Dates: Monday 26th October – Saturday 31st October 2026
Location: Castleford Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, and Wakefield Museum
Cost: Free drop-in activities; selected workshops £3 per child (accompanying adults free)
Organiser: Wakefield Council Museums and Castles
About the Programme: Wakefield Museums and Castles have put together an exciting range of free and low-cost family events across the district for October half term. Alongside open drop-in craft and trail sessions, dedicated relaxed SEND sessions are available for families who prefer a calmer environment.
Venues and Schedules:
Castleford Museum Activity: Mystery in the Museum Dates: Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th, Thursday 29th, and Friday 30th October 2026 Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Cost: Free (drop-in) Solve curious puzzles, investigate museum artefacts, and make your own mystery disappearing box to take home. *Friday 30th October features a dedicated SEND relaxed session for families who prefer a more relaxed environment. SEND families are warmly welcome at all sessions.
Pontefract Castle Activity: Witches and Wizards Dates: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st October 2026 Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm Cost: Free (drop-in) Enjoy outdoor themed activities, create magical crafts, and watch live potion-mixing demonstrations on the bandstand at 11:15am, 12:15pm, and 2:00pm daily.
Special Bookable Workshops at Pontefract Castle:
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Dispelling Animal Myths: Thursday 29th October
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Dedicated SEND Session: 10:00am – 10:45am (Ages 6+, £3 per child, accompanying adults free, advance booking required)
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General Sessions: 11:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Ages 6+, £3 per child, advance booking required)
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Finding My Roots: Friday 30th October (Free drop-in, not suitable for children under 3)
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Meet the Author: Gail Powell: Saturday 31st October (Free, suitable for ages 7+, advance booking required)
Pontefract Museum Activity: Sketch It! Date: Wednesday 28th October 2026 Time: 10:30am – 3:00pm Cost: Free (drop-in) Get creative in the museum galleries and craft your own personalised sketchbook to capture your designs and ideas.
Wakefield Museum Activity: Codes and Ciphers Dates: Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2026 Time: 10:30am – 3:00pm Cost: Free (drop-in) Explore the secrets of the museum on a special code trail, build a pocket codemaker, and test out different ciphers.
Special Exhibition: Plastic Fantastic? While visiting Wakefield Museum, explore the “Plastic Fantastic?” exhibition exploring the social history, environmental impact, and future of plastics, displaying vibrant retro items alongside comprehensive accessibility information for visitors.
Booking and Visitor Information: Most craft activities and trails are free drop-in sessions with no advance booking required.
For sessions requiring pre-booking or to view venue accessibility guides, visit the official Wakefield Museums and Castles portal:https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums-and-castles