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.
7. Lineham Farm Pumpkin Festival, Eccup (October 29 – 31)
Supporting Leeds Children’s Charity, the Lineham Farm Pumpkin Festival returns at the end of the month. Set in the scenic Eccup countryside, the event features pumpkin picking, the 'Wicked Woods Trick or Treat Trail', magical wand-making workshops, seasonal storytelling, face painting, and hot chocolate. | Bruce Rollinson
8. The Pumpkin Trail at Golden Acre Park, Bramhope (October 31 – November 1)
On Halloween weekend, Golden Acre Park will be filled with over 200 carved and lit pumpkins for its annual family trail. Running from 10am to 4pm, the free event (with a suggested £2 charity donation) includes woodland games, autumn walks, and family activities with all proceeds benefiting local causes. | AllTrails
9. Free Pumpkin Trail at White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road (October 23 – 31)
If you need a rainproof half-term activity while doing some shopping, White Rose Shopping Centre is hosting a free pumpkin hunt. Families can pick up a map from Guest Services, hunt down 12 hidden pumpkins in store windows - including Primark, Waterstones, and New Look - and return their map for a sweet treat prize. | Third Party
10. Lotions, Potions & Slime at Leeds Kirkgate Market, City Centre (October 28 – 30)
Head down to Market Kitchen inside Leeds Kirkgate Market for free Halloween sensory play. Children can get hands-on and messy, making their own spooky lotions, potions, and slimy creations to take home, with fancy dress encouraged throughout the week. | National World Resell
11. Ancient Forest Adventure at This Green Moon, Swillington (October 24 – November 1)
For a unique forest Halloween experience without jump scares, This Green Moon at Swillington Organic Farm offers an interactive ancient woodland trail. Families can help solve a mysterious archaeological excavation, dance at the forest disco, and enjoy wood-fired pizza and sweet treats around the campfire.
12. Monkey Madness at Tropical World, Roundhay (October 24 – November 1)
Tropical World in Roundhay is running 'Monkey Madness' throughout half term. Families can explore the indoor climate-controlled biomes, join zookeeper talks, test their knowledge with Monkey Bingo, and tackle interactive outdoor challenges.