The nights are drawing in and the school holidays and Hallowe’en are fast approaching. Visit Medway is here with inspirational ideas for embracing the arrival of autumn, getting in the Hallowe'en spirit and keeping the kids occupied.
Perfect pumpkins
What better way to celebrate the season than by visiting one of Medway’s pumpkin farms? Grab a wheelbarrow, scour the fields for the perfect pumpkin and warm yourselves up with a tasty beverage or snack afterwards. Pumpkin Moon in Rainham and PYO Pumpkins in Hoo are open weekends throughout October and during half term week. Check the attractions’ websites for booking information.
Plus for a quirky alternative, check out pumpkin bowling fun at Lower Bush Alpacas.
Crafty castle
Our heritage friends at Medway Council have the perfect solution to keep crafty little fingers occupied this half term.
Pick up a craft bag with make a ghost, mask and paper chain activities, pumpkin fact cards, a colouring sheet and stickers. The bags can be purchased from the shop at Upnor Castle, the Guildhall Museum and the Visitor Information Centre in Rochester High Street for £4.
Bonkers for conkers
Get out and enjoy the sights and smells of autumn. Kick your way through golden autumn leaves and search for the shiny conkers that are lining the ancient woodland floors at Capstone Farm Country Park. While you’re there enjoy a play in the park, an energetic stroll around the walking trails and a bite to eat or drink from the café.
Where’s Wally? at The Dockyard
Join the search for Wally at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this half term. The Dockyard is part of the national Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search, organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books, to celebrate the release of the new Where’s Wally? book, Spooky Spotlight Search. Your search will take you across the historic site, with a prize up for grabs if you find the Wallys and solve the clues. Pre-booking essential.
Crimean War Dogs
The Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham is commemorating the Crimean War this half term. Learn about the history of the conflict and the role that dogs – including the museum’s own mascot Snob the Dog – played on the battlefield and create your very own sock dog companion. Activities run from 11am to 3pm each day & cost £2.50 in addition to standard admission prices. Find out more.
Take the plunge
If you've missed swimming during the pandemic, Medway Council's pools at Medway Park, Strood and Hoo Sports Centres are adding extra family swim sessions to their timetables during October half term. Pre-booking is essential, and make sure you check out the safety measures and procedures you'll need to follow.
Spooky escape rooms
Did you know Medway is a hotbed of escape rooms experiences? The ideal way to get in the Hallowe’en spirit if you’re brave enough! Grab your teammates and immerse yourselves in some of the scary experiences and solve the puzzles to escape. See individual attraction websites for booking and any age restriction guidance.
Get digging
Visit Medway’s ultimate family theme park experience. Get behind the controls of construction machinery, enjoy the thrills and spills of the rides and let the kids burn off energy in the play areas at Diggerland Kent. Open weekends and daily during October half term.
For more inspiration and family day out ideas see our attractions listings and what's on events listings.
