It\u2019s hard to keep up with everything; what\u2019s launched, what\u2019s new, what\u2019s become available, what’s now digital. Fear not, we\u2019ve done the hard work for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve rounded up some of the best things to do this half term, virtual events as well as actual real life events as well as some pumpkin fun and spooky treats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you find it useful, please share our Half Term Top Picks with your family and friends and sign up to the newsletter. We publish our blog every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OUR VIRTUAL TOP PICKS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun Kids Radio Pumpkin Watch, until 1st November <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With lots of people not being able to Trick or Treat this Halloween, get involved in Fun Kids Radio Pumpkin Watch. Either carve a pumpkin or draw a picture of a pumpkin and put it in your window. Then go out around your neighbourhood with an adult and see how many pumpkins you can spot in other people\u2019s windows. Find out more here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n To download the free PDF pack that has everything you need to get involved including, instructions, stencils, flyers and loads more, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom Allen\u2019s Spooktacular Quiz, Thursday 22nd October @ 7.30pm <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Join comedian Tom Allen for a fearfully fabulous Halloween quiz to help raise funds for St Christopher’s Hospice. You can enjoy the quiz from the comfort of your own home on either Facebook Live or YouTube Live or you can simply enjoy the fun by visiting the Facebook page here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about the event here<\/a> and donate if you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Norwich Science Festival at Home, Saturday 24th – Wednesday 28th October<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover our Norwich Science Festival At Home mini programme. There are 20 events for you to enjoy – from engaging family shows and virtual talks to activities you can do at home. Discover night skies on the other side of the world, explore the wonders of the marine world, find out explosive facts about volcanos, tour the solar system with a science rapper and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no need to book, and all events are free and will be streamed (live or pre-recorded) on the Norwich Science Festival YouTube channel. There\u2019s a Daily Challenge that will take place on their Facebook page. Check each event listing for direct links to each live event here<\/a>. Don\u2019t worry if you miss an event, you can catch up throughout half term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Big Draw: Northumberland Seabirds Online Workshop, Saturday 24th October at 2pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the Big Draw Festival (running until 31st October) the whole family can join in with illustrator Katie Chappell in this online workshop with lots of fun exercises and step-by-step drawing activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn how to draw the special seabirds that live and visit the Northumberland coastline, including the endangered puffins which breed each year on the Farne Islands. For all ages and abilities, to find out more and register for free, click here <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n And for more info on the Big Draw Festival, what\u2019s on and when, click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n BAC Beatbox Academy\u2019s Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster, Sunday 25th October @ 11pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally devised for the stage, Battersea Art Centre\u2019s Beatbox Academy\u2019s Edinburgh smash hit Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster returns for the screen. Bringing their own interpretation of the Frankenstein story to life with a dazzling array of vocal talents including rap, beatboxing and song, the cast create a breathtaking musical soundscape filled with memorable original tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two hundred years after the 18-year-old Mary Shelley wrote the text, these young artists explore how modern monsters are created in today\u2019s society. This musical film is part performance, part documentary, with the cast\u2019s voices as the only instruments. To find out more and to watch it, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the younger members of your family, head to BAC Get Creative at Home<\/em> and discover PlayKits, creative courses as well as a BAC Beatbox Academy series of how-to videos, teaching beatbox sounds you can learn at home. Head over there here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Free Virtual Halloween Discovery Week with Royal Parks, Monday 26th to Friday 30th October<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore the spookier side of the Royal Parks with this week of free virtual interactive activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019ll be something for everyone, from underground bug hunts and creepy crawly storytelling to live themed craft-alongs. For those who do not scare easily, we will have virtual walking tours and live expert discussions on creepy histories; from rituals and symbolism in Victorian mourning in Brompton Cemetery to our Victorian Pet Cemetery, the first public Pet Cemetery in Britain, where over 1,000 pets have been buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All activities will be in the form of videos, live recordings and downloadable pdfs. To find what sessions are happening on what day and to sign up – it\u2019s free to join – click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Storytelling & Drawing with David Litchfield at Discover on Monday 26th October @ 4pm <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tune in at home for musical storytelling with David Litchfield \u2013 author, illustrator and one of the creative minds behind Discover Children\u2019s Story Centre Fairy Tales exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hear the enchanting story of The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear\u2019s Concert, the final instalment of his best-selling Bear and the Piano trilogy. Then, grab a pencil and draw your own bear as David shares his top tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tune in here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Design Quest: Theme Park Dream with RIBA, Tuesday 27th October @10am <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What would you create if you were able to build an amazing theme park that was open and accessible for everyone? What would it look like and what would people be able to do there? Would it be full of fun houses, rollercoasters or water slides? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join the RIBA\u2019s online workshop where you will design and build an architectural model of a theme park. You will explore building design to enable play and accessibility for all. Participants will learn model making skills and creatively explore options to make everyone\u2019s theme park dreams come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aimed at ages 6 – 10. Tickets \u00a320. To book for this session and find out what you need to take part, click here<\/a> and to find out what other workshops are taking place throughout half term, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Building History Virtual Tour at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 28th October @ 11am & 2pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever wondered what lies behind the many locked doors of Westminster Abbey? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join this interactive virtual tour that could only ever be delivered digitally. Taking advantage of online platforms you\u2019ll be taken to parts of the Abbey that an onsite tour just couldn’t reach. Peek behind the curtain to get a new perspective on how the Abbey was built and has been used over the past 1000 years. Aimed at children 5+<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets are free but you need to book, click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spooky Family Quiz with the Natural History Museum on Friday 30th October @ 10.30am <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Join the Natural History Museum for a live family quiz all about spooky specimens and autumn changes. For kids and adults alike, this quiz with a twist will not only award points for scientific facts but also looking closely, working together and being creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re ready for some spooky family fun, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spook-tacular Halloween Pumpkin Carving Workshop Series (via Zoom) on Saturday 31st October @ 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trick or treat yo\u2019 self to a digital pumpkin carving workshop. London City Island are hosting digital pumpkin carving workshops (each workshop is one hour long) led by mixed media sculptor David Bradley, (AKA The Curious Confectioner).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets are free, but pre-registration is required with instructions and further details being shared with attendees 24 hours ahead of the class. To book your ticket and find out what you need to have at the ready before the workshop, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Rosen\u2019s Clever Cakes at the Little Angel Theatre on Sunday 1st November <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Little Angel Theatre are partnering with Michael Rosen to produce an online, puppetry adaptation of Clever Cakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First published in 1991, Clever Cakes and Other Stories is a collection of comical adventures about super-smart kids who triumph in a fun flip on traditional fairy tales. Little Angel Theatre will be adapting the title story, Clever Cakes, about a little girl called Masha and how she outwits a massive, greedy bear to escape home to her granny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tune in here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n OUR TOP PICKS OF THINGS TO DO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tulley\u2019s Pumpkins, pick your own pumpkin until Saturday 31st October <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you fancy picking your own pumpkin this Halloween, head to Tulleys\u2019 Farm. Whether you want to carve a ghoulish face, make a delicious pie or decorate your house with unusual gourds so there\u2019s an ideal pumpkin for everyone. There\u2019s a total of 20 acres of pumpkins, producing around 150,000 pumpkins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets vary between \u00a32 to \u00a35 depending when you go and you\u2019ll need to book a time slot plus you can pick your own pumpkin at night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more and book your slot, click here <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Halloween Events at English Heritage historic places, Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to English Heritage historic places for spooky storytelling, creepy crafts and trick or treat themed trails at their castles, abbeys and houses. Come nightfall, for those who are brave enough – dare to explore some of the country’s eeriest castles and discover the darker side of history. To find an event near you, go here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you live near either Dover Castle or Wrest Park, take a peek at these Hotel Chocolat workshops here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spies and Disguise at Imperial War Museum, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October, 10am – 3pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Psst! Can you keep a secret? The IWM London is looking for new operatives for their half term spy school. Be prepared to be put to the test as we send you on a secret mission. You’ll need to crack codes, master the art of disguise, and look out for our undercover agents around the museum\u2026 Will you make the cut?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Imperial War Museums have partnered with Puffin Books to celebrate the release of the new book – Find the Spy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gruffalo Adventures at Kew Gardens, until Sunday 1st November <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Kew\u2019s deep dark wood, pick up your trail pack and get set for an adventure. Follow footprints, marks and feathers and figure out clues on our family-friendly trail. Meet your favourite Gruffalo characters on the way, and keep your eyes peeled to spot the Gruffalo himself…the Gruffalo Adventures is taking place at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. To find out more, click here <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n And why not enter our Gruffalo competition to win a family ticket and a Gruffalo scooter by Micro too. Enter here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Casper at the Alexandra Drive-In, Saturday 31st October @ 2.30pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n An American fantasy comedy-drama film, Casper (1995) is based on the Harvey Comics cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Willed a gloomy-looking mansion, Carrigan Crittenden discovers a map to a treasure hidden in the house. But when she enters the rickety mansion, she is frightened away by a wicked wave of ghosts. Determined to get her hands on the treasure, she hires afterlife therapist Dr. James Harvey. Harvey and his daughter Kat move in, and soon Kat meets Casper, the ghost of a young boy who\u2019s \u201cthe friendliest ghost you know.\u201d But not so friendly are Casper\u2019s uncles\u2013Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie\u2013who are determined to drive all \u201cfleshies\u201d away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrive early to nab your space, there\u2019s food and drink on-site, with online ordering and contact-free delivery straight to your car. Think popcorn, sweets, beverages plus Popdogs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a327.50 per vehicle. To book Casper, click here<\/a>, to find out what other films are happening during half term, click here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer Exhibition 2020 at Royal Academy, until 3rd January <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first time in history, the Summer Exhibition will fall in winter. Discover a myriad of works by household names and emerging artists. This year\u2019s exhibition includes new works by Tracey Emin, Rebecca Horn, Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel, Gillian Wearing and Ai Weiwei. Tickets from \u00a320 with Under 16s free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ONLINE ANYTIME <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to make your own Halloween Turnips, Spooky Lanterns and Beastly Masks <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n English Heritage has some fun Halloween crafts to keep you entertained at home. To find out how to carve a Halloween Turnip and the history behind, head to YouTube here<\/a> and if you\u2019d rather create a Spooky lantern, click here<\/a> or download their Halloween Mask activity inspired by mythical beasts here<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whispers from the Museum<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy an immersive adventure for children and families. From Scarborough Museums Trust, Whispers from the Museum imaginatively brings some of the objects from the museum’s Collections to life, connecting with families to spark new ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To start the six-part adventure, click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Carve Your Pumpkin Online<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing is more fun than carving pumpkins. When you carve virtual pumpkins there is never a mess to clean up and you can start over at any time. Plus there\u2019s even a spooky backing track to get you onto the mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumpkin painting <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A cool alternative to pumpkin carving, although things could get messy! Be inspired here <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Download a Puffin autumn activity pack<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids can craft spooky Funnybones decorations, solve sneaky secret messages from The Witches and dream up their own Little Leaders plus there\u2019s a reading list too – to download Puffin\u2019s activity pack, click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your weekly guide to noticing nature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spending time in nature not only boosts our connection to the natural world, it also helps our wellbeing. The National Trust have put together a weekly guide that aims to help us find time to connect with nature in our everyday lives. The guide full of easy ideas to get you started \u2013 from looking up at the trees to walking barefoot in the grass. Make nature part of your daily routine and download their guide here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brought to you by The LittleBird Family Pass – saving families money all year round. To find out how, click <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s hard to keep up with everything; what\u2019s launched, what\u2019s new, what\u2019s become available, what’s now digital. Fear not, we\u2019ve done the hard work for you. We\u2019ve rounded up some of the best things to do this half term, virtual events as well as actual real life events as well as some pumpkin fun and … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[759,3203,560],"class_list":["post-7887","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-family-fun","tag-things-to-do-this-october-half-term","tag-things-to-do-with-the-kids"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7887","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7887"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7887\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7908,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7887\/revisions\/7908"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7887"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7887"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7887"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}