reserve (maximum party size of six). Children under the age of six will not be permitted to enter and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Disney on Ice Passport Adventures:
Some of Disney's most magical stories come to life at Disney on Ice Passport Adventures, hosted at Arena Birmingham from 18-29 October. With much-loved characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy, this show explores the worlds of The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and of course - Frozen. Tickets are available on theticketfactory.com from £21.
Kids go free at The View from the Shard:
Enjoy a day of family sightseeing in London with the return of the Kids Go Free offer at The View from the Shard. The tourist attraction is offering two free kids tickets for every adult ticket sold, with a number of Paddington-themed activities and treats on offer ahead of the release of Paddington 2 in November. Tickets are available at theviewfromtheshard.com.
Manchester Science Festival:
Both fun and educational, the Manchester Science Festival is the biggest in the UK and has plenty for families to explore throughout half-term. From the Robots exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, to Big Fish Little Fish's family rave at The Birdcage, there's something for everyone. See the full line-up and plan your visit at manchestersciencefestival.com.
Photo: Elouisa Georgiou Photography
Autumn fun at Celtic Manor:
There are plenty of child-friendly activities on offer at Celtic Manor in South Wales, including laser combat, a high ropes adventure, plus Halloween-themed events and activities throughout half term. What's more, children stay and eat free when staying with parents on a dinner inclusive package. Visit celtic-manor.com to plan your visit.
Kidtropolis:
Promising to be bigger and better than ever before, Kidtropolis brings some of their most-loved characters including Peppa Pig, Basil Brush and the Octonauts together for a fun-filled event and live show at the ExCeL London from 23-26 October. The ideal family day out for children aged 12 and under. Get more info and book your tickets at kidtropolis.co.uk.
A spook-tastic stadium tour at Manchester City FC:
Get into the Halloween spirit at Manchester City Football Club's new stadium and club tour, complete with a Halloween pumpkin hunt throughout October. Fans touring the Etihad Stadium will have the chance to see inside the First Team changing rooms, warm up areas and glass tunnel, all while taking part in the fun pumpkin hunt, with a special prize on offer - the chance to be a player escort at the Manchester City v Watford match on 1 January 2018.
Tickets for the Halloween tour cost £17.50 per adult, £11 per child aged 5-16 and will run from 16 – 29 October (excluding match days). Book online at mancity.com/tours.
Kidzania:
For only one month (October) KidZania London, the indoor city run by kids has an exciting new pop up activity aimed at encouraging children to embrace their imagination and creativity.
The immersive new pop up marks the publication of Tom Fletcher's The Creakers. The Creakers is a spooky and magical tale about monsters, known as Creakers, who live in a mysterious underground world under the bed. At KidZania London children will be able to step into the bedroom of protagonist Lucy Dungston, and walk under an oversized bed, surrounded by things you would expect to find under a bed – from odd socks, lost slippers and even huge dust balls!
Kids can then get creative and use their imagination to draw their own Creaker using glow in the dark paint!
For more information visit kidzania.co.uk
ZSL Boo at the Zoo:
Boo at the Zoo is coming to ZSL London Zoo promising a week of frightful fun this October half term, enchanting little monsters with an array of fang-tastic activities from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 31 October 2017. New for 2017, visitors can embark on an Extinction Trail, with avid explorers tasked with finding six extinct species hidden around the Zoo, to be in with a chance of winning a prize, or join a Ghost Tour of ZSL London Zoo, which will have the whole family howling with delight.
Creative critters can head to the Bat Cave to make mysterious masks or carve out creepy pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch. Brave souls can attend Halloween Story Telling to listen to terrifying tales told by our spooky storytellers and find out how nature bites back at Halloween-themed animal talks.
Boo at the Zoo activities taking place between 11:00am – 3:30pm. For more information or to book online visit zsl.org
