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FUN FOR THE FAMILY THIS HALLOWEEN & OCTOBER HALF TERM
Tuesday, 24 September 2026
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 £8pp
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. GHOSTBUSTERS FANDOM AT THE RED DRAGON CENTRE
- 31 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
Something strange is coming to The Red Dragon Centre this Halloween half term! Get ready for a weekend of fandom on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, as Ghostbusters Celebrations Wales: Fandoms Unite takes over The Red Dragon Centre, all in support of Ty Hafan.
From 10am-4pm, the Centre will be packed with costumed characters, special guests, pop-culture stalls, movie props and plenty of photo opportunities, alongside all our great attractions. Outside, the fun continues with a different line-up of incredible TV and film vehicles each day. Saturday features a full line-up of Ghostbusters Ecto vehicles, while Sunday brings a mix of favourites including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles van, Supernatural Impala, Bluesmobile and Bumblebee.
3. 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
- 26 Oct – 31 Oct
- Free
Halloween arrives in Cardiff Bay with a week of free family-friendly activities, including workshops, face painting and a spooky trail adventure around Mermaid Quay. Running daily from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October, the spooktacular event is based in Unit 2 and offers a different Halloween-themed activity each day, from pumpkin decorating and spooky lantern making to biscuit decorating, face painting and plenty of seasonal fun.
Visitors can pick up a Halloween Haunt Trail form and set off on a mission to uncover hidden Halloween characters throughout Mermaid Quay, collecting secret letters to reveal a mystery word. Completed trail sheets should be returned to Unit 2 by Saturday 31 October to claim a Halloween treat. The celebrations culminate with a Halloween finale event featuring face painting, themed selfie spots and plenty of spooky surprises, with visitors encouraged to come dressed in their most frightful costumes.
8. HALLOWEEN NIGHTS AT ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
- 29-31 Oct
- £16pp / Under 2s Free
Halloween Nights at St Fagans National Museum of History offers a spooktacular after-dark adventure packed with family-friendly Halloween fun. Visitors can explore the museum after dark, encountering ghostly characters inspired by Welsh folklore, discovering eerie superstitions and Winter’s Eve traditions, and taking part in creepy craft workshops. Throughout each evening, guests can build spells using natural materials, create their own mini wicker man, and learn about the history and symbolism of the Wicker Man before the spectacular nightly burning.
The event also features an immersive scare run for those brave enough to enter, a Haunted House disco, traditional fairground attractions, a makers market, and a variety of street food and refreshments. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their creepiest costumes and join the celebrations as summer turns to winter, making wishes as sparks fly from the burning Wicker Man. Please note that the scare run includes scare actors and loud noises and may be too frightening for some children, with participation left to the discretion of supervising adults.
9. UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE HALLOWEEN MAKEOVER
- 19 Oct – 1 Nov
Upside Down House is embracing the spooky season with a Halloween makeover, transforming its famously quirky interiors with eerie decorations, creepy corners and hauntingly good photo opportunities. Running from 19 October to 1 November 2026, the attraction offers visitors the chance to experience Halloween with a twist, creating unique and memorable seasonal photos in its one-of-a-kind upside-down setting.
The Halloween transformation will be available at locations across the UK, including Cardiff, and promises fun for all ages. Families and friends are invited to explore the spooky surroundings, capture unforgettable Halloween memories and enjoy a fang-tastic day out that’s anything but ordinary. Advance booking is recommended, although visitors are also encouraged to share their Halloween adventures on social media after their visit.
10. SPOOKY TRAIL AT TREETOP ADVENTURE GOLF
Jungle Adventure Golf is getting a spooky makeover this October, with mischievous spiders taking over its two immersive 18-hole courses. Visitors are invited to put their detective skills to the test by tracking down the hidden creepy crawlies, solving mystery Halloween words and claiming a treat at the end of their adventure. With fancy dress, themed Jungle Shakes and plenty of seasonal surprises, there’s even more to discover than usual.
Guests can explore both jungle-themed courses while searching for every hidden spider, making for a fang-tastic family challenge. Whether booking ahead online or dropping in on the day, visitors can enjoy a wild Halloween experience where walk-ins are always welcome.
10. LITTLE MONSTERS BANQUET AT THE IVY
Celebrate Halloween at The Ivy with a family-friendly dining experience that combines delicious food with just the right amount of seasonal spookiness. Each October, The Ivy transforms into the perfect setting for Halloween celebrations, and this year families can enjoy the special Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet, featuring a tasty breakfast, seasonal treats and plenty of spooky surprises for little monsters and their grown-ups.
Ideal for a half-term treat or a festive excuse to dress up, The Ivy’s Halloween breakfast offers a fun and memorable way to celebrate the season together. With Halloween tables always in high demand, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
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!