For families

Delve into our garden shed of fun activities for the kids throughout the seasons. Explore things to do, games to play and recipes to bake. There's lots to do outdoors and indoors, come rain or shine

Children at a Halloween event
A family playing outside at Osterley Park and House, London

October half term activities 

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside with the family and create unforgettable moments. And with all kinds of things to do, from woodland adventure days to wildlife watching, it’ll be impossible for the children to get bored this October half term.

Plan your fun half term

Explore

Visitors playing outside

Haunted forests and woods 

Feeling brave? Creep through twisted tree trunks and crack twigs underfoot as you venture into the depths of some of the spookiest woods in our care. You can also uncover historical horrors and legends as you explore these haunted forests.

Boy is stoody in front of acer tree holding bright red leaves at Chirk Castle and Garden, Wales

Autumn activities for all the family 

The vibrant colours, bold trees and rich harvests of autumn are here. Whether you're after family fun or some quiet time alone, explore the best experiences this season has to offer with this range of autumnal activities. Get creative with harvest ideas, enjoy moments of autumn magic and play under falling leaves.

Dressing up at Sutton House, London

Spooky Halloween adventures  

Gather all your favourite ghouls and monsters together for some terror-ific Halloween adventures. Listen to scary stories and wander through woodland trails to spot skeletons or help witches with their potions.

Bake it
Spiderweb shortbread Play Video
Video

Bake some spiderweb shortbreads


Bake some Halloween treats with Development Chef Becky Janaway. Make some spooky spiderweb shortbreads and get creative with your designs – they’re simple to make and very moreish. Watch the video recipe to follow along with Becky in the kitchen.

Visitors baking together in a National Trust kitchen

More family-friendly recipes 

We love food and we've got some great recipes to prove it. We've got our favourite family bakes if the weather keeps you indoors, or take a look at some of our simple snacks perfect for outdoor adventures if the sun is shining.

Make it
Visitors enjoying a pumpkin carving workshop at Belton House, Lincolnshire

How to make a pumpkin lantern 

Celebrate the spooky season with some fun Halloween-inspired ideas. Get the whole family involved with making a Halloween pumpkin lantern. Follow our easy step-by-step video on how to create this frightfully fun decoration – how scary can you make yours? Plus, find some more ideas on creating other autumnal decorations.

Follow our how to guide
Materials for making a bird feeder laid on a work bench

More how to guides 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to climb a tree, make a bird feeder or create a bee box for your garden? Follow one of our many how to guides and become an expert in something new in no time.

Share the joy
A selection of family games available from the National Trust online shop

It's time to play 

Spark their imagination, feed their curiosity or challenge their minds with our range of games, toys and puzzles. We've got something for everyone to enjoy – however old you are – with family classics and new ideas.

Browse the online shop

Things to do

Get some inspiration for activities to do on your own or with family. You won't be short of things to do this autumn.

Ideas for things to do