Our pick of the best things to do this October half-term

From wildlife walks to wacky sketches, we round up some of the best things to do during the school holidays. You can even save money with Boundless.

Just the thought of October half-term can be enough to leave some parents feeling weighed down with worry. Yes, it’s a week off with the kids, but it’s likely to be cold and wet here in the UK, and, frankly, after all that spending in the summer holidays, money can be – as a certain Mr Hucknall once sang – too tight to mention.

There’s no need to despair, though. This time of year is actually packed with possibilities for a day out or a stay-at-home activity – not just for families with children, but for teachers looking to let their hair down, too. To prove it, we’ve put together some inspirational ideas to help you plan your itinerary. From nature walks to new cinema blockbusters, these autumn adventures will keep everyone smiling. And to make things even better, we’ve highlighted where you can save money with your Boundless membership. Here’s to a happy half-term!

Go for an autumn walk

Getty ImagesYes, we know – a walk is hardly an original suggestion. But if you’re going to drag the family out for one, then late October is a pretty good time to do it. If possible, head for some woodland.

Not only will there be lots of lovely autumn colour to stimulate the senses, but the kids will love crunching in the leaves and looking for fallen acorns. (To make things more interesting, you could even give them a list of things to find before you set off.) It’s an easy win – and it won’t cost you a penny.

Spend a day at WWT

WWT/Chris LaceyIf you’d prefer to walk among wildlife, then head to one of the UK’s nine WWT wetland centres. While they’re fascinating all year round, they often put on special events during school holidays – and this October half-term is no different.

Running from 24 October to 1 November, SUPER Natural focuses on the wonders, wildlife, and folklore of wetlands. Depending on which centre you visit, activities include hands-on activities and outdoor adventures including pond dipping, fungi hunts, making willow wands and investigating owl pellets. Halloween-ish without being particularly scary, it's a great option for younger children.

Those near WWT Slimbridge can also enjoy the glow with Slimbridge’s Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience taking place across 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 October. Experience nature in an all-new light as the evening grows dark and illuminations of birds, mammals, fungi and bugs brighten your path.

Boundless offers

Members get unlimited, year-round admission to all nine WWT wetland centres for themselves and up to five children per visit. You can also bring one additional adult for half price. Ensure you book online ahead of your visit.

Cosy up for a movie

PexelsIf the colder weather is making you glum, one way to cheer yourself up is by grabbing some popcorn and settling in for a big-screen blockbuster at your local cinema.

There’s no shortage of great films to enjoy this October half-term, including genie adventure Tad and the Magic Lamp, new DreamWorks animation Forgotten Island, and the Halloween-themed Monster Mia.

There are some enticing options for adults without kids, too, including DC horror Clayface and BBC comedy spin-off Ghosts: The Possession of Button House. With Boundless members able to save on their cinema visits, there’s nothing to stop you having a movie marathon!

Boundless offer

Members can save up to 40% on tickets, snacks and drinks at a wide range of multiplexes and independent movie theatres via The Cinema Society with just one click taking you to all your discounts.

Carve a pumpkin

UnsplashPumpkin carving is not only cheap and easy to organise, it can also occupy children – and adults – for a good couple of hours. You don’t have to stick to the traditional scary faces, either.

Look for some inspiration online or let everyone come up with their own design, then line up the finished pumpkins and decide on a winner. Oh, and don’t throw away the insides once you’ve carved them out – pumpkin works well in soup, curry and even cakes (see further down the list). Whether your kids will actually eat any of those things is another matter.

Boundless offers

Members can save money on pumpkins at a wide range of supermarkets – visit our Daily Discounts page for more details.

Take a journey of remembrance

Getty ImagesWith Remembrance Day coming up in November, why not pay homage to our fallen servicemen by visiting Standing With Giants at Waddesdon Manor (21 October – 29 November).

This extraordinary installation will see the Buckinghamshire estate inhabited by 1,476 lifesize silhouettes – one for each life lost under British command during the 1944 D-Day landings in Normandy. Immersive and deeply moving, it’s sure to resonate with adults and children alike.

Boundless offers

Boundless Plus members can get free entry to over 200 museums, galleries and historic places, including Waddesdon Manor, through the National Art Pass they get free with membership.

Bake a cake

Getty ImagesJust when you start to dread the cold weather that autumn brings, you imagine that lovely aroma of cakes baking in the oven and everything seems so much better. Yes, this time of year is perfect for rustling up something tasty – and if you have kids, they’ll love getting their hands covered in flour, too.

For some inspiration on what to bake, check out BBC Good Food’s autumn cake recipes, which feature everything from pumpkin and caramel cake to fig sponge pudding. Oh, and don’t forget to use your Boundless membership to get money off the ingredients!

Boundless offers

UK breaks: Members can save money on ingredients and baking accessories at a wide range of supermarkets – visit our Daily Discounts page for more details.

Why not join our Boundless Cooking and Baking Group?

Swap recipes, share tips, and show off your creations with Boundless’ Cooking and Baking Group. You don’t have to be an expert – this is a friendly group that brings those who love dabbling in the kitchen together.

Do your bit for the planet

Getty ImagesThe leaves may be turning shades of brown, red and gold, but the theme of this year’s Welsh Museums Festival (24 October – 1 November) is unmistakably green.

The 2026 programme is all about helping the environment, so expect lots of nature-based workshops, trails and storytelling. With a record number of museums organising activities this time around – many of them free of charge – you should be able to find something fun to do near you.

Be quick off the draw

PexelsRaining outside? Then reach for the pencils and get creative! Taking place throughout October, The Big Draw is an annual celebration that encourages people to start sketching. While its associated events require you to leave the house, there’s a really fun game on the website that you can print out and play at home.

The idea is simple: you throw two dice, then check the numbers you roll against the word lists on the play sheet. Whatever weird and wonderful scenario is thrown up, you have to draw. So, it might be an octopus on a skateboard in a supermarket!

Hilarious fun for the whole family, it’ll soon make you forget the bad weather.

Take a ride you’ll never forget

Getty ImagesFrom The Big One with its 235ft drop to the exhilarating ICON, which enables revellers to experience the G-force of a Formula One driver, the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach are some of the best in Europe. But imagine how much more thrilling they’ll be with the Blackpool Illuminations in the background.

That particular bonus is on the cards if you visit the north-west theme park during October half-term (and indeed up until January 2027).

From your lofty position, you should be perfectly placed to glimpse the famous light show, which stretches for six miles along the seafront.

With the awesome Blackpool Tower also on display, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better coaster view anywhere.

Boundless offer:

Members get free access to Kids Pass, which enables you to save up to 36% on tickets to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and get money off at hundreds of other UK attractions.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}