The October half-term is creeping up on us, and while the kids can’t wait for a week off, your bank balance might be less thrilled! Between days out, snacks and Halloween treats, the costs can quickly pile up. But don’t worry, we’ve put together some budget-friendly ideas to help you make the most of the break without giving your wallet a fright.
Free and Low-Cost Days Out
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. Look out for free local events, such as:
- Library activity sessions: many offer Halloween crafts or story times
- Parks and nature trails: autumn walks are perfect for crunchy leaves, conker collecting, and fresh air.
- Museums and galleries: lots of places offer free entry or family discounts during school holidays, including.:
Tip: Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid pricey café stops!
Cosy Movie Days at Home
Swap a trip to the cinema for a home screening. Grab some popcorn, close the curtains, and let everyone pick a film. You can even theme it for Halloween — from Hotel Transylvania to Hocus Pocus!
Make it extra special: print “tickets,” set up a snack bar, and let the kids be “cinema ushers.” Fun and free entertainment, sorted.
You don’t need to spend much (or anything!) to stream your movie night, either. Services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ all offer free trials for new users, while Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and Pluto TV have loads of films you can watch for free.
DIY Halloween Crafts
Rainy day? Perfect excuse for crafting!
Use what you already have at home, cardboard boxes, paper plates or old jars can easily be turned into spooky decorations.
Ideas to try:
- Paper ghosts or bats to hang around the house.
- Jar lanterns made with tissue paper and LED tea lights.
- Homemade Halloween cards for friends or family.
Save on Costumes and Pumpkins
Halloween costumes can be scarily expensive, but they don’t have to be.
Try these money-saving swaps:
- Reuse or mix-and-match last year’s costumes.
- Check Vinted, charity shops or local Facebook groups for second-hand bargains.
- Get crafty; an old bedsheet can become a ghost, and some eyeliner makes great fake scars!
And when it comes to pumpkins, skip the pricey pumpkin patch. Supermarkets often sell them for a fraction of the cost; – same fun, less spending.
Get Baking Together
Instead of splashing out on sweet treats, bake your own spooky snacks!
Try:
It’s a fun activity and a money-saver – plus, you get tasty results at the end. Win-win!
Plan Ahead for Pocket Money
If you’re heading out, set a spending limit for the day and explain it to the kids. This helps them understand the value of money and keeps impulse buys in check. You could even turn it into a mini budgeting lesson!
Budgeting for Upcoming Days
We hope some of our low-cost half-term activities have inspired you – if you’re looking for some help with budgeting for events throughout the year or just want to get your finances on track, read our guide on budgeting or contact one of our expert advisors today if you’d like some individual help.
