Things to do in York this half term, October 2013

Get festive this half term! With Halloween just around the corner there’s fearful fun from face painting to shock-olate tasting, art and science activities abound and don’t forget Illuminating York. For a complete list of half term activities, click here.

Take a trek

This half term you can take your family on an adventure – without going very far. Pop into York’s Castle Museum to experiment with volcanoes and hear stories from Victorian adventurer Tempest Anderson, or head to the National Railway Museum to Create a Fantastic Journey [pictured above].

There are plenty of things to discover on York Minster’s walks with Monty the Monkey
Or seek out past monarchs at Clifford Tower’s family friendly Royal Trail

York Festival of Storytelling

York’s creative side is flourishing this half-term with the Festival of Storytelling. Whether it’s a seasonal spooky tale you’re after like The Creepy House, or a more traditional folk tale like Fionn and Fianna, there are plenty of tall tales to enjoy.

Try out something different with Illustrated Yoga
Or perhaps you fancy a musical descent into the underworld with the myth of Demeter and Kore
Instead of listening to stories, why not learn how to tell them yourself? With Jane Oakshott’s techniques and tips for engaging audiences everywhere

The Big Draw

Are you and your kids a dab hand with a paintbrush, or are your art skills a bit sketchy? Either way, get stuck in with York’s Big Draw – a chance to sketch at sites such as York Minster. What will you create?

Check out the Family Arts Festival at York Theatre Royal
Or the Big Neon Draw at York St Mary’s
Go for the bigger picture at the Minster with the Sketchcrawl

Halloween fun

Halloween isn’t just for grown-ups apparently, kids can have fun too… There’s the Halloween Festival for families at York Maze, Shock-olate at York’s Chocolate Story and half term Children’s Halloween Trails at The Treasurer’s House, and that’s just for spooky starters.

Also… older kids can meet the creepy cast at York Dungeon, including the Plague Doctor
Or get into character at Poppleton’s children’s Pumpkin Party
Or perhaps feed your fear with New Earswick Library’s Cupcake-Decorating

Illuminating York

York is brightening up the dingy nights and days of autumn with the Illuminating York Festival. York Minster will be joining in the fun, and even the National Railway Museum will be lighting up their locos.

Don’t stop there… Venture outside in the moonlight at the beautiful York Museum gardens
Visit the Memorial Gardens for a stunning fiery sculpture of myths and magic
Finally, don’t miss out on the fantastic projection upon Clifford’s Tower

Big days out

Take your kids on a trip to one of our nearby historical houses. Visit Beningbrough Hall for some adventurous family activities, or Nunnington Hall for ghoulish tours. Dare you enter the fancy dress competition?

Travel around the north east with the North Yorkshire Moors ‘Witches and Wizards Week‘
Head out to Fairfax House to experience the Live Action Performance of ‘Ghosts, Rogues and Highwaymen.’
Barley Hall is Haunted with the ghosts of Viking Kings, witches and warriors