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 and beyond? 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 local attractions, 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.
New Red Panda arrivals
Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes two new Red Pandas. Freyja, born on 5 July 2025 at Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark and her companion, Rollo, born on 20th June 2025 at Chateau de la Bourbansais in France.
The Park’s Curator, David Woolcock, said: “Both are curious, calm and winning hearts behind the scenes – we hope visitors will enjoy spotting them as they become more confident in their new home. We are also home to our lovely resident Jai-Li, who is now 15 years old.”
See paradisepark.org.uk for more info.
Halloween fun at Monkey Tree Holiday Park
This October, get ready for Halloween fun at Monkey Tree Holiday Park, with Haunted Harvest and Cirque du Bizarre bringing spooky thrills and spectacular entertainment to the park.
Families can enjoy a day of Halloween fun at Haunted Harvest, featuring a Haunted Backyard Maze, pumpkin patch, spooky adventure golf, soft play and adventure parks. For those looking for something a little more daring, Cirque du Bizarre brings an unforgettable big-top experience, packed with spectacular performances and Halloween atmosphere.
With frights, family fun and circus thrills all in one place, Monkey Tree is the place to be this October.
Message from Kernow Health
“Last year, our team of 35 school immunisation nurses delivered an incredible 88,315 flu vaccinations to children across Devon. That’s over 2,500 vaccinations per nurse, and they’re ready to do it all over again!
Between now and the end of November, our nurses will be visiting every school across Devon to offer eligible children their free flu vaccine.
What do you need to do? Your child’s school will email you when we’re due to visit. Look out for the email and complete the consent form.
Missed the school vaccination or you home educated? Contact us to arrange an alternative appointment”
Spooktacular at Bedruthan
"Step into our eerie forest for a magical Halloween adventure filled with enchanting surprises. Journey through a world of glowing pumpkins, twinkling candles and bubbling cauldrons, then settle in for a spooktacular story before getting creative with Halloween-themed arts and crafts. After your experience, enjoy time together with a sweet and savoury spooktastic afternoon tea. It’s the perfect way for little ones and their grown-ups to enjoy some Halloween magic – no tricks, just lots of treats! Dressing in your Halloween costumes is encouraged!
Spooktacular is available 24th October - 1st November 2026.
Tickets available to buy from www.bedruthan.com/events
Gather your little monsters for a spooktacular Halloween half-term adventure at Pendennis Castle.
Join the Great Pumpkin Party and celebrate the season with a packed programme of family fun. Follow the themed trail through the historic fortress, enjoy interactive storytelling, and take part in spooky games and entertainment throughout the day. Strike a pose at the seasonal selfie spot and capture some hauntingly good memories.
No Halloween celebration would be complete without fancy dress, so come in your most frightfully fabulous costume and enter the daily competition for the chance to win a prize. Halloween Half Term at Pendennis Castle runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
Halloween at Heligan: Saturday, October 24 to Sunday November 1.jpg)
Dare to be scared? Step into the darker side of history this October with medieval myths, haunting cinema and frightening falconry.
We’ll be joined by the UK’s leading historic falconry team, Raphael Historic Falconry, with daily shows investigating the contrasts of the natural world through the eyes of the Victorians, featuring their birds in a spellbinding mix of dark medieval myth and modern scientific enlightenment.
Spooky storytelling
Gather close for spine-tingling live retellings of the Brothers Grimm’s most macabre and twisted original tales – told just as they were intended…
Find out more at www.heligan.com/events-at-heligan/halloween-at-heligan/
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Your Next Chapter Starts with Adult Learning Courses at Truro & Penwith
Truro and Penwith College has announced its range of new professional development courses and start dates for summer 2026.
The range of career boosting options includes a selection of free, fully-funded Courses and Workshops alongside Recognised Qualification Courses and Professional Development.
Autumn term marks the ideal time for Adults to further their career with recognised qualifications and skills, learning from the College’s industry expert tutors, with areas including Automotive, Business, Education, English, Languages, Hair, Beauty, Hospitality, Mathematics, Nursing and Health.
For those seeking to make time for themselves over the summer months the College is also offering a wide range of Personal Development and Leisure Courses, allowing adults to flex their creative muscles in hundreds short courses like Explore & Draw, Ceramics and Jewellery Making, or Keep Fit with Zumba, T’ai Chi, Dance, Senior or Adult Ballet and many more!
Visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/Adult-Learning to discover all the options.
Spooky Plants at RHS Rosemoor
Step into our ghoulish garden for some Halloween fun and uncover the spooky secrets of plants at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon
This October half term, discover the magical powers and spooky secrets hidden in plants at RHS Rosemoor. Meet mysterious plant life, tackle the interactive garden trail and get up close with animal encounters from Really Wild Learning. With Halloween crafts and captivating theatre too, expect terrifyingly good fun for the whole family.
Garden admission applies; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children between 5-16 years go for £6. Book online and save.
Protect What You Love. Become a PCSO.
“Looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference? As a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with Devon & Cornwall Police, you'll be at the heart of your community, building relationships, tackling local issues, and helping keep people safe. No two days are the same, and every conversation and intervention has the potential to change lives for the better.
If you're approachable, compassionate, and passionate about supporting others, a rewarding career awaits. Join us and help protect what matters most across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
A Wild October Half Term Awaits
Make the most of October half term with a family day out at Newquay Zoo. See if you can spot the elusive lynx and discover playful lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, penguins and more. Explore the zoo, step inside the Tropical House and take on the Tarzan Trail along the way. With incredible animals and plenty to discover, it is the perfect opportunity to spend time together, enjoy the autumn outdoors and learn more about the amazing species that call Newquay Zoo home.
Find out more: https://www.newquayzoo.uk/
Callestick Farm
“Here at Callestick Farm we use fresh milk all from our own grass fed herd of Jersey x Friesian cows, local cream & then add the finest fruits & confectionery to create flavour upon flavour of dreamy, ice creamy indulgence! Our ice cream parlour located in the heart of Cornwall serves a variety of treats including hot waffles, milkshakes, our ever popular Cornish cream teas... (Remember - jam first!) And of course, our ice cream sundaes! We are perfect for an afternoon relaxing in our sunny courtyard, after a day at the beach or to shelter in our parlour when the Cornish weather is doing its thing.”
Find out more at www.callestickfarm.co.uk
Children’s Hospice South West’s annual Santas on the Run fun run will be happening at the Eden Project on Sunday 6 December.
Santas on the Run sees participants walk, jog or run a 2km route around Eden while dressed in any festive outfit they wish stopping off at four different stations along the route.
Super Santa Saver early-bird tickets are on sale until 8 October, where you can save 30%. Tickets are £9.80 for adults, £4.90 for children 2 and under are free. Tickets will then move to 20% off.
To book your place simply visit chsw.org.uk/santaeden
Children’s Hospice South West’s annual festive fun run returns to Plym Valley Railway on Saturday 28 November.
Santas on the Train sees participants enjoy a festive train ride complete with entertainment on the Lord Oliver Brown Locomotive, which transports them to the start line of a festive 3k fun run route at Plymbridge.
Super Santa Saver early-bird tickets are on sale until 8 October, where you can save 30%. Tickets are £9.80 for adults, £4.90 for children 2 and under are free. Tickets will then move to 20% off.
To book your place simply visit chsw.org.uk/santatrain
Spooky Creek at Camel Creek – 17th & 18th October plus 22nd October -1st November
New for 2026, Spooky Creek at Camel Creek is Cornwall’s must-visit autumn adventure!
There’s plenty to keep little monsters busy! Pick the perfect pumpkin, with one FREE for every child while stocks last, and get creative at the carving station. Brave the House of Horrors, follow the Potion Trail for an extra treat and meet a real witch in the Witches’ Grotto!
Enjoy marshmallow toasting, family games, the Autumnal Potting Shed and a special Halloween 5D film. Entry includes the Adventure Park, plus use your FREE 7-day return to enjoy the end of season fireworks show on 28th October!
Book online and save at https://www.camelcreek.co.uk/spooky-creek/ and 01872857032
The Cornish Maize Maze Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Maze is open every weekend 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.
Book your tickets now at www.cornishmaze.co.uk
Go for the pumpkins, stay for the fun!
Fun to be had at Atlantic Reach
If you're looking for ways to keep the children entertained while making the most of what's on your doorstep, Atlantic Reach is well worth a visit. Local families can take advantage of the Locals Card, which offers exclusive rates on swimming, soft play and access to the wellness area for adults aged 16 and over. Whether it's a family swim, a rainy-day play session or a little relaxation for parents, there's something to suit everyone. Atlantic Reach also hosts swimming and soft play birthday parties, making it a great choice for memorable celebrations throughout the year.
Find out more at www.atlanticreach.co.uk
Jules the Children’s Entertainer
Jules is a professional ventriloquist, entertaining audiences all over the country and on TV. The amazing Jules thrills audiences with her characters namely, Oswald the Chicken and the ever-popular Monkey. Jules also provides a disco with lights, a zany, interactive magic show and for the older children, a pop quiz, games, and party dances. The complete entertainment package provides a magical adventure that even adults will enjoy. Jules also provides themed Princess, Heroes, Magic and Christmas parties.
Find out more at Jules-parties.uk and 07779 306497
Protect winter moments that matter for your children
Flu can leave children seriously unwell and every winter thousands of children end up needing hospital care.
Getting the free NHS flu vaccination can help keep your child safe and also help to protect those around them, such as vulnerable family members who could also become very ill.
The vaccine is offered to children aged 2 to 3 and school-aged children from Reception to Year 11. It is usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray.
School-aged children will be invited through their school or the School Age Immunisation Service. For children aged 2 to 3, contact your GP surgery or book with a participating pharmacy.
Find out more at: nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine
Looking for an award-winning family Halloween day out in Devon?
Spook-Fest returns to Crealy Theme Park & Resort this October, bringing frights, thrills and fun for all ages. Alongside more than 60 rides and attractions, visitors can explore the returning Creaky Hotel, brave live scare mazes and enjoy spook-tacular shows. Whether you have little monsters in tow or older scare-seekers ready for a fright, there’s plenty to discover. Better still, Spook-Fest visitors can return for free on Saturday 31st October or Sunday 1st November, subject to the offer’s terms and conditions. It’s the perfect excuse to make Halloween last even longer.
Boo-k now at Crealy.co.uk
A Great Day Out, Whatever the Weather!
Visit the National Marine Aquarium, home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, and discover over 5000 marine animals over 4 exciting zones. You'll be mesmerised by sharks, rays, a cheeky turtle and loads more! Visit between Oct 14th - Nov 2nd to help Skelly Find their Fishy Friends! Their Rangers will be delivering an engaging show in front our Eddystone Habitat - what special something can you see? Drop by Waves Cafe for seasonal sweet treats and drinks, or pick up a Halloween themed cuddly toy from the Ocean Gift shop. Visit today!
International schools seek qualified UK teachers.
UK teachers looking to develop their careers are finding rewarding opportunities in international schools, where many grow personally and professionally.
Overseas schools can offer cross-curricular fluency and funded professional development. Teachers work alongside colleagues from around the world and gain skills they can bring back to UK classrooms.
For teachers unsure about making the move, specialist support is available. chk Education, a Cornwall-based recruiter, places British and Irish teachers in premium international schools and is on hand to answer questions and help candidates decide with confidence.
Interested teachers can send their CV to info@chkeducation.com to start a no-commitment conversation.