11 THINGS TO DO WITH THE KIDS THIS OCTOBER BREAK
Don’t miss your chance to gaze at the stars at Stirling Highland Hotel Observatory.
The crisp air, vibrant leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything can only mean one thing: October is here! As the summer heat starts to fade, Stirling comes alive with an array of exciting activities and events to keep you and your family entertained during the October holidays. Let's dive into some fantastic things to do with the kids:
1. STIRLING SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Stirling Science Festival, set to take place from 11-14th October.
This year’s programme is packed with a vibrant blend of mind-blowing talks, captivating live shows, after dark events and engaging hands-on activities.
Headlining the festival are two spectacular family friendly live science shows in association with Glasgow Science Centre. Catch ‘Future Fuels’ and ‘Disgusting Digestion’ at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Friday 13th October. For the full festival line-up see www.stirlingsciencefestival.org
2. STIRLING CASTLE
Do you know your mugwort from your mallow, and teasel from thyme? Join the Stirling Castle team for a Family Halloween trail, ‘The Potion-maker's Quest’, running from the 7th to the 29th of October. Hunt for potion ingredients and earn a prize!
If you have older teens in tow, the castle’s ‘Regal Renaissance’ event on the 14th and 15th of October is a must-see event. Step back in time to the 16th century and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Renaissance life during the reign of James V. Secure your tickets at www.stirlingcastle.scot
3. NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT
Gather outside The National Wallace Monument and witness history come to life as costumed actors tell the tale of ‘Scotland's National Hero’. Learn about the inspiring figure of William Wallace, his origins, and his fight for Scotland. Daily performances this October from 11.30am-4.30pm. Book your visit at www.nationalwallacemonument.com
4. MACROBERT
The Macrobert has a treasure trove of creative activities lined up for the October school holidays (11-13th October). Activities range from art clubs, book bug sessions, special effects make-up, ghost stories, to even the chance to create your own movie in just one week! The best part? Pricing is flexible, allowing you to choose what you pay, with a free ticket option to ensure inclusivity. Most activities will take place at arts centre, but don't miss their October Fun Palace (7-8th October) at the new Macrobert Moviehouse in Plean’s Balfour Centre.
And if you're a fan of live theatre, Dunblane’s Rubber Chicken Theatre presents ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ from the 19th to the 21st of October. Featuring beloved songs from the Disney film and new stage-specific compositions. For bookings, visit www.macrobertartscentre.org
5. STIRLING SMITH ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is offering a wide range of activities to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, from science trails to nature exploration and storytelling.
Delve into the shared histories of the museum's collection with herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston, as she weaves tales connecting objects to ancient myths and legends. Discover intrepid inventors, age-defying Phoenixes, and extraordinary alchemists in this family session suitable for all ages on the 11th of October.
Additionally, during the Stirling Science Festival from the 11th to 14th of October, become an honorary wildlife biologist at The Stirling Smith by picking up a 'Spot it!' activity sheet from the front desk and exploring the biodiversity garden to uncover signs of plant and animal life.
There's also a Fossil Handling Session on the 12th of October, where kids can explore the museum's fossil collection and take part in dino-themed crafts.
Learn more at www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk
6. TOLBOOTH
Unearth the extraordinary secrets hidden within our pockets at the Money Matters Workshop on Thursday 12th October! Explore the properties of the metals in our coins, learn about coin production, and even strike your very own coin. Handle rare specimens from the Bank of Scotland's collection and examine currency design and security features using microscopes and ultraviolet lights.
There will also be two Glasgow Science Centre on Tour interactive exhibits at the Tolbooth from 11-12th October (Powering the Future and FitLab). Plus, SmartSTEMs Space Workshops on Wednesday 11th October where you can learn about what lies beyond our solar system, how rockets fly, and what space travel may look like in the future.
Booking and more info at www.yourstirling.com
7. OLD TOWN JAIL
Step into the eerie corridors of the Old Town Jail as Dr Forrest, the Prison Surgeon, thrill you with the Horrible History of Stirling’s terrible Tolbooth – the worst Jail in Britain – and the reasons why the Old Town Jail was built. Creepy tales of torture and torment for boys and ghouls of all ages. Guaranteed to chill the marrow in your bones...and make you chuckle. Just what the Doctor ordered. Booking at www.oldtownjail.co.uk/halloween/
8. STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL observatory
Join volunteers from the Stirling Astronomical Society to gaze at the night sky and stars through their Newtonian reflector-designed telescope, installed in the observatory of the Stirling Highland Hotel by William Peck in 1889. This free drop-in event on Wednesday 11th of October from 7-9.30pm includes a presentation by the Society while you await your turn to visit the observatory, which features a stunning rotating copper-domed roof.
9. CHURCH OF THE HOLY RUDE
The Church of the Holy Rude is a historic and iconic church with a rich and fascinating history spanning six centuries. The Church has played an integral role in many significant events in Scottish history, from the Battle of Stirling Bridge to the coronation of King James VI. Take a journey back in time by visiting the church’s new exhibition revealing the Holy Rude’s royal ties. Open daily until 30 October. Book your visit at www.churchoftheholyrude.co.uk
10. BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK
From October 7th to 22nd, visitors to the safari park can step into the enchanting world of magic with Blair Drummond’s Wild Wizarding Workshop. Join their captivating Professor of Magic for an immersive introduction to the realms of 'Witchcraft and Wizardry.' Witness awe-inspiring demonstrations, acquire new skills, and even try your hand at casting a variety of magical spells, spanning from potions to charms, wizardry to illusion. Book online at www.blairdrummond.com
11. PUMPKIN PICKING
Stirling boasts not one but four pumpkin patches to choose from this October!
New for this year is the first ever pumpkin patch at Mugdock Country Park (13-20th October). Come along in fancy dress and bring your funniest jokes, best dance moves and go guising round our characters wee houses. Enjoy storytelling from a friendly witch, pick your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and toast a marshmallow or two.
Blair Drummond's HalloWILD event, running from October 21st to 31st, features a pumpkin patch, giant hay bale spiders and a spine-tingling Trick or Treat trail.
The Briarlands Farm Pumpkin Patch opens on October 7th. Entry to the patch can be booked alongside a day pass, costing £5 per booking. This fee can be exchanged for a small pumpkin or £5 off medium and large pumpkins. There’s also a quiet hour from 10-11am offering a calmer experience.
Arnprior Farm hosts Scotland's original Pumpkin festival, with over 20,000 pumpkins available over three weeks in October (9-29th). The patch promises a fantastic day out for the whole family, including furry friends. In addition to pumpkins, enjoy a quad pod ride, a pumpkin cannon, a bale mountain, an indoor hay barn, face painting and a bouncy castle. ASN sessions are also available.
For more inspiration on things to this October, see www.yourstirling.com