As the October chill sets in and the leaves begin to fall, Edinburgh transforms into a city filled with spooky delights, especially for families looking to make the most of the Halloween season. Whether you’re in search of pumpkin picking, creepy escape rooms, or ghostly tours, there are plenty of spine-tingling events to keep your little ones entertained. Here’s a look at the top Halloween activities for children happening around Edinburgh this year.
The Anatomist Escape Room
📅 30th September 2024 – 3rd November 2024
📍 Escape The Past, 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX
If your family loves a challenge, step into the eerie world of The Anatomist, a spine-chilling escape room set in Edinburgh’s old surgical district. Perfect for older kids (12+), this escape room plunges you into the sinister study of Dr Malcolm, where grave robbing and dissection are the norm. Can you solve the mystery of his journal before time runs out? A thrilling adventure for the whole family—if you’re brave enough!
💸 The Anatomist | Award Winning Escape Room Game | Edinburgh | Escape The Past.
Recommended for ages 12+
Craigies Pumpkin Festival
📅 1st October 2024 – 27th October 2024
📍 Craigies Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR
What’s Halloween without pumpkins? At Craigies Pumpkin Festival, you can take your family on a delightful pumpkin-picking adventure! Spend the day exploring the farm, enjoying the autumn atmosphere, and choosing the perfect pumpkins for carving. There’s plenty of family-friendly fun, including spooky surprises and delicious treats.
💸 Adult £12 / Child £10
Suitable for all ages
Craigies Pumpkin Festival ‘After Dark’
📅 12th October 2024 – 26th October 2024 (Fridays & Saturdays only)
📍 Craigies Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR
For a spookier experience, check out Craigies Pumpkin Festival ‘After Dark’! This evening event is filled with haunted delights, perfect for older children who want to experience Halloween at night. The farm takes on an eerie glow as you explore the fields and enjoy spooky stories, thrilling surprises, and pumpkin picking under the stars.
💸 Adult £12 / Child £10 Buy Craigies Pumpkin Festival Tickets online – Craigies Farm (digitickets.co.uk)
Recommended for ages 8+
Bridgend Farmhouse Halloween Party
📅 31st October 2024
📍 Bridgend Farmhouse, 41 Old Dalkeith Road, EH16 4TE
Bring the whole family to Bridgend Farmhouse’s Annual Halloween Party! This event is packed with fun activities, including storytelling, magic shows, music, pumpkin carving, and more. There’s even a costume contest with prizes for the best outfits. With spooky food and games, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween with children of all ages.
💸 Adults £5 / Children £1
Suitable for all ages
Halloween Ghost Tour
📅 25th October 2024 – 2nd November 2024
📍 Various locations
Discover Edinburgh’s haunted history with a family-friendly ghost tour this Halloween! Venture into the Blair Street Underground Vaults or stroll through eerie graveyards to learn about the city’s haunted past. With the spirits said to rise during Samhain, it’s the perfect time to experience Edinburgh’s spooky side.
💸 There are a number of different providers but we’ve always enjoyed Edinburgh ghost and history walking tours | Mercat Tours.
Recommended for older children (10+)
Gladstone’s Land – Murder on the Mile
📅 25th & 26th October & 31 October 2024
📍 Gladstone’s Land, 477B Lawnmarket, EH1 2NT
Join the Gladstone’s Land team for an exciting, hands-on adventure as they open up a new part of their historic 1501 tenement house! But beware – when tensions rise, will everyone make it out in one piece?Step into the shoes of Thomas Gladstone and help uncover the truth in this thrilling quest for justice.And don’t forget to dress up in your Halloween best! Come celebrate the spooky season with us – we can’t wait to see your costumes!
💸 See event website for ticket details.
Suitable for ages 6+
Climb on board the Necrobus
📅 25th October 2024 – 2nd November 2024
📍 Departs from Lawnmarket, outside of Heritage of Scotland, across from Deacon Brodies.
A stone’s throw away from Gladstone’s land you can climb aboard the Necrobus and explore Edinburgh’s dark side on this spine-chilling (comedy) ghost tour! As you travel through the city’s haunted streets, you’ll hear bone-tingling tales of restless spirits, mysterious deaths, and eerie legends. With plenty of spooky stops and a few jump-scares along the way, it’s the perfect Halloween adventure for the whole family.
💸 The Necro Bus tour, is available for children from 5+ but we recommend it for older children.
The Tradition of Guising in Edinburgh
Halloween in Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without the age-old tradition of guising. Similar to trick-or-treating, guising involves children dressing up and visiting houses in their neighbourhood to perform a song, dance, or joke in exchange for sweet treats. If you’re planning to take your kids guising this year, here are a few important rules to follow:
- Only visit houses with lights on and pumpkins displayed: This is a sign that the household is welcoming guisers. If a house has no lights or decorations, it’s best to skip it.
- Be ready to perform: Guising traditionally involves more than just knocking on doors. Kids should prepare a short performance, such as a song, poem, or joke, before receiving their treats.
- Stay with an adult: While guising is a safe and friendly activity, it’s always best to accompany young children or have an older sibling with them to ensure they stay safe.
- Be polite: Remind children to say “thank you” at every stop, and respect the neighbours by not knocking on doors too late in the evening.
Guising is a fun way for children to engage with the community while keeping a local tradition alive. So, get those costumes ready, practice a few jokes, and set out for a night of fun and treats!
Get Ready for a Spooktacular Halloween in Edinburgh!
With so many exciting events happening across the city, this Halloween is set to be one to remember. Whether your family loves pumpkin picking, escape rooms, or simply enjoying a ghostly tour, Edinburgh has something for everyone. Enjoy the spooky season, and have a fang-tastic Halloween!
