HALF term nearly upon us and there is an abundance of spooktacular fun to be had in Gwent.

Here are some great ways to keep the little ghosts and ghouls amused in the lead-up to Hallowe’en.

Nature exploring and pumpkin carving

South Wales Argus:

Wrap up warm and enjoy the crunch of leaves beneath your feet at Tredegar House in Newport, which has an autumn self-led sensory trail for people to explore for free.

South Wales Argus: A spooky looking Tredegar House (Picture: Roger Fuller)A spooky looking Tredegar House (Picture: Roger Fuller)

Their riding school will also be hosting pumpkin carving workshops from 11am to 3pm on Friday (October 29), Saturday (October 30), and Sunday (October 31).

The workshops are £4 per person; booking is not required but spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Meet creepy creatures at the farm

South Wales Argus: Greenmeadow Community Farm (Picture: Ian Agland)Greenmeadow Community Farm (Picture: Ian Agland)

On top of their usual activities Greenmeadow Community Farm, open from 10am to 5pm each day in half term, will have some boo-rilliant Hallowe’en themed fun on offer, including:

  • Pumpkin carving
  • Creepy creatures
  • Piggy pumpkin teatime
  • Tractor rides

Tickets to the farm are £5.40 for children (under twos go free) or on concession, £6.50 for adults, or a family ticket (for up to two adults and three children) is £23.50

Booking is essential; you can buy tickets here or contact 01633 647662.

Explore Hallowe'en trails

Fourteen Locks, in Rogerstone, will have two Hallowe’en trails on offer every day, between 10am and 4pm, throughout half term.

South Wales Argus: Fourteen Locks Canal (Picture: Stephen Pocock)Fourteen Locks Canal (Picture: Stephen Pocock)

Children aged two to five can enjoy spotting Hallowe’en objects, while bigger kids (aged three to 11) can help Bethan the Welsh witch find ingredients for her spell.

The trails are £2.50 per person – no tricks, but all treats with a prize every time.

Make mess (with none of the clean-up stress)

South Wales Argus: (Picture: Funky Learning With Nicki)(Picture: Funky Learning With Nicki)

Does mess send a shiver down your spine? Nicki Jones, a mum-of-four with decades of teaching experience, has you covered with Funky Learning with Nicki.

Her messy play and sensory learning business, which launched in September, means children – aged zero to five – have the opportunity to let their creativity run wild with themed sessions in a variety of locations.

During half term there will be free drop-in Hallowe’en themed sessions at Pontypool Market – courtesy of the market and Torfaen Borough Council. These will be on Wednesday (October 27) and Friday (October 29) from 10am to 3pm. All resources are provided

To find out more about the business, and their regular sessions, visit funkylearningwithnicki.co.uk or get in touch via phoning 07947 633710 or e-mailing jonesmillhouse@aol.com

Forget the Boogeyman - let's boogey!

Tots Hallowe’en discos are being hosted at Riverfront Theatre, in Newport city centre, on Tuesday, October 26.

South Wales Argus: Riverfront Theatre (Picture: Roger Fuller)Riverfront Theatre (Picture: Roger Fuller)

The hour-long workshops (at 11am and 1pm) are suitable for babies from around six weeks to children aged five and will explore topics through music, movement, and sensory play, with props used to enhance the experience.

The event is £5 per child, tickets are available here or by calling 01633 656757.

Watch witches and wizards on the big screen 

South Wales Argus: PG film Hocus Pocus (Picture: Allstar Picture Library Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo(PG film Hocus Pocus (Picture: Allstar Picture Library Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo(

Riverfront Theatre also offers people the cinema experience at £3.50 a ticket (two for one for Newport Live members).

The venue will be showing Hocus Pocus at 4pm on Wednesday (October 27) and at 11am and 4pm on Thursday (October 28).

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be shown at 11am and 2.30pm on both Friday (October 29) and Saturday (October 30).

Book tickets here or call 01633 656757.