What Are The Best October Half Term Activities For Families At North Yorkshire Water Park

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Inspiration • September 30th, 2025

Figuring out what to do with the kids during the October half term can sometimes feel like a real head-scratcher. It's that funny time of year when the weather could be anything from glorious autumn sunshine to a bit grim and grey. Finding something that everyone agrees on, gets them away from screens, and doesn’t cost a fortune is the ultimate goal. Well, it looks like there's a place that's got the memo. North Yorkshire Water Park is rolling out some brilliant family-friendly deals and spooky season fun that might just tick all the boxes for a great day out.

Thrills for a tenner? go on then!

Let's be honest, days out can get pricey, especially when there are a few of you. But from Monday, 27th October to Friday, 31st October, North Yorkshire Water Park has a cracking offer on the table. It’s called ‘Thrills for a Tenner’, and it’s pretty much what it says on the tin. For just £10 per person, for each activity, families can get stuck into some properly exciting outdoor adventures. It’s a great chance to try something a bit different without having to remortgage the house.

So, what's included in this deal? It’s a real mix of action-packed activities that cater for different kinds of thrill-seekers.

Archery: Anyone can pretend they're Robin Hood for a bit. It’s all about focus, a steady hand, and the satisfying ‘thwack’ as the arrow hits the target.
Axe Throwing: This one sounds a bit hardcore, but it’s surprisingly good fun and perfectly safe with instructors. It's all about technique, not brute force, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of landing an axe square in the wood.
Laser Tag: A classic for a reason. It's all the fun of a massive chase and strategy game, but without any of the bruises. The outdoor setting at the park makes it even more of an adventure.
Zip Line: For those who fancy a bit of a rush, the zip line is a must. Flying over the water gives a proper bird's-eye view of the park and a good dose of adrenaline.
Climbing Wall: A brilliant challenge for both kids and adults. It tests strength and problem-solving skills, and the sense of achievement when someone reaches the top is massive.

These activities are a great way to get everyone moving and working together. After a day of fresh air and excitement, a good night’s sleep is pretty much guaranteed.

Getting into the spooky spirit with halloween fun

Alongside the brilliant half term offer, the park is also bringing back its popular Halloween activities. From the 25th to the 31st of October, things get a little bit spooky (but in a fun, family-friendly way, of course). It’s the perfect way to build up the excitement for the big night itself.

The much-loved Pumpkin Carving Sessions are making a return. These aren't just any old carving sessions; they take place inside the park's specially decorated Hangar. It’s a great atmosphere for getting creative. There are two sessions each day, at 10am and 2pm, and for £10, a family gets a pumpkin and all the tools needed to create a spooky masterpiece to take home. No mess in the kitchen is a massive bonus!

But the Halloween experiences don't stop there. The enchanting Pumpkin Walk is also back. This is a lovely, gentle activity where families can take a stroll around the stunning lakeside trail. The mission? To spot all the pumpkins hidden along the way. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt. Once the walk is done, kids can hand in their final pumpkin count at the café for a chance to win a family voucher. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the autumn scenery around the beautiful water and get everyone involved in a bit of fun. These Halloween experiences are a real highlight of the October half term at North Yorkshire Water Park.

A word from the person in charge

It's always good to hear from the people behind the scenes who make these events happen. Gareth Davies, the Operations Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, shared his excitement about the upcoming school holiday fun.

He said:

“We’re really excited to bring back our most popular activities for just £10 this half term. It’s a brilliant opportunity for families to enjoy time together, get active, and try something new without breaking the bank. We’re all about making the school holidays fun and accessible, and this year is no exception.”

It's clear the focus for the operations manager and his team is on creating accessible fun, which is exactly what parents are looking for during the October half term. Knowing that the team at the park is passionate about making these experiences memorable makes a big difference. Bookings for these half term activities open online from 29th September, so it’s worth getting in early.

More than just a one-trick pony

The North Yorkshire Water Park has a fascinating history. Located just outside Scarborough, it started life as a collection of specialist fishing lakes. But thanks to the vision of the Dawnay Estate, it has grown into a massive hub for outdoor adventures. The big expansion in 2021 saw the introduction of new attractions and facilities, turning it into the destination it is today.

The park is well known for its brilliant AquaPark, a huge inflatable obstacle course on the water that first opened in 2017. But the list of water sports available is huge. People can try everything from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to the seriously cool sport of wakeboarding. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, whether they are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner at water sports. After a day of action-packed activities, visitors can chill out in the 70-seat Lakeside Café or even hire the events room for a special occasion. It really is a park designed for all sorts of family-friendly fun and outdoor adventures.