Half Term in the Windsor area

There’s plenty of family fun with the kids to be had in Windsor & Maidenhead this October half term.  If you’re looking to keep the children entertained – and off their phones and screens – you’ll find a great choice of things to see and do.  The school holidays are a perfect time to visit.  In October, the days may be getting shorter (and don’t forget the clocks go back on 26 October!) but there’s still lots to keep you entertained as autumn takes a hold.

Fingers crossed for some beautiful, sunny autumnal days so you can get outside and enjoy a great range of outdoor things to do.  But there’s a great selection of indoor things to do to choose from and plenty of top tips of things to do in Windsor when it’s raining.

Scroll down to discover a whole host of fun events and activities taking place during the October half term and be sure to check out our Family Fun page too.

Fun half term things to do for all the family

You’ll discover special half term activities included in a visit to Windsor Castle, and Legoland Windsor Resort has its annual spooky Brick or Treat event!

Get out and about in the fresh air and enjoy our parks and gardens.  Discover some beautiful countryside too, including National Trust places to visit and Windsor Great Park.

Wrap up warm and get outside with your canine companions. Our guide to the most scenic dog walks can be found here.

Challenge your friends and family to an immersive game of real-life adventure in one of our escape rooms: Escape in 60 Escape Rooms Windsor or Windsor Escape Experience.  Do you have what it takes to find clues, solve puzzles and get out before the time’s up?

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is the place to keep the family entertained this October half term. With live shows, arts and crafts and family film screenings, there’s plenty to choose from.  With free parking on site and a café bar serving adult and children’s menus, Norden Farm is always the go to for school holiday fun!

Discover some free town centre events that will make your visit even more enjoyable!  It's Halloween during October half term so discover what's on this Halloween in Windsor and the Royal Borough including pumpkin carving in Windsor Royal and Maidenhead's Nicholson Centre!

Make sure you book in advance for an energetic session at Adventure Play, the fun outdoor woodland playground where children can discover a fascinating world of walkways, slides, sculptures and treehouses!  Parking is included with an Adventure Play ticket so families can explore more of Windsor Great Park with some short walks around Obelisk Pond, suitable for children’s bikes and scooters.  Plan ahead and book a family table for lunch in The Savill Garden Kitchen.

Looking for something fun-filled, action-packed and adventurous this autumn? Back for 2025, Sundown Adventures at Go Ape makes a return to Swinley Forest, Bracknell. Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17 October and 9 November. It's the ultimate adventure with epic forest views under the night sky. Experience a Go Ape adventure after dark and tackle tree-top crossings and epic ziplines, under glowing lights. It's a truly unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers and one not to be missed. Boring ends here!

Hawker Hurricane replica in Alexandra Gardens, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor

FREE things to do with the kids in Windsor this October Half Term!

If you’re wanting to stretch your legs, get some fresh air AND see some of the most iconic buildings and landmarks in Windsor town centre this half term, here a few Top Tips, that are FREE or low cost:

• Conquer The Long Walk; burn off some energy and see if you can reach the iconic Copper Horse statue at the far end.  For a shorter walk, head out past the Two Brewers Pub and look up, left, at Cambridge Gate for an iconic view of Windsor Castle.
• Grab a selfie with the life-sized Lego Guard in the award-winning Daniel Toy Department, it is a one-off piece, built especially for Daniel Department Store!
• Explore Eton, remembering to keep looking up and try to locate the famous "man on the wall" (Edge II) sculpture by Antony Gormley.
• Take a walk by the river to feed the swans; they will be grateful for bread, defrosted frozen peas, spinach leaves and swan pellets (available for a small price from French Brothers ticket office).
• Snap a selfie and learn about the Hawker Hurricane replica plane, by Alexandra Gardens.
• Have a run around the Royal Windsor Maze, located near Jubilee Fountain in the Goswells; small children love following the tiled path.
• Download a copy of the Queen's Walkway and follow the trail of 63 bronze plaques / approx. 4 miles stroll.
• Watch the Guards marching on their way to/from the Castle, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays*.  Read more about which guards are marching and the best places to see them. (*please check the monthly schedule in advance to avoid disappointment.)
• Call in to the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum.  Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, learn about Windsor over the centuries
• Take a guided tour of the Windsor Guildhall.  View many beautiful paintings and a glimpse of this famous wedding venue, where the King Charles and Queen Camilla got married 20 years ago.
• Search for Windsor's famous pavement clock.  Here's a clue, it's somewhere near the Castle!
• Grab an ice cream or delicious crepe from Fortescues, a hidden treasure on Church Street up on Guildhall Island.

Book a Windsor half term short break

Too much to fit in one day?  We’d love you to stay over.  We have plenty of family friendly accommodation including hotels, apartments, cottages and guest accommodation.

Discover family-friendly places to eat

And if you want to find some great places to eat out, check out our family friendly places to eat page.

Book tickets in advance

Tickets for many events and attractions can be purchased via the Windsor online shop.

Half term special offers

Don’t forget to find out more about our Special Offers for Food & Drink, Attractions and Accommodation.