Half-term doesn't have to mean endless hours stuck inside the house. From seeking out the creepy marine creatures beneath the sands of Rest Bay to jumping the day away at Wales' biggest trampoline park, get going with wild adventures across Bridgend.
Best for… spooky seaside adventures
Days out at the seaside aren't reserved for the summer months, hit the sands with Beach Academy Wales to uncover the ugly underbelly of Welsh Marine life with their Halloween Special. Meet the biters, fighters and stinger's that live beneath the sands of Porthcawl on the interactive family beach trail across Rest Bay.Children can connect with nature by learning all about the creepy critters who call Wales their home.
Nasty Marine Nature, Halloween Family Beach Trail is held 19th October between 1pm - 3pm. Tickets cost £5 per child, including accompanying adult. www.beachacademywales.com
Best for… muddy puddles
Grab your wellies and make a splash with over 300 acres of Parc Slip Nature Reserve to discover this half-term. 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. Little ones can learn about the rich variety of flora and fauna before heading into the reserve at the interactive Discovery Room equipped with exhibitions, videos, nature table and more. www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres
Best for… escaping the rain
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 winter 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! Bounce alone or join forces in family jump sessions, ranging from 3-6 people where you can show off your skills together or compete to see who is the best in the family. Family Jam Saturdays 10am-11am, from £20. jumpjam.co.uk
Best for… spooky surprises
Prepare for an evening of gruesome ghost tours and spooky surprises at Porthcawl's Grand Pavilion on the scariest night of the year. Brave young souls will be guided through the curse of Megan Pritchard, a tale which takes you on a journey brimming with shocking surprises, stomach-churning humour and dramatic twists and turns. Test your fears and prepare for the unexpected, but beware, Megan's spirit might still be lurking…
Suitable for children aged ten and above, with the supervision of an adult. Hourly time slots available from 6-10 pm on 30th October. Tickets cost £8.50 per child. www.awen-wales.com/events
Best for… stepping back in time
Spend half-term immersed in Welsh history with a trip around Bridgend County's three Norman Castles: Coity, Ogmore and Newcastle. Young historians with 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 26th October & 10th November, entry is free.
Best for… adrenaline-fulled adventures
Head to Bridgend's hottest adventure hub, Rest Bay's new state-of-the-art water sports centre, where families can find adrenaline sparking activities whatever the weather.
Why not switch riding the waves for scaling the dunes this half term? Stay on dry-land with a variety of bikes available such as the specially designed 'fatbikes'. Adventurers can explore a range of coastal terrain, tackling the troughs and peaks of Europe's second-highest sand dunes with ease. Choose from either an hour or a half-day guided tour to learn about the local wildlife and history. Bike hire starts at £20 and guided tours start at £55. www.porthcawlsurf.co.uk/surf-hire/bike-hire
Brave for… facing your fears
Face your fears and brave the spooktacular walk through Bryngarw Country Park after dark. Tiptoe through the silent park in the late hours of the night whilst being told scary stories by an expert local ranger. Keep your eyes out for strange shadows as you are escorted through the twisting trees and darkened terrains of the Welsh woodlands. With walks available for both children and older audiences, spend the evening embracing the Halloween season in spine-chilling style. Sessions will be held in hour slots in the evening of the 26th October, younger children are advised to attend the 5-7 pm sessions, with 9-10 pm session being reserved for those aged 16 and above exclusively. The event costs £8 per person.
