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If you don't want to have to travel too far for half-term entertainment here's a round-up of what's happening in St Albans...
📍St Albans Museum and Gallery
Sunday Crafternoon is regular weekly feature at the museum, which means there will be two during half term on Sunday 26th October and Sunday 2nd November. Book ahead to enjoy a family craft activity, suitable for ages 5-11.
Other arts & craft activities running during the week )booking required) are: Printed Bookmark Craft (Wednesday 29th October, ages 7+), Tile Decorating Craft (Thursday 30th October, ages 7+), Colourful Crafts (Friday 31st October, ages 5+).
Or if you fancy cooking with your kids, but prefer the mess to be left to someone else, there's a special morning workshop with Ghanian chef Patti Sloley on Tuesday 28th October where children will learn to cook three beginner-friendly dishes (booking required).
And of course, after your activity you can enjoy the rest of the museum, which is free to explore.
📍Verulamium Museum
On 27th, 30th and 31st October families can find out what it's like to be an archaeologist. Suitable for ages 7-12, there's no need to book in advance and the session is included in the cost of admission to the museum.
Or if you fancy exploring the museum after dark, drop-in to Evening Explorers on Wednesday 29th October. Charges apply and craft activities will be included.
On 28th October children can make their own halloween-themed mosaic with local mosaic artist, Audrey from Montet Designs. This is a bookable session suitable for ages 5+.
📍Special Half-term Openings
On Tuesday 28th October there's a chance to climb the 93 steps to the top of St Albans Clock Tower. This is suitable for ages 4+ and must be booked in advance.
St Albans South Signal Box will also be open for half term on the afternoon of Wednesday 29th October, where families can drop-in and visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK.
🎭 Theatre and Cinema
CBeebies favourite, Justin Fletcher will be at the Alban Arena on Sunday 2nd November with his Justin Live: Justin Time To Rock show. There will be a morning show and an afternoon show.
The Hub on Verulam is holding an immersive cinema experience for families on Sunday 2nd November. They will be showing a family-friendly spooky film (rated PG) whilst serving a meal inspired by the movie. Booking is required, and if you really want to know which film they will be showing you can contact them to find out.
👶 For Little Ones
Love Montessori is running some special sessions for under 5s during half-term at their dedicated venue, The Nest. On Thursday 30th October, Alice Hemming, the New York Times best-selling author of The Leaf Thief, will be visiting to give a live reading, plus there will be craft and songs. And on 31st October there will be two Halloween specials with sensory play, themed craft, song and rhymes, one for 0-18 months and one for 18 months - 5 years. Please book ahead of any of these sessions.
At the Hub on Verulam on Friday 31st October they will be holding a Halloween Spooktacular for under ages 2-6 with craft, monster hunt, lunch and a U-rated cinema screening. Book your place in advance.
👻 Burston Garden Centre
Two craft activities will be on offer at Burston Garden Centre this half term (booking required). On Wednesday 29th October make a haunted house frame, or on Thursday 30th October make a spooky door hanger.
🍂 Grebe House
Drop-in to the wildlife garden at Grebe House for a free session with the Herts Wildlife Trust exploring the garden and making a simple apple bird feeder on the morning of Friday 31st October (if the weather is inclement on the day, please check ahead to make sure this is running).
Or for teens, learn to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photographs with Jeanette from Jet Black Squares. Please book for this workshop taking place on Thursday 30th October.
📍St Albans Cathedral
From 28th October to 1st November St Albans Cathedral will be illuminated with the latest installation - Poppyfields by Luxmuralis - an immersive journey of light and sound reflecting on the World Wars and hopes for peace. Each day there will be a family viewing session 6 - 6.45pm and also a SEND session at 5.45pm daily except Tuesday. Book your slot online.
🎃 Pumpkins
If you need to pick up a pumpkin for Halloween, or maybe for some autumnal cooking, the Pop Up Farm near Redbourn is open throughout half-term.
Willows Activity Farm will be holding their Pumpkin Festival all week which, as well as being able to pick a pumpkin from their patch, includes lots of seasonal activities from a pumpkin hunt and Halloween maze, to character shows, Halloween disco, arts and crafts and more.
✨And there's more...
Find details of local firework displays taking place at the end of the half term week (and beyond). And you can find even more half term events taking place in the surrounding area on our What's On page.
