Half-term is just around the corner.
This year, the autumn holiday is one week later than is traditionally the case in Cheshire West and Chester, and therefore most schools will be off during the week beginning Monday, October 31.
Sometimes it can be hard filling the week with fun and affordable things to do with the kids. So we've put together this guide to family-friendly events which are happening in and around the Chester and Ellesmere Port area, along with some fun autumnal things you can try.
Festival of Diwali parade
Saturday, October 29
The Sanjhi Indian Association celebrates the Hindu festival of lights each year in Chester, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council .
The colourful parade leaves the Town Hall Square at noon making its way to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30pm.
Free workshops including Rangoli Diwali art cards, Diya Indian candles, Henna hand painting and Indian face painting takes place from 2-3pm at the Unity Centre in Cuppin Street where there will also be Indian food available from £3.
Chester Family Film Festival
Monday, October 31 - Friday, November 4
Storyhouse is bringing a new festival to Chester at the Town Hall.
Each day, explore a different theme through hand-picked film favourites.
There will also be free craft activities each day between 10am and 2pm.
Film tickets are £6.50 and one child under 12 can go free with each full price ticket booked.
Halloween fun at Blakemere Village
The Village Restaurant and Coffee Bar at Blakemere Village are hosting a Halloween-themed fancy-dress disco on October 31 from 5.30pm 'til late.
There is a prize for the best fancy-dress.
Take your own pumpkins to enter the best carved pumpkin competition.
Balloon modelling and party games on the night.
There will also be a Zombie Pirate Treasure Trail from October 22 to November 6.
It's £2 per treasure trail form.
Follow the Blakemere Spooky Trail to discover the hidden items left by the zombie pirates many years ago.
For more Halloween events, see our guide:
Visit the bush dog pups at Chester Zoo
Two litters of bush dog pups have begun to venture outside for the first time.
The first litter was discovered on August 11 and then a second set arrived on September 16.
Why not go and see if you are lucky enough to spot them?
Enjoy an Autumn stroll
Monday, October 31 - Sunday, November 6
Cheshire is lucky enough to play host to some stunning scenery so why not make the most of the beautiful autumnal scenery and go for a walk?
Walking is a great way to enjoy family time so why not put together a picnic or go looking for wildlife with the kids?
Check out our guide on stunning autumn walks:
Half term soccer school
Monday, October 31 - Tuesday, November 1
Chester FC Community Trust's popular Soccer Schools are back for Autumn half-term.
For just £10 per day, boys and girls will be able to train with FA qualified coaches in a fun and safe environment, allowing them to develop their skills and learn new techniques.
All abilities aged between six and 13 are welcome with Soccer Schools taking place in Upton and Blacon on Monday, October 31 and Tuesday, November 1.
The fun then moves to Blacon High School on Wednesday, November 2 and Thursday, November 3.
To book places or for further information email community@chesterfc.com or call or text 07512 355396.
Go to a bonfire and firework display
Bonfire night falls on a Saturday this year so why not enjoy an organised display with the kids?
Certain displays even have toddler-friendly fireworks before the main event.
Check out our guide listing what is on and where:
Go ice skating
Wrap up warm and take a trip to Deeside Ice Rink, the nearest ice skating facility to Chester.
You are guaranteed to have lots of fun with all of the family and it's a great form of exercise!
For a full list of prices, click here.
Sick to Death
Excite and educate your children at the new attraction which has opened on the City Walls.
Here, you can learn about the history of Chester through the history of medicine.
It tells the story of Chester through the health, diseases, injuries and cures experienced by inhabitants of Chester over hundreds of years.
Admission is £4.74 for adults, £2.75 for children and under fives go free.
The entry price includes activity packs for children including a make-your-own plague doctor mask.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am - 4pm.
Blue Planet Aquarium
Saturday, October 22 - Monday, October 31
Any child arriving dressed in full fancy dress Halloween costume during the event will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a full paying adult.
Discover how snakes and spiders shed their skins during special talks and shows which reveal how science fact is even wilder than science fiction.
Visitors will also be able to take part in some wacky science experiments in the all-new ‘Mad Science Lab’ open daily from noon to 3pm.
There will be scary science games and the chance to get stuck into some of the gooiest substances anywhere on the planet.
The aquarium will be covered with cobwebs, packed with pumpkins and also filled with a number of scares and surprises lurking around every corner to help get everyone in the Halloween spirit.
The attraction is open daily from 10am.
National Waterways Museum
The Ellesmere Port attraction is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year so why not take the kids for a memorable day out?
You can walk around its locks, docks and warehouses and visit its forge, stables and workers cottages.
For more information, click here.
