Your guide to what’s on in the Cambridge region for October half term and Hallowe’en 2021
As ever, there are plenty of events and activities to keep the children entertained this half term and Hallowe’en - and even a few things for the adults as well.
Barracudas Activity Day Camps – Long Road Sixth Form College
Running from Monday to Friday (October 25-29), from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with the option to extend these hours from 8am-6pm, this new activity camp for children in Cambridge boasts an art room, woodlands, dance studio, all-weather pitch, fields and tennis courts.
Specialist activities, such as archery, fencing and motor sports, are not available at half term but the swimming pool will still be open and a happy Hallowe’en theme will run throughout the week. The camp is for children aged four and a half to 14 years. It will allow them to develop new skills, make new friends, try new activities and most of all have fun.
Visit barracudas.co.uk/camps/cambridge-long-road.
Family fun at Wicken Fen
There are a number of activities to ensure a memorable family day out at the National Trust-owned site. They include the autumn trail, which takes place on the Sedge Fen, where you can follow the Funky Foot trail on the boardwalk, and is available daily throughout October.
The trail is free with admission (free admission for NT members) to Wicken Fen and booking isn’t required. Or try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ in the Woodland Walk 50 Things area. Both routes are on buggy-friendly paths and not too far for little legs to walk.
Children can also have a go at building a bird box on Monday (October 25) and Wednesday (October 27) with 30-minute sessions starting at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. The cost is £8 per box and you can take your finished box home with you. Adult supervision is required during the session. Booking and payment is required in advance.
Also, on Tuesday (October 26) and Thursday (October 28), join the team at 10.30am-12pm or 1.30pm-3pm and get hands-on with an autumn adventure session. Celebrate the new season with crafts, creative activities and outdoor fun.
Suitable for children aged 3-10. The cost is £6 per child. To guarantee a place please book in advance. There will also be a Hallowe’en pumpkin display from Friday to Sunday (October 29-31).
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fennature-reserve/features/half-termfamily-fun-at-wicken-fen.
Burwell Museum & Windmill
There will be no charge for half term art/craft activities for children on Thursday (October 28), from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, as the activities are covered under the admission charge. There is also a Hallowe’en
children’s activity day on Sunday (October 31), from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, which includes Hallowe’en-themed art for children to make, plus spooky tales from the museum’s storyteller.
Visit burwellmuseum.org.uk.
Autumn Animals at Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG)
This free, self-led family activity runs at the garden until November 30. Pick up a special animal card on your way into the garden to create your own artwork as you explore with your family.
There are six cards to collect, each one featuring a different animal, along with facts and ideas for fun games and activities. A different animal will be at the ticket gates each week, though during half-term week all six cards will be available. Can you collect them all? Admission charge applies for accompanying adults.
Visit botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Spooky fens crafts at Ely Museum
Join Ely Museum this half term for a spooky trail throughout the week. There will also be an opportunity to make a pumpkin hat between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday (October 26). And there will be Fens- themed craft sessions from 11am to 12.30pm, and 1.30pm to 3pm, on Thursday, October 28.
Tickets for this are £3 per child, which includes admission to the museum. Visitors are asked to pre-book at https://bit.ly/2ZzPo3s. Children must be accompanied and adults do not need to book. Crafts are ideally suited for children aged 5-11, though younger children who may need more help are welcome.
Visit elymuseum.org.uk.
Grand Arcade
The Grand Arcade and the Trail of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a free event taking place over the weekend of October 30-31 at the shopping centre. Whether you are a magician perfecting your transfiguration spells or looking to master defence against the dark arts, the trail of Witchcraft and Wizardry is for you!
On Saturday, meet Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat and say hello to Hagrid in one of five sessions throughout the day. On the Sunday, get broomstick photographs with Hermione and meet Harry Potter and Professor McGonagal in the atrium. Pick up your free trail map inside the centre.
Visit grandarcade.co.uk.
Dragon Visit at Lion Yard
A dragon will walk through the Cambridge shopping centre on Tuesday (October 26) at 10.30am, 11.45am and 2pm. Families will find it wandering the main atrium.
Visit facebook.com/events/709494413779449/.
Hallowe’en is not just for the children, you know... Adults can get in on the action with the Hallowe’en party at the Lola Lo nightclub in Cambridge. Creepy décor will adorn the interiors and the staff will be dressed up in scary costumes, while a range of intriguing potions will be available for visitors to try. Visit lolalo.co.uk/venues/cambridge.
Meanwhile, at All Bar One, in celebration of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos, a tequila-fuelled list of themed cocktails has been created. Come down and try them and dance along to classic tunes like Monster Mash. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3BLplEE.
Or you could head over to the Junction’s J1 on Saturday, October 30, for Neon Moon: Halloween. Experience, among other things, the Haunted Toy Shop and Haunted Creatures of the Night, which features international cabaret and circus and burlesque performers.
There will also be swing and bass DJs performing until 2am. To book, visit junction.co.uk.
Read more:
‘Murmurations’ plays heartstrings sweetly at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve performance
Gallery: Dinosaurs provide Jurassic thrills at the Grand Arcade in Cambridge
