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Halloween activities and bonfires in Plymouth
Updated 27/09/2016
Make this Halloween a time of treats, not tricks. Keep the children safe with our fancy dress advice 
and conjure up some healthy Halloween food that is not only palate pleasing but will be visually appealing to the children...
Healthy Treats instead of sweets
The collective amount of sugar consumption is incredibly high during Halloween, with almost £300 million spent on sweets and chocolate alone.
So, as an alternative, you may wish to offer all young trick or treaters a healthier option - with a spooky edge of course!
Banana Ghosts and Mandarin Pumpkins
These Banana Ghosts and Mandarin Pumpkins will go down a treat and so are easy to create.
For the Banana Ghosts, blob a couple of mini chocolate chips as eyes and a coffee bean for the mouth.
Alternatively, and especially to avoid any chance of choking on the coffee bean, you may wish to use currents for the mouth.
For the pumpkins, peel the mandarins and use a thin piece of the herb Angelica as the stalk.
Alternatively, you may wish to use small slices of apple candy cables as the stalk
Scary Apple Teeth
These scary apple teeth are sure to get the children chattering! Slice a rosy-looking apple into quarters and de-pip.
Then gently cut a slice out of the apple quarter and fill with flaked almonds for teeth. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving these.
Pumpkin Peppers
These Pumpkin Peppers look super scary and are so easy to make. Buy a selection of yellow, red and if you can get them, orange peppers. Top the pepper, de-seed and carve a traditional Jack-O-Lantern face onto the side of the pepper. Fill with salad leaves and croutons.
Halloween party games 
Many parents aren’t keen on the idea of ‘Trick or Treating’ so host Halloween parties instead. For a spot of spooky inspiration take a look at the Primary Times TV website – where you’ll find instructions on how to make Halloween lanterns, Halloween bats, pumpkin paper lanterns, balloon ghosts, witches fingers and so much more!
Visit the Halloween pages on Primary Times TV for ideas. To find out how to create a special Halloween feast visit http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-halloween-feast
Fancy Dress Safety
Parents should exercise caution when buying costumes for their children. Celebrations around Halloween and Bonfire Night can put children in close proximity of naked flames or fire.
If the costume or face-mask has not been properly fire retarded in accordance to EN71-2, the consequences can be severe.
Parents are advised to check the labelling and CE markings, remain vigilant and, ideally, keep the children away from fire when wearing these costumes or masks. Find out more about costume safety and CE markings at www.tradingstandards.uk
Tricks and tips for carving a Pumpkin
By carving pumpkins children are able to challenge their creative skills and often feel elated when their sculpted masterpieces are perched on the doorstep for all to admire. These days there are loads of gorgeous stencils of owls, Halloween cats and various spooky scenes that can be etched onto the side of the pumpkin, adding a degree of inventiveness.
Pumpkins have a tendency to rot rather rapidly once they have been carved so the best time to carve any mini masterpiece will be no more than two days before Halloween.
Here are some tips to make the most of those pumpkin carvings…
What you will need:
A pumpkin!- A design template if using one
- A pen
- A candle
- A special pumpkin carving saw or a sharp, straight edged knife
- A spoon to scoop out the inside of the pumpkin
- A bowl to place the ‘fruit’
- Adult supervision
How to Carve a Pumpkin
- Begin by drawing a design onto the pumpkin. Be as creative as possible or use a stencil.
- Cut out a lid from the top of the pumpkin. Cut at a slight angle to make sure the lid doesn’t fall into the pumpkin. Scrape off the flesh from the lid.
- Scoop out the flesh and seeds using a large metal spoon and place in a bowl. Make sure the walls of the pumpkin are least 2 cm thick
- Next, with adult supervision, start carving the pumpkin using motions that direct the knife away from you. Use a slow, sawing motion to carve the design. Avoid any jerking motions by keeping a part of the blade in the pumpkin when sawing.
- To sculpt, it will be better to start working on the centre of your design first.
- To add shapes, you may wish to use other utensils such as an apple corer to make circles
- Remove all carved sections of the pumpkin
- Make a flat spot on the base of the pumpkin for the candle. Use a tea light candle.
- Finally, place your mini orange masterpiece on your doorstep for all passers-by to admire!
How to look after your pumpkin:
Pumpkins deteriorate quickly once cut, so always leave the lid off when the candle is in to prevent it shrinking and when it does start to shrivel dunk your gourd in a bucket of water for a few hours to rehydrate.
Halloween at Paignton Zoo
You might think there are quite enough scary things at Paignton Zoo, what with all those slithering snakes and scuttling spiders and crocodiles with great big fangs. Yet, at half term and Halloween it’s set to get a whole lot scarier.
Halloween Horrors runs from 24 to 30 October and will give little monsters to Paignton Zoo a truly spooktacular time. Take part in their Trick or Treat trail to receive a pumpkin mask and a chocolate treat, or hop on board the ghost train for a freaky surprise ride.
There are spooky animal talks about ugly bugs and things with sharp teeth – catch them at Crocodile Swamp and Investigate. If you’re feeling peckish, not to mention brave, take part in the bug-eating challenge. If that doesn’t fill the hole, then pop in to the Zoo’s Island Restaurant for a treat. Visitwww.paigntonzoo.org.uk
Halloween Fun at Crealy
Get into the spooky spirit with a brand new attraction for 2016 at Crealy Great Adventure Park – the Creaky Hotel. From Friday 22 to Sunday 30 October visitors will be able to tiptoe through the rooms of the ghostly hotel to experience the frights and some spook-tacular surprises.
Those who are brave enough will be able to take a trek into the wilderness and come face-to-face with the mischievous Treehouse Trolls, and a trick or treat is in store for visitors who can summon the courage to enter the Creepy Treehouse.
Crealy will also host a range of fang-tastic activities and spook-tacular entertainment throughout half term. Head to the Piazza Stage at 11am and 2pm to join the Crealy Wizard and Witch Academy. From 12pm on the Pirate Stage visitors will find the Pirates of Old Crealy Town, for an adventure around the seven seas. Visitors are also invited to take their pumpkin creations to the Pumpkin Patches’ Carving Competition on the Piazza Stage at 1pm and 3pm. Meet and greet Buddy Bear, Crealy’s friendly mascot and Patch the Pumpkin, Crealy’s Halloween mascot.
Grab your hats, broomsticks, whiskers and cat tails and get ready for some spooky spellbinding adventures. Don’t forget to pick up your activity pass to ensure that you complete all of the Halloween activities at Crealy. For more information visit: www.crealy.co.uk/devon/halloween-devon
Ghoulish events and nerve-wracking thrills at Camel Creek
Bursting with ghoulish events and nerve-wracking thrills, Halloween at Camel Creek this year is going to be spooktacular! There will be a free pumpkin for every child, a free gift for children who arrive in fancy dress, two scare zones, magic shows, the Grim Reaper ghost train, Halloween themed crafts, bobbing for apples and the infamous Camel Creek Witches Grotto, it’s not to be missed. Join in the hair-raising evening madness in the “Creepy Creek Bug Ball” and “Spooky Sleep-Over” events - brand new to 2016.
Also, set your spooky senses on the brand new scare zone for 2016…dare you walk the Demon Drop? This is not for the faint hearted as there are lots of scary surprises in store.
The over 7’s will be able to traverse through the tall tower whilst meeting frightening characters along the way. Screams from the steep slide will not be the only shrieks heard on the night! For those a little younger or with a more nervous disposition, a supernatural encounter throughout the reptile house Crocodile Crypt will leave children and adults alike in good “spirits”. Save up to 20% online atwww.camelcreek.co.uk
Hannah’s to Host Spooky Halloween at Seale-Hayne
Hannah’s will be celebrating Halloween at Seale-Hayne in their usual spooky way on Monday 31 October from 5.30pm till 8pm. It has now become infamous for its fiendishly fun Halloween festivities at its night of Halloween hi-jinks. Frightful festivities include spooky stalls, gruesome games, creepy creatures and a haunted disco with a DJ spinning monster hits.
Throughout half-term week children can take part in the Bumpkin Pumpkin Treasure Hunt, when little monsters can hunt down the pumpkin-head scarecrows that have been hidden around the Quad. On Saturday 29 October there will be a Halloween Roller Disco in the Sports Hall. Family skate sessions will run from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. For details about any of the events call 01626 325825 or visitwww.discoverhannahs.org/seale-hayne
Shriek Week at Living Coasts
At Torquay’s coastal zoo, Halloween means Shriek Week. From 24 to 30 October, see some truly ghastly goings-on at Living Coasts in the name of Halloween fun. In keeping with the superhero theme that’s been running at Living Coasts throughout the summer season, there will be a special undercover supervillain appearance - so keep a look-out in case a nefarious rogue pops up when you’re there.
In addition, there will be Halloween fancy dress competitions, spooky puppet shows and a Creepy Coffin trail. Once the little monsters have been given a scare or two, there’s plenty more to see and do at Living Coasts. There are outdoor and indoor exhibits, play areas and the famous free-ranging penguins. Visitwww.livingcoasts.org.uk
Half Term on the Farm
Spend a day at Pennywell Farm this October Half Term and enjoy a full day of animals, activities, shows, rides and displays. There’s something new happening every half hour!
There will be plenty to entertain the whole family with Crazy Golf, four farm rides, a warm and cosy pets’ area and piggy cuddles. Ferret racing, goat milking and bottle feeding are just a few of the activities on offer and pig racing is at 2.30pm every day. Visit the website: www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Snakes and Lanterns Week at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle will be transformed this October half term, when Snakes and Lanterns Week takes over for Halloween from Sunday 23 October to Monday 31 October (excluding Saturday 29 October). Visitors will be able follow the spooky pumpkin trail, with a chance to win their very own pumpkin that can be carved in the Potting Shed, whilst Dartmoor Reptiles’ family of snakes and spiders will be on hand for those who want to get up close and personal handling some creepy crawlies.
There will also be thrilling guided tours of Powderham Castle, where guests can relive 600 years of fascinating history and discover the Castle’s own secret passageways and doors.
Entry to this eerie event is included in the normal admission price of a day ticket. Visitwww.powderham.co.uk or call 01626 890243.
Family Art Workshop: Right Angles, Wrong Angels
On Saturday 29 October families visiting Plymouth Arts Centre will be able to work together to create spooky collaborations and make haunting Halloween masks at the special
family art workshop: Right Angles, Wrong Angels. During the session families will learn about the science of drawing, and how maths is present in art. Through drawing, printing and self-portraiture, children will be able to re-imagine themselves and their family as a group of mechanical monsters, or ghastly ghouls. Advance booking is essential, although some spaces may be available on the day. Visitwww.plymouthartscentre.org
Chaplins is Frighteningly Fabulous this October
Be spooktacularly surprised this October at Chaplins in Plympton where you will find everything you need for a happy Halloween. This year there is a new range of ghoulish goodies for you and your fiendish friends to enjoy that will help you create a frighteningly fabulous party. Chaplins stock a wide range of creepy costumes, monster masks, yucky goo, make up and face paints, party ware and dead good decorations. Halloween accessories start from £1. For more details go to www.chaplins-superstore.co.ukor call 01752 202700
Music, Food and Family Halloween Fun Day at Plymouth Central Park
There will be a distinctly "spooky" feel in one of Plymouth’s parks on Sunday 16 October. In Central Park, from 10am to 4pm, there will be a wide variety of Halloween activities which are sure to keep the children spooktacularly amused. Entrance is free and the event is subject to weather conditions. For more details visit <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.leapsw.com/" href="http://www.leapsw.com/" target="_blank" title="Link to www.leapsw.com">www.leapsw.com">www.leapsw.com
Wild About Plymouth: Bats That Go Bump in the Night
Wrap up warm and grab a torch for the special Bats that Go Bump in the Night event that will be taking place in Plymouth’s Central Park on 27 October. From 6pm, go an exciting evening adventure where you’ll be able to use special equipment to attract moths and look for bats. There are 18 different species of bats in the UK – see how many different types you can discover. Afterwards warm up with some tasty soup and hot chocolate. Advance booking and payment is essential by 21 October due to limited numbers. Visit www.plymhearts.org
Family Fright Night at National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium will be creaking open its cabin doors for an eerie night of tricks and treats on Saturday 29 October. A creepy array of activities has been arranged for all the family and includes pumpkin carving, spooky stories and a truly frightening Fright Night Show!
Families will be transported around the Aquarium learning about all the sea-faring ghost stories the murky depths has to offer. There will be fancy dress and face-painting taking place - and the best costume will receive a petrifying prize. To make a booking or for further information visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Follow the Firework Code
Having fireworks at home can be great fun, as long as they are used safely. Figures show more children rather than adults get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries.
If you’re putting on a home display, you should follow some simple steps to make sure that everyone has a good time without getting hurt.
The Firework Code
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Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
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Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
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Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
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Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
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Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
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Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
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Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
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Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
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Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
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Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Keep Your Family Safe -
Sparkler Safety
Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and safety precautions should be taken to avoid accidents.
- Never give sparklers to very young children.
- Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves.
- Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit.
- Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.
- Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler.
- When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.
Bonfire Safety
- Children should be supervised near bonfires. One person should be responsible for the bonfire.
- Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and well away from where the children will be playing.
- Never pour petrol or meths onto a fire, it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups.
- Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident.
- Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
- After the party pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.
First Aid Hints for Burns
- If clothing is on fire, lie the person down wrapped in heavy material such as a coat or blanket (not made of nylon) and roll them over and over to put the flames out.
- DON’T use ANY kind of creams, butter, oil or lotions.
- For all burns on young children – seek medical attention.
- In all cases if the burn is severe – seek medical attention.
Where to buy your fireworks
Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards. This means that they should have BS 7114 written on the box.
Think of your neighbours…
Let your neighbours know if you are planning a fireworks party as they may have pets which should be kept indoors. It would be kind to let elderly neighbours and families with young children know there may be some loud bangs.
Fireworks: the law
The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions are:
- Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
- New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am
You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:
- 15 October to 10 November
- 26 to 31 December
- 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
- At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
You can be fined up to £5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
Find safer firework information at www.saferfireworks.com