Be very afraid...

It’s that spooky time of year, when kids are desperate to dress up and be scared. Below are examples of events taking place across the country, but also check your library or local press for events closer to home:

Shiverpool at the Albert Dock
According to the organisers of Shiverpool, “We scare because we care”.…
Join a tour of the Albert dock and surrounding city streets after dark. Do book early, as last year’s hourly ghost walks and spooky tours scared over 1000 people. £10 per person – dress as scarily as you dare.

For more information visit: www.shiverpool.co.uk or call 0151 709 2030.

Harrogate Halloween
The organisers invite families with younger children to “get spooked” on an early evening event at the Valley gardens. The Halloween trail is sure to thrill, with scary tales and treats. For more information call Viki on 01423 814501.

Carve your own pumpkin lantern in Salford
On 29th October, kids over six can make a pumpkin lantern at the Blackleach Country Park, Walkden, near Salford. Rangers and artists will be helping to create 200 ghoulish lanterns to light up the path for Halloween night. The event is free.

For more information call 0161 7907746 or www.salford.gov.uk/countryparks.

Gadgets of the future – invented in the past

For families obsessed by gadgets, check out those created decades before the Wii or the ipod. See the original satnav wristwatch, actually invented in 1920 – and the self-pouring teapot – dating back to 1886.

The exhibition has been put together by Maurice Collins, OBE, author of “Eccentric Contraptions and Ingenious Gadgets.” It’s perfect for all kids with inventive imaginations and it’s free.

The exhibition runs until 10th November. For more information visit www.bl.uk/bipc/.

The Big Draw

The Big Draw 2008 takes place from 1st to 31st October, with most of the events being free to take part in.

It’s run by the Campaign for Drawing who organises art sessions for children of all ages. They take place right across the country in galleries, museums, science centres and libraries. Kids get the chance to have a go at all types of drawing - experimenting with different materials, from pencils, crayons, charcoal, sand and clay, to digital pictures and fire sculptures.

Find out more about the Campaign for Drawing and what events are happening in your area at http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw/ or call 020 7902 1060.

Art in the outdoors

The Yorkshire sculpture park is set in over 500 acres of stunning parkland, so there’s plenty of freedom. Current exhibitions include works by some of the best known sculptors, including Andy Goldsworthy, Henry Moore and Eduardo Paolozzi.

The park hosts a vibrant programme of public events, workshops, tours, talks and lectures for all ages and abilities. Family events include concerts, artist-led workshops, as well as public drop-in family activities that are usually held over bank holidays.

For more information visit www.ysp.co.uk or call 01924 832541.

p.s. Why not visit our latest Breakout reporter’s page?

After school clubs

Many parents and carers have a real problem looking after their children once the school day has finished, as office hours don’t tend to end until 5 or 6, whereas school is over by 3.30.

After school clubs can be a real help and there are often more available in your local area that you are aware of. They tend to be aimed at children aged 4 to 11. They are often run in the child’s school, or nearby local schools, or in the local youth or community centre. After school clubs are run by playworkers, who in many situations will collect your children from school. They then run a series of activities – from sport, games or arts and crafts.

Some of the schemes are well subsidised by your local education authority (LEA), but average prices range from £3 to £9 per session.

For more information ask your child’s school, contact your local education authority or visit:

Childcarelink.gov.uk
This is a service provided by the Government giving advice and information on childcare.

4Children
This charity offers information on all types of after school care.

The Windsor eye

If your kids are desperate to take a ride on a big wheel, but you’re not keen to go into central London, the big wheel in Windsor is ideal. The Royal Windsor wheel is by Windsor’s riverside in Alexandra Gardens. As the name suggests, you get excellent views of Royal Windsor Castle, as well as the river Thames – and even London on a clear day.

Once you’re back on solid ground there are ducks to feed and miles of park to wander through, have a picnic in, play games and generally enjoy the outdoors.

Windsor is served really well by public transport – both buses and trains. The wheel is up until November. For more information visit www.royalwindsorwheel.co.uk.