With the October half-term holiday now underway, Staffy has been sniffing out some of Staffordshire's best experiences, inviting families to follow their lead and discover great days out.
Among the highlights is the hugely popular Room on the Broom Trail at Cannock Chase Forest, where families can step into the magical world of Witch and her friends, solve clues, complete challenges and embark on an enchanting woodland adventure. Those looking for even more excitement can head to Go Ape Cannock Chase for a Sundown Adventure, where illuminated treetop courses offer a thrilling way to experience the forest after dark.
At the Royal British Legion National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, kids can enjoy Arbie's Autumn Trail, storytelling sessions, and creative arts and crafts activities throughout half term.
Families looking for thrills can head to Alton Towers Resort, where the annual Scarefest returns with a mix of family entertainment, Halloween-themed attractions and after-dark rides. Drayton Manor Resort's Blazing Halloween promises trick-or-treat trails, live fire shows and lakeside performances throughout the holiday period.
At The Trentham Estate, visitors can enjoy Halloween Half Term in the Gardens from 24 October to 1 November, featuring pumpkin displays, family entertainment and fairground rides, alongside the popular Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock trail running throughout the Halloween celebrations.
Meanwhile, Statfold Country Park, near Tamworth, will once again host its family-friendly Spellbound Adventure from 24 to 31 October, featuring pumpkin picking, spooky train rides and seasonal activities.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"Whether it's enjoying a live show or event, exploring our beautiful countryside, or embracing some Halloween fun, there really is something for all ages to discover in our great county.
"From magical trails and pumpkin picking to adventurous days out, we have it all. We are the nation's best playground and the beating heart of the country.
"We have a brilliant tourism sector in Staffordshire, with everything from major theme parks to smaller independent attractions and everything in between. All the family entertainment is right on your doorstep, so use the half-term holiday to get out and explore."
Staffordshire History Centre, in Stafford, will also be hosting a programme of half-term activities, including creative workshops, themed talks and family-friendly events, while libraries across the county will be offering a range of seasonal activities for kids and families.
For families wanting to extend the half-term fun into the following weekend, several fireworks events are also taking place on 1 November. Drayton Manor Resort will host its end-of-season fireworks spectacular, while the annual Staffordshire Fireworks Festival returns to the Staffordshire County Showground, offering a colourful evening of family entertainment.
Staffordshire's tourism sector continues to grow, contributing £2.84 billion a year to the local economy and supporting almost 25,000 jobs, making it one of the county's most important industries.
Families can explore Staffy's guide to things to do for October half term at Visit Staffordshire's October Half Term Guide.
