October Half Term

Get ready for a spooktacular October Half Term packed with storytelling, crafts, creatures, and curious adventures at the National Coal Mining Museum! From puppet shows to Minecraft-inspired escape rooms, mining myths to minibeasts, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Spooky Stories from the Coal Shed

Wed-Sun, 11:30am-3:30pm

Free, just turn up at Parkinson’s Yard, The Hub

There’s something nasty in the coal shed – come along for an interactive storytelling session, inspired by mining myths and legends to see what might be lurking inside…

Makers’ Shed – Spooktacular Orange Crafts

25,26, 29–31 October & 1–2 November, 11:30am-4pm

Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre

Get creative and explore the science behind clean water through hands-on crafts inspired by the museum’s water treatment plant.

Horsekeeper Talks

Wed-Sun, Free Drop-in

Pony Discovery Centre

Visit Eric, Ernie, and Bud. Join the team for Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2:30pm.

Meet the Minibeasts

Sat 25 October, 11:30am-3pm, 

Free, just turn up, Learning Room 1, The Hub

Join Michala from Lion Learners to meet some amazing minibeasts and learn how these tiny creatures help the environment! You’ll also get to handle furry and scaly friends in this fun, hands-on session.

Black To Green Festival

Sat 25 October: 10am-6:30pm,

Free, just turn up

Join the Black to Green Festival, created by SPARK’s Youth Ambassadors. There’s something for all ages – recycled crafts, meet the minibeasts, nature storytelling, theatre performances, guided tree walks, and a chance to discover how the amazing reed beds naturally clean the orange mine water.

Greta’s Glorious Garden

Sat 25 October, 11am-4pm

Free, just turn up

Enjoy an interactive puppet show for all ages! Join Greta in her magical autumnal garden, as she gets ready for the glorious garden competition.

Minecraft Escape Room In A Box

25, 26 October & 1, 2 November, 11:30am & 2pm

Pre-bookable

Join a Minecraft themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem-solve your way to victory.

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Wed 29 & Fri 31 October, 10:30am-11:30am

£2.50 per child, pre-bookable

Join the team in Pit Wood to discover the natural treasures of the season.

Family Lantern Making Workshops

Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 & Friday 31 October

£10 per family ticket (1 ticket per four people), pre-bookable

Learning Space, The Hub

Get creative as a family by making a large statement light-up scenescape! Be part of our lantern parade (Sat 22 Nov) and Light Up Festival with your colourful creation.

Hocus Pocus Film Screening

Friday 31 October, 12.30pm-2pm, pre-bookable

This Halloween, enjoy a spellbinding screening of Hocus Pocus, complete with spooky vibes, cinema snacks, and a Best Dressed Competition. So don your witchiest, wackiest, or most magical costume for a chance to win!

Tours:

Why’s Our Water Pumpkin Orange?

Sat 25 October

Free, meet at Reception

Discover how the museum pumps and purifies orange mine water.

Pithead Baths Explore

Wed-Sun, 12pm, free

Meet at Pithead Baths

Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!

Visit the National Coal Mining Museum us this October half term for a spooktacular family day out, take a walk around our nature trail, explore discovery spots, and lots, lots more!

PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS