Wrap up warm for a seaside adventure
Days out at the seaside aren't reserved for the summer months, hit the sands with Beach Academy Wales complete their half-term Halloween picture challenges and provide proof on your mobile phone to claim a Halloween treat. Order your challenge sheet online and pick up from Rest Bay Watersports Centre. Beach Academy Wales have also created 4 family-friendly short coastal walks called 'Seashore Trails', where being active and learning combine. Lift your spirits, as you walk, with short beach walks and simple beach activities connecting you with seashore life, the marine environment and one another. Why not start with the The Reefs of Rest Bay walk.
Dare to join a scary Halloween train ride on Porthcawl seafront. Can you help to banish the ghosts and creepy monsters? Fancy dress is definitely encouraged! Who can be the scariest monster? There will be tricks, treats and fun activities for all! You can sing and dance to some chilling songs! Running from the 25th to the 31st of October.
Discover wildlife
Spooky season has arrived so go along to Kenfig Nature Reserve and search for 6 scary spiders. Or join their Owloween walk on the evening of Wednesday 27th October to hunt for owls, bats and all sorts of creepy crawlies. Remember to bring a torch! The nature reserve also hosts a Farmers Market on the first Sunday of each month and The Hyde Out, a converted horse box serving up a menu of local coffee & cakes weekly, Thursday to Sunday.
Grab your wellies and make a splash with over 300 acres of Parc Slip Nature Reserve. From tiny bugs to birds of prey, Parc Slip is home to a huge array of wildlife throughout the changing seasons. The safe area provides little explorers with the chance to immerse themselves in nature. Choose from traffic-free, family-friendly cycle tracks or wander along over 10k of pedestrian paths. You can be sure of a treat in the café too.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are ripe for the picking this year. Tycoch Farm near Porthcawl has a fabulous range of activities for the budding pumpkinologists to enjoy, or try BridgendPYO Pumpkins in Blackmill, but beware of the giant spider. Get picking! Or book your place for Bryngarw Park’s Spooktacular Halloween event. Carve the scariest pumpkin you can think of and see their pumpkins grown in the B-leaf Centre. Afterwards, brave the spooky stories with a hot chocolate around the fire. Still not tired? Take a walk around Bryngarw Country Park. While the entire park is a playground for everyone, the dedicated Children's Zone, with swings, slides and multi-play units, will keep little ones entertained for hours!
Undercover fun
Escape the rain and let children bounce away excess energy in Wales' biggest indoor trampoline park. Featuring over 100 interconnected trampolines, Jump Jam is the perfect spot to avoid wet weather without sacrificing fun. Bounce through a huge area of trampolines, against angled walls, over tumble tracks or take on activities ranging from parkour and wall-running to dodgeball and even a battle beam foam pit! Book your place for the 2 hour Halloween special on 29th October.
With indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, Wiggleys Fun Farm is perfect for some all-weather entertainment. Feed the ducks on a woodland walk before being introduced to some of Wiggleys Farm's very own farm animals. Be sure not to miss the adorable pets corner too - you and your little ones won't want to leave!
Something spooky is coming to Trecco Bay! Get ready for some ghostly goings-on, from Halloween crafts and pumpkin carving to ghost walks and fancy dress with the wizards and witches Academy. Already considered one of Bridgend County’s top family-friendly attractions, Trecco Bay Holiday Park has a number of exciting new attractions for 2021 including a brand new sports dome, high ropes course, and much more. There’s also bowling, an indoor pool and mini golf - making Trecco Bay a one-stop-shop for all-weather adventure.
Something for the grown ups
Introducing knife throwing in Bridgend this Halloween! Want to try something new and be one of the first to have a go? It’s great fun and really satisfying! Launching on 31st October and taking place in beautiful private woodland – join bushcraft adventures for a Halloween to remember! For those with under 18s to entertain, choose from bushcraft, archery and/or axe throwing events. Bushcraft and archery are age 5+, axe throwing is age 9+. If you’re staying a night or two, call in or stay at the Great House Hotel in Laleston and sample their Autumn cocktail menu. How about a Spiced Pumpkin White Russian?
Step back in time
Get immersed in Welsh history with a trip around Bridgend County's three Norman Castles: Coity, Ogmore and Newcastle. Young historians will love exploring the crumbling ruins of these enchanted sites; Hop across the stepping stones of Ogmore River to reach the fairy-tale castle, skip through the striking stone doorway of Newcastle or climb across the impressive grounds of Coity. Dating back to as early as the 11th and 12th centuries, each castle ruins offer individuality and adventure. Jump across the 33 stepping stones across the child-friendly shallows of the Ewenny River, alternatively enjoy an autumnal picnic within the sheltered grassy greens of the fallen walls Coity. Whilst at Newcastle, why not stop off at St John's House Open day, located minutes from the medieval site, stop by to step inside the Grade II listed building and learn a little about its long history. Entry to all three sites is free. St John's Open House Days are 23rd October & 27th November, entry is free.
