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FUN FOR THE FAMILY THIS HALLOWEEN & OCTOBER HALF TERM
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Cardiff is a top destination for kids and adults alike. Whether you are looking for something for the little ones, or young children and teens, our capital is ready to deliver exciting half-term memories! Check out our hand selected top suggestions below.
- Various Dates
- From £7.50pp
Face your fears this Halloween with thrilling animal encounters hosted by the Dinosaur, Wildlife & Education Centre, where you’ll meet a vibrant array of exotic creatures—from tarantulas and snakes to scorpions—in hour-long sessions designed to challenge your courage and curiosity. Held at Cardiff Castle’s medieval Undercroft, the experience also includes the Halloween Underground Cinema by Darkened Rooms, featuring spooky film screenings, eerie decorations, and a chilling atmosphere perfect for families seeking a fun and fright-filled adventure. Book online here.
2. CARDIFF HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
- 25 Oct 2025 – 31 Oct 2025
- Child Entry £13.50 / Adult £14.50 / Under 2 FREE
This October half term, Cardiff Bay becomes Halloween Island – a vibrant family festival packed with pumpkins, playful mischief, and spooky adventures. Arrive by Ghost Ship and explore magical zones like the Sunken Galleon, the Festival of Bones, and the charming Pumpkin Village. On stage, enjoy family-friendly shows including The Curse of Halloween Island, Potion Commotion, Slime It Live!, and the twilight harmonies of The Salem Sisters. With roaming pirates, cheeky ghouls, immersive sets, and a pumpkin for every child, it’s Cardiff’s ultimate Halloween experience.
3. ESCAPE ROOMS CARDIFF
- Monday – Sunday
- From £22pp
Looking for a Halloween thrill with a twist? Escape Rooms Cardiff offers seven immersive escape experiences, each with its own gripping theme. Choose your challenge and race against the clock to solve puzzles and escape in 60 minutes. For a spooky seasonal twist, try Z, the zombie bunker; OCULUS, the serial killer’s lair; or The Thirteenth Floor, a haunted elevator quest for hidden gold. Plus, every booking gets you 15% off at Franco Manca – perfect for pizza lovers looking to refuel after the adrenaline rush. Book online.
4. SPOOKY STUDIO AT THE RED DRAGON CENTRE
- 31 Oct 2025
Head to The Red Dragon Centre this Halloween for a fun afternoon at the Spooky Studio! On Friday 31 October, from 12–4pm, kids can enjoy free face painting and Halloween makeovers – perfect for getting trick-or-treat ready. Whether they want to be a witch, superhero, or something spooky in between, our team will bring their Halloween look to life. Make a day of it with a family meal, a game of bowling, or a cinema adventure – all under one roof. It’s the perfect way to kick off Halloween night!
5. BBC CYMRU WALES TOURS
- Thursday – Sunday
- Family £42.00 / Adult £15.00 / Student £12.00
Step into the future of broadcasting with a behind-the-scenes tour of BBC Cymru Wales at Central Square. Discover cutting-edge technology including augmented and virtual reality, and robotic cameras, all guided by friendly experts. With multiple awards and recognitions, it’s a must-do experience for curious families this half term. Book online here bbc.co.uk/tours.
7. GHOSTBUSTERS AT MERMAID QUAY
- 28 Oct 2025
- FREE
Why not head down to the spook-tacular Ghostbusters Day at Mermaid Quay? On Tuesday 28 October, from 11am to 4pm, families can enjoy an exciting fun lineup of free activities. Meet three Ghostbusters against a full-size backdrop for the ultimate photo op, get creative with ghost-themed balloon modelling, and sparkle with spooky glitter tattoos. Kids can also dive into a green slime-making workshop, hosted by a costumed character for extra Halloween magic. No booking needed – just turn up and join the fun!
8. HALLOWEEN NIGHTS AT ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
- 29 – 31 Oct 2025
- £14pp
Why not venture into the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Nights at St Fagans? Families can enjoy a spine-tingling evening packed with immersive activities. Meet ghostly characters from Welsh folklore, get crafty with lantern-making and potion workshops, and explore the scare zone tailored for brave little ones. Don’t miss the dramatic burning of the Wicker Man at 8:30pm each night! Everyone can tuck into tasty street food and dance the night away at the haunted house disco. Tickets must be booked in advance – so grab yours and prepare for a hauntingly good time! Tickets must be booked in advance here.
9. CREEPY CRAWLIES AT DYFFRYN GARDENS
- 25 Oct – 2 Nov
- Regular admission prices apply
Celebrate Halloween with creepy crawly games, weekend crafts, and a silent disco in the Theatre Garden (28–30 October). Kids can throw flies through spider webs, spin snail shells for dares, and spot ghost millipedes! Dressing up is encouraged, and the disco runs on a “pay what you feel” basis (suggested £3–5). Booking is free and recommended, with all proceeds supporting conservation. Normal admission applies; National Trust members go free.
10. SPOOKY TRAIL AT TREETOP ADVENTURE GOLF
- 20th Oct – 2nd Nov
- 6+ £11.50, 0-5 years £5.25, students £9.75, 60+ £10.50.
Get ready for some frightfully good fun this October Half Term! Every mini golf ticket comes with access to the Spooky Trail, where players can hunt for hidden letters around the course to spell out a spooky word—and pick up a Halloween treat at reception. Over Halloween Weekend things get even more exciting with free face painting from 11am to 2pm and a Best Dressed Competition at the photobooth, offering a chance to win a £250 gift voucher. Visitors can sip on limited-edition themed drinks like the Jungle Ghouler mocktail, Bat Berry Martini, and Pumpkin Spice Latte—available for a short time only! To make room for all the spooky fun, extended opening hours will be in place: from 9am Monday to Saturday, and from 10am on Sundays. For all the gory details, click here.
11. HEAD TO EMERALD CITY AT THE IVY CARDIFF
25 Oct – 2 Nov
Step into a world of magic and mischief as The Ivy Cardiff transforms into The Emerald City this Halloween! On Thursday 6th November, guests are invited to enjoy an enchanting evening of live entertainment with A Night at The Musicals: A Wicked Special. Expect dazzling cocktails, spellbinding performances, and sensational vocalists bringing the magic of Wicked to life between 6.30pm and 9.30pm. For families looking for daytime fun, the venue also offers complimentary face painting from 3pm to 5pm on 31st October, plus goody bags for the little ones and a chance to try the limited-edition dessert, The Emerald City Apple, available from 25th October to 2nd November. It’s the perfect way to add a sprinkle of sparkle to the half-term break! Book online here.
With so much happening in the capital, you might need more than a day to take it all in! Why not turn your visit into a mini break? Explore Cardiff’s wide range of hotels and make the most of your half-term adventure. Don’t forget to share your spooky snaps and autumnal fun with us using #VisitCardiff — we can’t wait to see what you get up to!
