By KLTV Newsdesk – 

From spooky stories and crafts to creepy creatures and classic Halloween films, families are in for a frightfully fun time this October half-term.

This October half-term, the National Coal Mining Museum is transforming into a Halloween wonderland, packed with spooky stories, creative crafts, and ghoulish games for visitors of all ages.

Running from Wednesday 29 October to Sunday 2 November, the museum will be hosting a jam-packed schedule of events guaranteed to get families into the Halloween spirit.

Spooky Stories and Creative Crafts

Visitors can step into the world of eerie mining folklore with Spooky Stories from the Coal Shed — a free, drop-in interactive storytelling experience inspired by the myths and legends of the mining world.

For creative youngsters, there’ll be craft sessions inspired by the museum’s distinctive pumpkin-orange mine water, while puzzle fans can take on the thrilling Minecraft Escape Room Challenge, running on 25, 26 October and 1, 2 November.

A Day Full of Family Fun

The fun reaches a peak on Saturday, 25 October with the Black to Green Festival, which will offer a mix of recycled crafts, storytelling, theatre, and nature walks.

Families can also enjoy a puppet show with Greta’s Glorious Garden, join a Meet the Trees Walk, or come face to face with bugs and critters in a Minibeast encounter with Lion Learners.

For those who love the outdoors, the Autumn Scavenger Hunt on 29 and 31 October offers a chance to explore the museum’s beautiful surroundings, while the Family Lantern Making Workshops (29–31 October) will let families create colourful lanterns that will later feature in the Light Up Festival parade in November.

Frights, Films, and Festive Food

No Halloween celebration would be complete without a spooky movie night! Visitors can enjoy a special screening of Hocus Pocus on Friday, 31 October, complete with spooky snacks and a Best Dressed Competition for those in their Halloween finest.

The museum café will also join in the fun, serving up a menu of autumnal treats and warming drinks, including the ever-popular spooky spiced pumpkin latte.

“Whatever the Weather, the Fun Won’t Stop”

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: “It really is going to be an exciting week at the museum with so many activities both indoors and out, so whatever the weather, the fun won’t stop!

“With something to suit all budgets, we have lots of Halloween-themed fun as well as our amazing interactive galleries, adventure playground, Time Tunnel experience and horsekeeper talks.”

Plan Your Visit

📅 Dates: 25 October – 2 November
📍 Location: National Coal Mining Museum, Caphouse Colliery, Wakefield
💰 Entry: Many activities are free or low-cost

For full details and booking information, visit the museum’s website:
👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/oct-half-term/