Autumn leaves are tumbling, the evenings are creeping in earlier, and you can already hear the faint whisper of “trick or treat” in the air — yes, Halloween is edging its way into Manchester, and families are gearing up for some spooktacular fun. If you’re in or around Greater Manchester and you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained over the half term or during the Halloween weekend itself, here’s a fresh, local guide to kid-friendly Halloween events, trails, pumpkin patches, and more — along with costs and tips.
🎃 Why plan ahead?
Before diving into the list, a quick note: many popular Halloween events in Manchester are ticketed and book out early (especially things like ghost train rides, immersive trails, etc.). Also, some are only open on certain days in October (or just in the half-term window). My friends and I have been on a quest to book something for our pre-teens and have found these activities book up quickly. Always check the venue’s website for exact dates, times, age recommendations, and whether you must book in advance. Some events also have “scare levels” (some parts may be too intense for very young children), so do read the descriptions.
Enough caveats — let’s get to the fun!
👻 Top Halloween Activities for Kids in Manchester & Around
This is Manchester’s flagship city-centre Halloween festival. Expect giant monster installations, DJ sets, storytelling, a “Walk the Plank” monster procession, spooky performances around the city, and family-friendly events.
When: Weekend of Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 October 2025 (with some fringe events extending beyond that)
Cost: Many of the core events are free to attend (for example, performances, street installations).
Why go: It’s a great way to soak up Halloween atmosphere in the city, get the kids dressed up, and do several events in one go without travelling far.
2. The Halloween Trail — Trafford Centre
A themed trail inside or around the Trafford Centre, with spooky installations, challenges, and family fun.
When: Usually mid-October to early November
Cost: Adults (13+) around £11 (including booking fee), children (3–12) around £8 (including booking). Under 2s go free. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) usually around £32.
Why go: Good option if you’re already heading to Trafford Centre — combines shopping, dining, and Halloween fun.
3. Halloween at Quarry Bank (Cheshire / Greater Manchester edge)
This is where we will be spending our Halloween night! A spooky evening trail through Quarry Bank (National Trust) with glowing surprises, atmospheric lighting, and a moody outdoor experience.
When: Thursday 23 October to Saturday 1 November 2025
Cost: Tickets allocated by slot (trail is about 0.7 miles). Price varies.
Why go: A more outdoorsy, atmospheric alternative, with a touch of nature + spookiness. Great for older children who enjoy gentle scares.
4. Pumpkin Painting at Queen’s Park Café
A more relaxed, creative option: painting pumpkins with kids, plus snacks at Queen’s Park Café in Heywood.
When: During half-term — e.g. Monday 27, Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 October (in 2025)
Cost: £13 per child (includes their own pumpkin, plus hot dog, crisps and drink) and £7 for adults (hot drink + breakfast bap).
Why go: Good for younger kids or families who prefer mellow, craft-style Halloween rather than scary trails.
5. Wizarding Adventure on East Lancashire Railway
A magical Halloween-style train ride on the East Lancashire Railway, with wizard academy, spooky effects, photo ops, and theatrical fun.
When: Typically a 90-minute ride during half-term (e.g. Wednesday 29 October in 2025)
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on package — check directly for latest rates.
Why go: Riding a train with a Halloween twist is always a hit with children — part adventure, part theatre.
6. Reddish Vale Farm — Pumpkin Festival & Halloween Activities
A rural farm near Stockport, Reddish Vale Farm offers pumpkin carving, spooky express rides, pet animals, vampire archery, bouncy pillows, and more.
When: 12–31 October (or similar window)
Cost: From around £10.50 for entry and activities.
Why go: This is a good “classic” Halloween farm experience close to home—especially for younger children who enjoy animals + pumpkins.
7. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm — “Halloween On The Farm”
This event at the wonderful Lancaster Park and Animal Farm includes pumpkin picking, carving, wizard school, Halloween disco, costume contests, and photo spots. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm is a firm family favourite of ours and we just love to pick our pumpkins here.
When: Usually runs across the month of October / during half term
Cost: Around £13 for adults (no pumpkin), £16 for children including a pumpkin, and £6.50 for under 12 months (with pumpkin).
Why go: If you want a full farm-based Halloween experience (pumpkins + animals + show elements), this is one of the go-to options.
8. Kids Halloween Parties & Disco Events (various venues across Manchester)
There are many small-scale Halloween disco parties, themed dance sessions, arts & crafts parties, etc., held across community halls, soft play venues, and party spaces.
When: Often evenings or weekends in mid to late October (especially in the half term).
Cost: Many are priced at around £7.00 for children; sometimes free for accompanying adults.
Why go: Great fallback option if you want something local, low-cost, and closer to home.
9. Foul Play: Once Upon a Crime — Bury Transport Museum
An interactive theatre-style detective show for kids, combining fairy tale characters, clues, and a crime to solve in the Bury Transport Museum.
When: Throughout October
Cost: Around £14 per ticket (standard adult / child price)
Why go: Perfect for kids who enjoy mystery and storytelling, rather than pure spooky scare.
10. Heat on Park of Horrors
There are lots of events running at Heaton Park throughout the Halloween season, including a spooktacular fare and pumpkin picking. But one event all kids will love is ‘Escape the Monsters of zipworld’ held in the zipworld section of the park.
When: 25-31 October
Cost: Tickets are on sale from £10
Why go: Kids of all ages will love running through the ropes in their Halloween costumes! But will they be more afraid of the heights or the spooky things that chase them?
🧠 Tips & ideas to get the most out of Halloween in Manchester
- Plan by age & scare level – young children often prefer pumpkin crafts, farm trails, and costume parades rather than haunted houses or immersive trails.
- Book early – the more theatrical or immersive events tend to sell out quickly.
- Layer up & wear sensible shoes – autumn weather in Manchester can be cold, damp, and muddy.
- Check transport & parking – farms and railway events often require car travel.
- Combine with a “normal” day out – balance spooky with something relaxing like a museum or café.
- Keep spare costumes / props – small touches like glow sticks or capes make outings extra fun.
- Don’t forget local trails and free options – councils and community groups often run low-cost haunted walks or Halloween trails.
🗓 Tentative Itinerary Ideas
- Daytime (half term / weekend): Visit Reddish Vale Farm for pumpkin carving + animal fun, followed by a creative workshop like pumpkin painting.
- Evening: Book a slot on the Quarry Bank trail or the Halloween Trail at Trafford Centre.
- City evening / weekend: Head into central Manchester for Halloween in the City to catch the monster installations and street performances.
- Backup / local option: If weather or tickets don’t work out, attend one of the local disco parties or community Halloween events.
✅ Final Thoughts & Checklist
- Manchester (and Greater Manchester) offers a surprisingly rich variety of Halloween activities for kids — from big city spectacles to cozy farm pumpkin trails.
- Always double-check dates, times, and age suitability before travelling.
- Prioritize which kind of experience your kids enjoy (spooky trails, crafts, animals, theatre) and book those first.
- Use free or low-cost events to balance out more expensive outings so the budget doesn’t get too scary.
