Free days out in autumn half term

If you’re feeling the pinch this half term then look no further because askamum has rounded up a selection of the best free events and activities for children across the UK this autumn half term. From treasure hunting to face painting, there is something for the whole family..

1. Have a frightfully fun time at the Horrible History exhibition!
Event: Visit the Imperial war museum in Manchester and see the Horrible Histories World War One exhibition. Based on the Terry Deary book Frightful First World War the exhibition brings the trenches of World War One to life. Smell the stenches of the trenches and feel what their uniforms felt like. 
Location: Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
Dates: 24th May 2008 until 4th January 2009
Telephone: 0161 836 4000
Price: Free
Go to the website

2.  Get creative with Blue Peter
Event: If your little one is a Blue Peter fan then they’ll love the new “Here’s One We Made Earlier…” 50 Years of Blue Peter  exhibition at the National Media Museum. The exhibition will feature classic clips, photographs and objects from the children’s programme. And there will also be special showings of the new 3D animated feature Fly Me to the Moon. And, for more animated adventures, every Saturday during half term, the National Media Museum’s Cubby Broccoli Cinema will screen a series of classic family favourite films for £1.
Location: National Media Museum, London
Dates: 18th October
Telephone: 0870 70 10 200
Price: Free entry to museum but film viewings cost extra.
Go to the website

3. Children's half term activities at Centre for the Child
Event:  Enjoy a family story session between 2pm-2.45pm on Monday 27th October or become a pirate for the day in an exciting Pirate workshop on Wednesday 29th October. There will also be all day drop-in craft sessions including African mask making, quizzes, word searches and colouring sheets throughout the half term.
Location: Centre for the Child, Birmingham
Dates: 25th October – 1st November 2008
Telephone: 0121 303 2421
Price: Free
Go to the website

4. Discover how Londoners used to live
Event: Every day this half term, the Museum in Docklands is hosting events for families with children under five to learn about how Londoners lived in the past. From story telling, theatre performances, Caribbean dancing, games and workshops, there’s something for everyone.  You can also meet a host of characters who will bring the past to life.
Location: Docklands, London
Dates: Saturday 25th October – 1st November, 10am-6pm
Telephone: 0870 444 3855
Price: Free
Go to the website

5. The Manchester museum
Event: There’s lots of events running in the Autumn half-term at The Manchester Museum. Become a dinosaur detective for the day or solve the mystery of the body in the bog. You can even find out what the world is like from a plant’s point of view.
Location: The Manchester museum, Manchester
Dates: Monday 27-Friday 31 October, 11am-4pm
Telephone: 0161 275 2648
Price: Free entry to museum
Go to the website

6. Somerset house
Event: Visit Somerset House this half term and take part in a fun drawing work shop which explores the stunning surroundings. Holiday drop-ins are suitable for families with children of all ages and each activity lasts about half an hour.
Location: Somerset House, London
Dates: Monday 20 October 2008, 11.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.30
Telephone: 020 7845 4600
Price: Free
Go to the website

7. The National gallery
Event: Get creative this half term with hands-on art workshops for families with children aged 5-11. Or fly away on the magic carpet with story telling for the under fives each day between 11.30 and 12pm.
Location: The National Gallery, London
Dates: Tuesday 28 October - Saturday 1 November
Telephone: 020 7747 2885
Price: Free
Go to the website

8. Heeley City Farm
Event: Meet our friendly animals, play in our under 8's Playground enjoy our Farm Café serving healthy, farm-cooked meals, browse our peat-free Garden Centre and our Gift Shop featuring local crafts.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Dates: Open everyday 9am - 4.30pm
Telephone: 0114 258 0482
Price: Free
Go to the website

9. Kids go free in Scotland in October
Event: Children will be allowed free entry into most Historic Scotland paid attractions over the October half term. So you can visit places such as Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Newark Castle or even Iona Abbey for free. And, with over 70 attractions across Scotland participating your only challenge will be fitting them into 31 days!
Location: Scotland
Dates: October 1st – 31st 2008
Telephone: See specific attraction
Price: Free for kids
Download the PDF of free attractions here

10. School for witches and wizards
Event: Visit The Eureka, a museum for children based on learning through play. Between Monday 27th and Friday 31st October, museum visitors will have the chance to experience some practical magic with award-winning teenage trickster and magician, MagiK Mark.
Location: The Eureka! Museum for Children, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Dates: Monday 27th until Friday 31st October
Telephone: 01422 330069
Price: Free for your little ones if they come dressed as witches and wizards! Adults £7.25 each.
Go to the website