October is often overshadowed by Halloween, but there are plenty of other wonderful ways to make the most of the month that don’t involve pumpkins or spooky costumes. For dads and families looking for alternatives, here are some fun, enriching activities to enjoy with your kids this October.
As an aside: we love Halloween and look forward to it all year round, but let’s be honest – as soon as the last spooky decoration comes down, we’re already pulling out the Christmas lights and tinsel. It’s that fun transitional period where we go from ghosts and pumpkins to lights and glittering snowflakes almost overnight. (Don’t judge us!)
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12 Family Friendly October Activities That Aren’t to Do with Halloween
Autumn Nature Walks
October is perfect for nature walks, with leaves turning gorgeous shades of red, orange, and gold. Take your kids on an autumn scavenger hunt: who can find the brightest red leaf or the biggest acorn? Make a game out of spotting different types of leaves, insects, or birds. You could even collect some leaves to bring home for a crafty afternoon of leaf rubbings or creating autumn-themed art. It’s a fantastic way to burn off energy, connect with nature, and sneak in some learning.
Here are three of the best-rated nature walks in the UK that you can enjoy with your family:
- The Lake District National Park: Stunning views, serene lakes, and family-friendly trails. Find more information at Lake District National Park.
- New Forest National Park: Famous for its ancient woodland, open moors, and roaming ponies, perfect for a family adventure. Learn more at New Forest National Park.
- Snowdonia National Park: A mix of easy and challenging trails with beautiful landscapes. Visit Snowdonia National Park for more details.
Visit a Local Farm
Instead of pumpkin patches, why not visit a local farm for other seasonal activities? Many farms offer apple picking, which is a fun way to teach your children about where their food comes from. Some farms also have hayrides, maize mazes, or opportunities to meet farm animals. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air and support local agriculture.
Go Holiday Shopping Early
If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t do, it is wait until December for the stress of holiday shopping. October often brings better deals and less crowded stores, and even though some might consider it too early, savvy shoppers know that this month is prime time for scoring great holiday gifts, especially with many stores offering early sales to avoid the holiday rush. I hate shopping, but the rest of the family loves it. So going before the Christmas rush kicks in is wonderful!
If you want to get an Aran knit sweater for your husband, father, or any other friend or relative, getting it now means enjoying the process without the frenzied crowds and last-minute panic. Not only that, but online stores like Gaelsong offer authentic Aran knit sweaters for as little as $75 (£60ish), a price that you will not be able to find anywhere instore during the holiday season.
Bake Something Seasonal
Use October as an excuse to get into the kitchen with your kids and try some autumn baking. Think apple pies, cinnamon rolls, or even homemade bread. Our kids love getting involved with mixing, rolling, and, of course, tasting. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about measuring, following instructions, and patience (waiting for the wife’s cookies to cool is tough!). Plus, the warm, comforting smells that fill your home are unbeatable.
My wife recently picked up an amazing cookbook called “The Prairie Kitchen Cookbook” filled with hearty meals and desserts that have been keeping our family well-fed and content!
- Lobermeier, Kayla (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 07/17/2023 (Publication Date) – Page Street Publishing (Publisher)
Stargazing on a Clear Night
October skies tend to be clearer, making it a brilliant time to teach your kids about the stars. Grab a blanket, some hot chocolate, and head out to a nearby park or even your back garden for an evening of stargazing.
There are apps that can help you identify constellations, or you could just let your imagination run wild and make up stories based on what you see. It’s a simple yet magical way to spend an evening together.
Free Stargazing Apps
Paid Stargazing Apps
October Astronomical Events
- Draconid Meteor Shower: Expected to peak around 7th to 8th October, this meteor shower is best viewed in the early evening. It’s a great opportunity to show kids a meteor shower without staying up too late.
- Orionid Meteor Shower: This meteor shower will peak around 21st to 22nd October, with up to 20 meteors per hour visible. The best time to catch it is after midnight, so perhaps make it a weekend treat.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: On 28th October, there will be a partial lunar eclipse visible from the UK. It’s a fantastic opportunity to teach your kids about the phases of the moon and watch as Earth’s shadow passes over the moon.
Celebrate Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals are an often-overlooked part of October that can be a lot of fun for families. Many local communities have small harvest celebrations that feature markets, music, and traditional games. Attending one can be a great way to introduce your children to local culture, try new foods, and just enjoy a day out.
Schools also often hold their own harvest festival food donations, teaching children about the importance of giving back and helping those in need. For more information, check out this BBC page on harvest festivals.
Craft Bird Feeders
October marks the start of the colder months, and birds could use a little extra help. Spend an afternoon crafting bird feeders with your children using recycled materials like old milk cartons or pinecones coated in peanut butter and seeds. Hang them up in your garden and watch as local birds come to visit. It’s a wonderful way for children to learn about the local wildlife and feel proud of helping animals prepare for winter.
Have an Autumn Photo Shoot
Capture the beauty of October by having a family photo shoot. You don’t need a professional camera – just your phone and a good eye for colourful leaves, open fields, or misty mornings. Let the kids take turns being both the photographers and the models. It’s a lovely way to preserve memories, and the photos make for wonderful personalised gifts come Christmas. They can also make for fantastic Father’s Day gifts (wink wink, nudge nudge).
Take on a DIY Project
If you’re feeling handy, why not tackle a small DIY project together? Building a birdhouse, a bug hotel, or even a simple bookshelf for your child’s room can be incredibly rewarding. Working on a project together teaches patience, problem-solving, and teamwork, and gives your child a sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished. It also makes for an excellent home education project, allowing kids to learn practical skills, apply creativity, and understand the value of planning and executing a project from start to finish.
Make Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar
With the weather getting chillier, a hot chocolate bar is a surefire hit. Set up a station with different types of hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, and maybe even some sprinkles. Let the kids experiment with different combinations to make their ultimate hot chocolate. This is a particularly cosy activity for a rainy October afternoon.
Plan a Weekend Getaway
October is a wonderful time for a weekend getaway, especially before the pre-Christmas rush. Consider visiting a nearby town, a national park, or even just a stay at a countryside inn. The cooler weather is perfect for hiking, and many places have fewer tourists at this time of year. A change of scenery can do wonders for the whole family’s mood.
Family-Friendly Events Around the UK
October is filled with fantastic events across the UK that are perfect for families. Take a look at the Visit England site for more detailed information.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Leicester’s Festival of Light (Diwali): Wrap up warm and head to Leicester for the spectacular Diwali lights switch-on and a series of fun activities leading up to the big finale. (Leicester, Leicestershire) – 1st to 12th October
- Broadstairs Food Festival: Enjoy fresh, local produce at the Broadstairs Food Festival with live demonstrations and a family-friendly atmosphere. (Broadstairs, Kent) – 4th to 6th October
- Nottingham Goose Fair: One of Europe’s largest travelling fairs, this historic event offers rides, games, and entertainment for all ages. (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) – 4th to 8th October
- Birmingham Comedy Festival: Get ready to laugh at the Birmingham Comedy Festival, featuring performances from top comedians and family-friendly shows. (Birmingham, West Midlands) – 6th to 15th October
- Ilkley Literature Festival: Perfect for book lovers, this prestigious festival in the Yorkshire Dales offers readings, workshops, and activities for all ages. (Ilkley, West Yorkshire) – 1st to 17th October
- Whitby Musicport Festival: Experience the cultural diversity and excellent live music at Whitby’s annual Musicport Festival, which is suitable for families. (Whitby, North Yorkshire) – 20th to 22nd October
- Dursley Walking Festival: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the south Cotswolds with family-friendly guided walks suitable for all ages. (Dursley, Gloucestershire) – 4th to 8th October
Final Thoughts
October is full of opportunities to connect as a family beyond the usual Halloween traditions. Whether you’re baking, exploring the outdoors, attending local events, or working on a creative project, it’s the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the season and make some wonderful memories. What are your favourite non-Halloween activities for October? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
