As a former primary school teacher, there is nothing more welcome than October half term. If you’re a parent you may find it less thrilling.

With that in mind, here are some of the best events over half term to keep the kids occupied and for the kids at heart a few ghostly goings on in and around Bradford to celebrate Halloween.

Half term

• Take a look at Visit Bradford’s website for child friendly activities and events, including mask making, the big draw festival, theatre and days out.
• Family Learning Festival organised by Bradford Libraries 20-28th October with free events across the city’s libraries, including Super Saturdays – create, make, build, storytelling, face paint and more!
• The Dengineers take over the Science and Media Museum with a series of free workshops and activities based on CBBC ’s DIY programme from 20th October-4th November.
• Out in the Aire in Shipley organise some lovely forest school and outdoor activities getting little people back to nature and out in the fresh air. The first session is free.
• Waterstones Bookshop at the Wool Exchange will be holding spooky activities and a drawing competition every day during the half term.
• Lister Lanterns Parade 26th October from 6.30-7.30pm Cartwright Hall, Lister Park with lanterns, fire jugglers and musicians. Make your own lanterns the day before from 11am-3pm.
• Building Peace workshops at the Peace Museum 24-27th October with tours of the museum, placard making, dressing up and under 5s colouring.

Halloween

• Ghosts in the Machines. Free family craft activities at the Bradford Industrial Museum on 24 October. Ring on the day to confirm times.
• All Hallows’ Eve at Bolling Hall from 5.30pm-10pm 31st October. Visit the museum after dark with funfair, food and fancy dress. Entry £1.
• Pumpkin trail at Bolton Abbey 20th October-4th November. Follow the trail of pumpkins through the Strid Wood to uncover the witch’s magical spell. £10 per vehicle.
• Dress up and join Haworth’s Halloween Parades on 27-28th October at 2pm along the main street. On Saturday follow the dragon, and Sunday is the Parade of Ghouls.
• Jump aboard the Keighley and Worth Valley Halloween train on Sunday 28th October with ghost stories, trick or treating and face painting along the way. 11am-4.55pm.
• Spooky Stories will take place in the 400 year old barn at East Riddlesden Hall every day over half term at 1.30pm. A children’s Halloween Party is also planned on Sunday 28th.
• Ghosts of City Hall. This nocturnal tour inside Bradford’s former police station, cells and court is sadly fully booked on Halloween. But keep your eyes open for more tours with the Bradford Civic Society over the coming months.
• A Night to Dismember at Sunbridge Wells 27 October. Free drink to those wearing fancy dress and disco classics.