Crisp mornings. National Forest colour. Steam trains and tea rooms.

Kick things off at 1620's House and Garden, where the Creepy Costumes Hunt is one of the most charming Halloween outings you will find anywhere in the county. Ten children in spectacular fancy dress are scattered across the grounds, and your job is to track them all down so the judges can crown a winner. At just three pounds per person, it is tremendous value for a genuinely atmospheric autumn afternoon that the whole family will be talking about for weeks. Over at Twinlakes Park in Melton Mowbray, the Monster Rave is ready to turn your half-term into something rather spectacular. Expect seasonal thrills, festive atmosphere, and the kind of lively, colourful fun that Twinlakes does so well. Then head to Conkers in Moira for Bavarian Night, where Karl's Brass, one of the finest Oompah bands around, will have you tapping your feet and raising a stein in true Oktoberfest fashion at the Discovery Centre. It is a genuinely joyful evening out. Families with a love of the arts will want to check out Jesus Christ Superstar at Loughborough Town Hall, a soaring musical experience that deserves a night of its own. Leicester's Curve Theatre, meanwhile, hosts On Your Bike Baffo, a show full of energy and entertainment perfect for younger audiences. And if you fancy something a little gentler, Pumpkin Posies and the Half Term Spooktacular offer lovely seasonal moments scattered across the county, ideal for filling a quieter afternoon with colour and creativity. When it comes to places worth building a day around, the Bosworth1485 Trail in Market Bosworth offers a walk through genuinely layered history, where a single dramatic day in 1485 shaped five centuries of storytelling — and the landscape still carries that quiet power. Love Loughborough's Gardeners' Fair brings a completely different kind of delight, celebrating plants and growing in the heart of a beautiful market town. And Wheelgate Park near Melton Mowbray delivers unlimited rides, swooping slides, and splashy water park fun all on one ticket — a proper full-day adventure for families. With mixed conditions sitting around a fresh twelve degrees this week, it is worth packing a layer or two and leaning into the cosy, seasonal feel that makes Leicestershire so appealing at this time of year. The cooler air only adds to the atmosphere at outdoor events, and the indoor options are genuinely brilliant. Whichever day suits you best, a little planning now means a much better day out — so browse, book, and get something in the diary.