We've rounded up family activities taking place from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, covering Sudbury, Great Cornard, Long Melford, Lavenham, Boxford, Hadleigh and nearby villages.
There are plenty of free and low-cost options too, so keeping the children entertained doesn't have to cost a fortune.
10am–12pm | Ages 3–12 | £5 per child
A hands-on creative session where children can get involved in The Big Draw installation.
Up to two accompanying adults are included with each child's ticket.
10.30am–12.30pm | Ages 6+ | FREE
Perfect for children who love Lego, building and problem-solving.
Using Lego Spike and BricQ sets, children can experiment with coding, engineering and physics while having fun.
No booking is needed, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Long Melford Lego Inventors Club
Tuesday 27 October | All ages | Check event details
Something a little different for families interested in history.
Put on headphones and explore the library while listening to the story of Katharine of Aragon, her love of books and her role in championing women's education.
Find out more from Suffolk Community Libraries
12.30pm–4.30pm | Ages 4–13 | £20 per child
Held at Wells Hall Old School, this workshop combines acrobatics and street dance.
Children don't need any previous experience, making it suitable for beginners as well as those who already enjoy dancing.
Wednesday 28 October | FREE
A creative session celebrating autumn.
Children can enjoy leaf rubbing, fingerprint tree painting, making woodland mice and helping to create a group tree collage.
A good option for younger children and families looking for a free activity.
Hadleigh Library half-term activities
Wednesday 28 October | Check session details
There will be pool, table tennis and VR gaming in the Community Room, alongside nature-themed wand making in the library.
A mixture of activities for different ages, particularly useful if you're entertaining siblings.
28 October–1 November | 11am–4.30pm | Normal admission applies
Explore Melford Hall with a family folklore adventure.
Using a mobile phone, families follow an interactive experience that takes around 20 minutes, with time to explore the grounds and house too.
There is no additional charge for the activity beyond normal admission.
Find out more about Melford Hall
10am–1pm | Ages 8 and under | £15 per child
Three hours of outdoor Halloween fun, including pumpkin carving, potion making, woodland play and wand making.
There will also be cooking over a fire and hot chocolate.
A lovely alternative to indoor Halloween activities, particularly for children who enjoy exploring outdoors.
11am–4pm | FREE
Pop into Great Cornard Library for family-friendly Halloween crafts.
An easy way to enjoy some seasonal fun without spending anything.
4pm–5pm | Booking required
Make a splash with a Halloween-themed pool party featuring music, inflatables and games.
Check swimming ability requirements, prices and availability before booking.
Hadleigh Pool and Leisure activities
Friday 30 October | Ticketed event
For families who enjoy live theatre, Dracula the Panto brings some Halloween entertainment to The Quay Theatre.
Check the theatre's website for performance times, ticket prices and age suitability.
From 3pm | Under 14s FREE | Over 14s £5 plus booking fee
Celebrate Halloween with mask making, Morris dancing and an opportunity to join in.
Fancy dress is encouraged, and the event is designed to be family-friendly rather than frightening.
Saturday 31 October | Recommended for ages 12+
A gothic theatre performance from Ropetackle Storytellers.
One for older children and teenagers who enjoy a spooky story.
Check the event listing for ticket prices and performance details.
Not everything needs to be booked for a particular day. Here are some other places to visit when the children need entertaining.
If the weather's a bit rubbish, then Mandy's offering drop-in jewellery making at her shop in Sudbury. You can make jewellery from £5 and make your own bear, with their outfit half price. You can find out more here
If you'd like to make a lantern for this year's Lantern Parade in Boxford, get in contact with Mark Miller at mark.miller@talktalk.net. Sessions will taking place from Saturday 24th until Thursday 29th
Until 31 October | 10am–4pm | Free entry, pay for pumpkins
Pick your own Halloween pumpkins at Siam Hall.
There's also a pop-up café and picnic benches, so you can enjoy a relaxed family outing without paying an entry fee.
Throughout half term | Paid sessions
Halloween-themed messy play, crafts and imaginative activities for younger children.
Morning sessions are aimed at ages 0–6, with afternoon sessions for ages 2–7.
Check session availability and prices before visiting.
FREE
Clare Castle Country Park is a great choice for an autumn day out.
Explore the castle ruins, enjoy the playground and follow the riverside walks.
Take a picnic or stop for refreshments in Clare.
FREE
Sometimes the simplest activities are the best.
Belle Vue Park has a playground, sand play and plenty of space for children to run around.
Ideal for an hour or two outside without spending anything.
FREE
Wrap up warm and head out for a woodland walk.
You could make it more interesting for younger children by creating an autumn scavenger hunt. Look for different coloured leaves, conkers, birds and signs of wildlife.
Paid admission
If the weather isn't playing ball, Rainbow Fun is an indoor soft-play option for younger children.
Check opening times and admission prices before travelling.
Paid admission
Enjoy a round of Suffolk-themed adventure golf at Old Joe's Golf & Leisure.
A good family activity for children who enjoy a little friendly competition.
Long Melford Library has Saturday crafts and Lego challenges, while Sudbury Library runs Sunday Funday Crafts from 11am to 3pm.
Sudbury's Sunday sessions are free, although donations are welcome.
Reception age to 16 | Half-days from £20 | Full days from £35
Based at Beaumont Community Primary School, Kicks and Tricks offers organised holiday activities.
A useful option for parents who need longer sessions during the school holidays.
Find out more about Kicks and Tricks
Eligible children may be able to access free holiday activities and food through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Places and eligibility criteria vary, so it's worth checking directly.
Abbeycroft Holiday Activities and Food
Whether you're looking for free crafts, outdoor adventures, Halloween fun or something to keep teenagers entertained, there's plenty to do around Sudbury this October half term.
Our tip: Check booking requirements before setting off, particularly for workshops and organised activities. Some events have limited spaces, and prices or times may change.
For more local events, family activities and things to do throughout the year, visitthebestof Sudbury.
