With October half-term nearly upon us, many of you may well be turning your mind to that equally regular half-term dilemma: what to do with the children now that they’re off school? If that’s the case, never fear – our half-term activity guide is on hand to supply you with all the ideas you need to keep the little ones entertained this week. From rural centres ripe for a day of pumpkin patch picking to shopping centres overflowing with cafes, high-street stores and old-world sweet shops, Northampton is a prime destination for anyone looking to take the kids on a day trip. Here’s what we personally recommend…
1.Enjoy a day of family fun at Wicksteed Park’s Adventure Zone
Did you know Northampton has the oldest theme park on the mainland?! Founded in 1921 on what is now a historic, Grade II-listed area of parkland in Kettering, Wicksteed Park is a cornucopia of childish delights. From a Victorian-style Carousel and Locomotive steam train to a Meerkat Manor, Aviary and other theme park rides, Wicksteed Park will be sure to keep you and your little ones entertained for the whole day. Why not, while you’re there, soak up the Halloween spirit with the Park’s Nightmare Nights package*? Featuring a brand-new scare attraction, the Rocky Horror Falls and the Ghoulish Ghost Invaders, Wicksteed Park is the perfect place for you and your family to see in and enjoy the long, dark nights of autumn.
2. Grosvenor Shopping Spree
We may be biased, but we do strongly believe that Grosvenor has something for everyone. Boasting everything from charming independents to fully-fledged high-street stores, why not take the time this autumn half term to indulge in a little retail therapy with the kids? As the internet always says, ‘treat yourself!’ For the little fashionistas of this world, there’s Claire’s Accessories, New Look and Next. For the bookworm and stationery lover, there’s W.H. Smith and Smiggle, while for the toy obsessive there is the old children’s staple – The Entertainer. Tired after all that? Don’t worry, Grosvenor’s café and restaurants will have you and your children’s tastebuds (and energy levels) sorted. If you’re looking for a good, nutritious meal to round off the day, we recommend Zapato Lounge – a cool and contemporary restaurant with a mouth-watering menu selection that will have even the fussiest of eaters foaming at the mouth.
3.Trick or treat sweet shopping at Browne’s Olde Sweet Shop in Grosvenor
Are your little ones eagerly awaiting Halloween and the yearly door-to-door sweet collection it heralds? If so, then get them stocked up and ready to go for their Trick or Treat escapades with some sweet shopping at Browne’s Olde Sweet Shop in Grosvenor. A charming, old-school sweet shop, Browne’s is the proverbial connoisseur of confectionary, with shelves that burst at the seams with traditional sweets and more modern-day favourites. Halloween this year may not be as big an occasion as previous, but you can certainly make sure at Browne’s that it will not go unmarked.
4.Enjoy some spooky adventures at West Lodge Farm’s Pumpkin Patch
Looking for a more traditional, less sugar-related activity for the kids this Halloween? Then make sure to check out West Lodge Park’s Pumpkin Patch experience*. A seasonal must, West Lodge Park promises you and the family a truly unforgettable time. From pumpkin carving and wand making, to a spooky maze and an interactive live ghost story, West Lodge Farm will ensure that you see in the Halloween period in the style it deserves.
5.Take in a film at Vue Cinema
I think that we can all agree that no school holiday is quite complete without a good old trip to the cinema. Situated in the heart of Northampton town centre, Vue Cinema and its amazing assortment of child-friendly blockbusters will be sure to transport your little ones and open their minds to stories, characters and worlds that’ll set their imaginations alight. With current showings including delightful animations such as Ron’s Gone Wrong and The Addams Family 2, you’ll be sure to find something that’ll tick all of their boxes. Why not round off your cinema trip by popping into the nearby Muffin Break at Grosvenor Shopping Centre for an obligatory muffin and hot chocolate? After a good hour or two of being lost in their own minds and imaginations, we’re pretty sure that a nice chocolate break will be more than appreciated.
Half-term doesn’t have to be a period of manic activity planning, at least not with Grosvenor. Have a go at some of our activity ideas if you and your little ones are in need of some entertainment and don’t forget to have an explore of the many gems found in Grosvenor shopping centre – we’ll be sure to see your children’s half-term off in style!
We’d love to see what you get up to this half term. Why not tag us in your pictures by searching ‘Grosvenor-Shop’ on social.
*Subject to availability. Please check individual websites for the latest information.