Get ready for a spooktacular October Half Term packed with storytelling, crafts, creatures, and curious adventures! From puppet shows to Minecraft-inspired escape rooms, mining myths to minibeasts, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Spooky Stories from the Coal ShedWed–Sun, 11.30am–3.30pm Free, just turn up at Parkinson’s Yard, The Hub

There’s something nasty in the coal shed – come along for an interactive storytelling session, inspired by mining myths and legends to see what might be lurking inside…

Makers’ Shed – Spooktacular Orange Crafts25,26, 29–31 October & 1–2 November, 11.30am–4pm, 11.30am-4pmFree, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre

Get creative and explore the science behind clean water through hands-on crafts inspired by our water treatment plant.

Horsekeeper TalksWed-Sun, Free Drop-inPony Discovery Centre

Visit Eric, Ernie, and Bud. Join us for our Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2.30pm.

Meet the MinibeastsSat 25 October, 11.30am-3pm, Free, just turn up, Learning Room 1, The Hub

Join Michala from Lion Learners to meet some amazing minibeasts and learn how these tiny creatures help the environment! You’ll also get to handle furry and scaly friends in this fun, hands-on session.

Black to Green FestivalSat 25 October: 10am-6.30pm,Free, just turn upJoin us for the Black to Green Festival, created by SPARK’s Youth Ambassadors. There’s something for all ages – recycled crafts, meet the minibeasts, nature storytelling, theatre performances, guided tree walks, and a chance to discover how our amazing reedbeds naturally clean the orange mine water.

Greta’s Glorious GardenSat 25 October, 11am-4pmFree, just turn up

Enjoy an interactive puppet show for all ages! Join Greta in her magical autumnal garden, as she gets ready for the glorious garden competition.

Minecraft Escape Room In A Box25, 26 October & 1, 2 November, 11.30am & 2pmPre-bookable

Join us for a Minecraft themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem-solve your way to victory.

The Wonder Shelf – Tmesis TheatreSat 25 October, 2pm–3pmFree, tickets via Wakefield Libraries

Step into a magical bookcase where myths and legends burst into life! Join us on an unforgettable adventure packed with puppetry, music, and laughter. A celebration of imagination and the joy of reading. Perfect for curious minds!

The Magic PaintbrushSun 26 October: 11am, 1.30pm, 3pmFree, tickets via Wakefield Libraries

Edgelands Arts presents “The Magic Paintbrush”, A Chinese legend brought to life by three performers through words, visual theatre, original musicand puppetry.

Autumn Scavenger HuntWed 29 & Fri 31 October, 10.30am–11.30am£2.50 per child, pre-bookable

Join us in Pit Wood to discover the natural treasures of the season.

Family Lantern Making WorkshopsWednesday 29, Thursday 30 & Friday 31 October£10 per family ticket (1 ticket per four people), pre-bookableLearning Space, The Hub

Get creative as a family by making a large statement light-up scenescape! Be part of our lantern parade (Sat 22 Nov) and Light Up Festival with your colourful creation.

Hocus Pocus Film ScreeningFriday 31 October, 12.30pm-2pm, pre-bookableThis Halloween, join us for a spellbinding screening of Hocus Pocus, complete with spooky vibes, cinema snacks, and a Best Dressed Competition, so don your witchiest, wackiest, or most magical costume for a chance to win!

Beasts & BoggartsSaturday 1 November, 12.30pmFree, tickets via Wakefield Libraries

Using specially designed storytelling cards inspired by local folklore, explore visual and oral story telling techniques and develop your own imaginative stories.

Escape the Forbidden Forest SENDSaturday 1 November, 2pmFree, tickets via Wakefield Libraries

“The trees have closed in, the path has disappeared, night has fallen… Can you find your way out of the Forbidden Forest? Join Story Trails this WordFest to solve the mystery of the forest in this fun guided story, containing riddles, puzzles and playful adventure for families with children with SEND.

Tours:

Why’s Our Water Pumpkin Orange?Sat 25 OctoberFree, meet at Reception

Take a family walk and find out how we pump and purify orange mine water.

Pithead Baths ExploreWed-Sun, 12pm, FreeMeet at Pithead Baths

Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!

Visit us this half term for a spooktacular family day out, take a walk around our nature trail, explore discovery spots, and lots, lots more!

PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS