Pumpkin patches, spooky theatre, and scary arts and crafts. Here’s a list of what’s going on in Reading for families over the Halloween half-term.

Reading Scarecrow Halloween Trail

This spooky event is completely free and will take place on October 21 to 29.

Families can collect a leaflet from Reading Town Hall, The Oracle Customer Service Desk, or Broad Street Mall.

You can then be tasked to find all the scarecrows that are dotted throughout the streets of Reading. Each scarecrow has a letter, and once all have been collected, a scary word must be uncovered.

Pumpkin Patch

Once you’ve completed your scarecrow leaflet, you will be invited to the Pumpkin Patch on October 28 or 29.

Here families can choose their own pumpkin to take home and carve, ready for Halloween!

Halloween Arts and Crafts

For a minimum donation of £2, families are invited to Broad Street Mall for Halloween-themed arts and crafts.

The money raised will be donated to Great Ormond Street and Dingley’s Promise – a charity that supports under 5s with special educational needs.

TimeTrap Escape Rooms – Otto’s 1901

From October 25, travel back in time to 1901 Bavaria to visit Otto’s toy shop where a young inventor has created a toy that will be the next big thing.

However, the grumpy shop owner won’t stock it. It’s up to you to sneak into the shop at night and place the toy into the shop window.

The game features an eerie atmosphere with small jumps and some dark periods, but it’s not a full-on scary game and does not feature horror, being trapped, or unexpected visits from live actors.

The Addams Family Musical Comedy

Award-winning musical theatre society, The Sainsbury Singers presents a new take on family favourite ‘The Addams Family.’

The show will take place at the Queen Anne's Performing Arts Centre at Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham, and will run from October 25 to 28.

Halloween Trail in Caversham Court Gardens

On October 28 and 29, visit the gardens and encounter ghosts, witches, weird creatures, and nature spirits all made from recycled and found materials. 

There are 20 spooky displays to uncover, and the trail is free with tick sheets available for £1.