Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Halloween and October Half Term events in Cornwall
Family Activities in Cornwall This October Half Term & Halloween
Looking for the best family activities in Cornwall this October half term? From spooky Halloween events to cosy coastal adventures, Cornwall offers endless fun for families during the autumn holidays. Enjoy pumpkin picking, Halloween trails, and family-friendly days out at Cornwall’s top attractions. Whether you’re exploring the Eden Project, meeting animals on a local farm, or walking along windswept beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the best things to do in Cornwall with kids this October and November half term — and make unforgettable memories in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.
It's moving into a local home, not leaving all they know
Right now, one in five children in care are being moved more than 20 miles from home due to a shortage of local council foster carers. These moves can mean losing touch with friends, family, and school — connections that shape a child’s sense of belonging.
Fostering locally helps children stay rooted in their communities and hold onto the memories that matter most. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Your care could keep a child close to everything they know and love.
Find out more at www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
Spooky Zooquay
This half term Newquay Zoo is getting sPOOky, with a frightfully fun Halloween event for the whole family to enjoy!
Dress in your creepiest costume and sniff out their stinking poo trail, find their sinist.jpg)
er scarecrows and strike a pose with your favourite straw-stuffed pal, peek into the Pooseum, wander the Witches Walkway and more!
Plus, their incredible Ranger Things team is hosting special spooky talks, Halloween-themed activities in their Skeleton Shack, and hands-on workshops revealing some of their most haunted artefacts.
All of the spooky activities are included in your ticket price, so the whole family can enjoy the ultimate Halloween experience without any hidden costs.
So, what are you waiting for?
Don't be scaredy-poo...visit Newquay Zoo this October half term!
Book your ticket online now at newquayzoo.org.uk
The Party People Cornwall
“Timbo is a firm favourite on the local holiday park circuit supplying quality entertainment throughout Cornwall and Devon for over 20 years. Now he can bring his energy and experience to your event for an unforgettable birthday party.
He can work with any theme you are planning and let’s the children be the real stars of the show.
Entertainment includes a mini disco, party game, fabulous magic show, balloon modelling and party dancing for gold medals. Allowing you to enjoy a stress free party and create some fabulous family memories
There is no limit to the number of children you can invite and joint parties are always welcome.
More info is available on our website thepartypeoplecornwall.com and you can follow us on Facebook
Please email info@thepartypeoplecornwall.com for availability and queries”
The Spooktacular at Bedruthan is back.jpg)
This is a magical and not-too- spooky immersive Halloween experience designed for kids. As families enter their eerie forest the Halloween helpers will set the tone for a fun and enchanting adventure. A feast for the eyes with glowing pumpkins, twinkling candles, bubbling cauldrons and the odd surprise along the way. Enjoy a Spooktacular story and Halloween themed arts and crafts. Enjoy time together before or after your experience with a sweet and savoury spooktastic high tea. No tricks...just lots of treats. The Spooktacular runs from the 11th – 31st October.
Halloween costumes are encouraged!
Find out more at www.bedruthan.com/spooktacular-at-bedruthan
Pumpkin picking in October – and every day during Half Term!
Get ready for a spook-tacular day out for the whole family! Wander through the fang-tastic Halloween Maze, explore the magical Pumpkin Patch bursting with thousands of pumpkins, and pick your perfect one – big, small, weird or wonderful. There will be incredible photo opportunities throughout the maze and patch – don’t forget your camera. You will meet friendly farm animals and enjoy a true countryside adventure. Go for the pumpkins, stay for the fun!
Halloween Maze of Horrors is on the evening on 1st November 2025 and is a sellout every year so please book early!
Book your tickets now at www.cornishmaze.co.uk
The Spirit of Harvest - October 18 to November 2
The autumn harvest is a huge celebration at The Lost Gardens of Heligan and this October, the iconic garden is pulling out all the stops with The Spirit of Harvest. Running for two weeks, including October half term, there will be autumnal and spooky activities galore to welcome in the new season and mark Halloween. The first week (18th to 24th Oct) focuses on the harvest while things turn spooky for the second week (25th Oct to 2nd Nov) with the chance to discover the traditions of Cornish folklore.
Find out more at www.heligan.com
Zog and the Flying Doctors visit the Eden Project this half-term
This October half-term (25 October–2 November), families are invited to embark on a magical adventure at the Eden Project with Zog, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout. Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved book Zog and the Flying Doctors, families can take flight on a whimsical quest filled with potions, pumpkins and playful challenges at every turn.
Join the trio on a botanical quest through Eden’s stunning Biomes and Outdoor Gardens. Along the way, explorers will hunt for magical ingredients, solve puzzles and meet characters from the story. The trail finishes with a spectacular experience in the Mediterranean Biome, where children can step into the story and imagine soaring away on Zog’s back.
There’s also the chance to meet Zog himself at the Pavilion each day – the perfect photo opportunity. Fancy dress is encouraged, so don your dragon wings, crowns or capes and join in the fun!
Over in the Core building, young adventurers can take part in Halloweden potion-making workshops, creating magical potions to take home using natural ingredients. Plus, Eden’s impressive pumpkin display will be on show – a seasonal treat, all grown a Eden.
And from 18 October, Cornwall’s most loved ice rink is back. Perfect for wobbly first-timers, confident gliders – and everyone in between.
For a half-term full of magic and discovery, fly away with Zog to the Eden Project.
Find out more at www.edenproject.com
The Minack Theatre - We Will Rock You: Young@Part
31 October & 1 November - 1 & 4.30pm
Music and Lyrics by QUEEN Story and Script by Ben Elton
presented by the British Theatre Academy and the Minack Theatre
A 60-minute edition of the West End musical for schools & youth groups - high-octane, adrenaline-fueled and filled with the timeless power of Queen’s legendary music.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where individuality has been outlawed and music is controlled by algorithms, the story follows two young revolutionaries who dare to defy the system to save rock ‘n’ roll. This fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to freedom and self-expression is a musical for our time performed by students of the fabulous British Theatre Academy in partnership with the Minack Musical Theatre Academy.
Find out more at www.minack.com
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Halloween adventures and wonderful wildlife at Paradise Park 25th to 2nd November 2025
SAVE £4pp either pre-booking or at reception using code ‘PRIMARY’ between 25th October - 2nd November 2025 on single tickets.
Special appearances by ‘Mark’s Ark’. Entertaining, interactive, hands-on creepy crawly wildlife encounters! 10am-12:30pm 26th, 28th and 31st October, plus afternoons 1pm-3:30pm 27th & 30th October. Frightfully fascinating facts on the Halloween Trail and claim your spooky treat! Discover the Dracula Parrot! ‘Meet & Greets’ with characters like Frank the orange-eyed Eagle Owl. Penguin and otter feeding plus the lorikeet feeding experience. Weather permitting the free flying Scarlet Macaw flock will be out. Fantastic indoor JungleBarn play!
Find out more at www.paradisepark.org.uk
Humphry Davy School – Where Every Child Shines!
Humphry Davy School is a welcoming, high-achieving community where every student is supported to succeed. Ofsted (May 2023) praised the school as inclusive, safe, and happy, highlighting pupils’ enjoyment of learning, strong relationships with teachers, and respect for diversity. Visitors love the “family feel,” and families value the excellent care and safeguarding. With inspiring staff, outstanding facilities, and nationally recognised transition support, Humphry Davy is the perfect place for children to thrive.
Discover it for yourself: www.humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk
Santas on the Run
Start
December with a magical 2k festive fun run at the Eden Project!
Dress in your favourite Christmas outfit (and maybe win a prize!) and enjoy 4 Christmassy stops, including a snow station, selfie with the elf, sweet treats and festive songs in the biome.
This untimed event is perfect for all abilities, and entry includes full-day access to the Eden Project.
Help raise vital funds for families supported by our 3 hospices, including Little Harbour.
We ask individuals to raise £30 or £86 as a family. Spaces are limited to 400 per wave, and dogs are not permitted.
Find out more at www.chsw.org.uk
Keeping our children well this winter
Flu vaccines are now available for children aged 2 to 3 years and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11).
Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, anyone who's pregnant, and older people.
The children's flu vaccine is quick and easy to receive and is usually given as a painless nasal spray in each nostril.
If you have a child of school age, you should get an invitation from your child's school or the School Age Immunisation Service to get their vaccine. If your child misses their vaccination at school or if they are home-schooled, they should be offered a flu vaccine at a community clinic.
If you have a child who is aged 2 to 3 you should get an invitation from your GP surgery. Alternatively, your child may be able to have their vaccine at a participating pharmacy as some are now able to offer children’s’ flu vaccinations.
Find out more at: nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine
Spooktacular Halloween Disco 2025 at Raze the Roof
Join Raze the Roof for a Spooktacular Halloween Party!
This year, they’re conjuring up a frightfully fun evening that’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine and delight all fans of Halloween! Get ready for a ghoulishly good time filled with spooky surprises and eerie excitement for the whole family.
What’s in store at their devilish Halloween bash?
A Haunted Disco with their resident DJ spinning spine-chilling tracks all evening
Prizes for the best Halloween fancy dress – so come dressed to distress!
Find out more at www.razetheroof.co.uk
Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 16th October 2025 at Kingsley Devon
“Discover Kingsley’s Sixth Form at our Open Evening. Explore our unique Core and Expansive Curriculum, featuring partnerships with FC Devon, specialist Rugby Scholarships, and the UK’s leading school Surfing Academy. Meet our passionate teachers, chat with current students, and learn about our wide range of A-Level and BTEC options. We are proud of our best-ever results: one third of A Level grades were A or A*, BTEC students averaged Distinction, and our +0.2 Value Added score shows students achieve beyond expectations.”
Tel: 01237 426200 or email admissions@kingsleydevon.com
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Camel Creek’s Pumpkin Fest is Cornwall’s must visit autumn adventure!
This October, the park transforms into a pumpkin-packed playground bursting with cosy vibes, spooky surprises and family fun. Little ones can wheelbarrow their way through the Pumpkin Patch, pick out their perfect pumpkin (free for every paying child while stocks last!) and get creative at the carving station. Thrill-seekers can brave the House of Horrors, wander the Scary Maize Maze with live actors, or knock on Trick or Treat doors. With marshmallow toasting, live entertainment, dazzling displays and more, it’s the ultimate autumn day out! Book online to save and enjoy a 7 Day Free Return offer!*
*T&Cs apply, see website for details – www.camelcreek.co.uk
This October half term, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is the ultimate family adventure!.jpg)
Explore 42 acres of beautiful Cornish countryside and meet resident seals, rescue puffins, and adorable seal pups on the road to recovery. Enjoy woodland walks, interactive exhibits, and discover the Sanctuary’s vital work caring for seals. Young marine conservationists can dive into Seal Pup Rescue, an exciting trail where children follow a pup’s journey from rescue to release, with fun facts, hands-on displays, and photo opportunities along the way.
It’s a chance to play, learn, and become a hero for seals this half term!
Book tickets online in advance to save 20%!
As a charity, every Sanctuary visit helps us them on their mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release seals in Cornwall.
Kingsley Devon
“Join us for Kingsley School’s Whole School Open Day in November, from 9.30 AM to 11.30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore our vibrant community, tour our outstanding facilities, and meet the staff and students who bring Kingsley to life. Discover how academic excellence, sporting ambition, and personal growth combine across every stage of school life. Explore our Heart and Earth Centres, science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and sports academies. With guided tours, subject insights, and the chance to ask questions, you’ll see why Kingsley is such a special place for your child’s future.”
Book your place at www.kingsleydevon.com. To find out more, call Admissions on: 01237 426200
This October, step into the atmospheric world of Bodmin Jail for a Halloween adventure the whole family will never forget!
Discover Cornwall’s most haunted historic site with family-friendly tours, activity trails and thrilling activities designed for younger visitors. Explore the Victorian cells, uncover chilling tales from the past, and enjoy special Halloween surprises along the way. With pumpkins a plenty and just the right amount of spookiness, Bodmin Jail offers a safe but unforgettable experience for children and parents alike. Brave the shadows this half term and create magical memories at Cornwall’s most fascinating (and frightful!) family attraction.
Find out more at www.bodminjail.org