Thousands of children are gearing up for half term holiday next week ahead of Halloween celebrations.

While October brings more rain, the weather can still be sunny at times – perfect for walks and venturing out to a pumpkin patch.

Here are two picks for fun half term activities.  

Pumpkin Festival

Odds Farm Park near Beaconsfield welcomes families to its annual Pumpkin Festival at the 35-acre family attraction.

More than 4,000 pumpkins are ready to be picked for carving into spooky – all available on site without having to take the mess home.

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Children can choose a mini wheelbarrow and explore the Oddlotment pumpkin patch to handpick their own pumpkin.

At the Carving Corner families can carve the pumpkins, and younger crafty visitors will be entertained at the autumn-themed arts and crafts area.

Odds Farm Park’s head of guest operations Louise Winslow said: “The Pumpkin Patch is the perfect backdrop for an autumnal family photo, and we’ve set up special photo spots across the field to make it as simple as possible for everyone to get the perfect shot.

“The return of our autumn-themed arts and crafts is also a highlight of the October half term.

“And also back this year is our Halloween trail giving little ones the chance to collect the clues while taking in the sights around the farm.”

The family attraction also has more than 30 breeds of animals, an outdoor adventure playground, tractor and trailer ride, water play, mini rover rides and indoor play barn.

When: October 22-30, 10am – 5pm Monday to Sunday

Where: near Beaconsfield and M40 at Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX

Big Wild Walk

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBPWT) is challenging walkers of all ages for the Big Wild Walk to help the charity tackle nature and climate emergency locally.

BBOWT’s mission is to restore and protect 30 percent of land and seas for wildlife by 2030.

Older supporters are asked to take on the longer 30km challenge – to walk 30km in one week, 30km across three days or 30 3km in one day.

Those walking with young children can take on the Hedgehog Challenge to try walking 3km during a week.

Walkers are encourage to start their own fundraising page to help BBOWT, and those who raise more than £30 will received a Big Wild Walk pin badge.

When: October 24-30