Spooktacular Family Fun: Things to Do in Cork This Halloween 

Halloween is one of the most magical times of the year for a family break in Cork. From pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides to autumn adventures and plenty of opportunities to dress up, there is lots happening across Cork this October. 

With the October mid-term break approaching, why not turn Halloween into a family getaway and make Cork International Hotel your base for exploring it all? 

Just 15 minutes from Cork city centre and approximately 20 minutes from Kinsale, the hotel is ideally located for discovering some of Cork’s best family attractions before returning to the comfort of your spacious family bedroom at the end of the day. 

Have a Spooktacular Day at Boo at Leahy’s Open Farm 

A firm favourite with Cork families, Leahy’s Open Farm is bringing back its Halloween Boo Event from 24th to 31st October 2026. 

There is plenty of Halloween fun planned, including a haunted hayride through the witchy forest and the opportunity to carve your own pumpkin. Families can also make the most of all the usual farm favourites, from meeting the animals to the adventure trail, mystery maze, go-karts, playground and digger park.  

Make sure to pack the wellies and wrap up for a brilliant autumn day outdoors. 

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Joe’s Farm 

Nothing says Halloween quite like heading into a pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin! 

At Joe’s Farm Crisps in Killeagh, families can enjoy a proper farm experience, walking through the farm, picking vegetables and choosing their very own pumpkin to take home. 

Pumpkin Picking at Joe’s Farm takes place across selected weekends throughout October, including 24th and 25th and 26th and 27th October, making it a lovely addition to a Halloween mid-term break. Pre-booking is essential and, as this is a working farm, wellies and rain gear are definitely recommended.  

Discover Ovens Pumpkin Patch 

For another pumpkin adventure, Ovens Pumpkin Patch is returning for Halloween 2026 and is just 15 minutes from Cork city. 

This family-run pumpkin farm will open on weekends throughout October, with pumpkin picking, live pumpkin vines, seasonal photo opportunities, pumpkin bowling and other family activities. There are also Shropshire sheep to meet along the way, making this a gorgeous autumn day out for younger children.  

Keep an Eye Out for Halloween at Fota House 

Beautiful Fota House and its Arboretum and Gardens are particularly atmospheric at this time of year. 

Fota has become well known for its family-friendly Halloween Creepy Crawl, which has previously transformed the gardens into a daylight Halloween adventure filled with spooky storytelling and characters. The 2025 experience was designed for children aged 0–12 and included an interactive trail through the Arboretum and Victorian Working Garden.  

At the time of writing, we recommend checking directly with Fota House for confirmation of its full Halloween 2026 programme before planning your visit. 

Try Some Spooky Science 

For slightly older children, Old Cork Waterworks Experience is getting into the Halloween spirit during the mid-term break too. 

Its Spooky Bats and Creepy Crawlies Halloween Camp is a hands-on science experience where children can explore the fascinating world of bats and creepy crawlies and create something to take home. The programme is aimed at children aged 7–10.  

It is also a great excuse for a trip into Cork city during your stay. 

Make the Hotel Part of the Adventure 

Of course, the Halloween fun doesn’t have to finish when you return to Cork International Hotel. 

Our spacious family bedrooms give everyone room to relax after a busy day exploring Cork, while our first-floor playroom is a gorgeous space for younger guests to enjoy some playtime. 

For a really memorable family stay, why not add a little extra magic to your bedroom? Our family add-ons include teepees and special munch boxes and treats, perfect for surprising little guests and making their Halloween getaway feel even more special. 

And when everyone is ready to wind down, our in-house cinema can be booked by hotel residents – the perfect excuse for a family movie night after a day of pumpkins, costumes and Halloween adventures. 

Make It a Family Date Night 

A family break should have something for the grown-ups too. 

Our Family Date Night is a lovely way to spend quality time together without even having to leave the hotel. Enjoy dinner, settle in for the evening and make the most of having everything you need for a relaxing family night under one roof. 

Combine it with a day exploring Cork’s Halloween attractions and you have all the ingredients for a mid-term break that both parents and children can enjoy. 

Your Halloween Family Break in Cork 

Whether your little ones want to choose the biggest pumpkin in the patch, brave a Halloween trail, meet the animals at Leahy’s or simply curl up for a family movie afterwards, Cork is a brilliant place to spend Halloween and the October mid-term break. 

With spacious family accommodation, our children’s playroom, in-house cinema and lots of thoughtful family extras, Cork International Hotel makes the perfect base for your Halloween adventures. 

Pack the costumes, bring the wellies and get ready for a spooktacular family break in Cork this Halloween! 

Ready to plan your Halloween family getaway? Discover our family packages at Cork International Hotel and start planning your October mid-term break in Cork.