October Half Term
Get ready for a spooktacular October Half Term packed with storytelling, crafts, creatures, and curious adventures! From puppet shows to Minecraft-inspired escape rooms, mining myths to minibeasts, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Spooky Stories from the Coal Shed
Wed–Sun, 11.30am–3.30pm
Free, just turn up at Parkinson’s Yard, The Hub
There’s something nasty in the coal shed – come along for an interactive storytelling session, inspired by mining myths and legends to see what might be lurking inside…
Makers’ Shed – Spooktacular Orange Crafts
25,26, 29–31 October & 1–2 November, 11.30am–4pm, 11.30am-4pm
Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre
Get creative and explore the science behind clean water through hands-on crafts inspired by our water treatment plant.
Horsekeeper Talks
Wed-Sun, Free Drop-in
Pony Discovery Centre
Visit Eric, Ernie, and Bud. Join us for our Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2.30pm.
Time Tunnel
Wed-Sun
£5.50 per child, £6.50 per adult, pre-booking advised
Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through almost 200 years of mining history thanks to state-of-the-art technology. Travel through time and discover the incredible stories of coal mining through the centuries.
Meet the Minibeasts
Sat 25 October, 11.30am-3pm,
Free, just turn up, Learning Room 1, The Hub
Join Michala from Lion Learners to meet some amazing minibeasts and learn how these tiny creatures help the environment! You’ll also get to handle furry and scaly friends in this fun, hands-on session.
Black to Green Festival
Sat 25 October: 10am-5pm,
Free, just turn up
Join us for the Black to Green Festival, created by SPARK’s Youth Ambassadors. There’s something for all ages – recycled crafts, meet the minibeasts, nature storytelling, theatre performances, guided tree walks, and a chance to discover how our amazing reed
beds naturally clean the orange mine water.
Greta’s Glorious Garden
Sat 25 October, 11am-4pm
Free, just turn up
Enjoy an interactive puppet show for all ages! Join Greta in her magical autumnal garden, as she gets ready for the glorious garden competition.
Meet the Trees Walk
Sat 25 October, 12pm-1pm
Free Meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable (suitable for 8 years and over)
Join us for a relaxed guided walk through our Nature Trail. Discover different trees and get hands-on with nature. Moderate walk with some steep inclines.
Minecraft Escape Room In A Box
25, 26 October & 1, 2 November, 11.30am & 2pm
Pre-bookable
Join us for a Minecraft themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem-solve your way to victory.
Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Wed 29 & Fri 31 October, 10.30am–11.30am
£2.50 per child, pre-bookable
Join us in Pit Wood to discover the natural treasures of the season.
Family Lantern Making Workshops
Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 & Friday 31 October
£10 per family ticket (1 ticket per four people), pre-bookable
Learning Space, The Hub
Get creative as a family by making a large statement light-up scenescape! Be part of our lantern parade (Sat 22 Nov) and Light Up Festival with your colourful creation.
Hocus Pocus Film Screening
Friday 31 October, 12.30pm-2pm, pre-bookable
This Halloween, join us for a spellbinding screening of Hocus Pocus, complete with spooky vibes, cinema snacks, and a Best Dressed Competition, so don your witchiest, wackiest, or most magical costume for a chance to win!
Tours:
Why’s Our Water Pumpkin Orange?
Sat 25 October
Free, meet at Reception
Take a family walk and find out how we pump and purify orange mine water.
Pithead Baths Explore
Wed-Sun, 12pm, Free
Meet at Pithead Baths
Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!
Visit us this half term for a spooktacular family day out, take a walk around our nature trail, explore discovery spots, and lots, lots more!
PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS
