Nottinghamshire is getting ready to celebrate the spooky season in style with a series of frightful events. But as Halloween draws closer, it's hard to know where to start when you are planning a celebration for little ones.
After all, a ghost walk may be great fun but it might not be for everyone. If you are looking for family fun, children-friendly events to get everyone into the spooky spirit then look no further than our pick of the best events in Nottingham.
Read more: Six spooky events in Nottingham for Halloween 2022
1 - Pick the perfect pumpkin
Oaks Lane, Oxton, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0RH
This is one of the more wholesome, family-friendly autumnal activities. It's also a great day option as well if you prefer to home for trick or treaters. The Oxton farm in Nottingham is set to open its field of pumpkins for visitors to come and choose one to carve.
The family-run farm has a selection of pumpkins ready for picking and the team estimate there are more than 40,000 on-site. There is no need to book in advance so you turn up when you want to pick up a pumpkin. It is open from Friday, October 14.
2 - Watch a scary movie
Wollaton Hall will screen the Halloween cult classic movie, Hocus Pocus as part of its outdoor cinema series. Grab a camping chair and a big blanket to snuggle up in as you introduce younger family members to this PG-rated favourite from 1993.
The event will also have a specially created spooky soundtrack which has been specially curated for any witches, ghouls, ghosts or werewolves in attendance. It's worth noting that you will need a ticket so pre-booking is essential with prices ranging from £10.55 to £22.72. There are also prizes for the best dressed with doors opening at 5 pm.
3 - The Trick or Treat Maize maze
Lime Ln, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8PW
The Nottingham Maize Maze is combining the best of Halloween into one special event that is full of activities for little ones. There will be pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the campfire and plenty of frightful crafts to get stuck into.
There will also be a spooky scavenger hunt, word searches as you walk through the maze. Tickets are £8 per child but unusually include a complimentary pumpkin.
4 - Enter a spider's lair
Stapleford Community Centre
All youngsters are invited to take part in this event at Stapleford Community Centre. Children will able to stroll through the Spider's lair or the witches' walkthrough followed by clowns. This year promises a bigger than ever maze complete with more jump scares along with rides, face painting, bouncy castles and slides.
The event opens on Friday, October 28 and will run until Monday, October 31 from 5 pm until 10 pm at the Community Centre. Tickets are £13.20 and can be booked in advance.
5 - See justice served
National Justice Museum, High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
The National Justice Museum is hosting a series of Children's Ghost Walking Tours. The museum invites children to help them track down the Ghost Hunter and take part in crafty activities and spooky games. The event is suitable for children ages five to ten from Saturday, October 22 until Monday, October 31.
There will be plenty of evening events for adults too and it's worth noting that there is a cafe on site for any much-needed caffeine boosts.
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