If you’re looking for Halloween activities in Chester this year, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep the children entertained over October half-term. From magical mini-golf and wildlife trails to wizarding adventures, Halloween crafts and spooky city-centre challenges, Chester has a brilliant mix of activities for families. Whether you’re planning a full day out or searching for something fun to do for a couple of hours, there are options for different ages and interests. Here are some of the best Halloween activities in Chester and the surrounding area for 2026, with dates checked against current event listings.
1. Discover Halloween at Chester Zoo
Dates: 17 October–1 November 2026
For a family day out that combines Halloween fun with amazing animals, head to Chester Zoo. This year, the zoo is hosting a Halloween-themed Top Trumps trail, called Zoo vs You, around its Islands zone.
Pick up a trail map, find the giant animal cards and compare your stats with the creatures you discover along the way. Children can collect an exclusive Top Trumps card after completing the challenge, while giant pumpkin sculptures around the zoo add a seasonal touch.
There’s also Halloween face painting for an additional charge, alongside autumnal food, warming drinks and spooky souvenirs. The main trail and pumpkin displays are included with zoo admission, so you won’t need to buy a separate ticket for these activities.
It’s a great choice if you want to spend most of the day outdoors, with plenty to see and do beyond the Halloween activities themselves.
Find dates and tickets on the official Chester Zoo Halloween page.
2. Try Halloween Wizard Golf at The Hole in Wand
Dates: 10 October–1 November 2026
If your children love magic, mystery and a bit of friendly competition, The Hole in Wand on Eastgate Street is well worth considering.
This wizard-themed mini-golf attraction is adding a special Halloween challenge to its magical course. As you play, you can spin the wheel to discover your fate, with mysterious challenges and mischievous surprises along the way.
The experience is designed to be fun rather than frightening, making it a good option for families who want a Halloween activity without jump scares. It’s also indoors, so you can keep it in mind if the autumn weather turns wet.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with a walk around Chester’s historic streets, a stop for hot chocolate or a spot of Halloween shopping.
Check the official Halloween at The Hole in Wand listing for booking details.
3. Follow the Step into the Shadows Halloween Trail
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Turn a trip into Chester city centre into a Halloween treasure hunt with the Step into the Shadows Halloween Trail.
The challenge takes place inside participating local businesses, where children and families can search for hidden candy clues. Find at least ten clues, note their colours and designs, and you’ll have the chance to enter a competition to win a £50 Chester Gift Card.
You can print a trail sheet at home or collect one from Chester’s Visitor Information Centre. Once completed, return your sheet to the Visitor Information Centre or Chester BID as instructed.
This is a lovely way to explore the city at your own pace, especially if you’re visiting with children who enjoy finding clues and solving little puzzles. You can also make a day of it by stopping for lunch or exploring the famous Chester Rows between clues.
Find out more through the Step into the Shadows Halloween Trail listing.
4. Get Creative at a Halloween Craft Workshop at Carden Park
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
For children who prefer making things to being scared, Carden Park Hotel near Chester is hosting Halloween craft workshops throughout the half-term period.
These sessions give families the chance to get creative with seasonal crafts in a relaxed setting. It’s a useful option if you’re looking for a quieter activity or want to balance a busy day of sightseeing with something hands-on.
The advertised sessions run from 10am to 11am and 4pm to 5pm, with tickets listed at £8 per person. Places are subject to availability, so check ahead before setting off.
Although Carden Park is just outside the city rather than in Chester centre itself, it makes a good addition to a family itinerary if you’re exploring the wider area.
See the Halloween Craft Workshop listing for current booking information.
5. Take the Children to Storyhouse for Halloween Half-Term Fun
Dates: 24–30 October 2026, depending on the activity
Storyhouse on Hunter Street has a varied programme of family entertainment over the October half-term period, offering an alternative to traditional Halloween attractions.
One option is the Horrible Hunt, a free, drop-in Horrible Histories-themed quest taking place on 24 and 25 October. It’s a fun choice for children who enjoy searching for clues and discovering historical surprises.
There are also family theatre performances during the week, including Romeo and Juliet (For Kids) from 24 to 30 October. The shorter, child-friendly production offers a chance to introduce younger audiences to Shakespeare in an accessible way.
Other scheduled activities include Doodle Day on 28 October, which gives children a chance to get creative. These aren’t all Halloween events in the traditional sense, but they’re useful options if you’re filling a few days of half-term and want activities suitable for different interests.
Check the Storyhouse programme and booking information before visiting, as dates, ticket prices and availability vary by event.
Plan Your Halloween in Chester
With Halloween trails, magical mini-golf, animal adventures and creative workshops, there are plenty of Halloween activities in Chester to enjoy in 2026. Whether your children love solving clues, discovering magical worlds or simply getting into the Halloween spirit, Chester offers plenty of ways to make October half-term memorable.
If you’re looking to enjoy a family visit to Chester in October, why not choose our luxury aparthotel for your stay? Perfect for couples, solo travellers, families and groups, our Hotel Chester rooms are all high quality, offering boutique luxury. Our aparthotel provides a fantastic central base in the heart of Chester, which is ideal for relaxing after a long day of family friendly activities. Why not get in touch today to find out more?