Kelly

Things to do this Halloween without the spooky parts

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I have had so many people asking me for ideas on what they can do for Halloween that is not scary. Over the years we have always enjoyed a good scare but the last few with everything that has been going on, we have lost our spook. To be honest though Elliot, our youngest, who is now 10 has never been a fan of anything scary and gets a bit nervous at the thought of it, so he would always head off to his Auntie's house while we went to a scare event.

We are going to pop up a few decorations, watch some movies, (age appropriate) check out my Halloween movie guide HERE, make some treats (will share our recipes so keep an eye out for them)

I have really thought about this and tried to come up with some ideas that will suit those who are looking for non spooky things to do.

🎃Movie night, you could set up some snacks and really make it special. Check out our guide HERE

🎃Cinema. Maybe there's something on that you would all love to see.

🎃Head out to your favourite forest and have a lovely autumnal walk. You could even whip together your own trail or bug hunt or you could try the trail at Hamsterley Forest.

🎃Blackberry Picking. October sees Blackberries lurking in the hedges, see how many you can pick and make a delicious blackberry pie

🎃Baking. Baking is my go to, especially with Elliot, we have so much fun in the kitchen.

🎃Head to a farm, whilst most have Halloween events on they don't tend to be scary. Check out some ideas below for events. Even Pumpkin Patch picking events are pretty tame

🎃Have a Games night! You could do some traditional Halloween games or if you just want to avoid Halloween altogether, get out your usual board games.

Events in the North East that are not scary

Farms

Hall Hill Farm - Sheep race, mini maze, pick your pumpkin and carve and lots more activities. Booking is required.

Down at the Farm - Pumpkin week, choose your pumpkin, carve it, trail, lots of outdoor fun. Booking is required.

Whitehouse Farm This is always a popular event so be quick to get your tickets.

Other ideas

Sunderland Festival of Light - Booking is required, go along and see the pretty lights and explore the fun fair. (Check out our review HERE)

Trails at WWT Washington - We recently visited and honestly this is perfect for the kids who don't like spooky. It is a trail that you do on your way around the site collect the answers and get a sticker at the end. Check out more info HERE

We always enjoy our visit to WWT, loads to see and there's a decent forest walk too.

Pumpkin Picking We love going to a Pumpkin Farm, in fact we are heading to our favourite in North Yorkshire, to pick ours this is just a traditional farm with a lovely shop, a few great photo opportunities and no booking fees you just turn up and pay for what you pick. If you fancy heading to a different Picking farm some have loads of extra activities. Check out my guide HERE and we are checking out a few new patches that have popped up a bit closer to home (keep an eye out for the reviews

Raby Castle Halloween Trail. Collect an activity sheet and see what hidden treasures you can find. You can also take a pumpkin along and enter it in the competition.

They do have an after dark trail but the daytime one I assume would be fine. Raby Castle is a gorgeous place to go for a lovely walk, we love going for the Summer Lates. Look out for the Deer, however as it is around Rutting seasons make sure you don't approach them. Check out our review from earlier in the year HERE

The National Glass Centre have some fantastic events on over half term. Lots of craft activities which I love

Check out our What's On guide HERE for more info

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

They have various craft activities, a Winter garden trail and more. If you are looking at spending more time in the city centre you could...

🎃Explore around the museum

🎃Take part in the Monster hunt trail looking for the inflatables around the city.

🎃Harrys Game Shack have a special code for you to use NEFAM10 for 10% off.

🎃You could check out Sunderland Bowl which also has an indoor mini golf course and loads of arcade type games.

Seaton Delaval Hall NT usually have a Halloween parade on Halloween itself which I think would be suitable and non scary, along with various other activities.