Happy Halloween: Free events and safety advice
Spooky season is just around the corner, and there’s all sorts of fiendish fun to be had. We’ve rounded up some free (or low-cost), family-friendly events around Essex for you to enjoy. As you get into the Halloween spirit, keep our safety tips at the end of this article in mind to help take care of yourself and others.
Free Halloween events
Here’s a few devilishly fun events you can enjoy this Halloween for free, or a small cost.
Halloween craft session, Chelmsford
Join us for an afternoon of pumpkin carving and tote bag painting at the Parkside Community Hub (CM1 2DX). Our free Halloween-themed craft session for kids will take place on Monday 28 October from 1.30 to 3pm. Children must be supervised, one adult per two children. Spaces are limited.
Call 0300 555 0500 or email community@chp.org.uk to book.
To find out about other, less spooky events taking place at the Hub this month, head to the What's on section of the CHP website.
Halloween Parade, Southend
On Saturday 26 October, Southend seafront will be home to a spooktacular Halloween parade from 6pm to 7.30pm. Head over for a free evening of music, dancing, magnificent costumes, and awe-inspiring light-up puppets.
Find out more about the Southend Halloween Parade.
Halloween Market and Spooky Trail, Danbury
Enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun at Danbury Leisure Centre on Saturday 26 October. Between 2pm and 6pm there will be market stalls, food vendors, free craft and kids' activities including face painting and slime making. Plus, a spooky trail with a free sweet for every child who makes it through!
Find out more about the Danbury Halloween Market and Spooky Trail.
High Woods Halloween Trail, Colchester
Seek out the Eight Ghosts of High Woods as you explore this country park to discover the secret word. Once you’ve found out the secret word, whisper it to the scary staff at the Visitor Centre to claim your reward. You can visit from 25 October to 3 November between 10am and 4pm. Trail maps are £1.
Find out more about the High Woods Halloween Trail.
Cobbs Farm Pumpkin Patch, Maldon
Cobbs Farm is a working farm that will be opening its doors to the public from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 October, and Thursday 24 to Thursday 31 October. Between 10am and 4pm, you can enter for free without booking and pick your own pumpkins and tasty squashes. Parking is also free, just pay for your pumpkins which start from £1.
Find out more about Cobbs Farm Pumpkin Patch.
Pumpkin Patch at Sarah Green’s, Tillingham
Every weekend in October and every day in half-term between 10am and 4pm, you can go to Sarah Green’s Organics family farm at Mark Farm, Tillingham, to pick your own pumpkin or squash. Entry is free, you don’t need to book, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Find out more about the Pumpkin Patch at Sarah Green’s.
How to have fun and stay safe this Halloween
If you’re celebrating Halloween this year, be sure to keep safe and be mindful of others. Here are our top tips for making sure this Halloween is frightfully fun for everyone.
- Take care around roads, especially in the evening. Children may not be visible to cars in the dark.
- Consider adding some glowsticks to your child’s costume to help them be seen in the dark.
- Keep all Halloween costumes well away from candles – they’re often highly flammable.
- Use battery-powered tea lights in your pumpkins. They’re much safer and last longer too.
- When trick or treating, only knock on doors of homes that have Halloween decorations up. Be mindful that some people won’t be celebrating and won’t want to be disturbed.
- Don’t take sweets from strangers. Stick to treats from friends, family, and neighbours that you know.
- Check that any sweets your child collects are suitable for their age. Remove any choking hazards from your child’s stash before they dig in.
- Always supervise pumpkin carving. For young children, pumpkin painting is a much safer option.