THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2026

Ghost trains, torchlit pumpkin walks, a safari drone show and free trick-or-treating in town. Here are our picks for Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November, from gently spooky for little ones to proper after-dark thrills.

EVENING · AGES 3+

The historic streets after dark, with trick-or-treating, costumed characters and live entertainment. Atmospheric for older kids, but younger siblings are welcome too.

When: Thu 29, Fri 30 & Sat 31 October, 6.30pm–10pm
Price: £20.95 adults, £16.95 ages 3–15, under 3s free
Where: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ (directions)

EVENING · STEAM TRAIN

A 75-minute night-time trip from Kidderminster to the "haunted" station at Arley, with ghoulish characters along the way and a goodie bag for every child. (The Scream Train on the same dates is adults-only.)

When: Thu 29 – Sat 31 October, evening departures
Price: Pre-booking essential, check site for fares
Where: Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX (directions)

EVENING · OUTDOORS

Bring a torch and follow hundreds of carved pumpkins around the Big Pool and farmyard, finishing with stories, crafts, stilt-walkers and campfire treats. Prefer daylight? Daytime walks run until Sunday.

When: Torchlit walks until Sat 31 October; daytime walks until Sun 1 November
Price: Book online in advance
Where: Bodenham Arboretum, Bodenham Lane, Wolverley, Kidderminster, DY11 5TB (directions)

ALL AGES · DRONE SHOW SAT 31

Patch's Pumpkin Party show, a Movie Monsters trail with a sweet treat at the end, crafts and a torchlight Dino Quest. On Halloween night, the new Safari Skies drone show lights up the sky with wildlife-themed displays.

When: Daily until Sun 1 November; drone show Sat 31 October
Price: From £19.90
Where: West Midlands Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, DY12 1LF (directions)

ALL AGES · RAIN-PROOF

Pick a pumpkin and carve it in the Carving Barn (so the mess stays on the farm), plus a Halloween panto, bubble discos and a ghost hunt. Indoor soft play makes it a safe bet if the weather turns. There's an autism-friendly evening on Sunday 1 November.

When: Daily until Sun 1 November
Price: Book online, events usually sell out
Where: Attwell Farm, Seafield Lane, Redditch, B98 9DB (directions)

UNDER-8S · RAIN-PROOF

Witches Flying School, potion classes, dragons, chocolate apple decorating and marshmallow toasting, on top of 90+ breeds of animals and indoor play areas.

When: Daily until Sun 1 November (10am–4pm Thu–Fri, 10am–5pm weekend)
Price: From £13.95
Where: Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 9SS (directions)

UNDER-5S · INDOORS

Just south of Birmingham and under cover, so no muddy wellies. £5 per child includes a pumpkin and free carving; adults go free.

When: Until Sat 31 October
Price: £5 per child, adults free
Where: Becketts Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall, B47 6AJ (directions)

FREE · DRESS UP

Costumes on and into town: city-centre businesses open their doors to trick-or-treaters on Thursday and Friday. Alongside it, hunt down 12 lit-up pumpkin brick sculptures hidden in shops around the city.

When: Trick or treat Thu 29 & Fri 30 October (shop opening hours); brick trail until Sun 1 November
Price: Free
Where: Worcester city centre, WR1 (start at the Guildhall, High Street, WR1 2EY)

AGES 7–12 · APP TRAIL

Download the Stranger Folk app and help the Old Crone chase off mischievous spirits on a folklore trail around the gardens. Included with admission.

When: Running until 24 November
Price: Free with entry (National Trust members free)
Where: Croome, near High Green, Severn Stoke, Worcester, WR8 9DW (directions)

ALL AGES · CRAFTS

Pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts and a trail around the castle grounds. A calmer option if you'd rather skip the crowds.

When: Thu 29 & Fri 30 October
Price: Check site
Where: Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ (directions)

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so evening events will be busiest then. Thursday and Friday nights are usually quieter, which is a good shout for little ones who get overwhelmed.