As the weather gets colder and the night’s draw in, it’s tempting to curl up and stay cosy inside. However, it’s really important for children to get their active minutes each day, and for adults to keep moving too! Going for a family walk, or being active outdoors is a great way to get moving, whilst spending quality time together as a family. Being active outside, particularly in green spaces, is very beneficial for children’s development in other ways too, and it can improve the whole family’s mood and mental wellbeing.
Blazing seasonal colours, crisp air and crunching leaves underfoot, mean autumn can be a beautiful time of year to enjoy a walk in the countryside or your local park. And with Half term and Halloween approaching there are lots of places to enjoy being active outside and have some seasonal fun as well.
Take a look at ideas below for places and activities to enjoy being active with your family this half term, many of them with a Halloween theme!
Follow a Trail or Scavenger Hunt
There are lots of fun Halloween Trails to enjoy in parks, towns and villages across the county this half term. Children will enjoy walking around the spooky themed trails and scavenger hunts whilst keeping active and benefitting from spending time outdoors.
We’ve listed a few suggestions below but look out for other events taking place at your local park or visitor attraction.
Lincoln Uphill Pumpkin Trail
14th October to 2nd November.
The independent stores of uphill Lincoln and The Strait will be displaying pumpkins in their windows for eagle eyed pumpkin hunters to spot. It’s completely free to take part, simply collect a leaflet with map and questions from the Visitor Information Centre, or download here, then complete the questions and return it to collect a certificate and be in with a chance of winning the Grand prize!
Look out for the Big Halloween Day of the dead Parade on October 30th in the City centre too!
Find out more
Wyndham Park Spooktacular, Grantham
Sunday 30 October, 11am – 3pm
Dare you tread the spooky paths and face the gruesome monsters to release the Halloween fun? Enjoy a Halloween trail and other activities including crafts, a fancy dress competition and Halloween duck race at this fun event! Tickets are required and cost £2.50.
Find out more and book your tickets
Hocus Pocus Halloween Trail, Bransby Horses, Lincoln
Make a trip to meet the horses and donkey’s at Bransby Horses and you can also enjoy a spooky Scavenger Hunt in October to get into the spirit of Halloween! £3.50 per child. Adults free. Simply ask in the Gift Shop for your trail.
Find out more
Welton Scarecrow Trail
22nd – 30th October
In the village of Welton residents and businesses are creating and displaying scarecrows over October Half Term. Pick a Scarecrow map trail sheet for £2.00 and see if you can find all the amazing creations!
Find out more
Halloween Trail, Hartsholme Park, Lincoln
26th October 2022 – 30th October, 12 – 3pm
Follow the creepy Halloween Trail, which will lead you, if you make it, to a delicious and ghoulish treat. There is a charge of £3.50 per child for this event, which is aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years. Get your trail sheet anytime between 12pm and 3pm from the Visitor Centre, Hartsholme Country Park.
Find out more
Burghley House Halloween Trail, Stamford
Entry Prices apply
For a family friendly Halloween activity, wind your way around the Halloween Trail in Burghley’s Sculpture Garden. Crunch through the crispy autumn leaves to find the hidden spooks in every creepy corner, uncover the clues and win a treat!
Find out more
If there isn’t an event near you, or you kids enjoyed a Halloween themed trail and you want to keep up the enthusiasm for being active outdoors, why not make your own scavenger trail to enjoy in a local park or green space? Simply make a sheet of items to find and tick off. Think about what you’d be likely to find where you are going – it could include conkers and acorns or spotting some local wildlife like a blackbird or squirrel.
Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Get the kids excited about Halloween, whilst enjoying an autumnal adventure in rural Lincolnshire, with a trip to pick your own pumpkin! There are farms and venues across the county that will allow you to select and pick your own pumpkins. Entry is free to most, just pay for what you pick and make sure don’t forget your boots or wellies as some patches may get muddy!
We’ve listed a few below, but there are lots more across the county:
Lings Farm Pumpkin Patch, Caistor
Pick your own pumpkin from a wide variety of colours and sizes, then enjoy the spooky woodland stroll.
Find out more
Pumpkin, Bumpkins, Market Rasen
With over 12 different varieties of pumpkins grown, there is a huge range of different sizes, shapes and colours to choose from.
Find out more
Bell’s Pumpkin Patch, Boston (admission prices apply)
The largest pumpkin patch in Lincolnshire makes a great day out for all ages. As well as the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin there are a whole range of other activities to enjoy, including a Maize Maze, a pumpkin canon and potato catapults!
Find out more
Doddington Hall and Gardens, North Kesteven
Visit the Kitchen Garden to pick your own pumpkin at Doddington Hall. Why not combine your visit with a stroll around the garden (admission prices apply) or enjoy a walk around the estate parkland (free).
Find out more
For more top tips to encourage children to enjoy family walks, take a look at our top tips for walking with children here.
Find more advice on being active with your family on our family page.