Introduction
When the leaves start to fall and pumpkins appear in shop windows, Halloween becomes the highlight of the autumn calendar for many families in Oldham. For parents of nursery-age children, though, the challenge is finding events that are fun and imaginative without being overwhelming.
At Newbank House Nursery, part of the Shine Childcare family, we love helping families make memories at this time of year. Whether it’s creative crafts, pumpkin patches or story trails, the key is to keep it playful, light-hearted and easy to enjoy together. Below are five great Halloween outings around Oldham and Greater Manchester that fit perfectly for children under five — complete with Google Maps links and Creative Commons images ready for use.
Halloween at Daisy Nook Country Park
Daisy Nook’s annual Halloween Trail returns for 2025, featuring pumpkin-themed clues, gentle spooks hidden in the trees, and a prize for completing the route.
Why it works: Outdoor trails help children burn off energy, and the park’s wide paths are perfect for pushchairs. Nothing is too scary — it’s all about adventure and discovery.
Café tip: Visit the on-site café beside the visitor centre for toasties, snacks and warm drinks after the walk.
Pumpkin Festival at Cockfields Farm Park
Only a short drive from Oldham, Cockfields Farm hosts one of the North West’s most popular family pumpkin festivals every October. The 2025 edition runs from 18 October – 3 November, with pumpkin picking, animal encounters, and fancy-dress photo zones.
Why it works: It’s colourful, hands-on and completely tailored for young families. Children can meet the animals, decorate pumpkins, and enjoy gentle music without long queues or loud scares.
Café tip: The farm’s café serves child-friendly meals, and there are plenty of picnic benches if you prefer to bring your own snacks.
Spooky Storytime at Oldham Library
Every October half-term, Oldham Library hosts its popular Spooky Storytime sessions for children aged 2–6. Expect fun costumes, simple crafts and friendly Halloween tales — all free to attend.
Why it works: It’s short, indoors and fully inclusive — no tickets required, and perfect for a quick morning or afternoon trip. The focus is on imagination and reading confidence, not scares.
Café tip: Stop by the nearby Rhodes Bank Café for a light lunch or hot chocolate; it’s child-friendly and within a short walk of the library.
Autumn Adventures and Pumpkin Patch at Heaton Park Farm
Heaton Park Farm, around 20 minutes from Oldham, runs an annual autumn family programme including a small pumpkin patch, animal feeding, and tractor rides.
Why it works: It’s a relaxed outdoor farm with manageable activities, ideal for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The combination of animals, pumpkins and open space offers simple fun in a safe environment.
Café tip: The Heaton Park café is right by the lake — perfect for sandwiches or warm soup while children feed ducks nearby.
Halloween Family Fun Day at Gallery Oldham
Gallery Oldham celebrates Halloween each year with a free drop-in craft day for young children and families. Expect pumpkin painting, paper-mask making and friendly costume competitions. The 2025 event runs during half-term, typically the final weekend of October.
Why it works: Indoors, creative and calm — ideal for children who prefer crafts to crowds. Parents can relax in the airy atrium while kids experiment with paints and glue.
Café tip: There’s an on-site café serving light lunches and cakes, plus buggy space and high chairs available.
Summary
From pumpkin fields to story corners, Oldham and its surrounding countryside offer plenty of Halloween fun for families with little ones. These events combine creativity, nature and discovery — all at a pace that suits nursery-age children.
Whether you’re picking pumpkins at Cockfields Farm, following clues at Daisy Nook or crafting spooky masks at Gallery Oldham, each activity gives your child a chance to explore and play while you enjoy time together.
At Newbank House Nursery Oldham, part of the Shine Childcare family, we understand how important these shared experiences are in your child’s early development. Our team provides the same warmth, creativity and encouragement every day — helping your child grow in confidence both inside and outside the nursery.
Have a wonderful, laughter-filled Halloween — and don’t forget your pumpkin bucket!