October Half Term 2026 ideas
October half term is nearly here! The pumpkins are appearing, Halloween excitement is building and the children are ready for a week off school. But with chilly mornings and the possibility of a rainy day, finding things to keep everyone entertained can be a challenge.
Whether you're looking for a cosy cinema trip, an indoor adventure, a free family day out or something a little spooky, there are plenty of options in Monmouthshire and the surrounding area.
We've rounded up 10 family-friendly ideas, including addresses, estimated driving times from Monmouth and links to help you plan your visit.
1. Enjoy a family cinema trip at The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth
Sometimes the best half-term plans involve popcorn, comfy seats and a good film! The historic Savoy Theatre is a lovely option for a family cinema trip, especially when the weather outside is cold and wet.
Join Shaun and the flock in Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, as a Halloween pumpkin patch disaster leads to a mysterious beast appearing in the woods. It's a fun choice for younger children and fans of Shaun the Sheep.
A brilliant local saving: School-age children who live in Monmouth and are eligible Kids Club members can go free, subject to the theatre's membership terms.
Address: 20 Church Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BU
Drive time from Monmouth: In the town centre, so no significant drive needed.
Website: The Savoy Theatre
Check screening times, ticket prices and Kids Club eligibility before booking.
2. Get hands-on with science at Techniquest
If your children love asking questions, pressing buttons and discovering how things work, Techniquest in Cardiff Bay is well worth a visit.
Explore interactive science exhibits, experiment with different challenges and discover fascinating things about the world around us. It's an excellent option for primary-school-aged children, and there is plenty to keep the whole family occupied indoors.
Address: Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes
Website: Techniquest
Allow several hours for your visit and check admission prices and any special half-term activities before booking.
3. Meet the animals at Raglan Farm Park
For a family day out closer to home, Raglan Farm Park offers a mixture of animal encounters, indoor play and outdoor activities.
Meet the animals, enjoy the play facilities and let the children burn off some energy. With a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, it's a useful choice when the weather can't quite make up its mind.
Address: Chepstow Road, Raglan, Usk, NP15 2HX
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes
Website: Raglan Farm Park
Take coats and wellies for outdoor areas, and check admission prices and opening times before visiting.
4. Try indoor adventure golf in Cardiff
Fancy an activity that gets everyone involved? Treetop Adventure Golf features colourful jungle-themed courses, tricky obstacles and plenty of opportunities for a little friendly competition.
Challenge the children to a putting tournament and see who can claim the family trophy. It's a brilliant indoor activity when the weather isn't playing ball.
Address: Level 3, St David's Dewi Sant, Cardiff, CF10 2EL
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes
Website: Treetop Adventure Golf Cardiff
Allow extra time for city-centre traffic and parking, and consider booking ahead during the school holidays.
5. Discover dinosaurs at National Museum Cardiff
If your little explorers love dinosaurs, giant animals and discovering new things, National Museum Cardiff is a brilliant rainy-day option.
Explore the natural history galleries, see impressive dinosaur skeletons and discover fascinating collections without spending a fortune. General admission is free, although some special exhibitions and activities may have separate charges.
Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes
Website: National Museum Cardiff
Check the current opening hours before travelling. Parking is available nearby, including a visitor car park behind the museum.
6. Step back in time at the National Roman Legion Museum
Take the children on a journey back nearly 2,000 years at the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon.
Discover what life was like for Roman soldiers, explore archaeological finds and learn about the people who lived in Roman Wales. It's a great way to make history come alive for primary-school-aged children.
Admission is free, making this a brilliant option if you're trying to keep half-term costs down. You can also explore the surrounding Roman sites if the weather is kind.
Address: High Street, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AE
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Website: National Roman Legion Museum
Check the museum's website for any special half-term activities, opening arrangements and event times.
7. Get creative at Chepstow Castle's pumpkin decorating
Get into the Halloween spirit with a visit to Chepstow Castle. Seasonal pumpkin decorating activities offer families the chance to get creative while exploring one of Monmouthshire's most impressive historic sites.
It's a lovely autumn activity for children who enjoy crafts and Halloween fun. The castle itself is outdoors, so waterproofs and warm layers are a good idea.
Address: Castle, Town Centre, Chepstow, NP16 5EY
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 30 to 35 minutes
Website: Cadw
Check the official event listing for confirmed dates, prices, availability and any booking requirements before setting off.
8. Make a splash at Monmouth Leisure Centre
When it's too wet for the playground, a swimming trip can be just the ticket. Pack the swimming costumes and head to Monmouth Leisure Centre for some family fun in the pool.
It's an easy option when you don't want to spend half the day travelling, and a good way to keep children active during the school holidays.
Address: Old Dixton Road, Monmouth, NP25 3DP
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 5 minutes from the town centre
Website: MonLife
Check the public swimming timetable and any family sessions before visiting, as arrangements can change during school holidays.
9. Explore St Fagans National Museum of History
For a day out that feels a little different, head to St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.
Explore historic buildings, traditional shops and fascinating glimpses of how people lived in the past. There's plenty of space to discover, and general admission is free.
It's a particularly lovely choice on a crisp autumn day, when the changing leaves add to the atmosphere. Just remember that much of the site is outdoors, so waterproofs and comfortable shoes are a good idea.
Address: St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes
Website: St Fagans National Museum of History
Allow several hours to explore, and check the website for current opening hours and any special half-term events.
10. Find your perfect pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch
October wouldn't be complete without a pumpkin-themed outing! Pumpkin picking and Halloween activities are a lovely way to enjoy the season, take some autumn photos and create family memories.
Two places to look out for this half term are:
Lower House Farm Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy a seasonal visit and get into the Halloween spirit with a pumpkin-themed outing.
Address: Lower House Farm, Llanvair Discoed, Chepstow, NP16 6LX
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Website: Lower Farm House
The Retreat Llanover Pumpkin Hunt
A seasonal pumpkin hunt is another option for families looking for autumn fun.
Address: The Retreat Llanover Cafe, Llanover, Abergavenny, NP7 9EN
Drive time from Monmouth: Approximately 25 to 35 minutes
Website: The Retreat, Llanover
These activities are outdoors, so check conditions before travelling and dress for muddy fields. Seasonal events can sell out, so booking in advance is recommended where available.
More Halloween fun across Monmouthshire
If your children are ready for a little spooky excitement, there are plenty of seasonal events to look out for during the school holidays, from pumpkin patches to Halloween-themed experiences.
Other ideas include:
Spooky family trails and Halloween activities.
Children's theatre shows and family performances.
Seasonal workshops and craft sessions.
Pumpkin decorating and autumn crafts.
Halloween-themed cinema screenings.
For the latest dates, prices and booking information, browse our Things to Do listings and our half-term guide.
Make the most of half term with Monmouthshire Rocks
From cosy cinema trips and indoor adventures to Roman history and pumpkin picking, there are plenty of ways to keep the children entertained this October half term.
Whether you're planning a full family day out or just need something to do on a rainy afternoon, Monmouthshire and the surrounding area have lots to offer.
Looking for even more ideas? Explore Things to Do on Monmouthshire Rocks to discover local attractions, family events, parks, walks and activities for children of all ages.
Drive times are approximate estimates from Monmouth town centre and can vary with traffic. Please check the linked venue websites for current opening hours, prices, booking requirements and accessibility information before travelling.
