Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family activities during October half term in Devon
There is a bumper schedule of activities that families can get involved with in Devon this October half term. Check out our details below for some recommended highlights for October half term 2021 and don't forget to check our frequently updated online listings here as well as our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1. Crealy Spookfest - 23rd to 31st October
Crealy Spookfest returns to Crealy Theme Park and Resort for 2021 and features some of your favourite spooky attractions, live shows and spooktacular entertainment. All spooktacular attractions are included in your Theme Park ticket price including:
Witches of the Wilderness: Follow the gatekeeper, explore the trail and find the hidden clues for a witchy surprise.
Scarecrow Scare Maze: Dip, duck and tread carefully through this interactive maze
Escape the Creaky Hotel: Under New Management: After undergoing some spook-tacular refurbishment, The Creaky Hotel is now ready for check-ins and the new management is just dying to meet you all
Book of Spells Live Show: Visit the Crealy arena for an enchanting cirque show telling the tale of a young witch who discovers a book of spells that has the power to turn our every days upside down. Featuring breathtaking aerial arts, daring acrobatic tricks, dynamic dance and cutting edge choreography performed to a sensational soundrack
Find out more and book here
2. It’s Spooky Season at Paignton Zoo
Join Paignton Zoo for some frighteningly good Halloween half term fun.
Their FREE Wizard Workshop will be open each day between 10.30am and 4pm, where with some help from their mystical characters, children can make their very own spooky spell bookmark to take home. Discover more about some of the animals that live at Paignton Zoo at their fang-tastic animal talks. Why not bring the kids in their most frighteningly fabulous fancy dress, they can’t wait to see what your little monsters will dress up as. Visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk to find out more.
3. Fly back in time this half term at Wildwood Escot
Discover an authentic taste of medieval life at Wildwood Escot this half term alongside all of animals and experiences
- The Living History Weekend on 23rd and 24th October will be celebrating the Saxon month of Winterfylleth (October). The villagers will be demonstrating a range of medieval costume, craft and culture. Find out how our Saxon ancestors survived and thrived with wood and metal working making tools for building and hunting. See how they clothed themselves by spinning wool and weaving and learn about how they lived off the land foraging and gardening. They are also expecting a visit from a mostly friendly Viking war party who'll be showing off their weapons and fighting skills in the village arena
- Half Term Activities from 25th to 31st October are marking the fact that the witch is back and taking up residence in the Saxon Village. At periods throughout the day she'll welcome only the bravest souls into her shack to help her cast a spell. If she proves a bit too scary, the team in the village will be around to help you with rune carving, want making pumpkin carving and marshmallow toasting on the open fire with tales of how the Saxons and their animals prepared for and survived the harsh winter.
Find out more via the website: www.devon.wildwoodtrust.org/whats-on
4. Autumn Carnival half term fun at Rosemoor
Celebrate autumn with half term activities for all ages. Things to do include a garden trail, pumpkin painting, leaf craft, preparing your own winter lettuce to take away and a Halloween live disco. Events may take place on selected dates and incur additional costs. Chekc the website for more details.
Find out more here: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/half-term-family-fun-at-rosemoor
5. All treats and no tricks at Bear Town!
Join Bear Town between Saturday 16th October until Sunday 31st October for a spooktacular visit. Alongside the two-hour play session will be a Halloween treasure hunt, Halloween treats and spooky dressing up all included in the standard ticket price. Bear Town will enjoy a gentle Halloween makeover suitable for the youngest explorers with only friendly ghosts invited!
Bear Town is a unique role play centre where young children can try a host of “grown up” jobs, from vets and mechanics to firefighters and hairdressers. At Bear Town, there are no rules on imagination. Children are encouraged to let their imagination run wild and be who they want to be, encouraging children to ‘Learn Through Play’.
During the session visitors will enjoy exclusive use of the Café which will be offering a great selection of cakes, snacks, delicious locally sourced meals and hot and cold drinks including our amazing freshly ground coffee.
Sessions remain strictly limited, so early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
Bear Town is open daily.
www.beartown.co.uk to find out more.">Visit www.beartown.co.uk to find out more.
6. Pennywell Pumpkin Patch this October
Open everyday in October for you to pick up your own pumpkin, explore their pumpkin trail and take photos in their pumpkin photo booth. Book regular day tickets to enjoy this alongside their normal schedule of activities and fun.
Find out more and book at https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-day-out-tickets
7. October half term events at World of Country Life - 25th to 31st October
'I've lost my Mummy!' Take part in Halloween fun and games and spooky goings on, Pumpkin carving, a Halloween show, plus a Halloween trail.
Find out more and book at www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk/events
8. Jump for joy at iBounce Exeter
iBounce Exeter is far more than just a Trampoline Park! Jump off the tower onto a Giant Airbag, test your reactions with our Light Chaser Games, practice your Football penalty taking skills, see who's the Dodgeball champion, perfect your tricks in the stunt zone and leap into a pit of soft Foam! Great fun for all the family, with onsite cafe for those parents who prefer to relax and spectate. Not forgetting our friends at iPlay - A Dinosaur themed Soft Play great for the little ones that is located in the same building. HAPPY BOUNCING!
Find out more at www.i-bounce.co.uk/exeter-trampoline-park
9. Autumn adventures at The Donkey Sanctuary
Get ready to explore the sanctuary with a fun family adventure this October half term. Join the Adorably Curious Adventure and discover all things donkey to claim a prize and sticker on completion. Plus, with daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore with your own herd, whatever the weather. Open every day from 9am, admission and parking are free. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
10. The Bear Trail is Devon’s muddiest family assault course!
With 30 obstacles and unlimited mud! An award-winning mud-fest of an attraction, the Bear Trail is a family-friendly mud run obstacle course set on a 10-acre site.
Scramble over the bear nets, zip down the zip wire and tumble through the tunnels. Tackle the assault course together as many times as you like; this is a mighty mudder for all ages.
Once you’ve tackled the assault course together, relax at the Bear Cave Cafe serving delicious wood-fired pizzas, paninis, drinks, treats and more. Or bring your own picnic and enjoy our outdoor picnic areas.
Open weekends and school holidays, visit www.thebeartrail.co.uk to book your next adventure.
11. Spooky ceramics at China Blue, Totnes
China Blue's studio shelves are now full of spooky ceramics ready foryou to create your own Halloween decorations and displays. Don't forget to check out their deli area which has a range of sweet and sour confectionery and Halloween chocolates to help you prepare for when visitors come knocking.
Check out our latest issue for an exclusive discount voucher and visit their Facebook and website to find out more about what they have to offer.
12. Half term and beyond at RAMM, Exeter
A set of events take place this half term at Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM, Exeter.
- See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition until 9th January 2022, currently on loan from the Natural History Museum. £8 adults, 36 concessions, under 19s free.
- The Superhero Beaver and other Beaver Tails on Tuesday 26th October. Join globetrotting storyteller and children's author Clive PiG to find out move about beavers and other stories from around the world. Be inspired by RAMM's new resident beaver to produce your own piece of creative writing. £3.50 per child to be accompanied by an adult.
- The Treasures of the Museum trail continues until 31st October. Discover sixteen outstanding objects cared for by RAMM.
- Reflected Patterns: Make your own teleidoscope on Wednesday 27th October. View the RAMM's collection in a totally different way by making your own taleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope with a lense and an open view. £3.50 per child, drop in throughout the day.
Museum At Large is an urban trail of eye-catching creativity this October and activities include
- Ancient Jewellery workshop on 28th October where you can create a unique necklace or ancient tablet decorated with your name in cuneiform. £3.50 per person.
- Night of Light and Sound on Friday 29th October. Explore the museum by torchlight, after hours and as we turn the lights down low. Take part in light and sound craft activities inspired by World Culture festivals such as Diwali, Hanukkah and Vesak. Make lanterns and musical instruments to carry and play in our end of evening parade through the darkened museum. Takes place between 6 to 7:30pm and costs £3 per person.
- And more.....
Find out more about what is going on at RAMM here and learn about the Museum At Large events here
13. Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids at Exeter Phoenix
World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo is bringing back his 5 star show to venues across the UK.
Shlomo, who makes mad music with his mouth, is setting out to create the next generation of superstar beatboxers. Anyone can be one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether they’re aged 1 or 101!
Witness the incredible energy of this superstar beatboxer at the Phoenix, Exeter on Monday 25 October, as he makes his long-awaited return to the stage.
Find out more and book at www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/shlomos-beatbox-adventures
14. Jolly Pumpkin - pumpkin picking
Located in Silverton - there are over 50 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd on offer this year of all shapes and sizes. Lace up your boots, slip on your gloves (recommended and head on down). Grab a wheelbarrow (supplied) and start picking through the vines to find that perfect pumpkin.
Booking through their online system is not essential but recommended to take advantage of the online admission discount.
Find out more at www.thejollygroup.co.uk/jolly-pumpkin
15. Indoor swimming, amusements, kids’ parties and more at Cofton Holidays
A jam-packed day of activities awaits you here at Cofton Holidays, the award-winning holiday park near Dawlish.
Open to day visitors, you and your kids can enjoy a swim in the heated indoor pool with its splash pads and bubbling water jets. And there’s a soft play area and a Woodland Adventure Area too.
Refuel at Amelia’s Café with delicious food from the finest local producers, and if you’re celebrating a birthday, why not try our fantastic party package including a swim, buffet, decorations and more? Swimming sessions must be booked in advance.
Visit www.coftonholidays.co.uk/dayvisitors for more information
16. The Dong With A Luminous Nose - Cygnet Theatre Exeter - 28th and 29th October
Edward is a bit of an oddball. A shy and troubled boy, he is always watching the horizon, waiting for something to happen. Then one day “the Jumblies” arrive, and his life is turned upside down… then shaken about a bit… and then a bit more!
With a huge and colourful cast of abstract and figurative puppets, this absurd take on Lear’s nonsense classic explores that difficult age between being a child and becoming an adult.
Dancing chairs, a troublesome telephone and a swarm of shape-shifters all play their part in this tale of a lonely boy who has difficulty facing up to the facts.
Brought to you by the designer/director and composer partnership behind Little Angel Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me.
Find out more and book here: www.cygnettheatre.co.uk/whats-on-upcoming-shows/
17. Halloween at Affinity Devon
This half term you can celebrate Halloween at Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping.
Saturday 23rd to 31st October: Spooky Animal Trail - in collaboration with Really Wild Planet, a number of critters have been hidden for you to track down. Collect your trail sheet from the Tourist Information Centre and complete it for your change to win a family ticket to Really Wild Planet
Monday 25th October: The Stilt Walking Pumpkin People - strike your scariest posts when taking pictures with the Pumpkin People
Monday 25th, Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th October: Creepy Glitter Tattoos - have a spooky glitter tattoo applied for some added sparkle and shine to your Halloween costume
Tuesday 26th and 28th October: Spooky Arts & Crafts Workshops - Special, spooky workshop using various materials for your Halloween creations. This workshop is FREE with no pre-booking required.
Wednesday 27th October: The Stilt Walking Skeleton Family
Friday 29th October: Mr Bones - Join Entertainingly Different's Mr Bones for more treats than tricks this Halloween. Interactive spooktacular storytelling and autumnal antics
Find out more and see timings here
18 Fire your imagination at The Honiton Pottery Workshop
Choose from their range of pre-fired bisqueware ready to be painted. Once painted by visitors it can be glazed and fired for you.
Find out more here: www.thehonitonpotteryworkshop.co.uk