October half-term helpers: Kids eat 'free' or for £1, days out, Halloween craft ideas & more

During October half-term

If your kids love animals, Pets at Home is running free 'My Pet Pals' workshops in most of its 450+ stores during October half-term until Saturday 31 October (find your nearest store). Sessions run at 11am and 2pm and you'll need to book online.

The 45-minute workshops are themed around Halloween and Bonfire Night. Kids will get to meet some of the animals and learn how to handle small pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rats. There are also games and activities, and kids will get a certificate, sticker and colouring sheets to take home. Though sadly, you can't take any animals home with you!

All ages are welcome, though the sessions are designed for kids aged four and older. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

See cheap days out for more ways to save on family fun.

You'll have to pay £1.90 postage

We're not entirely convinced Halloween cards are a big thing, but if you want to witch someone a Happy Halloween in card form, you can get a 'free' standard-size Halloween card at Moonpig when you use the code SPOOKY at checkout.

Unlike other Moonpig offers we've seen in the past, this doesn't include postage, which means you'll need to cover delivery (usually £1.90).

The offer applies to these six cards:

• May It All Go Weirdly Well

• Your Future's Looking Suspiciously Good

• A Spell to Make Sparks Fly

• Bad Vibes, Be Gone

• Go Forth & Cause Mild Chaos

• Same Witch, New Era

The offer is on until 11.59pm on Monday 2 November. Cards are limited to two per person.

Want photo prints? You can get up to 50 'free' standard-sized 6-inch x 4-inch prints per month for at least a year when you download the Snapfish app (Android/iOS) – you’ll just need to pay for postage. If you need more, check free and cheap photo prints.

No purchase needed. At 10 stores (mostly England)

Tesco has carved out a gourd-geous freebie where it's giving out pre-carved pumpkins at 10 selected stores on set dates throughout October.

You can choose from a jack-o’-lantern or eclipse-inspired design at the following stores:

• Thursday 22 October: Tesco Risca Extra

• Friday 23 October: Tesco Cheltenham Superstore

• Saturday 24 October: Tesco New Oscott Extra

• Sunday 25 October: Tesco Nottingham Top Valley Extra

• Monday 26 October: Tesco Sheffield Extra

• Tuesday 27 October: Tesco Stockport Extra

• Wednesday 28 October: Tesco York Tadcaster Road Extra

• Thursday 29 October: Tesco Middlesbrough Coulby Newham

• Friday 30 October: Tesco Newcastle Upon Tyne Extra

• Saturday 31 October: Tesco Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra

Pumpkins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 3pm-5pm each day, while stock lasts. You don't need to purchase anything to claim a pumpkin, so this is a total freebie.

Already got your pumpkin? BBC online has free stencils to help you carve your pumpkin.

See our round-up of free museums and art galleries across the UK

Culture vultures can get up close with dinosaurs, find out about forensics or discover the evolution of toys at more than 200 free museums and galleries. These include:

• RAF Museum in Hendon, London
  
  Walk through five buildings with aircraft, artefacts, aviation memorabilia and photos of the history of aviation. MoneySaver J McEntee said:
  
  "This is a fantastic museum. It is very child-friendly with lots of interactive things for children to do. There are picnic areas both inside and outside the museum if you want to bring your own food and snacks. Great for families and all ages."
  
  

• House of Marbles between Exeter and Plymouth, Devon
  
  See marbles and glass being made, with handmade artisan glass marbles and trinkets on display. Enjoy interactive marble runs including the largest in the UK. MoneySaver Jamie M said:
  
  "There's loads to see and do, including watching the artisans at work. There's a restaurant but also space outside to eat, and the gift shop is mesmerising for kids."
  
  

• Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
  
  Explore the city's industrial and scientific history through its collections. MoneySaver Irene Djan said:
  
  "Went with the family (10yr old & 3yr old) and can't fault it! Staff were friendly and well informed and the activities, exhibitions and demonstrations were fantastic."
  
  

• National Museum Cardiff
  
  Be a part of Welsh history from early periods to the present day, including archaeology and geology. MoneySaver Rebecca M said:
  
  "It has loads of different things to see, including a brilliant geology and dinosaur section, as well as a hands-on room where you can handle exhibits. The art collection is superb too with lots of impressionist paintings and pieces by very famous artists."

Downloadable PDF colouring sheets, posters & more for different ages

Publisher Bloomsbury has a host of free downloadable activity packs for kids. The packs include ideas for activities in your home or garden, posters, and other resources.

The packs have been organised by ages, which means you can easily find one to suit your child. There are also seasonal packs with different activities for Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

Head to 'Hullywood', spot the Gruffalo or follow in the footsteps of Tolkien

If you’re not keen on walking the entire coast of England along the new King Charles III England Coast Path, then why not try one of these free family-friendly walking trails in the UK:

The Outernet, Tottenham Court Road, London

Immersive entertainment attraction the Outernet lights up its big screens with seasonal digital trails you can follow for free. You can download the Outernet app (Google Play/iOS) to take part in trails. The Outernet changes its screens throughout the year, with themed routes popping up. It’s a good spot if you're in central London and you’ve got time to kill.

The Tolkien Trail, Birmingham

Lord of the Rings author J. R. R. Tolkien grew up in Birmingham and took inspiration from the city to write his famous fantasy novels. You can follow in his footsteps by walking along the Tolkien trail. If you don’t want to follow a route, you could also head to the Lickey Hills Country Park. Climb up to Beacon Hill for sweeping views over Birmingham and Worcestershire. The area is also said to have inspired Tolkien's writing.

‘Hullywood’ walking trail, Hull

Hull’s Old Town often finds itself being transformed into Victorian England, so much so that the city launched a self-guided walking tour dubbed 'Hullywood', giving film fans the chance to step into their favourite movies or TV shows. Download the free What Was Here app (Google Play/iOS) to follow the trail map and learn more about the history of the city.

Gruffalo Trail, Thorndon Country Park

Is your little one a fan of Julia Donaldson? Well, Thorndon Country Park has some woodland creatures hidden in its deep dark wood. Families can go on a self-led trail to spot the Gruffalo and friends.

If you have any other free walking trails you think we should mention, let us know on Facebook. See cheap days out for more ways to save on family fun.

Including more than 30 attractions across the UK

History enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors can explore the remnants of Roman Britain, ogle at feats of engineering, or see the ruins of once key castles at more than 30 free sites with English Heritage.

While visitors have to pay to visit most English Heritage sites, including Stonehenge, Dover Castle and Kenilworth Castle, there are some that have free entry. Here’s the full list:

• Bayard's Cove Fort, Devon

• Avebury, Wiltshire

• Silbury Hill, Wiltshire

• Tudor Fort of St Catherine’s Castle (currently closed)

• St Catherine’s Chapel, Dorset

• Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, Devon

• Donnington Castle, West Berkshire

• Appuldurcombe House, Isle of Wight

• St Catherine’s Oratory, Isle of Wight

• Eynsford Castle, Kent

• Waverley Abbey, Surrey

• Iron Bridge, Shropshire

• Acton Burnell Castle, Shropshire

• Edvin Loach Old Church, Herefordshire (currently closed)

• Clun Castle, Shropshire

• Wall Roman Site, Staffordshire

• Wigmore Castle, Herefordshire

• Byland Abbey, North York Moors

• Gisborough Priory, North Yorkshire

• Spofforth Castle, North Yorkshire

• Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria

• Piel Castle, Cumbria

• Wetheral Priory Gatehouse, Cumbria

• Hardknott Roman Fort, Cumbria

• A section of Hadrian’s Wall near Cawfields Milecastle

• Finchale Priory

• Auckland Castle Deer House

• Walton Crags

• Norham Castle, Northumberland (some parts currently closed)

• Houghton House, Bedford

• The Flint Walls of Creake Abbey, Norfolk

• Remains of Burgh Castle, Norfolk

• Prior’s Hall Barn, Essex

• Castle Acre Castle, Norfolk

Most sites are open during 'daylight hours', though check opening times and parking arrangements before making a special trip.

A baaa-gain day out for families

You don't have to be out in the countryside to get a taste of rural life. Your little ones can make furry or feathery friends by visiting local children's farms, even in the big cities.

It's best to check the farm's website before you go as some require you to book, especially during school holidays. Some farms will ask for an optional donation.

While we can't check the whole of the UK, here are a few farms we spotted that are free to enter:

• Deen City Farm near Wimbledon, South-West London. Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10am to 4.30pm. Booking is recommended, and essential during school holidays.
  

• Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham. Open every day from 10am to 3.15pm. No need to book.
  

• Bath City Farm near Bath. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 9.30am to 4pm. No need to book.
  

• Surrey Docks Farm in South-East London. Open every day from 10am to 4pm. Booking is required for groups.
  

• Vauxhall City Farm in Vauxhall, South London. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm. Booking required for groups of eight or more.