The Best Family Days Out in Northamptonshire This October Half Term 2026

Looking for things to do with the kids in Northamptonshire this October half term? From picking the perfect pumpkin and exploring spooky trails to riding rollercoasters and discovering beautiful autumn countryside, there is plenty happening across the county.

October is a brilliant month for family days out. The leaves are changing colour, Halloween is just around the corner, and farms, castles and attractions are putting on special events for the school holidays.

Whether your children love everything spooky or would rather spend the day outdoors, we've rounded up some of the best family-friendly things to do in Northamptonshire during October 2026.

🎃 Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Overstone Grange Farm

📍 Overstone Grange Farm, Moulton, Northampton
📅 26 September–31 October 2026
🎃 Pumpkin Nights: 7pm–9pm

What's October without a trip to a pumpkin patch?

Overstone Grange Farm is a great place to start your autumn adventures, with around 30 acres of pumpkins and dozens of different varieties to discover.

Children can wander through the pumpkin fields and choose their favourite pumpkin before enjoying the farm's other activities. There is a maize maze, play patch, bale tower, tyre sandpit, pedal tractors and games, so you can easily turn pumpkin picking into a full family day out.

For an extra bit of Halloween magic, look out for Pumpkin Nights, when the farm opens in the evening from 7pm to 9pm.

If you're after those classic autumn family photographs, muddy boots and pumpkins included, this is one to add to your October calendar.

🎃 Wappenham Pumpkin Farm Festival

📍 Wappenham Farm, near Towcester
📅 From 10 October 2026

Another fantastic pumpkin-picking option is Wappenham Pumpkin Farm Festival.

Families can explore the pumpkin patch and choose their own pumpkins before tackling the 3D Spooky Trail and Maize Maze. There are also seasonal treats, marshmallow toasting and entertainment, making it more than just a quick trip to pick a pumpkin.

For something extra special, look out for the Twilight Pumpkin Festival, where you can visit after dark and enjoy fire shows, entertainment and marshmallows around the fire.

It's a lovely choice for families who want a proper autumn experience with a little Halloween atmosphere thrown in.

🎃 Pumpkin Patch Festival at West Lodge Farm Park

📍 West Lodge Farm Park, Desborough
📅 10–31 October 2026
⏰ 9:30am–6pm

If your children love farms, pumpkins and Halloween, West Lodge Farm Park is well worth a visit during half term.

The Pumpkin Patch Festival gives children the chance to choose their own pumpkin while following a Pumpkin Passport and exploring the spooky tractor ride, scarecrow patch and cobweb tunnel.

There are also family-friendly ghost stories, so younger children can enjoy the Halloween theme without it becoming too scary.

🎃 Pumpkin Party Night

23 October 2026 | 5pm–9pm

For a completely different atmosphere, West Lodge is hosting a Pumpkin Party Night. The pumpkin patch is illuminated after dark, with fire performers, live music, street food and entertainment.

👻 Ghost Hunt by Torchlight

30 October 2026 | 6pm–9pm

For older children who are a little braver, the Ghost Hunt by Torchlight offers an after-dark adventure around the farm.

Families can search for the Ghosts of West Lodge Past, making this a fun choice for those looking for something a little spookier.

🏰 Halloween at Rockingham Castle

📍 Rockingham Castle
📅 28–31 October 2026
⏰ 11am–4pm

Fancy combining Halloween with a castle visit?

Rockingham Castle is getting into the Halloween spirit with witches, wizards, pumpkins and spooky activities throughout the castle and grounds.

Children can follow a carved pumpkin trail and solve a crossword inside the castle, while outside there is a spooky trail and even a pumpkin-rolling challenge.

It is a great option for families who want Halloween fun during the day rather than a late-night scary event.

🎃 Pumpkin Trail at Castle Ashby

📍 Castle Ashby Gardens
📅 24 October–1 November 2026

For something a little more relaxed, head to Castle Ashby during half term for its pumpkin-themed trail.

The trail provides a fun reason for children to explore the gardens while enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery.

It's a particularly good option if you want to combine a seasonal children's activity with a peaceful countryside setting. Wrap up warm, bring the wellies and allow plenty of time to explore.

🧙 Halloween at Boughton House

📍 Boughton House, Kettering
📅 24–31 October 2026
⏰ 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm

Children who love solving clues and going on adventures will enjoy the Halloween experience at Boughton House.

Families receive a magical booklet and head around the estate solving riddles and completing interactive challenges inspired by the house's history and legends.

There is also a lovely surprise at the end — children can return to the Courtyard to collect a pumpkin, with a pumpkin token included in the online child ticket.

It's a great alternative to a traditional Halloween attraction if your children prefer puzzles, trails and exploring to being scared.

🎢 Halloween Half Term at Wicksteed Park

📍 Wicksteed Park, Kettering
📅 24 October–1 November 2026
⏰ 10:30am–4pm

For families who want rides and Halloween fun, Wicksteed Park is a great half-term option.

During Halloween Half Term, families can enjoy the rides that are open alongside the park's Halloween entertainment, including Halloween Haunt Chapter 3, a spooky mystery trail and a Zoolab spooky potions show at Wicky Bear's Theatre.

This is a particularly useful choice for families with children of different ages, as you can combine the Halloween activities with the rides and other attractions around the park.

🌳 Have an Autumn Adventure at Sywell Country Park

📍 Sywell Country Park

Not every day of half term needs to involve a ticketed attraction.

Sywell Country Park is perfect for a quieter autumn adventure. Bring the wellies, pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the woodland, lakeside paths and open spaces.

Why not turn the walk into an autumn treasure hunt? Children can search for conkers, acorns, colourful leaves and signs of wildlife.

It is an inexpensive way to get some fresh air and let the children burn off some energy between the bigger days out.

🍂 Explore Stanwick Lakes

📍 Stanwick Lakes, near Wellingborough

Another lovely option for an autumn family day is Stanwick Lakes.

With nature trails, wildlife and plenty of outdoor space, it's ideal for families who enjoy exploring rather than visiting traditional attractions.

October is a particularly lovely time to visit, with autumn colours appearing throughout the reserve.

Bring wellies, a picnic and a camera and make a simple autumn adventure out of it.

🎃 More Pumpkin Picking in Northamptonshire

Pumpkin picking is one of the biggest family activities of October, and there are several farms to choose from.

🎃 Saxby's Cider & Grange Farm

📅 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25 October 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm

Located around the Northamptonshire/Bedfordshire border, Saxby's offers a traditional pick-your-own pumpkin experience.

Families can choose their pumpkins from the field and enjoy trailer rides through the orchards, with alpacas also making an appearance.

It's a good option if you want a more traditional farm experience rather than a large organised Halloween event.

🎃 Kislingbury Sunnies & Spooks

📍 Rothersthorpe Road, Kislingbury

Another local option is Kislingbury Sunnies & Spooks, offering a pumpkin-picking experience with a Halloween theme.

It's a good one to keep in mind if you're looking for something close to Northampton.

Check the farm's booking information before travelling for the latest October session times and availability.

If you have any more ideas of things to do this Halloween in Northamptonshire, we’d love to hear from you. For things to do in Oxfordshire this October head over to our blog.

Laura & Carly x