There are lots of activities for families to experience together in Chesterfield this October half term.
Including a free museum exhibition, free creative workshops, a Halloween Spooktacular on the mini train and activities at the council’s leisure centres, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Chesterfield Museum will be hosting their latest Museum on the Move exhibition at Hasland Village Hall from Saturday 26 October until Saturday 9 November.
The free interactive exhibition will allow you to explore Roman life with replica Roman items to handle and interactive activities, including the chance to have a go at creating your very own mosaic.
On Saturday 26 October a Roman soldier will be visiting the exhibition and visitors will be able to meet them, and find out more about what they wore and try soldier’s drill exercises.
Then on Saturday 9 November, you’ll be able to take part in a Roman pottery workshop, where you can learn more about pottery during the Roman period and have a go at creating your own lamp.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 2.30pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Please note that the exhibition will be closed from Saturday 2 October until Tuesday 5 November.
Free creative workshops with Lucie Maycock
As part of the Animate Chesterfield project, there are some free creative workshops for children to try.
Chesterfield’s Artist in Residence, Lucie Maycock, will be hosting four workshops during half term from her shop on Low Pavement.
The free sessions include Printmaking, Creative Collaging, Acetate Art and Map Art; booking is required for some of these sessions. Places at the drop in workshops will be on a first come first served basis.
Find out more about these free workshops and book your place.
Puffin’ Billy, Queen’s Park
The mini train Puffin’ Billy will be running throughout half term from 10.30am to 4pm, with rides costing £2.50 (cash only) but free for under threes.
A special Halloween Spooktacular will be happening on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Rides will still cost £2.50 (cash only) and are free for under threes, but riders will also get a special treat. Riders are welcome to come along in fancy dress.
Please note that operation of the mini train is weather dependent.
Young persons’ market
Chesterfield’s Young Persons’ Market is back on Sunday 27 October from 10am to 4pm.
Designed to give young people an opportunity to try out selling on the market, budding entrepreneurs can take a free stall to sell their unwanted toys, books, clothes, or products that they have bought or made.
If buying is more your thing, browse the stalls for new to you items or grab a homemade gift for a loved one. You're sure to find a bargain.
Chesterfield Artisan Market, organised by The Market Co, will also be open from 10am to 4pm and offers a high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical, and original.
Young people aged 5 to 25 are able to sign up for a stall for the Young Persons’ Market for free.
Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre
Splash sessions
Both leisure centres will be hosting splash sessions for families where they can play with toys, floats and sinkers in the pool.
Sessions will be held at the Healthy Living Centre on:
- Wednesday 30 October from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Saturday 2 November from 2.15pm to 3.45pm
At Queen’s Park Sports Centre, sessions will be held on:
- Tuesday 29 October from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Friday 1 November from 2.30pm to 3.30pm
- Sunday 3 November from 2.15pm to 3.45pm
All sessions will cost £5.30 per adult and £3.70 for under 16s, but a special family discount ticket is available at £15 for a family of four.
Children aged eight and above can attend unaccompanied as long as they are able to competently swim at least 50 metres in the pool. Booking is essential for the small pool at Queen’s Park Sports Centre but not required for the other pools.
Parent and toddler swimming
Parent and toddler swimming is happening at the Healthy Living Centre on Monday 28 October from 1pm to 2.30pm and Thursday 31 October from 10am to 11.30am aimed at children up to the age of five years old.
There will be a splash pad area, toys, floats and suitable music.
It costs £5.30 per adult with one child swimming for free and you can add on a soft play session afterwards for £2.80.
Playzone, The Healthy Living Centre, Staveley
Playzone at the Healthy Living Centre will be open as usual throughout half term, opening from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Find more details about half term activities at the leisure centres.
