As autumn sweeps across Kent’s coastline, Thanet becomes a playground of family-friendly fun. With golden beaches, historic attractions, and community events, this vibrant coastal district — home to Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate — offers a mix of seaside charm and spooky seasonal excitement.

October half term in Thanet means creative workshops, pumpkin picking, haunted trails, and thrilling adventures designed to keep kids entertained all week long. Whether your family prefers outdoor exploration or cosy indoor activities, you’ll find everything from harbour-side festivals to enchanted woodland walks.

Here’s a look at the top October half-term and Halloween events for kids in Thanet, arranged in order for easy planning — perfect for families staying in this beautiful coastal area.

1. Quex Adventure Farm Park – Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Maize Maze

When: 18 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea

A Thanet family favourite, Quex Park’s Pumpkin Patch returns bigger and better this year. Kids can pick their perfect pumpkin from the vibrant fields, tackle the Spooky Maize Maze, and meet friendly farm animals. There are also craft stations, face painting, and a mini fairground for extra fun.

Why families will love it:

• Combines classic autumn activities with plenty of open-air play.
• Photo-perfect pumpkin fields for seasonal memories.
• Family-friendly café and on-site parking make it a relaxed day out.

2. Dreamland Margate – Halloween Half Term Funfair

When: 25 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Marine Terrace, Margate

Dreamland, the UK’s oldest seaside amusement park, transforms into a world of Halloween magic during half term. The park offers child-friendly rides, live entertainment, and themed parades with roaming performers. Expect spooky stage shows, fancy dress competitions, and plenty of sweet treats.

Why families will love it:

• Ideal for all ages — toddlers to teens.
• No jump scares, just playful seasonal fun.
• A perfect blend of vintage seaside nostalgia and modern family entertainment.

3. Powell-Cotton Museum – Family Craft Week & Animal Adventures

When: 26 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea

The Powell-Cotton Museum hosts a week of educational fun inspired by nature and world cultures. Families can enjoy hands-on craft workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions in the museum’s galleries and gardens. There’s also a focus on animal conservation and natural history, great for curious young minds.

Why families will love it:

• Educational yet engaging activities.
• Safe, welcoming space for all ages.
• Combines indoor and outdoor fun within the beautiful Quex estate.

4. Ramsgate Tunnels – Spooky Underground Trail

When: 25 October – 3 November 2025
Where: Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade

Step beneath Ramsgate’s streets and explore the historic wartime tunnels with a spooky twist! This child-friendly Halloween trail mixes storytelling, gentle thrills, and fascinating history. Kids can collect clues and treats as they journey through the underground passages, learning about life during WWII along the way.

Why families will love it:

• Unique blend of history and Halloween excitement.
• Perfect for adventurous kids aged 6+.
• Guided tours keep it fun, informative, and safe.

5. Monkton Nature Reserve – Autumn Wildlife Trail

When: 19 – 27 October 2025
Where: Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate

For families who love the outdoors, Monkton Nature Reserve offers an autumn wildlife trail that encourages children to explore, spot animals, and collect nature-themed clues. The reserve’s peaceful woodland paths and educational exhibits make this a calm yet fascinating day out.

Why families will love it:

• Great mix of fresh air and gentle exploration.
• Promotes curiosity and appreciation for nature.
• Perfect for younger kids who enjoy spotting wildlife.

6. Margate Caves – Trick or Treat Trail

When: 26 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Northdown Road, Margate

Take a journey underground at the Margate Caves, where families can follow a spooky trick-or-treat trail through the mysterious tunnels. Friendly ghosts and hidden clues await young explorers, while creative workshops let kids make glow-in-the-dark crafts to take home.

Why families will love it:

• Atmospheric but family-friendly Halloween fun.
• Educational insights into Thanet’s subterranean history.
• Great indoor option for unpredictable autumn weather.

7. Broadstairs Bandstand – Pumpkin Parade & Family Picnic

When: 27 October 2025
Where: Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs

This cheerful community event invites families to bring their carved pumpkins for a seaside parade and enjoy live music, games, and family picnics at the Broadstairs Bandstand. The relaxed vibe and coastal views make it a highlight of the local calendar.

Why families will love it:

• Free, family-focused fun with a strong community spirit.
• A lovely way to spend the afternoon by the sea.
• Ideal for toddlers and younger kids.

8. Turner Contemporary – Halloween Art Workshops

When: 26 – 31 October 2025
Where: Turner Contemporary, Margate

For creative kids, Turner Contemporary offers special Halloween-inspired art workshops where they can craft spooky sculptures, paint seasonal scenes, and explore how art connects to the natural world.

Why families will love it:

• Encourages creativity in an inspiring seaside gallery.
• Accessible, inclusive activities for all abilities.
• Parents can explore the exhibitions while kids create.

9. The Shell Grotto – Mystical Family Tour

When: Throughout October 2025
Where: Grotto Hill, Margate

Step into one of Thanet’s most mysterious landmarks — the Shell Grotto, an underground passageway lined with 4.6 million shells. Families can join special half-term tours exploring the grotto’s legends, with a mini quiz and craft area for children.

Why families will love it:

• Unique, sensory experience perfect for curious minds.
• A break from traditional Halloween themes.
• Fascinating history wrapped in local mystery.

10. Westwood Cross – Halloween Fancy Dress Parade & Kids’ Disco

When: 30 – 31 October 2025
Where: Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Broadstairs

The Westwood Cross shopping centre celebrates Halloween with a family-friendly fancy dress parade and kids’ disco. Expect music, games, small prizes, and plenty of photo ops with costumed characters.

Why families will love it:

• Free and accessible for all ages.
• Safe indoor environment.
• A lively, social way to wrap up half-term fun.

Stay with Pass the Keys – Dayna

Make your Thanet half-term escape easy and comfortable by staying with Pass the Keys – Dayna, your trusted local short-let management expert. Whether you’re planning a seaside stay in Margate, a cultural break in Ramsgate, or a relaxed weekend in Broadstairs, Pass the Keys offers stylish, family-friendly accommodation close to all the action.

Each property is professionally managed, spotlessly clean, and fully equipped with everything you need — from high-speed Wi-Fi to fully fitted kitchens. With Pass the Keys, you can enjoy the perfect blend of hotel-quality comfort and home-style convenience, leaving you free to focus on making unforgettable family memories in Thanet.