October Half Term
There’s a week full of family fun ahead at Stanwick Lakes, with lots to see and do this half term!
If you’re looking for a bit of fresh air and free play, the playground, tower and our assault course awaits! Or, if you’re looking to learn some outdoor skills, take a look at the ranger-led activities we have lined up for you…
Spooky Half Term Trail
Saturday 25th – Sunday 2nd November 2025
This half term, join our woodland animals as they go Trick or Treating around our Glowing Halloween Trail. Enjoy a spooky stroll, knock on tiny doors and discover glow in the dark secrets, before collecting your spooky toy AND a sweet treat!
Trail packs cost £3.50 to purchase from the Visitor Centre and include a ghastly gift at the end. Suitable for all ages, allow around 45 minutes – 1 hour, for an eerie adventure around Solstice Lake, including some spooky stops.
No booking necessary – just purchase your trail leaflet from the Visitor Centre. We recommend completing the trail between 9.30am – 4pm, during daylight and visitor centre hours.
Get outside with guided Activities
Activities range from playful forest fun and den building to real wildlife surveying for families – spaces are limited, so secure your spot today:
Ranger-led Den Building – 28th Oct
A ranger will lead your group to our den building area and introduce you to the tools and materials available for you to use, and discuss the main properties a shelter should have if it were to be needed in a survival situation. You’ll then be set a challenge to build your den! One of our ranger team will be on hand to visit your shelter and hear about your chosen den-building techniques and vision.
Citizen Science: Harvest Mice – 28th Oct
Join us for a fun-filled walk around the nature reserve as you become a Harvest Mouse Explorer! Search in the grasses for abandoned nests, spot signs of wildlife, and try out real survey skills used by scientists. You’ll even be helping the Mammal Society’s National Harvest Mouse Survey – so your adventure has a real purpose! Perfect for curious kids and families who love the outdoors.
Halloween Forest Fun – 30th Oct
Join the Ranger team for some Halloween-themed woodland fun! After a wildlife-spotting walk to the woodland, the Ranger will give a safety briefing and then introduce a host of outdoor activities to choose from! The hour-long session will include events like fire lighting, outdoor nature crafts, mini beast hunting and den building! It’s time to get creative and explore the natural wonders Stanwick has to offer!
In the Visitor Centre this half term..
Willow Lantern Workshops – from £9 per lantern
Tuesday 28th, Thursday 30th, Friday 31st
This family activity takes place in our ‘Discovery Zone’ which features a hand-painted mural of the Stanwick Lakes’ habitat. This is apt, because the lanterns you’ll be making are crafted from cut willow that our Rangers have collected during their conservation work, right here on the reserve.
No experience is necessary, however lanterns can be a bit tricky for little hands to make, so young children need to be supervised by an adult to attend. No more than 2 children per adult for children under 10 years of age.
No need to book – Pop-up Pottery Painting
We’ve added a seasonal selection to our pottery options for half term, including pumpkin pots and. Or why not paint a monstrous mug or a petrifying plate!?
From £8 – £20.
Play Areas & Adventure Trails
The playground and play tower await you this Easter, alongside water play for little ones, and lots of sand, plus the assault course is only a short walk away. Our food and drink outlets are ready to keep you refreshed and our café menu will ensure you’re satisfied! Explore more – along our adventure trail – with climbing rocks, rope bridge and zip line.