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The Ultimate Halloween Guide for Families
Halloween is just around the corner, and whether your little one is experiencing their first Halloween or has already decided that Halloween is basically their favourite day of the year, there are plenty of ways to make it fun for the whole family.
From pumpkin picking and spooky afternoon teas to easy activities you can do at home, family-friendly films and everything you need to know about trick-or-treating with little ones, we’ve put together The Ultimate Halloween Guide for Families.
And because we know that Halloween with children aged 0–5 can look very different from Halloween with older kids, we’ve kept our ideas suitable for little ones — with plenty of options for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Halloween Costumes
One of the best things about Halloween is, of course, the costumes.
Whether your little one wants to be a witch, pumpkin, dinosaur, princess, ghost or something completely random that they have invented themselves, there are plenty of adorable options for babies and young children.
When choosing a Halloween costume for a child under five, comfort is just as important as how cute it looks. Look for costumes that allow your child to move freely, don't have long trailing pieces and are appropriate for their age.
For babies and toddlers especially, you may want to avoid uncomfortable masks or anything with small detachable pieces.
Our Halloween Outfit Picks
Forget scratchy costumes! Dress your little pumpkin in something spooky, super soft and comfy enough to wear all day.
From pumpkin picking and nursery parties to trick-or-treating, the Blade & Rose Halloween Collection is made for every little Halloween adventure.
• Playful pumpkins
• Super cute skeletons
• Fluffy spiders
• Soft, comfy and made for play
• Perfect for Halloween days out, parties and photos
Frightfully fun. Seriously cute. Made for little ones. Shop the Blade & Rose Halloween Collection
For a Halloween look that's more snuggly than spooky, this sleepsuit from Baby Mori is covered in a sweet little ghost print.
It's made from their soft, breathable ribbed fabric, which is gentle on delicate skin, and the Clever Zip makes night-time nappy changes quick and easy. It comes in sizes from newborn to 24 months, so it's perfect for a first Halloween. If your older little one wants to match, there are Ghosts Ribbed Pyjamas from the same collection. It's currently 20% off. Shop now!
This two-piece set is a lovely choice if your little girl wants something cute rather than a full costume.
It pairs a soft long-sleeve sweatshirt, finished with sweet Halloween embroidery, with a twirly tulle skirt on a comfy elastic waist. Both pieces are mostly cotton with a little stretch, so it's easy to wear all day, and it's machine washable for when the Halloween treats inevitably end up on it. Sizes start at 0–3 months, so it works for a first Halloween as well as for toddlers. Add a pair of tights or long socks and it's ready for pumpkin picking, a Halloween party or photos. Shop now!
For little ones who can't decide between dinosaurs and Halloween, this costume is both.
It's a printed jersey jumpsuit with a skeleton design, an attached tail and a matching dinosaur headpiece. The fabric is lightweight, so they can stomp, roar and run around comfortably all evening. It comes in sizes from 2 to 6 years and is rated 4.6 stars on Amazon, making it a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers heading to a Halloween party, nursery dress-up day or trick-or-treating. Shop now!
Halloween costume safety tip
Remember that Halloween costumes are designed as fancy dress rather than everyday clothing, so they need to be treated differently around flames and heat. RoSPA recommends checking age suitability, safety information, small parts, cords and drawstrings, and ensuring masks don't restrict your child's vision.
For young children, consider adding reflective details or a high-visibility layer if you're heading out after dark.
Pumpkin Patches and Picking Locations Across the UK
Pumpkin picking has become one of the ultimate autumn family activities — and let's be honest, half the fun is getting the obligatory muddy-wellies-and-pumpkin photo.
There are pumpkin patches and Halloween farms all over the UK, from traditional pick-your-own fields to farms with mazes, animals, trails and Halloween activities.
Always check the individual farm's website before travelling, as opening dates, booking requirements and weather arrangements can change. Many popular patches use timed tickets and can sell out around October half term.
London and South East
Garsons Farm, Surrey — Open throughout October, with pumpkin picking and timed entry.
Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm, Hertfordshire — Pumpkin picking from October, with additional family activities.
Odds Farm Park, Buckinghamshire — Pumpkin weekends in October, with additional Halloween activities and family nights.
Priory Farm, Surrey — Pumpkin picking runs throughout October and into early November.
Hobbledown Heath, Surrey — Pumpkin picking alongside the farm's family attractions, with evening Pumpkin Nights on selected dates.
Tulleys Pumpkin Farm, West Sussex — One of the UK's best-known pumpkin experiences, with pumpkin picking and Pumpkin Nights on selected evenings.
Pumpkin Moon, Kent — Pumpkin picking throughout October, including dates during half term.
The Patch MK, Buckinghamshire — Pick your own pumpkins plus Halloween-themed activities and evening sessions.
Wasing Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Berkshire — Pumpkin picking and a woodland trail on selected October dates.
Rogate Pumpkin Patch, West Sussex — Pumpkin picking from mid-October into early November.
East of England
Cammas Hall Farm, Essex — Halloween activities and pumpkin experiences throughout October.
Hurleys Pumpkin Forest, Cambridgeshire — Pumpkin picking on selected October dates, with extended availability during half term.
Worzals Garden Centre & Farm Shop, Norfolk — Rusty's Great Pumpkin Patch runs throughout October.
Standalone Farm, Hertfordshire — Spooky Standalone includes a pumpkin patch and Halloween-themed activities.
Undley Farm, Cambridgeshire — Pumpkin patch and maize maze throughout October.
Midlands
Overstone Grange Farm, Northamptonshire — Pumpkin picking throughout October, including special Pumpkin Nights.
Ketton Pumpkins, Rutland — Pumpkin picking throughout October, including half-term dates.
Becketts Farm, Worcestershire — Pumpkin picking during October half term.
Little Owl Farm Park, Shropshire — Spooky Harvest Festival during the October school holidays.
The Pumpkin Patch at Wolvey, Warwickshire — Pumpkin picking throughout October, with extended dates around half term.
Play @ Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire — Pumpkin picking alongside the farm's family attractions.
North of England
Farmer Copleys, West Yorkshire — Pumpkin picking from late September into November on selected dates.
Cannon Hall Farm, South Yorkshire — Pumpkin picking and Halloween activities during October.
Yorkshire Pumpkins, North Yorkshire — Pick your own pumpkins on selected October dates.
Swithens Farm, West Yorkshire — Pumpkin Festival by day and additional evening sessions.
Reddish Vale Farm, Greater Manchester — Pumpkin picking throughout October.
Smithills Open Farm, Lancashire — Pumpkin and Halloween activities during October.
Walby Farm Park, Cumbria — Pumpkin and Halloween activities throughout October.
Newham Grange Farm, County Durham — Pumpkin picking alongside Halloween activities.
Wales
Cefn Mably Farm Park, Cardiff — Autumn activities and pumpkin experiences throughout October.
Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire — Special Pumpkin and Halloween sessions during half term.
Manorafon Farm Park, Monmouthshire — Pumpkin and Halloween activities on selected October dates.
Scotland
Arnprior Farm, Stirlingshire — Pumpkin picking from October, with daytime and evening sessions.
Balgone Pumpkins, East Lothian — Pumpkin picking throughout October.
Briarlands Farm, Stirlingshire — Pumpkin picking and family farm activities.
Craigie's Farm, Edinburgh — Pumpkin picking throughout October, including quieter sessions earlier in the month.
Valley View at Gouldings, Scotland — Pumpkin picking with daytime and evening sessions.
Northern Ireland
Laganvale Farm — Pumpkin Days run throughout the second half of October.
The Ark Open Farm — Selected pumpkin and Halloween dates during October.
Pumpkin patch tip for parents
Before you go, check whether your chosen patch is walk-in or timed entry, whether pumpkins are included in the ticket price, and whether wellies are recommended. October in Britain plus a pumpkin field means muddy children. You have been warned.
Spooky Afternoon Teas in London
Want to celebrate Halloween without spending the afternoon chasing a toddler around a pumpkin field?
A spooky afternoon tea could be the answer.
London has several Halloween-themed afternoon teas and family-friendly experiences taking place throughout October and over half term.
The Witching Hour at ROAST, Borough Market
ROAST's Halloween Afternoon Tea transforms its Butterfly Meadow into a Halloween-themed setting with spooky sweets, seasonal savouries, scones and themed drinks.
The experience runs from 1 October to 1 November 2026, and a children's menu is available.
Good for: Families wanting something a little more grown-up while still having a children's option.
Book here: The Witching Hour at ROAST
Halloween Afternoon Tea at The Blakemore Hyde Park
The Blakemore Hyde Park is hosting a Halloween Afternoon Tea from 23 October to 1 November 2026, making it particularly handy for October half term.
Children have their own child-friendly adaptations, plus a spooky cookie and hot chocolate.
Good for: Families looking for a traditional afternoon tea with a Halloween twist.
Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus
For something a little different, hop aboard a vintage Routemaster for a Halloween-themed afternoon tea while touring central London.
The experience runs from 19 October to 1 November 2026, departing from Victoria, and includes Halloween-themed treats and London sightseeing. The experience is aimed at children aged 5+, so this one is better suited to the older end of our FTM UK audience.
Good for: Families with older preschoolers who love a little adventure.
Book here: Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Magic of Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer
Taking place during October half term, this themed afternoon tea combines magical decorations and imaginative sweet treats with a traditional afternoon tea experience.
The 2026 dates are 26–30 October, with children's pricing available.
Good for: Families looking for something magical rather than seriously scary.
Top tip
With younger children, always check the age restrictions, menu options and atmosphere before booking. "Spooky" can mean anything from cute pumpkins and Halloween cakes to genuinely creepy — and your two-year-old may not appreciate the distinction.
Halloween Activities to Do at Home
You don't need to leave the house to have a brilliant Halloween. In fact, for babies and toddlers, a Halloween afternoon at home can often be much more enjoyable than a busy Halloween event.
Try:
Pumpkin painting – much easier for little hands than carving.
Halloween sensory play – use coloured rice, pasta, jelly or other age-appropriate sensory materials.
Halloween treasure hunt – hide toy spiders, pumpkins or Halloween-themed objects around the house.
Make Halloween decorations – paper ghosts, bats, pumpkins and handprint spiders are easy toddler-friendly crafts.
Bake Halloween treats – decorate cupcakes with spooky faces or make Halloween biscuits.
Halloween dance party – put on some music, turn off the main lights and have a mini disco.
Halloween story time – choose a few Halloween-themed books and make a cosy reading corner.
Halloween movie afternoon – pyjamas, blankets, snacks and a family-friendly film.
Our Top Halloween Activity Picks from Amazon
These chunky wooden puzzles are a lovely, calm Halloween activity for little hands. The set of four features friendly characters, a witch, a vampire, a black cat and a ghost, in bright colours and cute designs that are far more sweet than scary.
Each puzzle is made from durable wood with smooth, rounded edges and non-toxic colours, and they're suitable from 9 months, so they work for older babies through to preschoolers building their concentration and problem-solving skills. When the puzzles aren't being played with, they double as a bit of seasonal decoration on a shelf or windowsill. Shop now!
This is a simple, mess-free Halloween craft your little one can make and then proudly hang on the front door. The pack includes three foam wreath rings in orange, pink and black, plus self-adhesive foam Halloween shapes to peel and stick on and ribbon for hanging.
With no glue, paint or scissors needed, it's perfect for a cosy afternoon at home or a Halloween playdate, and three wreaths means siblings or friends can each make their own. Each one measures 18.5cm, so it's just the right size for a door, window or bedroom wall. Shop now!
If your little one is a Peppa fan, this sticker book is a sure hit for a quiet Halloween afternoon.
Peppa and her friends get ready for Halloween with pumpkins, costumes and spooky stories, and there are puzzles, games and two pages of stickers to keep little hands busy. It's a gentle, not-at-all-scary way to join in the Halloween fun, and it's small enough to pop in your bag for the car, a café trip or a rainy afternoon. Shop now!
Halloween Cartoons and Movies to Watch With Your Kids
Not every child is ready for a horror film — and thankfully, they don't need to be. For children aged 0–5, look for Halloween-themed episodes, gentle spooky stories and films where the biggest danger is usually a misunderstood monster.
Babies and Toddlers: Ages 0–2
At this age, Halloween-themed episodes and gentle animated stories are usually a better choice than a full-length spooky film.
Room on the Broom — A lovely animated adaptation of the Julia Donaldson classic, featuring a friendly witch and her animal friends.
Hey Duggee – Halloween episodes — Perfect for toddlers who enjoy short, colourful episodes with lots of familiar characters.
Peppa Pig – Halloween episodes — Gentle Halloween fun with costumes, pumpkins and plenty of Peppa-style adventures.
Spot's Halloween — A simple, gentle Halloween story that works well for younger children.
Meg and Mog — Classic witchy adventures without anything particularly frightening.
Preschoolers: Ages 3–4
The Gruffalo — Not strictly a Halloween film, but the woodland setting and slightly spooky story make it perfect for an autumn movie afternoon.
Super Monsters — A colourful animated series featuring young monsters learning about friendship, school and growing up.
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest — A gentle Halloween adventure with plenty of pumpkins and seasonal fun.
Mickey's Monster Musical — A cheerful, musical Halloween option for children who enjoy Disney characters.
Ages 4–5
Toy Story of Terror! — A fun Halloween-themed Toy Story adventure. It has some spooky moments, so it's better for children who enjoy a little bit of suspense.
The Nightmare Before Christmas — A Halloween classic — although some younger children may find the darker visuals a little intense.
Hotel Transylvania — Funny rather than frightening, with a colourful cast of monsters and plenty of comedy.
Monsters, Inc. — Not a Halloween film, but an excellent choice for little ones who love monsters without wanting anything genuinely scary.
Parent tip
If your child is easily frightened, don't feel that they need to watch something "scary" just because it's Halloween. A pumpkin-themed episode of their favourite cartoon absolutely counts.
Trick-or-Treating With Little Ones
For many children, trick-or-treating is the highlight of Halloween. But if this is your child's first time, you may be wondering exactly how it works.
So we've answered some of the questions parents ask most.
What age can children start trick-or-treating?
There isn't a specific age when children should start trick-or-treating.
For babies and very young toddlers, you may simply want to dress them up and visit a few friends or neighbours rather than going door-to-door for a whole evening.
Once your child is old enough to understand the idea and enjoy it, you can gradually make the outing longer.
What time should we go trick-or-treating?
For young children, earlier is generally easier.
Aim for early evening, before it gets too late and your little one becomes tired, cold or overwhelmed.
There's also no need to visit dozens of houses. A short walk around a few familiar streets can be more than enough for a toddler.
Do I need to go with my child?
Yes — particularly with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Young children should be supervised by an appropriate adult while trick-or-treating.
How can we stay safe near roads?
Halloween often means walking around after dark, and children wearing dark costumes can be difficult for drivers to see.
Key safety tips include:
Carrying a torch.
Using pavements wherever possible.
Crossing roads carefully and using designated crossing points.
Avoiding distractions near roads.
Adding reflective material to costumes where possible.
Making sure children are visible to drivers.
Should my child carry a candle?
No. For young children, torches, glow sticks or battery-operated lights are much safer alternatives.
Real candles should never be left unattended, and children should not carry, play with or reach over lit candles.
What about pumpkin lanterns?
If you are using a pumpkin lantern, consider a battery-operated LED light instead of a real candle.
Can toddlers eat Halloween sweets?
Be careful with what you give babies and young children.
The NHS lists foods including hard or sticky sweets, marshmallows, popcorn and whole nuts among choking hazards for babies and young children.
Check treats before giving them to your child and always consider their age, ability to chew safely and any allergies.
What should I look for when buying a Halloween costume?
Choose a reputable seller and check the costume's age suitability and safety information.
For young children, avoid costumes with:
Long trailing fabric
Loose cords or drawstrings
Small detachable pieces
Sharp accessories
Masks that restrict vision
Our Golden Rule for Halloween
Keep it fun, keep it age-appropriate and don't feel pressured to do everything.
Your two-year-old does not need to survive three hours of trick-or-treating, attend four Halloween events and carve a professional-looking pumpkin.
Sometimes Halloween is simply dressing up, eating a little treat and watching a film in pyjamas.
And that's perfectly fine.
Pumpkin Carving Ideas
If your little ones are too young to safely carve a pumpkin themselves, let them take over the creative direction while you handle the sharp tools.
You could try:
Classic Ghost Pumpkin
Cut two large round eyes and a simple surprised mouth.
Spider Pumpkin
Carve a simple face and add black pipe-cleaner legs or other age-appropriate decorations.
Cute Pumpkin Face
Forget scary — give your pumpkin big eyes, rosy cheeks and a huge smile.
Cat Pumpkin
Triangle ears, whiskers and a little nose make an adorable cat pumpkin.
Bat Pumpkin
Create a bat-inspired face and add paper or craft wings.
Pumpkin Family
Create one pumpkin for every member of the family — including the baby.
Painted Pumpkin
For younger children, skip the carving altogether and let them paint their pumpkin.
Sticker Pumpkin
Use Halloween stickers, googly eyes and craft materials to create a pumpkin without any sharp tools.
For children aged 0–5, painted and decorated pumpkins are a particularly easy alternative to traditional carving.
Halloween Decoration Ideas
You don't need to turn your entire home into a haunted house to make Halloween feel special.
A few simple decorations can transform your living room, front door or garden into a Halloween-themed space — and many can be reused year after year.
Think:
Spider webs and spiders
Pumpkin decorations
Hanging ghosts
Bats
Skeleton decorations
LED candles
Halloween fairy lights
Autumnal garlands
Halloween balloons
Table decorations
For families with babies and toddlers, keep decorations well out of reach, particularly anything with small parts, sharp edges or button batteries.
Our Halloween Decoration Picks from Amazon
Window clings are one of the easiest ways to make your home feel Halloween-ready, and little ones love helping. This set has a colourful mix of cartoon pumpkins, ghosts, bats, witches, spiders and friendly monsters, plus some Halloween bunting.
Your toddler can help arrange them into their own spooky scene on a living room or bedroom window. They're quick to put up, don't need any tools or tape, and are reusable, so you can peel them off after Halloween and save them for next year. They're also a fun way to welcome trick-or-treaters from the outside.
These light-up window decorations bring a cosy Halloween glow to your home without real candles.
The set includes three LED lights shaped like a pumpkin, a spider and a witch's hat in bright orange, green and purple. They're battery-operated, with eight light modes including a gentle slow fade, and a built-in timer that keeps them on for six hours each evening, so you don't have to remember to switch them on and off. They attach easily with suction cups or the self-adhesive hooks included, on windows, doors or cabinets, and look lovely from inside and out on trick-or-treat night.
Happy Halloween, Mums!
Halloween with little ones doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you're heading to a pumpkin patch, booking a spooky afternoon tea, dressing your toddler as a pumpkin for the fifth year running, or spending Halloween evening in pyjamas with a family film, the most important thing is creating memories that your family will enjoy.
So pick the activities that work for your family, don't worry about making everything Instagram-perfect and remember: toddlers don't care whether your pumpkin carving is Pinterest-worthy.
They'll probably just want to carry it around and eat the snacks.
Happy Halloween from First Time Mums UK!
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