Family-friendly cultural and creative things to do in Plymouth this October half-term 2025

October half-term is just around the corner, and Plymouth is absolutely packed with things to do for families looking to get creative, explore, and have a bit of autumn fun. Whether your little ones love making, moving, dressing up, or discovering something new, there’s a huge variety of hands-on activities and events happening across the city — from colourful craft workshops and playful theatre shows to spooky trails and even a floating Halloween disco!

This year’s line-up has something for every kind of explorer. You can dive under the sea (without getting wet) at the National Marine Aquarium’s Spiny vs Slimy trail, step aboard a real tall ship down on the Barbican, or get messy with autumn art at Artober in Royal William Yard. For younger children, there’s immersive storytelling at the Soapbox Theatre and tiny theatre magic at Caterpillar, while older kids can enjoy spooky science at The Box, a Halloween city trail, and even a barn dance disco! And because Plymouth knows how to do half-term properly, you’ll also find family craft sessions, LEGO challenges, and a sprinkling of seasonal sparkle at The Secret of Spellbound Wood.

So grab your wellies, pack a snack or two, and make the most of half-term with these creative, family-friendly adventures happening right here in Plymouth.

Harvest Festival: Barn Dance Disco (family day)

Sun 26 Oct, 12:00–17:00
Barbican Theatre, 96 Castle Street, PL1 2NJ
A cosy autumn celebration supporting Shekinah with creative workshops (drama, puppetry, crafts), an artists & makers market, and a glitter-friendly barn-dance disco. Bring a tin for the collection if you can.
Book: Eventbrite or find updates via Barbican Theatre Facebook post.

Spiny vs Slimy (interactive trail)

Sat 25 Oct (and throughout half-term), 10:00–17:00
National Marine Aquarium, PL4 0LF
Team Spiny or Team Slimy? Follow a new activity trail, meet Ocean Discovery Rangers, and say hello to sharks, rays and a turtle. Tickets include a free 12-month pass.
Info & tickets: Visit Plymouth.

Artober (free exhibition, workshops & kids Art Zone)

Thu 24 Oct – Sun 2 Nov, 11:00–16:00
Royal William Yard, PL1 3RP
A month-long celebration of art with a free, rolling exhibition, pop-up shows, artist demos and workshops. Drop into the free Art Zone over half-term.
What’s on & workshop details: Royal William Yard – Artober.

Caterpillar (theatre for ages 6 months–8 years)

Sat 25 Oct, 10:30 & 13:30
The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, PL1 4HQ
Follow Bob and Bob, two curious caterpillars, as they explore, snack, and escape a cheeky chicken before transforming into butterflies. Immersive, gentle and perfect for tiny audiences.
Info: Visit Plymouth listing.

Just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! (after-hours family party)

Sun 26 Oct, 17:30–20:00
The Box, PL4 8AX
Dress up for crafts, magical science, music and dancing. The Box Kitchen & Bar runs a special Halloween menu; all attendees need a ticket.
Book: The Box event page.

Open Ship aboard the Eye of the Wind (free)

Tue 28 Oct, 11:00–18:00
Barbican Landing Stage, PL1 2NX
Step aboard a 114-year-old tall ship with a Hollywood CV. Meet the crew, try sailor’s knots and collect a ship’s stamp.
Info: Eye of the Wind – Open Ship Plymouth.

Family Fun: Woven Worlds (drop-in weaving)

Tue 28 – Fri 31 Oct, 10:30–12:30 & 13:30–15:30
The Box, PL4 8AX — Free, no booking (last entry 12:15/15:15)
Create colourful woven art inspired by Grayson Perry’s tapestries, on show in Remember Respond Resist. Ideal for ages 4–11 with their adults.
Details: The Box event page.

Family LEGO® Workshop (ages 5+)

Tue 28 Oct, 10:00–12:00 & 13:00–15:00
Bridging the Tamar Visitor & Learning Centre, PL5 1LP
As part of Rail 200, design a locomotive of the future—be inspired by Brunel’s iconic bridge. Tickets required for children and adults.
Book: Eventbrite.

Hola Frida (7+) + flower-crown workshop

Wed 29 Oct, film 11:00; workshop 09:45–10:45 (£3 with ticket)
Plymouth Arts Cinema, PL4 8AT
An imaginative introduction to Frida Kahlo’s world, plus a pre-film craft session making flower crowns.
Book: Plymouth Arts Cinema – Hola Frida.

A Tale of Us (for parents & babies 0–18 months)

Thu 30 – Fri 31 Oct
Theatre Royal Plymouth (The Lab)
A tender, sensory show mixing theatre and playtime, exploring the first year with a new baby. Stay & Play after each performance.
Book: Theatre Royal Plymouth – A Tale of Us.

Spooky Storytelling (gentle Halloween fun)

Thu 30 & Fri 31 Oct, 11:00–12:00 & 13:30–14:30; Sat 1 Nov, 11:00–12:00
The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, PL1 4QH
Step into Miss Treat’s mysterious laboratory for not-too-scary tales—perfect for younger audiences. Info & booking: Visit Plymouth listing.

At the Bottom of Dudley’s Garden: Storytelling & Craft

Fri 31 Oct, sessions at 11:00, 13:30, 15:00
Buckland Abbey (National Trust), PL20 6EY
Hear stories about wildflowers and pollinators, then make a butterfly or dragonfly suncatcher with illustrator Anna Platts.
Book: National Trust – Buckland Abbey event page.

Kids’ Halloween Disco (on the water!)

Sat 1 Nov, 17:00–18:30
Plymouth Boat Trips — departs Barbican Landing Stage, PL1 2NX
A floating fancy-dress party with a kids’ DJ, games and prizes. Under-3s go free.
Book: Plymouth Boat Trips – tickets (see overview here).

The Secret of Spellbound Wood: Festive Faerie Trail

Selected dates Wed/Sat, 12 Nov – 20 Dec
The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, PL1 4QH
Twinkly lights, faerie houses and gentle riddles on an immersive trail—with a toy shop and café to finish. Early-bird tickets available.
Info & booking: Visit Plymouth listing.

Plymouth City Centre Halloween Trail (free, prize draw)

Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov (self-guided)
City Centre
Hunt down 15 creepy characters hidden in shop windows. Find them all and enter to win one of three £50 Smyths vouchers.
Map & entry form: Visit Plymouth – Halloween Trail.