Autumn has arrived, bringing one of the most exciting times of year for families. This issue is packed with ways to enjoy October half term and embrace the season’s traditions.
Our Spooky Days Out in Essex feature highlights the best local adventures — from pumpkin patches and farm parks to museums, castles and animal encounters. We’ve also got a Halloween craft activity from Baker Ross where children can “adopt a ghost”, plus our special costume edit to help your little ones celebrate in style.
With the clock change on the horizon, don’t miss Lucy's sleep tips, and SNAP Charity’s advice on supporting children through seasonal transitions. We’re also exploring how Craniosacral Therapy can offer gentle support for babies.
As ever, our What’s On listings and community news are full of local events and causes worth noting.
Thank you for reading — I hope this edition gives you fresh ideas and inspiration as your family heads into the season of pumpkins, lanterns and bit of magic.
Half term always seems to sneak up on us — one minute it’s back-to-school photos and shiny shoes, the next you’re Googling “things to do with kids near me” before the cries of “I’m bored” begin. Luckily, Essex is packed with places to explore, from pumpkin patches and castles to hands-on craft days. Think of it as your autumn toolkit for keeping everyone entertained (and maybe even sneaking in a hot chocolate for yourself).
Pick the Perfect Autumn Day Out
at Hatter’s Farm!
Looking for the ultimate pumpkin picking adventure for your little ones?
Hatter’s Farm Pumpkin Patch is bursting with family fun this October!
Set in the heart of the Essex countryside, the family run farm is home to over 100,000 pumpkins, squashes and gourds in all shapes, sizes and colours – perfect for tiny hands and creative minds. Whether you're after the ideal pumpkin for carving, a quirky photo opportunity, or just a magical autumn day outdoors, we’ve got you covered.
But it’s not just about pumpkins – oh no! Little adventurers will love exploring our Maize Maze, zooming around the Bale Mountain, and taking aim with our crowd-favourite Pumpkin Cannons.
There’s also face painting, spooky photo spots, delicious food and drinks, in a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for younger children.
For families with slightly older kids, don’t miss our magical Pumpkin Nights – a truly unique experience where you can visit the patch under the moonlit sky, with glowing pumpkins, lights, and atmospheric fun after dark.
Whether it’s your baby’s first pumpkin patch visit or a well-loved yearly tradition, Hatter’s Farm is the place to make unforgettable autumn memories. But, Don’t just take our word for it: "Huge selection of pumpkins and squash available and very reasonably priced. The children loved the Pumpkin Cannons and Maize Maze. We look forward to visiting again next year! "
- Emily Heath, Google Review
So, what are you waiting for! Visit hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk to book your daytime and evening session tickets before they sell out!
Spooky season, sorted Sponsored
Brentwood gets spooky with three days of free Halloween fun
Families across the borough are in for a treat this October half term as Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District funded by local businesses, brings three free fantastic Halloween events to Ingatestone, Shenfield and Brentwood High Streets. With trails, activities, face painting and plenty of characters to meet, each day promises lots of community fun and spooky surprises in the heart of each high street.
The celebrations begin in Ingatestone on Thursday 30 October from 10am–4pm with a Trick or Treat Trail. Local businesses will transform into spooky stop-offs, offering goodies, activities, Halloween characters and free pumpkin painting (bring your own pumpkin to take part).
On Friday 31 October, the spotlight moves to Shenfield for the popular Shenfield Spooktacular from 3pm–6pm. Families can enjoy treats along the trail, meet colourful Halloween characters and Ghostbusters, and take advantage of free face painting in and around Hutton Road businesses.
The finale takes place in Brentwood on Saturday 1 November with the Festival of Frights, running from 2pm–5pm on Brentwood High Street. Expect creepy characters, activities and plenty of treats, all in partnership with local shops and businesses. At the same time, Crown Street will host its own Creepy Crown Street, led by Chicken and Frog Bookshop
and Ridgewell and Boreham, featuring free face painting and activities funded through the Brentwood Connected Small Grant Scheme. The day ends with a grand finale performance in Crown Street’s pedestrianised area.
Costumes and fancy dress are encouraged at all three events, and families are reminded to bring something to collect their treats.
Sarah Walmsley, BID Manager at Brentwood Connected, says: “Our popular Halloween events are consistently well attended and much anticipated by businesses and the local community. They bring people together during the school holidays, entirely for free, and give families the chance to support local while having fun dressing up.”
Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) funded by town centre businesses, is proud to support these much-loved Halloween events, ensuring they remain free and accessible for all.
For full details on each event, visit brentwoodconnected. co.uk/halloween.
Wizards, Witches and Wonder
28 to 30 October
Fun and crafty sessions for the half term
chelmsford gov uk/museums/whats-on
£5 members Find out more
Museum of Chelmsford memberships start at just £20 per year
Spells, Stories & Surprises in Chelmsford this Half Term
Step into a world of witches, wizards and wonder at Chelmsford Museum this October half term. Budding spell-makers can create their own magic wands, spooky spell jars and origami ghosts, try their hand at deciphering ancient runes, and even meet the infamous Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins.
Sessions run Tuesday to Thursday (10.30am and 2pm), with all materials provided and activities designed for ages 6 and above. One adult per child goes free, with extra adults paying the standard £4 museum admission. For full details and booking information visit chelmsford.gov.uk/museumevents.
Chelmsford city centre will also host The Witches of Chelmsford, a brand-new family event that shines a light on the city’s eerie past. By day, follow a free witch trail through the streets, tracking down curious objects linked with witchcraft and discovering why cauldrons, broomsticks and black cats became such powerful symbols.
Alongside the trail, a programme of creative workshops and hands-on activities will keep children entertained while uncovering the stories behind Essex’s most famous trials. Later, the event takes on a darker tone with guided walks, talks and film screenings. Visit chelmsfordforyou.co.uk for more information.
Sponsored
Family fun at the Pumpkin Picking Village, Marsh Farm
The Pumpkin Picking Village in Chelmsford, Essex, is the perfect place to make lasting autumn memories.
With pumpkins, squashes and gourds of all shapes and sizes, children and grown ups can totally immerse themselves in this irresistibly Instagrammable experience. Couples and families can enjoy fantastic autumnal photo opportunities, to capture Halloween memories that last a lifetime.
Pumpkin Village also offers dedicated dogfriendly daytime and evening sessions, so four-legged friends can join in with the fun! Whether in costume or not, the variety of pumpkin-themed displays makes it the pawfect place for some puppy photo ops.
With exclusive SEN sessions on selected dates from 9am to 10am, Pumpkin Village ensures autumn fun is accessible for all.
Make your home the best-dressed this Halloween, by picking your very own pumpkin at Marsh Farm!
Pumpkin Village opens this October. Visit pumpkinpickingvillage.co.uk for more details, and to book tickets!
Pumpkins are purchased separately.
Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm
MarshFarm
Seaside spooks after dark at Southend Halloween Parade
This October, Southend’s famous seafront will once again transform into a glowing stage of light, colour and creativity as the Southend Halloween Parade returns. Taking place on Saturday 25 October, the event runs from 6.30pm to 7.45pm and is completely free to attend, making it the perfect family evening out by the sea.
The parade promises a carnival atmosphere with illuminated costumes, giant spooky creations, dancers and drummers bringing energy to the promenade. Expect to see everything from skeletons and witches to lanterns and imaginative floats, all set against the backdrop of the estuary at dusk.
A route map is available online so visitors can choose the best viewing spot in advance. It’s worth planning ahead if you’re bringing children or meeting friends, as the promenade
gets lively on parade night.
Travelling to Southend couldn’t be easier, with two main train lines running from London and plenty of town-centre parking for those who prefer to drive. Arriving early is recommended to enjoy the atmosphere building before the parade begins.
The parade is also open to community groups, dance schools, families and businesses who would like to join in the fun. The only requirement is to bring a fully illuminated, Halloween-themed creation, whether that’s a costume, a float or something more unusual!
The Southend Halloween Parade offers a magical evening of free entertainment and a chance to celebrate the spooky season in true seaside style.
For the full parade route, timings and how to get involved, visit southendhalloween.org.
new Mythical Creatures exhibition are also available, with opportunities to creating a collaborative mermaid or design their very own imaginative map additions.
Families can also enjoy Haunted History Tours, which combine fascinating facts with chilling legends, making learning fun and memorable.
Plan your fang-tastic adventure now at colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
24 OCT 2 NOV 2025
AT COLCHESTER CASTLE
Spooktacular events for all ages this half term! Visit the Castle and its Mythical Creatures exhibition, join the Halloween party, brave a sleepover, create a creepy craft or take a tour for an unforgettable Halloween experience!
www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
Colchester Castle
Spooky season, sorted Sponsored
Spooky Half Term Adventures with Colchester Leisure World and Sports Park
Looking for some spooktacular fun this October half term? Treat your little monsters to an unforgettable adventure at a Leisure World or Colchester Sports Park Holiday Camp, where sport meets Halloween magic!
Running throughout the half term break, these action-packed camps offer a thrilling mix of sports, games, and Halloweenthemed activities. From circus skills workshops to
swimming, cycling, rugby, creepy crafts and costume competitions, there’s something to enchant every child. It’s the perfect way to keep kids active, social, and entertained while embracing the half term Halloween spirit.
Aimed at children aged 5–12 years old, the camps run daily and offer flexible booking options for busy families. So why not swap screen time for scream time this October?!
Book now at colchesterleisureworld.co.uk to secure your child’s place and let the Halloween half term fun begin!
Starting Monday 27th October
Colchester Zoo is set to celebrate Halloween in style with Shriek Week, running throughout the October half term from 25 October to 2nd November. Expect a packed programme of spooky fun alongside the zoo’s usual mix of amazing animals and adventures!
The entertainment begins at the Main Stage with the Wild Vibe Boo Bash, a lively party filled with music, dancing and plenty of energy. The fun continues with the Boo Bash Parade, where the Wild Vibe Crew bring a carnival feel to the park as they lead families through the grounds with their Halloween tunes.
Witches’ Coven, or enjoy the brand-new Spooky Adventures at Pumpkin Hollow show in the Kalahari Theatre.
Little ones will love the chance to have their faces painted, try Crazy Sand crafts, or take part in the Davy Bones Treasure Trail, while families can hop aboard the Runaway Pirate Train or wander through the Dinosaur Realm to encounter prehistoric giants.
Throughout the week, the zoo’s keepers will be on hand with Animal Encounters, giving you the chance to discover more about the different species living at Colchester Zoo.
Booking, full details and activity times are available at colchesterzoo.org.
Crafty corner
Adopt A Ghost
Adopt your very own ghost in a jar! Made from clay and sprinkled with glitter, will it be a friendly spirit, a silly spectre, or a scary spook? Give your boo-tastic new friend a special name and complete its official adoption certificate to make it yours.
You'll need: Clear jar, White Air Drying Clay, Dried Moss, Iridescent White Glitter, MultiPurpose Acrylic Varnish, Scissors, Jute Twine
Top Tip:
Scan to download free adoption certificate and name tag
The ghost can be hung from the underside of the lid using strong glue and cotton.
Steps:
1. Take a small ball of clay and mould your ghost. Use a pencil to poke in the eyes. Let it dry overnight.
2. Once dry, varnish your ghost and sprinkle glitter onto the wet varnish..
3. Place some moss in the bottom of your jar to create a cosy spot for your ghost.
4. Carefully lower your ghost into its new home.
5. Cut out the label using the template and tie it to the jar.
6. Fill in the certificate of adoption from the template.
Costume, Morphsuits
morphsuits.co.uk
Various Halloween Costumes, Aldi £5.00, instore Alien PMU Inflatable Kids
Fancy Dress Costume, Tu
Halloween Carnage Venom
£18, tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
3-12 years
Little Monsters House of Fun Halloween Party • 31st October
Dunmow • 4-6pm • £14.95 children, £2.50 adults • Soft play, spooky games and competitions for best costume & pumpkin! • littlemonstershof.co.uk
Ingatestone Trick or Treat Trail • Thursday 30th October
High street, Ingatestone • 10am - 4pm • FREE • Goodies to collect, spooky characters to meet and free pumpkin painting fun! • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Shenfield Spooktacular • Friday 31st October
Hutton Rd, Shenfield • 3-6pm • FREE • Halloween trail adventures, Ghostbusters to spot and free face painting for children • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Festival of Frights in Brentwood • Saturday 1st November
Brentwood High St & surrounding areas • 2-5pm • Creepy characters, lots of family activities on Crown Street and a big grand finale show! • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Witches, Wizards and Wonder at Museum of Chelmsford • 28th - 30th October
Chelmsford • 10.30am & 2pm • Ages 6+ • £6 per child (1 adult free, extras £4) • Spooky crafts, plus meet the Witchfinder General • chelmsford.gov.uk/museums
Mythical Creatures at Colchester Castle • Until 22nd February 2026
Colchester Castle • Ages 5+ • Free after castle admission • Enchanted objects bring a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin and Mermaid to life! • colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Knightzzz at the Museum • 25th October
Colchester Castle • 7pm • Ages 5+ • From £40 • Set up camp in your chosen spot and prepare for a fun-packed overnight adventure • colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Get on Your Bike at Colchester Sports Park • Open 7 days a week
Colchester • Various times • Enjoy cycling, family activities, and seasonal treats at Colchester Sports Park this half term • colchestersportspark.co.uk
Swim at Leisure World Colchester • Open 7 days a week
Fright Nights at Airhop • 25-26th October & 1-2 November
Chelmsford & Colchester • 6-8pm • Jump into After Dark Fright Nights for scares, spooky fun, and a chance to win a free bounce pass! • airhop.co.uk/essex
Colchester • Various times • Ride the flumes, ride the Crazy River, and enjoy Palm Tree Springs with its relaxing Castaway Spa Pool • colchesterleisureworld.co.uk Please always confirm
change.
Lighting Up Brentwood • Saturday 22nd November
Brentwood High St • 12-6pm • FREE • Santa’s Parade, festive stalls, funfair rides and the big Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Festive Shenfield • Sunday 14th December
Hutton Road, Shenfield • 12-6pm • FREE • Live music, funfair rides, food and drink plus plenty of festive entertainment for the family • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Ingatestone Festive Fair • Sunday 7th December
Ingatestone High St • 12-6pm • FREE • Handmade stalls, Christmas Toy Trail, Santa’s Grotto and free face painting for children • brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Festive Wreath Workshop at Hedingham Castle • Sunday 30th November
Castle Hedingham • 10am or 1pm • Join Evelyn Rose Floristry for a creative wreath making workshop at historic Hedingham Castle this winter • hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Bears • 22nd and 23rd December
Castle Hedingham • Various times • Daddy Bear is kidnapped, Goldilocks helps save • hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Half Term Craft Fun at Essex Libraries
Keep little hands busy this October half term with free and low-cost craft sessions at libraries across Essex. From pumpkin art to spooky makes, drop-in tables will be running at branches including Frinton, Earls Colne and Stock. Perfect for school-aged children, no booking needed — just turn up and get creative. Check dates at library-events.essex.gov.uk
Baby Loss Awareness Week 2025
From 9–15 October, communities across Essex will unite for Baby Loss Awareness Week, a time to reflect, raise awareness and support families who have experienced the loss of a baby. In Brentwood, Chicken & Frog Bookshop will host lantern-making and a gentle remembrance walk on Saturday 11 October, supported by charity Aching Arms. Families across the county are encouraged to light candles, join events, or simply take a quiet moment to show their support. Find local activities and resources at babyloss-awareness.org
Southend's Free Fireworks by the Sea this Autumn
Wrap up warm and head to Southend seafront for a dazzling series of free Saturday night fireworks this autumn. Running weekly from late September through to midNovember, the displays light up the sky from 8pm and are set against the backdrop of the estuary.
Families can enjoy the sights and sounds together, with plenty of food stalls and seafront attractions open late to add to the atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to round off a day at the seaside or make half term evenings extra special. For the full schedule visit visitsouthend.co.uk
Celebrating Diwali in Essex
This October, families across Essex celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with colourful events and community gatherings. Falling on 20 October this year, Diwali brings together food, music, dance and candlelight. Look out for local celebrations including Chelmsford Hindu Society’s charity dinner and dance. Find details at mg.co.uk/stories/time/when-diwali
Save the Dates for Brentwood’s Festive High Street Celebrations!
The sparkle of fairy lights, the aroma of mulled wine, and the sound of Christmas carols — the festive season is about to arrive in Brentwood. This year, Brentwood Connected is bringing three magical events to Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone High Streets, all completely free and funded by local businesses.
Lighting Up Brentwood –
Saturday 22nd November, 12-6pm
The celebrations begin with Lighting Up Brentwood, the ever-popular Christmas lights switch-on. The High Street will be buzzing with music, market stalls, food, drink and gifts. Families can enjoy funfair rides, festive walkabout acts, free face painting and the return of the Giant Christmas Bauble for those perfect photos. A Santa’s Parade will get things underway, before the lights switch-on at 5pm.
Ingatestone Festive Fair –
serve up seasonal treats. Children can follow the Christmas Toy Trail, stop for free face painting and visit Santa’s Grotto inside the community market.
Festive Shenfield –
Sunday 14th December, 12-6pm
The final event is Festive Shenfield, taking place along Hutton Road. Expect live music, funfair rides, market stalls and plenty of festive entertainment. Once again, there will be free face painting for little ones, along with street performers and food and drink from Shenfield’s wide range of businesses.
Celebrating Community Spirit
Sunday 7th December, 12-6pm Ingatestone High Street will host over 25 traditional stalls selling handmade crafts, food and gifts! Enjoy live music, entertainment and walkabout performers, whilst local businesses
These three events are more than just a chance to switch on the Christmas lights — they’re a celebration of community. Brentwood Connected, a Business Improvement District (BID) funded by town centre businesses, works to make Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone vibrant places for residents, visitors and employees.
Whether it’s the sparkle of the Brentwood lights, Ingatestone’s charming fair or Shenfield’s lively celebration, there’s plenty of Christmas magic waiting for you on your local high street!
For full event details, business directories and local information, visit brentwoodconnected.co.uk
Managing the Autumn Clock Change and Your Child’s Sleep
Every year, I get lots of parents wondering about how to manage the clock change this AutumnWhether your little one is a dream at night or a little bit tricky, no-one wants a 5am wake up every day! The clocks go back an hour on Sunday 26th October 2025, and whilst parents dream of an extra hour in bed, children’s body clocks don’t always agree! Let’s have a look at how you can be a little prepared for the change, but it is also ok to go with the flow!
Older Children
For children who no longer nap, the adjustment is usually straightforward.
• On Sunday, put them to bed 30 minutes earlier. If bedtime is normally 7pm, put them to bed at 6.30pm.
• On Monday night, return to their normal bedtime.
• If your child is sensitive to change, move bedtime by 15 minutes every couple of days instead.
• Using a Gro Clock or similar? Move the “sunrise” to help reset their body clock. Toddlers (12+ months)
Toddlers often still need one nap, so “split the difference.”
• For a few days after the change, bring their nap 30 minutes earlier (e.g. from 12.30 pm to 12 pm), then move it back to normal.
• Do the same with bedtime to help them adapt gradually.
• Again, if they are a bit sensitive to change, use 15 minutes instead
Babies (4-12 months)
• Keep their usual awake windows and routine consistent as this can help signal sleep.
• Move their nap time back (and bedtime) by 15 minutes each day. By day 4, they should be back to the normal time.
Newborns
Good news for tired parents of newborns: you don’t need to do anything. Newborns rarely have a set routine, so simply follow their natural rhythms.
Let also think about:
• Sticking to bedtime routines. Familiar steps like bath, story, and cuddle signal to your child that it’s time for sleep.
• Getting outside. Morning and earlyafternoon daylight helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier for everyone to adjust.
• Creating a calm sleep space. Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark and consider white noise to mask outside sounds.
Did you know…. How much sleep we need,
This age group can be the most sensitive, so we need to take them a bit more slowly.
and what that means for bedtime, changes as we get older. I often get asked, how much sleep does my child need and the answer to this isn’t straightforward as we are all different! However The National Sleep Foundation has some useful information to help us navigate this.
All children are different, one 5 year old may need to be in bed by 6.30pm whilst their friend may be 7.30pm and both wake up well rested at 7am. If you are finding your child is waking up in the morning very tired, or struggling to make it through the day, it is ok to bring bedtime forwards. A very tired child is likely to have more tricky sleep, not less!
Lucy Murray Sleep Consultant
Little Dreams Consulting, Chelmsford & Colchester
Lucy is a certified Baby and Child Sleep Consultant. She supports families with their children’s sleep from 4 months to 10 years (and antenatal packages) across Essex and further afield. As a mum of 3 who all struggled to sleep, Lucy knows how important it is to get help as a parent. If you are struggling with your child’s sleep but aren’t sure where to turn, book a free, noobligation 15-minute call to find out how she can help or see her website for sleep tips.
Why I Recommend Craniosacral Therapy for Every Baby
When we think of a newborn, we imagine them soft, cosy, and curled up in our arms. We picture peaceful little bodies, sleepy and content, feeding well and soaking up cuddles from friends and family. What we don’t often stop to consider is just how much their tiny bodies have already been through — not only during birth, but also from how they were positioned in utero.
From natural deliveries to assisted births with forceps or ventouse, or caesarean sections, every experience has an effect on your baby. Even things like a cord wrapped around the neck or a shoulder becoming stuck can create tension in a baby’s body. This is where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can make such a difference. Using very light touch — no more than the weight of a coin — CST gently helps to release tension, restore balance, and bring calm to your baby’s nervous system.
Why Every baby can benefit
I believe every baby should have Craniosacral Therapy as soon as possible after birth. Some babies show clear signs of tension — perhaps unsettled, colictype behaviour, digestive discomfort, or a traumatic birth. Others may appear to be doing well, but still hold patterns of tension in their bodies.
CST offers a safe, gentle way of releasing those strains before they build into bigger issues. Prevention is always better than cure, and just as we care for our own physical health to avoid problems later, it makes sense to support babies early so they can grow and develop with ease.
The Reflux Tummy Mummy
Emma is a certified Infant Reflux Specialist, Craniosacral Therapist, Nutrition Advisor, and experienced Maternity Nurse and Nanny. She works holistically with families to identify the root causes of reflux, silent reflux, colic, and feeding challenges, supporting babies to feel more comfortable and parents to feel more confident. As a mum whose own baby struggled with reflux for 10 months, Emma brings not only professional expertise but also genuine empathy and lived experience to the families she helps.
therefluxtummymummy.co.uk
These are some common signs your baby needs support:
• Reflux or colic-like symptoms
• Tongue-tie, oral restrictions, or latch difficulties
• A preference for turning their head one way
• Digestive issues such as irregular stools or difficulty passing stools
• General fussiness or unsettled behaviour
As an infant reflux specialist, I have seen time and again how CST can ease and improve these kinds of symptoms. By gently releasing tension, babies often feed more comfortably and become calmer and more settled — which is such a positive change for both baby and parents.
What a Session Looks Like
During a session, I take a history of your baby to build a picture of where issues may be arising. Then I place my hands very lightly on them, feeling into the body to find where tension is being held.
There is no force or manipulation. Many parents are surprised by how peaceful their baby becomes during treatment — some even fall asleep mid-session. I once worked with a baby who would only ever settle with mum, and she was amazed to see how calm he was with me.
Every session is guided by baby. If they resist touch in a certain area, I understand that area is not ready yet (this could be it is simply too uncomfortable) and move elsewhere. It’s about working with your baby’s body, not against it.
A calm start to life
The first few months of parenthood can feel overwhelming, with so much advice and information out there. What I love about Craniosacral Therapy is that it can only support your baby. It gently helps little ones feel more at ease in their bodies, no matter what kind of birth they experienced or what challenges they face.
Every baby deserves to feel comfortable, settled, and free from tension in their own little body.
Helping Children Prepare for Seasonal Changes
Autumn is a time of change. The mornings and evenings become darker, the leaves turn brown and the temperature starts to drop. Alongside the seasonal changes, the “ber months” bring a string of exciting celebrations and festivals. Whilst many children (and adults) look forward to this time of year, for some people change and transitions can bring additional worry and anxiety. Neurodivergent children, especially those who are autistic, may need additional time, support and clear information to help them feel comfortable and enjoy the festivities alongside their friends and family. Here are some ideas to help prepare your child for upcoming changes or seasonal events.
Minimise surprise
Try to make sure your child knows in advance what is coming up. Whether it is a day at the pumpkin patch or watching fireworks at Nan’s house, try not to spring things on them too last minute. Different children will need different amounts of time to feel prepared so consider when you tell them. Younger children may just need to know “now” and “next” and older children and young people may want to know
SNAP Charity partners with parents to provide compassion, guidance and hope for the whole family. Working across Essex, Thurrock and Southend, SNAP supports families who have a child or young person, aged 0-25, with any additional need or disability. There is a variety of services and resources and no formal diagnosis or professional referral is necessary to access SNAP services.
Find out more and support SNAP at snapcharity.org Helpline: 01277 211300 Instagram: @snap_charity
what is coming up in the weeks ahead. Having these written somewhere such as a whiteboard or calendar can be helpful.
Help them visualise
Pictures are a powerful tool in helping us to feel comfortable and prepared, especially anywhere new or unfamiliar. Before visiting somewhere, take a moment show your child
SNAP Charity relies on donations to provide this incredible support. To make a donation, please scan the QR code or visit their website: snapcharity.org
photographs or video of what it is like. These can normally be found online on the location’s website or social media accounts. Even with things that they have experienced before, if they aren’t a regular occurrence it can be difficult for your child to remember what it was like. If you have photos of your child from a previous year, showing them these can help trigger memories and emotions connected to that event or activity.
All things must come to an end
As an adult you might rarely mention that things will end because we think this is obvious and so does not need specifying. However, some children may not instinctively know that activities and events will definitely come to an end and that they will return home after. If this hasn’t been explicitly mentioned they may worry they are going to be somewhere “forever”. Some children may need clear time limits or preparation that things are coming to an end, for example when Trick or Treating specifying how many more houses they will knock at before finishing.
Seasonal senses
Consider any additional sensory implications before going to seasonal events, especially those taking place outside. The temperature can drop suddenly, sounds, smells and sights can quickly become overwhelming, as can being in crowded places. Prepare or update a small on the go sensory toolkit with items to meet your child’s individual sensory needs. Halloween costumes and woollen winter clothing can cause physical discomfort if your child is touch sensitive so consider putting on soft base layers underneath.
Decorated differently
Some festivals such as Halloween and Christmas come with their own unique decorations and traditions. Familiar places may suddenly look very different. This could be school, the local shops or homes of friends and family. If you know you are going somewhere familiar that now has decorations up, try to do a quick visit (or ask someone else to) take a photo of what it looks like.
Alternatively, some children may just need a verbal pre warning that places may look different, especially if decorations are up earlier than expected.
Tried and loved
The Potion Lab Kit
This fun and spooky little kit brings a little magic to rainy-day play. With shimmering powders, petals and biodegradable glitter, children can mix their own sparkly potions while exploring creativity and imagination—no cauldron required, although a fun toy one is provided!
The Potion Lab, £24.99
Haunted House Wooden Kits
We love these Haunted House Wooden Kits from Baker Ross because they turn Halloween crafting into a mini masterpiece. The pre-cut wooden pieces slot together easily, ready to be painted, coloured or covered in glitter. Add a little LED tealight and you’ve got the perfect spooky decoration to show off.
Baker Ross, £5.99 (Pack of 2)
weThings love
Lulu Loves Nursery
We love this Sequin Pumpkin Sweatshirt from H&M because it’s the perfect mix of cosy and cute. Made from soft cotton with a sparkling pumpkin design that flips to reveal a surprise, it’s a fun, easy way for little ones to join in the Halloween spirit—no costume needed.
H&M, £9.99
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Where's The Pumpkin King? Book
This search-and-find adventure turns Halloween Town and Christmas Town into bustling picture puzzles. Little readers can hunt for Jack Skellington on every page and spot favourite faces—from Sally and Santa to the villainous Oogie Boogie—making it perfect for cosy, spooky-season, screenfree fun!
