Things to do in Plymouth this October half term

Discover what’s on in Plymouth this October half term, with family-friendly activities, events and things to do during the school holidays.  

Attractions 

Plymouth is packed with great attractions to visit during the holidays. If you're planning an activity for a rainy day or simply want to get the family out of the house, there's loads of exciting things to see across the city. Take a look at some of our top picks on where to visit.  

National Marine Aquarium  

Home to more than 4,000 different species, the National Marine Aquarium offers a day out like no other in Plymouth. Learn about different seas from across the world from Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to the Atlantic Ocean. If you visit in half term you can also take part in the Aquairum's new interactive trail 'Find Skelly's Fishy Friends'. Explore the Aquarium and find all the friends to win a prize. Better still, Every entrance ticket to the Aquarium includes a FREE 12-month pass, giving you unlimited visits throughout the year, perfect for a great day out, whatever the weather. 

The Box 

Spark curious minds this half term with a visit to The Box, Art Fund Museum of the Year winner 2026. Come face-to-face with a life-size woolly mammoth, marvel at impressive ship’s figureheads and uncover stories of Plymouth’s seafaring past. The Box hosts regular family-friendly workshops and events perfect for half term. Entry to the award-winning museum is free! 

The Caddy Club 

Take the family for a day out to the Caddy Club in Plymouth. The newly-opened indoor golf centre is a great venue for those wanting a round without getting wet! Explore hundreds of courses, fun games, challenges and more at the Caddy Club this half term.  

Mayflower Museum 

Embark on a journey through time at the Mayflower Museum this half term. Discover the Mayflower story from fresh perspectives, with Wampanoag voices and culture at the heart of this exhibition. Explore the lasting impact of English colonisation through historic objects, maps and powerful photography, alongside Turtle Island, an animation created for younger visitors. 

Dartmoor Zoo 

Go wild this half term at Dartmoor Zoo, set in 33 acres of woodland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. From magnificent big cats to mischievous monkeys, meerkats and tapirs, there are plenty of animals to capture the whole family’s imagination. Make a day of it with feeding-time talks, animal encounters and holiday activities, while supporting the charity’s work in wildlife conservation, education and research. 

Half term events

Take a look at some of the family friendly events taking place during the half term holidays in Plymouth. We've picked out a few of the top activities you should try: 

Half Term at Twist Cafe  

Visit Plymouth's much loved Twist Board Game Cafe for some half term fun during the holidays! The cafe is loaded with more than 600 games for all the family to enjoy. While you're there take on their half term logic puzzle. Crack the clues and enter a prize draw to win a family board game and free games sessions. Find out more about half term at Twist Board Game Cafe. 

South West Climbing Fest 

Start the half term with a climbing day out at Plymouth Life Centre at the South West Climbing Festival. Take on climbing competitions, take part in quizzes, scale the multiple climbing walls and more at Plymouth Life Centre on Sunday 25 October.  

Family Jewellery Making Workshop 

Head to Plymouth City Centre for a free family jewellery making workshop on Wednesday 28 October. 

Create autumn inspired jewellery including necklaces and earrings at the free event from 1-3pm on the day.  

CatVideoFest at Plymouth Arts Cinema  

Plymouth Arts Cinema is hosting the puurfect film for cat lovers in what is the worlds number one cat video festival. Enjoy a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.  

A percentage of the ticket purchases will go towards Gables Dogs and Cats Home in Plymouth. Screenings of the film, which is just over an hour long, run throughout the half term holidays. Find out more and book your tickets. 

Our Story at Market Hall 

The half term holidays are the last chance to view the incredible Our Story with David Attenorough documentary at Market Hall. The production is even more impressive on their amazing 25m immersive dome. The show runs for 50 minutes in which time you'll travel through Earth's earliest beginnings, meet gorillas, explore humanity's impact on the great whales and more. Screenings end on Saturday 31 October. 

Artober 

Visit the Artober exhibition at the Royal William Yard which begins on Friday 23 October and runs until 1 November. The exhibition brings together a wide range of contemporary artists under one rood with paintings, ceramics, and more to enjoy. There's fun for all the family with free colouring activities throughout the holidays and weekly art drop in sessions at various locations across the yard. Find out more about Artober at Royal William Yard 

Halloween Events 

Check out the wide variety of Halloween events taking place throughout the half term holidays in Plymouth. There's plenty of spooky days out, haunted trails and more to enjoy throughout the week in Plymouth. Further to the Halloween fun, there are also pumpkin picks aplenty to take part in. They offer the perfect family day out and we're lucky to have so many good ones in and around Plymouth.