FREE & Low cost activities for October Half Term

Families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can enjoy a range of free and low-cost activities this October half term, including Halloween adventures, creative workshops, family shows and sports sessions.

Young people aged 14 to 18 can take part in the Active Leaders Course, giving them the chance to learn new skills, gain experience and build confidence while working towards becoming an Active Leader. The course includes CPR and first aid training, as well as ideas on how to plan an event and develop a CV. Sessions will take place on Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, from 9.30am to 3pm, at The Junction in Abingdon and Didcot Leisure Centre. Participants will learn to organise and lead activities, work as a team and build confidence, before putting their new skills into practice helping deliver free multisport sessions for primary school children at Didcot Leisure Centre.

Families looking to get outdoors can take part in a free Halloween-themed Xplorer event at Wantage Memorial Park on Wednesday 28 October. Children and their grown-ups can follow a navigation challenge around the park, finding markers and solving clues as they explore together.

The Active Communities team is also running free multisport sessions on Tuesday 28 and Friday 30 October, as well as family golf sessions at Drayton Park Golf Club, giving children and families the chance to try new activities and stay active during the school holidays.

The Beacon in Wantage has a range of creative activities and entertainment planned for the half term. Young people aged 9 to 16 can have a go at stop-motion filmmaking at an Animation Station workshop on Saturday 24 October, while younger children and their families can enjoy painting, sticking and imaginative play at Monkey Makers on Tuesday 27 October.  

Over at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot, families can enjoy free art activities throughout the half term, as well as a mix of entertainment and live performances. On Saturday 24 October, families can enjoy a colourful ballet, Alice in Wonderland, and the holiday will finish with a Halloween-themed K-POP ICONS performance on Saturday 31 October. Members of the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime cast will also be at Cornerstone during the day for a meet-and-greet.

Residents can help shape a new Play Corridor for Berinsfield – a fun walking trail with play features and a history theme. Drop-in sessions will take place at Berinsfield Recreation Ground on Monday 26 October, 2–4pm and Tuesday 27 October, 11am–1pm. The Oxfordshire Play Association will be there with play and arts activities for everyone to get involved in this half term!

There’s even more to enjoy at Better Leisure Centres across South Oxfordshire and the Vale, with a range of activities taking place throughout October half term.

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This half term is packed with lots of opportunities for families to have fun together. From Halloween adventures and creative activities to sports and skill building courses, there are lots of ways to get out, try something new and enjoy time together.”

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “There’s plenty to get involved with this October half term, whether you’re looking for something active, creative or just a fun day out with the family. The Active Leaders Course is also a great opportunity for young people to try something different, build their confidence and develop skills they can use in the future.”

Most activities are free or low cost, although some require advance booking. For the full programme, including dates, venues and booking information, visit southandvale.gov.uk/holidayactivities.