Published on Wednesday 22 October 2025
Families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are invited to enjoy a frightfully fun half-term with a packed programme of Halloween-themed activities and seasonal events for all ages.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “We’re excited to offer such a wide variety of fun, affordable and family-friendly activities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this half-term.
“Whether you're exploring spooky trails, getting creative with crafts, or enjoying a Halloween disco, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make memories, support our local attractions and businesses, and experience the best of what our area has to offer.”
See below some hand-picked events taking place in the BCP area, and suggestions on where you can find more activities during half-term.
In Bournemouth:
Littledown’s Halloween Disco
On Friday 31 October, BH Live Active Littledown hosts a spooktacular disco for children. There will be various session times packed with thrilling games, dance and fancy-dress competitions. More information can be found on BH Live Active’s events page and check out BH Live Active’s school holiday timetable to see what classes are available at your local centre.
Halloween Crafts and Trails at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Join in Halloween-themed crafts, spooky house trail, and decorating wreaths from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
Halloween Fun at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is embracing the spooky season with a Halloween-themed decorations and quiz dotted around the course. From 25 October, visitors can enjoy Halloween facts, tricky holes and sweet treats for completing the course with extended opening hours during the school break, with last entry at 5.30pm daily.
In Christchurch:
Wizards & Witches at Highcliffe Castle
From 26 October to 2 November, Highcliffe Castle invites families to enjoy magical indoor crafts and activities where kids can use their creative drawing and colouring to design their own potion. On Wednesday 29 October, enjoy 50% off family admission.
Explore local trails
Discover a variety of scenic and interactive walking trails across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on the Explore BCP website. From coastal strolls to heritage hunts, there’s a trail for every age and interest - perfect for a day out. Step back in time on our recently launched Smugglers’ Run Trail in Mudeford.
In Poole:
Upton Country Park
From Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November, 10am-3pm, join Bunty the Bone Dog on a spooky quest to recover their missing bones. Trail maps (£4.50 including a creepy cuddly prize) are available daily from the Welcome Centre in the main car park. Explore Bunty’s favourite haunts, solve riddles and puzzles. Fancy dress is encouraged, and visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed refreshments in the Tea Rooms, plus face painting, Adventure Golf, arts and crafts, and more. See here what other events are happening at Upton Country Park: Events & Activities - Upton Country Park, Poole
Spooky skulls, sea monsters and storytelling at Poole Museum
Poole Museum is bursting with creativity, curiosity, and spooky surprises for families of all ages this October half term – even as it prepares to reopen its doors following a huge redevelopment. Book your tickets now.
Activate Performing Arts
Join the Lighthouse in Poole for two fun-packed days on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October of creative workshops including dance, rap, theatre, poetry and puppetry for 7-14 year olds. All led by ethnically diverse professional writers, performers and musicians. Find out more here.
And more:
BCP Leisure activities
BCP’s leisure centres are bursting with energy this half-term, offering a fantastic range of activities for children and families. Holiday Sports Heroes takes place at 2 Riversmeet Leisure Centre from 28-30 October, giving children the chance to try out a variety of sports in a fun, supportive environment. Spook Zone at Kings Park Leisure Centre’s soft play is decked out with Halloween-inspired decorations, a colouring competition, and NEW for this year - kids’ lunch boxes available from 25-31 October. Check out the Rookie Lifeguard sessions, running every Monday from 6pm at Rossmore Leisure Centre. Come play like your rugby heroes at the free Ladies Junior Rugby trial sessions at Ashdown Leisure Centre every Tuesday between 28 October-11 November. To see full timetables and book your activities, visit the BCP Leisure website.
Discover More Family Fun
The BCP Family Information Directory lists a wide range of half-term activities, many of which are free. Use the search filters to find events by age, location, and cost and explore the directory.
Purbeck Film Festival
Running from 17 October to 2 November, the Purbeck Film Festival returns with Sir Sam Mendes as patron, with over 90 screenings across 31 venues in Dorset. Browse the programme, pick your favourites and book your tickets before they vanish like a ghost in the mist!
Whether you're solving spooky puzzles, dancing in costume, or enjoying creating crafts, there’s something for everyone this half-term in BCP.