As autumn colours sweep across Conwy County and the evenings draw in, Halloween brings a lively mix of pumpkin picking, mysterious local stories and after-dark adventures. If you are looking for things to do with the kids during October half term, these five seasonal experiences offer something for different ages - from gentle daytime fun to full-on frights for older children and teenagers.

Halloween events are always popular and many sessions have limited capacity, so advance booking is strongly recommended. Check the organiser’s latest dates, age guidance, accessibility information and ticket conditions before travelling, and remember that outdoor activities may call for warm layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear.

1. Halloween at Gwrych Castle, Abergele

Choose your level of spookiness at Gwrych Castle, where Halloween takes over Abergele’s atmospheric gothic castle and grounds. The daytime Family Spooktacular is the gentler option, with trails, activities, wandering characters, child-friendly zombies and seasonal surprises alongside the chance to explore this historic setting. Fancy dress is encouraged, making it an easy half-term choice for families with younger visitors.

After dark, Toxic Towers: Zombies at the Castle turns up the tension with live characters, dramatic lighting and Halloween effects. Evening entry is timed and places are limited, so book ahead and consider carefully whether the scarier experience is right for your group. Gwrych Castle also hosts a Halloween Hoedown on 18 October, with country music, line dancing and fancy dress. Find out more and book Halloween at Gwrych Castle.

2. Ghosts, History and Mystery in Llandudno

Discover a darker side of the seaside resort on Llandudno Guided Tours’ 90-minute Ghosts, History and Mystery Walk. Led by a charismatic guide, the Monk of Llandudno, this storytelling experience explores the Victorian and Edwardian streets through local legends, hidden history and eerie tales. It is an atmospheric way to experience familiar places differently and may appeal to families with older children, as well as history lovers.

The walk takes place outdoors and continues through the town, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Check the operator’s current age guidance, meeting point and start time when booking, as evening walks may not suit every younger visitor. Find out more and book the Llandudno ghost walk.

3. Conwy Ghost Tour

Conwy’s medieval walls, narrow streets and centuries of history provide a fitting backdrop for an evening ghost tour. A qualified local guide shares tales of restless spirits, haunted houses, witchcraft, mysterious happenings and some of the town’s grimmer history. There are no planned jump scares, but the stories include mature and sometimes unsettling themes, so parents are best placed to decide whether the content is suitable for their children.

Public tours meet at Conwy Visitor Centre on Rose Hill Street. Allow time to park and arrive before the advertised start, and come prepared for an outdoor walking route. Sessions can fill quickly around Halloween, so reserve your places in advance. View Conwy Guided Tours and booking options.

4. Pumpkin Fest and Pumpkin Fest Nights at Manorafon Farm Park

For classic autumn fun, head to Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele. Daytime Pumpkin Fest combines pumpkin picking with themed activities, roaming characters, photo opportunities, a family-friendly live dragon show and entry to the farm park. A standard orange pumpkin is included with each child ticket for the daytime event, while some activities - including the popular Slime Lab - cost extra.

At Pumpkin Fest Nights, the patch sparkles under autumn lights, with pumpkin picking, live music, Halloween installations, fire shows and seasonal food and drink. Check what is included in your chosen ticket, as the daytime free child’s pumpkin offer does not apply at night.

Manorafon advises pre-booking because its events regularly sell out!

Explore daytime Pumpkin Fest or discover Pumpkin Fest Nights.

5. Ffear Fforest at Zip World Betws-y-Coed

Families with older children and teenagers can test their nerve at Ffear Fforest, Zip World Betws-y-Coed’s after-dark scare-fest. The 2026 event runs during the evening from 8 October to 1 November, with roaming clowns and woodland adventures in the dark. A standard Night Pass also includes two rides on the Cursed Coaster, all-evening access to The Nets and entry to The Surge, while other thrilling adrenaline activities can be added.

This is the most intense experience in the round-up and is for ages nine and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and individual adventures have their own participation restrictions. Parking is included with the event ticket. Book early, check all height, weight and supervision requirements, and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with strong scares. Find out more and book Ffear Fforest.

Frequently asked questions about Halloween activities

Do I need to book Halloween activities in advance?

Yes. These seasonal events are popular, and timed sessions or limited-capacity tours can sell out, particularly during October half term and at weekends. Booking online in advance is the safest option.

Which Halloween events are best for younger children?

Gwrych Castle’s daytime Family Spooktacular and Manorafon’s daytime Pumpkin Fest are the gentlest options in this list. Always read the organiser’s current guidance, as children respond differently to costumes, characters and spooky settings.

Are the ghost walks suitable for children?

This depends on the child. The walks focus on storytelling and local history, but may include accounts of deaths, hauntings and other unsettling subjects. Check the operator’s age guidance and use your judgement before booking.

What should we wear?

Many of these experiences are outdoors and take place after dark. Wear warm, weather-appropriate layers and comfortable, sturdy footwear. Bring waterproofs if rain is forecast, and follow any activity-specific clothing rules.

What should I check before travelling?

Confirm the latest event date and start time, your meeting point, parking arrangements, age or participation restrictions and the organiser’s cancellation policy. Allow extra travel time during busy half-term periods and check for weather-related updates on the day.