Halloween falls right in the middle of half term in our around here, so if you have children at home and are looking for some seasonal ways to keep them amused, why not try out some of our ideas for Halloween and Bonfire Night crafts and cooking.
Craft & Activities
Monster feet
All you need for this are 2 empty tissue boxes and a bit of card to make these super fun monster feet.
http://abirdandabean.com/2011/03/tissue-box-dinosaur-feet.html
TP haunted castle
Here is a fun idea for making a castle out of cardboard tubes and boxes, why not make your own spooky version for Halloween, by painting it grey and adding some creepy creatures.
http://www.filthwizardry.com/2008/09/recycling-castle-dejavou.html
Cotton wool ghosts
This is a really simple activity for younger children, simply draw a ghost shape on some paper and allow them to sick cotton wool balls to decorate.
Shadow puppets
Cut some figures out of black card and attach lolly sticks to make little puppets for your own shadow theatre, see what different kind of characters you can think of.
Egg carton treats treasure hunt
Cut the bottoms of an egg box, pop a treat inside and tape 2 together, then wrap in orange crepe paper to make into a little pumpkin. If you make lots you can use them for a fun Halloween treasure hunt.
Firework beanbags
If you have any scraps of bright fabric lying around, sew into little pockets and fill with dried beans to make little bean bags, add some bright ribbons to make instant fireworks.
Crayon fireworks
Make your own firework pictures, but colouring in a sheet of paper and then completely covering in black crayon. You can then use a pencil to scrape lines in the black crayon to reveal the bright colours underneath.
Ribbon streamers
Round handbag handles are ideal for this, or you can just use a couple of hairbands. Simply tie lots of different coloured ribbons all around and use them to dance around and make your own firework display.
http://www.rockabyebutterfly.com/2013/06/ribbon-dancers.html
Spiced pumpkin playdoh
We love making a huge batch of homemade play dough. Why not make a batch and add some cinnamon and food colouring to make an autumn version. You can then use it to make spooky monsters, autumn leaf shapes, or anything you fancy.
This is one of our favourite recipes:
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/play-dough-recipe
Spooky peg people
You can easily buy plain wooden figures ready to decorate, why not turn some into Halloween characters to go with your haunted castle.
http://eighteen25.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/please-welcome-tiffany-from-craft.html
Cooking
Spooky spoons
These are great for a party or for Halloween treats. Melt some chocolate or coloured candy coating, carefully fill a spoon and add some edible eyes and sprinkles to create your own spooky face.
http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/2012/10/09/chocolate-dipped-halloween-spoons/
Pumpkin pie
Traditionally a thanksgiving dish, but we love to bake it at Halloween too, the house always smells delicious with all the spices while this is in the oven.
Hot dogs
A must for any bonfire parties and something the kids can easily help assemble.
Jacket potatoes & beans
Another yummy bonfire night treat; why not make your own version with some homemade baked beans.
http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/baked-beans
Spaghetti sausages
If you haven't tried this before, it's really easy and effective. Just poke sticks of dried spaghetti through chunks of frankfurter sausage and boil as usual.
http://theridiculant.metro.co.uk/2009/04/spaghettilaced-hot-dogs-your-new-food-sensation.html
Candy corn pudding
A fun Halloween pudding for kids, layering orange jelly, yellow custard and whipped cream.
Toffee apple slices
Instead of the traditional giant red apples, why not make a more manageable version by using thick slices of apple on a stick, dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles,
Leaf cookies
Love this idea for using different coloured cookie doughs for a marbled leaf pattern.
http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2010/november/tabletalk4.html
Spider web cupcakes
Decorate your cupcakes with black of purple icing before it sets draw rings on top in white, use a skewer to drag through the rings and create a cobweb effect. Place a plastic spider on top for the final touch.
Events in Bath
Bath City Farm
Bath City farm have two events during the half term break. On the 29th October they are hosting a ‘Apple and Pumpkin Day’ 11.00am – 2pm and on the 2nd of November it is Bonfire night 7.00pm – 9.00pm when people are invited to congregate around a huge bonfire and enjoy some festive food. Free admission.
www.bathcityfarm.org.uk
Bath Rotary Club Fireworks Display
Baths biggest public firework display is held annually at the recreation ground and this year the show is on Saturday 2nd November.
Gates open at 6.00pm with the display starting at 7.30pm.
Adults - £5.00 or £6.00 on the gate
Children - £3.00 or £4.00 on the gate
Tickets are on sale in advance from the Bath Building Society, Bath Ticket Office and Bath Rugby Ticket Office.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
There is spooky fun to be had throughout the half-term at the Halloween themed trail around the garden. You are invited to seek out the scary pumpkins and follow clues to receive a prize.
Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 10.00am – 4.30pm daily
£1.00 per trail
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark
Building of Bath Collection
Kids are invited to create a spooky sight in a giant haunted house at the Building of Bath Collection as part of The Big Draw – The Haunted House.
Open daily between Saturday 26th October and Sunday 3rd of November 10.30am – 5.00pm except Monday.
Free with Discovery Card
Also for the brave amongst you on Thursday 31st October 6.30pm – 8.30pm there is a ‘After Dark Ghoul Hunt at the Haunted Chapel’ where you can win a treat by finding all the ghouls. If you come in costume you get an extra treat!
www.buildingofbathcollection.org.uk
American Museum
Fun for all the family, The American Museum is holding a ‘Day of the Dead’ shadow puppet event in collaboration with Tahullah Swirls with workshops exploring this colourful Latino Festival.
1.00pm – 4.00pm Workshops on the hour.
Discovery card holders get free entry to events, garden and grounds and reduced entry to museum and exhibition.
Another fun filled family day is offered by the American museum on Thursday 31st October entitled ‘Happy Halloween’. From 1.00pm to 4.00pm you can join them in celebrating with spooky crafts and face painting. Feel free to wear fancy dress! Cost details are the same as above.
And last but not least the museum will end it’s Halloween themed fun with ‘Spooky Stories’ on Friday November 1st 1.30pm – 3.00pm. Admission as above.
www.americanmuseum.org
No.1 Royal Crescent
Halloween Tales read by storyteller Richard Selby and hair-raising crafts are on offer on Thursday 31st October.
Storytelling 11.00am – 11.30am and 2.00pm – 2.30pm
Crafts 11.30am – 1.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Free with Discovery Card
www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk
