Just when children are settling back into school after the summer break, it’s suddenly half term. However, the weather is no longer warm or sunny, leaving parents struggling for options to keep them entertained which are still accessible enough to meet their needs.

As half term week also includes Halloween, there are plenty of spooky options to give kids of all ages and abilities a thrill – and to suit all budgets.

Low cost options include pumpkin picking, which counts as two activities as these can then be decorated when you get home. Instead of carving a pumpkin you can decorate with paints, markers or stickers.

Halloween decorations are easy to make for all abilities and can help keep everyone active for a few hours, especially if it’ wet or to chilly to want to venture outside for long.

This can be as simple as making your own orange and black bunting with crepe paper and string, or cutting out ghosts, witch’s hats and bats to stick on doors and windows, along with spiders made from paper plates painted black, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can also try creating your own Halloween wreath!

You can also check your local council website and social media for announcements of accessible events or sensory-friendly activities and events in your area.

Local nature trails can help you all get out of the house and into the fresh air and larger destinations may have specific trails or disability aids available where you can collect leaves and sticks to add to Halloween inspired art. There are also accessible gardens you can explore with the National Trust which will have plenty of tricks and treats for all ages.

You can also check with your local theatres, libraries and community centres for any Halloween activities they have planned to see if they may be suitable. You can visit individual websites to see what accessible services that have such as disabled parking and services to help those who are deaf or hearing impaired.

For a fun family day out day there are a  wide range of Halloween frights to be had at theme parks too– and the Ride Access Passes available at Merlin attractions like Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, and Thorpe Park is perfect for those who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time, either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment – but remember you must pre-book your visit online.

Museums and galleries can also be sensory friendly environments as many now offer sensory-friendly sessions, providing a calmer, less overwhelming environment for children with sensory processing differences. If your child or young person is visually impaired, look for sites offering audio descriptions, such as those supported by VocalEyes, to really enhance the experience for them.

The Think Tank Science Museum has an induction loop and a special morning event which is autism friendly and this year the subject of their Halloween activities focuses on Alien Adventures. At Eureka! The National Children’s Museum there are interactive exhibits for children aged 0-11 and this year’s Halloween activities  include a Ghosts and Ghouls week.

There are also lots of venues that offer sensory-friendly environments, accessible equipment, and inclusive play, including The Black County Living Museum which has accessible transportation, including trams, and offers a range of interactive exhibits that can cater to different needs. This year’s eerie entertainment as the Museum transforms into a spine-tinglingly immersive world of ghostly tales, chilling surprises, and old-timey folklore. The Severn Valley Railway which has accessible carriages on heritage steam trains is transforming into a ghost train this year – so it’s all aboard, if you dare!

Three top tips for finding activities:

1. Look for Local Resources: Check the websites of your local council and national charities for information on accessible venues and events in your area.
2. Disability Horizons is a great resource for lists of accessible attractions, reviews, and practical advice.
3. If your child is autistic visit the National Autistic Society website which offers guidance and ideas for days out here

Three top tips for planning:

1. Research Before You Go –visit the venue’s website to check their specific accessibility features, including accessible routes, changing facilities, and any specific policies for disabled visitors.
2. Check to see if there are concessionary tickets or carer discounts for activities and travel.
3. If you have specific questions or needs, then call the venue in advance to discuss how they can accommodate your child.