Bath is bursting with autumnal charm and spooky delights this October half term, making it the perfect playground for families looking to mix culture, creativity, and a dash of Halloween magic. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping the little ones entertained in Bath this half term.
Take a trip to The Little Gym
Written by Fiona Putnam, The Little Gym
People often come to a trial at The Little Gym hoping that their children will “burn off” some energy. What they are doing in class is quite the opposite. Just like tiger cubs need to play and tumble and roll in order to hone their natural abilities to hunt, our children need to explore their world, physically, before they can understand it cognitively. And their cognitive world is built through the physical. It’s why you’ll never hear of a child wanting to leave the playground before an adult! They don’t just enjoy physical stimulation, like tigers in the jungle, they need it.
Often parents ask when their child will hit certain milestones like being able to write. Knowing how much pressure to exert when writing or drawing is not learnt in a classroom, it’s learnt in a playground. It’s learnt climbing trees in a forest. And it’s learnt at The Little Gym.
Wrap this all up in sessions that are fun, imaginative and playful, in small classes with the same teacher each week where they develop incredible teacher/student bonds, and high ratios of teachers to children meaning they get the attention they deserve to hone their skills, and you have, what we call, “three dimensional learning”.
When your little one comes to The Little Gym they get so much more than a generic gymnastics class; using an ever-evolving curriculum inspired by Occupational Therapists and based on over forty years in the field of child-development, children get to learn about the world through physical exploration, they get to grow cognitively through problem solving, and they try on for size what it feels like to turn take, to help clear up during class, to control their impulses, to listen to their teacher and follow instructions.
Spooky Spider Hunt at The Roman Baths
From 1st October to 2nd November, hunt for cute, friendly spiders at The Roman Baths and discover the Roman myth of Arachne and Minerva. You might even come face-to-face with the goddess Minerva herself!
Perfect for little historians or archaeologists.
Spend some time outside
Shake off the screen time and dive into some fresh air adventures! Take the kids on a city stroll and turn it into a treasure hunt—can they spot the ghost signs faded into Bath’s historic walls? Chat about the grand Georgian architecture as you wander through the cobbled streets, and let their imaginations run wild with tales of the past.
For nature-loving explorers, Bathscape’s Tree Walks offer a brilliant way to learn about local trees and the environment—perfect for curious minds and little leaf collectors. Or head to the Kennet and Avon Canal with binoculars in hand and see who can spot the most wildlife along the water’s edge.
Need to burn off some energy? Let the kids loose at Sydney Gardens or Royal Victoria Park, where slides, swings, and wide-open spaces promise hours of fun. Whether it’s climbing, running, or simply rolling down grassy hills, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of discovery.
Inspire creativity
Let your little ghouls and goblins unleash their imaginations with a cauldron full of creative fun! Bath is brewing up a spellbinding mix of spooky and arty activities that are perfect for curious minds and crafty hands.
Head to Boston Tea Party for a frightfully fun lineup—from pumpkin decorating to witchcrafternoons. Keep those little fingers busy while you enjoy a cuppa (or two).
Over at the Victoria Art Gallery, budding artists can dive into Picture Perfect Pots or get stuck into Create and Colour sessions, transforming blank canvases into vibrant masterpieces inspired by the season.
If your child loves getting lost in stories, Bath is a literary playground waiting to be explored. Start your adventure at one of the city’s magical independent bookshops—each one brimming with character and charm.
Wander into Topping & Company Booksellers, where floor-to-ceiling shelves and rolling ladders create a real-life Belle’s library moment. Their children’s section is a treasure trove of tales for every age, from picture books to gripping middle-grade adventures.
Head over to Mr B’s Emporium, where books come to life in the most imaginative ways. This award-winning shop isn’t just about browsing—it’s about experiencing stories. Kids can dive into the creative installation that blends art, nature, and storytelling in a way that sparks wonder and curiosity.
Pop into the Bath Central Library for a moment of mindfulness among the shelves or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the half-term hustle. Looking for something hands-on? Join a National Trust Family Workshop, where kids can dive into nature-themed crafts, storytelling and activities that spark curiosity and connection.
If it rains
If the skies decide to pour this half term, don’t let it dampen your fun! Enjoy some indoor magic instead. Get cosy at Everyman Bath featuring a kid-friendly line-up bursting with colour and adventure including Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures, Tabby McTat + Room on the Broom and KPop Demon Hunters: Singalong.
Treat your children to a live performance that will spark their imagination at The Egg. Fields of Tender, is a dreamy dance journey through an imaginary land filled with love and affection – perfect for kids who love movement and wonder. Or choose Little Gift, a heart-warming mix of puppetry, music and song that’s playful, gentle, and beautifully told.