OCTOBER HALF-TERM 2026

Looking for something to do this October half term? Discover fun-filled family activities with The Cheltenham Trust. From creative workshops and interactive play to holiday clubs and family events at Leisure at Cheltenham, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room, there’s something to keep children of all ages entertained.

Dear Zoo

Cheltenham Town Hall | Wed 21 Oct | 1.30pm | £16.50 – £18.50

Rod Campbell’s beloved children’s classic comes to life on stage. Join the adventure as letters to the zoo bring a parade of animals, from cheeky monkeys to jumpy frogs, before the perfect pet arrives. Packed with puppets, music and audience interaction, this charming family show delights young and old alike.

Halloween Trail

The Wilson | Sat 24 Oct | 10am – 5pm | £5

Follow our Halloween trail and discover creepy creatures, mysterious objects and hidden surprises lurking in the galleries. Advised age 3-11.

Rude Science

Cheltenham Town Hall | Sun 25 Oct | 11am & 2.30pm | £18 – £20

Get ready for an outrageous family show packed with explosive science, disgusting experiments and laugh-out-loud surprises. Fun, educational and designed to inspire young minds.

Halloween Tots Spooktakular!

The Wilson | Tue 27 Oct | 10.30am – 11.30am| £5

Halloween Spooktacular with Drama Tots! Enjoy a fun-filled hour of Halloween adventure, disco, bubbles, obstacles, a spooky hunt and plenty of family fun. Costumes encouraged! Recommended for ages 18 months to 5 years, with adult participation throughout. Create magical memories together this Halloween.

Party Peeps Halloween Party

Pittville Pump Room | Wed 28 Oct | 2pm – 4pm | £12 for children, £8 for adults 

The Halloween Vibes Meter is dangerously low… and we need your family’s help to get it to 100%! Join us for a theatrical family rave packed with energetic, interactive, not-so-scary Halloween fun. Bring your costumes and your best dance moves, we’ve got a party to save!

Creative Explorers

The Wilson | Weds 28 Oct | 10am – 3pm | £20

An artist led holiday club for 4-11 year olds who love to make, share and play. We will collaborate on engaging individual and group craft projects with a focus on nature, the world around us and free play to encourage creativity, language and expression within the arts.

SEND Inflatable Soft Play

Leisure at Cheltenham | Wed 28 Oct | 10am – 11.30am | £7.70

SEND Inflatable Soft Play sessions, provide a relaxed and inclusive environment with inflatables, sensory toys and our SEND igloo, allowing children with additional needs to play and explore at their own pace. For children under 8 years.

Little Monsters Party

Leisure at Cheltenham | Thu 29 Oct | 9am-10.30am & 1pm-2.30pm (SEND Session) | £13

Leisure at Cheltenham is hosting a spooky shindig with bouncy castles, face painting, Halloween crafts, dancing and games. Little monsters should be accompanied by an adult.

Halloween Party

The Wilson | Fri 30 Oct | 2pm – 4pm | £10

Head into the wild darkness to discover what creatures are hiding in the museum with lots of creepy, crawly and colourful things to make and do.

Splash and Swim

Leisure at Cheltenham | Various times throughout the week

Enjoy a fun-filled family swim session in our splash pad and teaching pool, designed to build confidence in the water. Alternatively, younger children can enjoy 45 minutes of excitement on our play frames and slides.

Children’s Swimming Lessons

Leisure at Cheltenham | Various times throughout the week

We believe swimming is an essential life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to explore. Our swimming lessons cater to all ages, with the aim of developing confident and competent swimmers through fun and enjoyment.

Play Cafe

The Wilson | All day | Free

Stay and play in our designated family area, where children can explore our 3D building wall, play with giant bricks, and get creative with ever-changing arts and crafts activities.

The Wonky Workshop

The Wilson | All day | Free

Step into a world where history, craft, and imagination come together through play. Inspired by the people, furniture and ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement, this exhibition reimagines iconic elements of the time as a tactile, child-centred environment encouraging ideas of sharing and cooperation.