We’ve all been there. The October half term creeps up and before you know it, the kids are off from school and you have no activities booked in! Well, fear not – Dorset is known for hosting a range of excellent Halloween half term activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best October half term Halloween activities for the family in Dorset. We share some of the best attractions to visit in Poole, Bournemouth and Wareham during your caravan or glamping holiday at South Lytchett Manor. From pumpkin picking to scary mazes, these spooktacular activities are sure to entertain kids of all ages!
October 22nd to 30th
Farmer Palmers is the ultimate day out for all the family. The working farm offers a range of exciting activities geared towards younger children, including soft play, animal feeding and outdoor play areas. Older kids and adults will love the tractor ride and outdoor go karts!
For Halloween, Farmer Palmers get into the Halloween ‘spirit’. Their team turn into the ‘Boo Crew’ and their attractions get a spooky makeover. Their tractor rides get a “Soak-a-Spook” theme and they offer witches races, a maize maze and pumpkin picking!
At just a 6-minute drive from our base at South Lytchett Manor, Farmer Palmers should definitely be on your half-term hit list.
Please note that you must pre-book tickets for Farmer Palmers!
October 17th to 31st
Topsy-turvy fun in Bournemouth. For something a bit more unique, visit the curious upside-down house on Westover Road. Guaranteed to leave a lasting memory with children, the upside-down house is decorated with Halloween decorations for the October half term!
For 2022, they are running a photo competition, where visitors are challenged to take their spookiest photos and upload them! More info here.
The upside-down house is a 27-minute drive from South Lytchett! We recommend making a day of it and spending the whole day in Bournemouth. You’ll find a wide selection of pubs, restaurants and other fun activities to fill your day!
Upton Country Park is a popular outdoor attraction in Poole. The country park features a number of walking routes as well as a café that serves cold and hot drinks and light bites. Kids will love the large outdoor play area! Visiting in October means you’ll avoid the big crowds usually drawn in the summer!
Come October, Upton Country Park hosts three Halloween-themed events.
The Witches Brew Adventure Trail – free event where children can pick up a trail sheet and help the witch find the necessary ingredients for her potion! There may be some spooks along the way…
22nd – 30th October
The Pumpkin Photoshoot Instagram Challenge – lets you guess the size of the large pumpkin, and using #UCPPumpkinChallenge to register your guess!
22nd – 30th October
Creepy Crafts – great for younger children. They will have the opportunity to craft pinecone spiders, paper pumpkins and craft paper fan cats! This activity is priced at £3 per craft.
27th – 30th October
Upton Country Park is only a 7-minute drive from us, or you could walk or cycle! Weather-permitting, we think it is a must-visit venue whilst you are on your staycation in Dorset.
Photo credit: Tanya Hart | Flickr
31st October
World-famous Monkey World is a fantastic day out for the whole family no matter what time of year you visit. However, on the 31st October, fancy dress is advised!
Here, Monkey World offer spooktacular deals, and an opportunity for kids to take part in a fancy dress competition with prizes!
The 65-acre rescue centre is home to over 260 primates of 24 species, two snack kiosks, gift shop and the Great Ape play area – the largest outdoor playground in the South of England!
Pre booking is advised! Monkey World is only an 18-minute drive from our base!
October 22nd to 30th
Adventure Wonderland promises a fun-filled day for the whole family. With crazy golf, indoor and outdoor play areas, rollercoasters, large maze, live theatre shows, battle boats and loads more to see and do, you’ll struggle to fit the activities into one action-packed day. The Alice in Wonderland themed venue is popular among tourists and locals alike.
In October, Adventure Wonderland adds a spooky theme to the popular park. They host a frighteningly good Halloween show – Mr. Rabbit’s Hocus Pocus Party. Their crazy golf, rides, attractions, animal area and indoor play also have a spooky makeover, and their Alice in Wonderland Maze transforms into the Family Friendly Scary Maze.
Pre booking is advised! Adventure Wonderland is only a 27-minute drive from us.
South Lytchett Manor is the perfect base to explore the famous Jurassic Coast. Just three miles from Poole and nine miles from Bournemouth, you’ll find a range of family activities, secluded walks and everything in-between whichever direction you choose to explore. Whether you want to visit a bustling town or venture off the beaten track, your ideal spot is never far away from our multi award-winning park.
Our pristine onsite facilities which have earned us Platinum Loo of the Year Award 3 times are just one of the reasons our guests come back for a glamping holiday in Dorset. Visit our fully stocked shop, café, bakery, amenity blocks, laundry facilities, adventure playground and more at South Lytchett Manor. We can’t wait to welcome you to our dog friendly campsite in Dorset this Autumn.
What a fabulous place! Our first outing in our new campervan to try it out, the campsite and facilities are... 
thewardrobem, Nov 2023
The best campsite I've ever stayed at, usually large complexes lose a bit of what camping is about, but not... Colin, May 2023
Great stay, very clean excellent facilities. Bus into Poole 15 mins nice shops and great walk by the Quay. Definitely... Janet, Nov 2023
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