Spooky season has officially arrived across West Yorkshire, and with October half term fast approaching, families across the district are on the hunt for frightfully good seasonal entertainment.
As autumn leaves settle across Leeds and the nights draw in, the city's historic estates, museums, community spaces, and farmyards are becoming Halloween wonderlands.
From low-cost indoor trails that rescue rainy days to immersive evening scare sessions designed for hard-to-please tweens and teens, West Yorkshire's autumn line-up is packed with variety this year.
Whether you are looking to stick to a budget with free city-centre activities, take on a hands-on potion-making workshop, or bundle up for an outdoor forest adventure in the autumn crispness, there is no shortage of ways to make half-term memories without travelling far from home.
To help you plan your school holiday itinerary, we have rounded up 13 of the best family-friendly Halloween events taking place in and around Leeds for 2026.
1. Spellbound & Once Upon a Nightmare at Lotherton, Aberford (October 24 – 31)
Lotherton is offering both day and night Halloween adventures this year. By day, families can collect a spellbook for 'Spellbound' and help Bessie Broomstick find her missing belongings across the estate grounds. As darkness falls, older kids and tweens (aged 9+) can take on 'Once Upon A Nightmare', an immersive scare trail featuring live actors and twisted fairy tales in the woodland. | Submitted
2. Halloween Hauntings & Cellar Scares at Temple Newsam, Halton (October 24 – November 1)
Temple Newsam is packed with frights for all ages across half term. Little ones can explore the historic house to spot skeletons, enjoy friendly ghost walks around Home Farm, and follow pumpkin trails. Meanwhile, brave tweens and teens (aged 12+) can descend into the mansion's shadowy underbelly for 'Cellar Scares', a torch-lit walkthrough featuring eerie masked characters and unsettling fairground themes | Leeds Museums and Galleries
3. Spells + Sparkles at Harewood House, Harewood (October 24 – November 1)
Kids go free at Harewood House throughout October half term. While the main house is closed preparing for Christmas, the 140 acres of grounds have been taken over by witchy magic. Children can follow the North Lawn trail to help resident witch Bessie Broomstick locate her lost belongings, make their own natural broomsticks in creative workshops, and explore the sprawling Adventure Playscape.
4. Glow in the Dark Half Term at Leeds City Museum, City Centre (October 24 – November 1)
For an affordable, indoor day out in the heart of the city, Leeds City Museum is hosting 'Glow in the Dark' themed activities on a 'Give What You Can' admission basis. Families can complete a glowing museum trail, dance under neon lights at the Boomchikkaboom Glow Disco, try shadow art sessions, or enjoy quiet time in the dedicated Sensory Room. | National World
5. Spooky Victorian Streets at Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall (October 24 – November 1)
Step back in time as Abbey House Museum transforms its authentic 19th-century streets with a Halloween twist. Visitors will encounter witches brewing potions in the old chemist, giant spider webs, and skeletons behind the pub bar. Children can dress up in costume, complete a monster activity bag trail, and pose for petrifying photos in the vintage photographic studio. | National World
6. Spooky Abbey Ruins Trail at Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall (October 24 – November 1)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of 12th-century stone ruins, Kirkstall Abbey offers a great outdoor adventure for all ages. Families can complete a fun Halloween spotting trail around the historic grounds - and admission remains completely free for Leeds residents. | Iconic Media Group