The Reluctant Explorers: Yorkshire Walking With Kids

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What to do in the Yorkshire Dales that’s not Halloween

Jumping on the rocks at Brimham Rocks

Want to avoid all things Halloween this year?

Well this is the blog for you! Now full disclosure, you know I am a full on Halloween addict, but the world is a more interesting place when we are all different! So this blog is for those of you who don’t want anything to do with Halloween this year!

You’ll find super places to explore that ooze Autumn, seasonal activities that don’t feature the fear factor, and all round good old fashioned adventurous half term fun!

So check this out for some non-Halloween half term inspiration!

And don’t forget our A-Z of all the Yorkshire Dales play parks too!

(And if you’ve stumbled onto the wrong page, check out our Halloween events page here!

Nature’s Playground, Brimham Rocks

Go Geocaching at Brimham Rocks

This place is stunning all year round, and whilst admittedly it does have a broom making event this half term, it is mostly Halloween free.

The National Trust have set up a fabulous Geocaching trail around the rocks, so why not head there, bathe in the glorious Autumnal colours of the woodland and moors and stop off at the cafe too!

Head to Fountain’s Abbey and find some of Nature’s magic

No Halloween to be found at Fountains Abbey, but it does have its Fountains by Floodlight event running over half term.

And you could explore the grounds looking out for the magic in nature! Find out more about Fountains by Floodlight here.

The Dales Countryside Museum

See the Sculptures at the Himalayan Gardens

There is not a hint of Halloween at the Himalayan Gardens, but there is a whole load of Autumnal beauty!

There’s a cafe, sculpture park, fairy doors and a play area. Plus those trees will be looking BEAUTIFUL in their Autumnal glory!

The garden closes on the 3rd of November 2024 for the season.

Head to How Stean Gorge for some epic adventures

Whether it be from exploring the gorge and Tom Taylors Cave on foot, going orienteering, or trying your hand at the Via Ferrata or Gorge scrambling, How Stean Gorge is an AWESOME place to go at any time of year!

And the fear factor will be a whole LEAP away from those Halloween scares! Booking is required, so head to the How Stean Gorge Website.

Try Pony Trekking at Kilnsey Pony Centre

This is a fabulous activity with opportunities for trekking from the very young up to older children.

No experience is necessary, booking is required on the Kilnsey Pony Trekking website.

Go walking with Llamas at Nidderdale Llamas and Alpacas

If riding ponies isn’t your thing, then this is a superb experience!

You will get to meet and greet the llamas and alpacas, find out all about them and their personalities, then get to go for a walk with them!

Check out our experience of walking with alpacas with Nidderdale llamas here!

Head to the Autumnal Glory that is Hackfall Woods

This is a super free activity! Simply pick up the trail sheet from the car park and explore the woodland and follies at Hackfall Woods!

The woodland will be spectacular in all its Autumny glory so check out our guide to Hackfall Woods here!

Head to the high ropes at Raven Tree Top Adventures

Open until November, you can find Raven Tree Top Adventures behind Aireborough Leisure Centre in Skipton and right next to Aireville Park!

An awesome family run enterprise, offering a high wire obstacle course! Find out more on the Raven Tree Top Adventures booking page.

Go to Skipton Castle and Skipton Castle Woods!

Another perfect Autumnal stroll, why not tie it in with a trip to Skipton Castle, and a mooch around Skipton town centre?

You can read all you need to know about Skipton Castle Woods by heading to the blog!


Fancy a Woodland Walk this half term? Head to our Woodland Walks page!