Steph Smith, who manages the Hale, Altrincham and Sale area for Mums in the Know, chooses five great things to do with the kids over the next week.
1. Survive the scares at the Crocky Trail (October 24th to November 1st)
This year the Crocky Trail in Waverton, Chester, will once again be putting on a fantastic scarefest for Halloween! Definitely worth the half an hour or so drive from Altrincham, this event is most suited for families with children over 10 years of age.
The trail has been transformed into a nightmare full of live actors, terrifying sets and props and also includes death-defying stunt riders, performing their mesmerising Wall of Death stunt show. The Crocky Dungeon is full of ghoulish shrieks and surprises that will have the whole family jumping with fright and giggling with delight – probably best to avoid taking children under 10 in the Crocky Dungeon as it can be a bit fierce! Shows start from 6pm, finish at 9pm and take place on October 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th and 30th. Final nights, with fireworks, on October 31st and November 1st.
Crocky Trail, Cotton Abbotts, Waverton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7PH. From 5.30pm onwards.
2. See the spooky goings-on at Red House Farm (October 27th to 31st)
For families with younger children, Red House Farm offers Halloween with a twist; avoiding the fright aspect, this is a fun, safe and friendly place to visit, where children can join in the festivities of Halloween without any of the tears or the nightmares!
Includes all the very best activities with the maize maze, barrel train ride, giant inflatable slide, bouncy castle, trampoline and climbing wall. The farm will also be offering pumpkin carving and additional craft activities. On Friday 31st October, Jennie from Parsley Pie Art club will be running great art and craft sessions throughout the day with a specific Halloween theme (additional charge applies). Get dressed up, and enjoy some wholesome family fun!
Halloween Spooktacular 2014, Red House Farm, Red House Ln, Dunham Massey, WA14 5RL. Prices: £6.95 per child (all main activities) / £3.50 (pumpkin carving and activities) / £9.95 combo ticket (main activities + pumpkin carving) / Adults and toddlers (2 and under) go free.
3. Calling all little chefs for the Cookery School
The Cheshire Cookery School offers children an amazing opportunity over half term. They will be running a Kids Cookery Club for six to 13-year-olds in their state-of-the-art kitchens (think Masterchef without the competitive spirit!). Each day, the children will learn about ingredients, baking, cooking from around the world, bread and pasta and more. Lunch and drinks are provided on all days.
Kids Cookery Club, The Cheshire Cookery School (Part of COD Electrical), LM Business Park, Norman Road, Altrincham, WA14 4EP. Open 10am to 3pm, October 29th-31st. Book individual days for £45 each or book tree days at a special discounted rate of £110. Contact Lisa on 0161 928 5120 or email info@thecheshirecookeryschool.com to book places. For more info, visit the website here.
4. Ghosts in the Garden at Tatton (October 25th to November 2nd)
Go ghost hunting in the gardens this half-term but be prepared to be (slightly) scared as you track them down. There will be spooky story telling in the eerie Tower garden at weekends, and a visit to the Gardens at this time of year isn’t complete without the gardener’s amazing annual display of autumn vegetables.
Save money by buying a Totally Tatton Ticket, allowing entry to three of the following attractions over half-term: the Gardens, Mansion, Farm and haunted Old Hall. Prices: Adult £11, Child £5.50, Family £27.50. Single entry Adult £6, Child £4, Family £16. Opening times for various parts of Tatton Park differ, see here to plan your visit.
5. Trick or treat down at the farm (October 25th to November 2nd)
Head into the scary straw maze and play trick or treat with the Wicked Witch, Take part in the fancy dress competition for your chance to win a prize. Carve your own petrifying pumpkin, help to dress up Stockley’s ponies in creepy (yet cute!) Halloween costumes. Feeling a little spooked out? Cuddle up to our small pets during our Pets’ Corner sessions. So much to do and you can also make use of a MITK Discount Voucher which admits one child for FREE!
Halloween at Stockley Farm, Stockley Working Farm, Arley, Northwich, CW9 6LZ. Open 10am to 4pm. More info and voucher here.
