Looking for family-friendly activities this half-term? Kendal has lots of exciting events and activities, perfect for keeping the kids entertained and making the most of the autumn break. Whether you’re into crafts, theatre, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful corner of the Lake District. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening in Kendal from Saturday 27th October to Sunday 3rd November.
28th October: Bay Health Festivals Kendal Sunday Funday
Kick off the week with a day dedicated to health and wellbeing at the Bay Health Festivals Kendal Sunday Funday. Hosted at the Leisure Centre, this family-friendly event is packed with fun activities that will inspire healthy choices for both body and mind. It’s a great way to get the kids moving and thinking about wellness while enjoying games, workshops, and more.
- Venue: Kendal Leisure Centre
- Date: Sunday, 28th October 2024
- Time: All day
30th October: Nick Cope Family Show at Brewery Arts
For a fun musical treat, don’t miss Nick Cope’s Family Show at Brewery Arts. Nick has been creating enchanting songs for children and families for over 10 years, and his performances are a hit with all ages. Expect laughter, singing, and a wholesome, magical experience the whole family will enjoy.
- Venue: Brewery Arts
- Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024
- Time: 11am
- Tickets: Available via Brewery Arts
Halloween Craft & Play Drop-In at Ragtag Arts
Get into the spooky spirit with Halloween Craft & Play Drop-In at Ragtag Arts Community Scrapstore. Running on multiple days throughout the half-term, this event is the perfect place for little (and big) monsters to let their creativity loose. From making witches and ghosts to crafting giant creepy crawlies, this spooktacular themed play space offers endless fun. Kids can build dens for monsters, make potions, and let their imaginations run wild!
- Venue: Ragtag Arts & Community Scrapstore
- Dates: Saturday 26th, Tuesday 29th, Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd November
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Cost: £7.50 per child
29th October: Ceramic Workshop for Kids – Create Your Own Animal Mask
For those with a flair for hands-on creativity, the Ceramic Workshop at Ragtag Arts is a must. Kids can create their very own animal mask out of clay, whether it’s a fierce lion, a playful giraffe, or even a magical dragon! After molding their masterpiece, they’ll also get to paint it and have it fired for collection later.
- Venue: Ragtag Arts
- Date: Tuesday 29th October 2024
- Time: 10am – 11am
- Cost: £15 (includes firing)
Abbot Hall | 26 October – 2 November 11am to 3.45pm
Bring your imagination to life this half term and build a fairy home using twigs, leaves, pinecones and twine. Gain inspiration by the changing nature surrounding Abbot Hall and exhibits within. Your creations will form our temporary little village display.
Express your creative response to our temporary exhibitions and gallery displays of historic and contemporary artwork in our collective visitor sketchbook.
Gather in the cosy Creative Space and Coffee Bar to listen to children’s stories about ecology and our environment. The stories draw on themes from our Johannes Pretorius exhibition and introduce children to topics like farming and rewilding. Please note this activity is only running on Thursday 31 October and Saturday 2 November at 10:30am and 2pm.
Activities are suitable for all ages and included with gallery admission. Children must always be supervised by an adult. Please note Abbot Hall is open Wednesday – Saturday.
Family Films at Brewery Arts Cinema
Need some down time? Brewery Arts Cinema will be showing two fantastic family films during the half-term: The Wild Robot and Transformers One. Perfect for rainy days or a relaxed afternoon with the kids, grab some popcorn and enjoy!
- Venue: Brewery Arts Cinema
- Dates: Throughout half-term
- Films: The Wild Robot, Transformers One
16th Oct – 7th Nov: Outside In Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Explore the spooky side of Kendal with the Outside In Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Running throughout the half-term, this adventure will have you creeping around to find hidden Halloween figures at Outside In, and when you complete the hunt, there’s a goody bag reward waiting!
- Venue: Outside In, Kendal
- Dates: 16th October – 7th November 2024
- Time: All day
Ancient Trees Exhibition at Sizergh Castle
On the outskirts of Kendal this is an amazing opportunity to discover 400+ veteran trees, one of which is circa 2000 years old with a fun Top Trumps Trees Trail for families.
- Venue: Sizergh Castle
Looking Ahead: Kendal Fireworks Display – 7th November 2024
Although just after half-term, mark your calendars for the Kendal Rugby Club Fireworks Display on 7th November. This professionally run event at Mint Bridge promises to light up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks show that’s fun for the whole family.
Kendal’s Outdoor Spaces and Cosy Cafes
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Kendal’s stunning fall colours on one of its many family-friendly walks, like exploring Serpentine Woods or a leisurely stroll along the River Kent.
After your adventures, treat yourself to a cosy afternoon in one of Kendal’s charming shops and cafes, perfect for a warm drink and some local treats. If you haven’t yet visited, Kendal’s New Shambles lane has been given a colourful make-over (half term is a great time to check this out.)
Kendal is a great place to be this half-term with activities ranging from craft workshops to scavenger hunts and family shows. Whether your kids are budding artists, explorers, or just looking for some festive fun, there’s something here to make this half-term unforgettable.
Enjoy your autumn break in Kendal! 🎃