HALLOWEEN may be fast approaching but one thing striking fear into parents’ hearts is the upcoming half term break.

But worry not, as there are plenty of ways to keep children of all ages entertained without having to leave Warrington.

Here's a selection of activities for families this October half term.

By Lewis Tanner

DAYS OUT

Clue HQ Escape Rooms, town centre

With an 85 per cent escape rate, Bunker 38 is the most family-suited escape room on offer here. The generous size of the room ensures that there is no risk of anyone’s claustrophobia being triggered.

Teams of two to six people must find clues over the course of an hour in order to escape the room.

The activity is wheelchair-friendly and recommended for children aged 10 and over.

Prices are £22 per person for two people, but then decrease with more players – with the cheapest price per head being £15 when in a team of six.

St Rocco’s Lantern Walk, Orford Jubilee Park

Spend time with your family while also raising money for a good cause. 

St Rocco’s hospice specialises in helping those with life-limiting illnesses.

During the walk children will get the chance to light up their surroundings and see their favourite characters along the mile-long walk, which culminates in music, entertainment, food and a family fun fair.

Youngsters up to the age of 16 are asked to raise £25 in sponsorship money, and all proceeds will go to the hospice, which heavily relies on the generosity of Warringtonians to continue serving the community.

Fancy dress is not compulsory but is encouraged. The walk begins at 6.30pm on Sunday, October 22.

Visit stroccos.org.uk for further information and to sign up to receive a fundraising pack.

Trick and Treat Week at Gulliver’s World

The popular local theme park is opening during the week especially for the half-term break and is laying on a range of activities.

Children follow a trail featuring several themes, changing into different scary costumes and performing tricks along the way in order to earn treats.

Tickets are £25.95 each for children and adults, and include a meal and entertainment in the form of the Happy Hauntings show.

Visit the Gulliver’s World website for more information and to book your tickets.

The park has also welcomed a new addition to the NERF Zone. 

Bazooka ball is a unique, high-tech, multi-player game which sees children playing with soft foam balls while the electronic bazooka scoreboard shows points in real time. 

Spooky World at Apple Jack’s Adventure Farm

The festivities are split into two, with daytime activities aimed at under-14s running from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with strictly 14-and-overs being subjected to an altogether scarier experience from 6.30pm onwards.

The latter includes an eye-catching ‘slaughterhouse’ featuring spooky pig-human hybrids from an experiment gone wrong.

Daytime tickets are £11 per person, while night-time tickets are £25.50. Additionally, fast-track tickets can be purchased for an extra £10 per person.

Halloween Goblin Woods at Fairy Forest School

Head here for a more relaxed experience for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.

Activities are largely craft-based and take place in the woods, and then followed by a campfire and food.

But be quick to secure your tickets, as the fun and games only last for two days – Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29.

Sessions run from 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on both days, and tickets are £10 for children and free for adults, with a 10 per cent discount for two to five children, and 20 per cent off for six children or more.

PRODUCTIONS

The Chris and Pui Show, Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington

The CBeebies duo bring their show to Warrington for one day only as part of a nationwide tour.

The Show Me Show Me stars hit the road along with the magical toys and characters that bring the hit TV show to life.

Involving plenty of audience involvement, the show is interactive and children are encouraged to bring along their own toys with them.

Adult tickets are £13.75, children’s tickets are priced at £11.75 – with both including the booking fee.

As expected, tickets are being snapped up quickly, so make sure to purchase your tickets for either the 11am or 2pm showings taking place on Sunday, October 22.

SPORT

Sport and Dance Camp at Penketh South Community Primary School

If you were worried your children would have no means of using up their seemingly limitless energy, Warrington Sports Academy has got you covered.

The lengthy list of sports on offer including football, basketball, tennis, handball, cricket, tag-rugby, gymnastics, dodgeball and hockey.

Parents are urged to book tickets before October 20 in order to take advantage of a price reduction, with tickets at £11 per day per child and £45 for the week, Monday to Friday.

The camp runs from 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.

And if you don't mind travelling outside of Warrington...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FUN AT SOUTHPORT PLEASURELAND

Enjoy some spooky fun by the sea as Southport Pleasureland opens its gates for some Halloween fun until Sunday, October 29.

Throughout half term the park will be decorated with pumpkins, bats and spiders and visitors will encounter creepy characters welcoming them to Pleasureland’s rides and shows.

There will also be live outdoor spooky theatre from ‘The Twitchy Witch’ and some Halloween wizardry from roaming magicians.

Admission to the park, which opens at 11am, is free with rides paid for separately.

Don't miss our Halloween guide to events in Warrington on our website this Friday.