Halloween Activities Around Exeter For Kids

Halloween can be a magical time for little ones, with pumpkins to discover, autumn leaves to crunch through, and plenty of opportunities for dressing up and getting creative. While some Halloween events are aimed at older children and bigger scare-seekers, there are lots of family-friendly things to do in and around Exeter that are perfect for Exeter preschool children.

If you're looking for some Halloween fun this October half term in Exeter, here are some ideas to add to your family calendar.

Halloween at Crealy Theme Park

For a full day of Halloween fun, head to Crealy Theme Park & Resort for its annual Halloween Spook-Fest. Alongside more than 60 rides and attractions, there will be Halloween shows, themed entertainment and plenty of spooky activities.

For younger children, look out for the Halloween Sooty Shows and Buddy's Trick or Treat Show, which offer a more family-friendly take on Halloween. Every child also receives a free pumpkin, making it a fun opportunity to bring a little bit of the Halloween magic home with you.

Spook-Fest takes place on 10–11 October, 17–18 October and daily from 24–31 October 2026, from 10am to 5pm.

Some of the scare mazes and Halloween attractions are designed with older children in mind, so families with little ones may want to stick to the rides, shows and daytime activities for little ones.

Little Feet, Big Beats: Halloween Special at Exeter Phoenix

For a Halloween activity designed with younger children in mind, Little Feet, Big Beats: Halloween Special at Exeter Phoenix offers an hour of music, movement and playful adventure. Designed for children aged approximately 2–8 years, it's a fun and welcoming way to celebrate Halloween without anything too frightening.

Little ones can dance to Halloween-themed music, enjoy interactive games and stories and explore creative movement using fun props. They might stomp like friendly monsters, flutter like bats, tiptoe through a magical forest or cast spells with imaginary wands, with every child encouraged to join in at their own pace.

Fancy dress is warmly encouraged but completely optional, so children can come dressed as their favourite witch, wizard, pumpkin, fairy or spooky character. Taking place from 11am–12pm on Halloween, it's a lovely way to enjoy some festive fun together with a parent, grandparent or carer.

Tickets cost £15 for an adult and child pair, with additional attendees available for an extra charge.

Visit Darts Farm's Pumpkin Fest

If pumpkins are your little one's favourite part of Halloween, Darts Farm Pumpkin Fest is well worth a visit.

The family-friendly autumn event features tens of thousands of homegrown pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours, along with spectacular displays and plenty of opportunities for family photos.

There is also live entertainment, magic and game shows, roaming entertainment and, for those who fancy a Halloween treat, marshmallow and s'mores toasting, face painting, doughnuts, hot chocolates and pumpkin lattes.

With so much going on, you can make the day as Halloween-focused or simply as autumnal as you like.

Go on a Room on the Broom Adventure at Haldon Forest

You don't have to wait until Halloween itself to enjoy some witchy fun. Haldon Forest Park has a Room on the Broom themed family trail, inspired by the much-loved children's story.

Little ones can help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand while collecting the ingredients she needs for her spell. Along the way, there are themed activities, forest facts and hands-on fun, with Dragon waiting to make an appearance too.

The trail is particularly well suited to younger children who love the story, and it gives families a chance to enjoy a woodland walk alongside the activities.

Throughout October, there are also magical cauldrons to look out for. Families can solve the clues and complete the crossword to earn a special sticker.

A Room on the Broom trail pack is also available for £4 and includes a colouring bag, lanyard, ingredient stickers, spell cards and a craft to make a witchy wand.

Follow the Halloween Trail at Canonteign Falls

For a Halloween activity that combines autumn scenery with a little bit of mystery, head to Canonteign Falls between 19 October and 8 November.

The Halloween half-term activities include a code-cracking pumpkin trail through the estate. Families can follow the clues, solve puzzles and see if they can crack the secret Halloween code while enjoying the autumn colours around the woodlands, waterfalls and lakes.

There are also special Halloween activity bags containing the trail, a creepy craft and treats, plus a pumpkin colouring competition for creative little visitors.

The combination of an outdoor walk, simple puzzles and Halloween-themed activities makes this a lovely option for families who want to enjoy the season without too many scares.

Get Creative at Exeter Cathedral

If you're looking for something to enjoy during October half term that isn't specifically Halloween-themed, Exeter Cathedral is hosting family-friendly arts and crafts sessions on Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th October.

Families can get creative together with Cathedral-inspired crafts suitable for all ages, with activities inspired by everything from birds and miniature Cathedrals to the traditional 'Green Man'. Sessions are led by Exeter Cathedral's in-house professional artist, Zoë, and everyone gets to take home something they've made.

Sessions run from 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm. Tickets cost £4 per child, with free adult entry when accompanying children. It's a lovely, quieter alternative to some of the busier Halloween activities, and a chance for little ones to get creative while exploring one of Exeter's most iconic buildings.

Pumpkin Trick or Treat Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary

For animal-loving little ones, Halloween doesn't have to mean ghosts and ghouls. At The Donkey Sanctuary, families can take part in a Pumpkin Trick or Treat Trail from 1 October to 2 November 2026.

Follow the map around the sanctuary and look out for hidden pumpkins. At each stop, children can discover something related to the donkeys and decide whether it is a tasty treat or a sneaky trick. Once they've made their guess, they can lift the flap to reveal the answer and add the matching sticker to their trail sheet.

Complete the trail and take it to the Gift Shop to redeem a prize. It's a particularly nice Halloween activity for preschoolers as it combines a simple interactive trail with the chance to see and learn about the donkeys.

Take a Ride on the Trick or Treat Tram at Seaton

For something a little different, take a trip to Seaton Tramway for its Trick or Treat Tram.

The 25-minute spooky tram ride is designed as a family adventure, with storytelling, pumpkins, funny spooky moments and a chance to meet the not-so-wicked witch Grizelda at Colyton. There are also activities and a goody bag.

For little ones, the emphasis on storytelling and silly rather than frightening Halloween fun can make this a fun introduction to the season.

Pick a Pumpkin at Pennywell Farm

Alongside Pennywell's usual animal encounters, activities and rides, the Pennywell Pumpkin Festival includes a pumpkin patch, pumpkin games and a pumpkin trail. There are also opportunities for marshmallow toasting, making it a great choice for a relaxed autumn day out with little ones.

With plenty to see and do beyond the Halloween theme itself, it's a good option for families whose children aren't quite ready for anything too spooky.

Get Messy at the Halloween Potions Lab

For little scientists aged around 4–10, the Halloween Potions Lab at Park Life Hub in Heavitree is a chance to combine Halloween fun with some hands-on science. During the 60-minute workshop, young scientists can make their own bubbling witch's brew using a set of ingredients, stir up green Frankenslime with spooky charms and bioglitter, and watch some exciting science demonstrations.

There'll also be an Oozing Pumpkin Elephant Toothpaste demonstration and plenty of other spooky science to enjoy. No previous science experience is needed, and each child gets to take their slime home with them afterwards.

The workshop takes place on 31 October, with sessions from 11.15am–12.15pm or 1–2pm, at Park Life Hub on Whipton Lane in Heavitree. Tickets are £13 per child, making this a fun option for older nursery children and primary school-aged children who enjoy getting hands-on and making a little mess.

Follow the Pumpkin Trail at Greendale

For a simpler Halloween activity that doesn't require a full day out, head to Greendale for its free Pumpkin Trail.

Running from 10 October to 1 November, the trail takes families around the Farm Trail and Farm Shop in search of pumpkins. Simply pick up a free clue sheet from Oscar's and set off to see if you can spot them all.

Once you've completed the trail, return your clue sheet to the shop to claim a sweet treat.

Best of all, no tickets are required, making this an easy option for a spontaneous autumn outing with little ones.

Autumn Half Term at Castle Drogo

For a little autumnal magic with a historic backdrop, head to Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton during the October half term. Especially for half term, there will be a nature trail around the grounds, along with an autumn-themed activity sheet available from the Welcome Team. It's a lovely way for little ones to explore the changing season, spot signs of autumn and enjoy some fresh air while discovering the grounds of Castle Drogo together.

The National Trust's nature trail runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026.

Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin at Jolly Pumpkin

Get into the Halloween spirit at Jolly Pumpkin in Silverton, Exeter, where families can spend the day exploring a pumpkin patch filled with more than 50 varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds. From shiny pumpkins and wrinkly varieties to quirky shapes and colourful gourds, there are plenty to discover and choose from.

There are lots of activities to keep little pumpkins entertained too, including a spooktacular maze, bale mountain, vintage tractor and plenty of photo opportunities around the pumpkin patch. When you've worked up an appetite, the Jolly Café will be serving barista coffee, stone-baked pizza and other drinks and snacks.

Jolly Pumpkin is open from 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3.30pm, on 10–11 October, 17–18 October and 24–31 October 2026. It's a lovely choice for families looking to combine pumpkin picking with some gentle Halloween fun.

Have a Halloween-Themed Afternoon at Home

You don't need to visit a Halloween event to enjoy the season with preschoolers. In fact, little ones can have just as much fun with a few simple Halloween activities for toddlers at home.

Try making Halloween pictures with orange, black and purple paint, decorating paper pumpkins or making spooky creatures from toilet rolls and craft materials. Baking Halloween biscuits together can also be a great opportunity for children to get involved with mixing, decorating and, of course, tasting.

For younger children, Halloween can be about imagination, creativity and exploring new experiences, rather than anything frightening. Put on some Halloween music, get dressed up, make a den or have a pumpkin-themed story time for a cosy afternoon together.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Halloween in and around Exeter this year, whether you're looking for a full family day out or a quick pumpkin-themed activity closer to home. And, if your little one isn't quite ready for the spooky side of Halloween yet, there's no reason they can't enjoy all the colourful, creative and autumnal fun that comes with the season.