Looking for some fun, spooky things to do this half term? Why don't you check out some of these...

SUPPORT the charity Wish Appeal and enjoy an evening of entertainment with The Dance Place’s latest production, Short Stories, which weaves together magical stories such as The Snail and the Whale by children’s laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler, The Seven Dwarfs by Roald Dahl, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde and Into the Woods by Sonheim. Run by Kings Langley resident, Diana Isles, The Dance Place offers dance and drama skills for ages three-25. Short Stories comes to The Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth on October 24 and 25 at 7pm. Details: 01923 269402, thedanceplace@btinternet.com

FORGET ghosts and ghouls this Halloween and visit the Maltings Shopping Centre for a creepy crawly road show on Friday, October 28, from 11am to 4pm. Spiders, lizards and snakes feature in the show and children can learn about their habitat, diet and lifestyle. For more information visit www.maltingsshoppingcentre.co.uk The Maltings Shopping Centre, 28 The Maltings.

EXPLOSIONS and potions are enormous fun and Mad Science can ensure your child has all the excitement of making scientific discoveries in a safe environment. Sessions include Fabulous Forces, Illusions & Light, Hair Raising Science!, Get Mixing!, Sonic Sounds & Robots and yes, you guessed it – Rocket Science! Venues in Chorleywood, Radlett and Berkhamsted. Details: 01727 824700, www.madscience.org/east

GHOSTLY arts and crafts are taking over the Inn on the Park to offer some spooky fun for children and adults. Children can enjoy a Halloween den of activities at the cafe where they will make spooky creations and have their faces painted as their favourite scary creature. Sessions are being held on October 27 and October 28 from 11.00-12.30am and 1.00-2.00pm. Buy your ticket at the café or call 01727 838246 for information. Inn on the Park, off St Michaels Street, St Albans.

JOIN the Harlequin Secret Agents for a host of fun this half term. All week long its all aboard the Pirates Cove Mini Train Express, then on Monday, October 24, Butterfly World visits to show off its fascinating insects. On Tuesday, October 25 the Dan Tien will be getting arty and crafty for Halloween making spooky spiders and witches’ hats, plus from October 26-29 enjoy some balloon modelling and face painting. l Details: Harlequin Shopping Centre, The Parade, Watford. www.theharlequin.uk.com

INVESTIGATE the ghostly goings-on in St Albans with guided city walks throughout Halloween week. The popular, atmospheric walks, taking place from October 26-29, will introduce you to the tales and favourite haunts of local ghosts as well as their sad stories. There are versions of the walk for children and adults. Tickets can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre in St Albans Market Place or from the Tour Guide.For information on the Harpenden Ghost Walk, which takes place on October 31, contact the Town Hall on 01582 768278.

BRAVE the dark and make a date with the Haunted Museum. Back by popular demand those masters of fright, the I Can’t Believe We’re Not Better Theatre Company are returning for a spooky night of Halloween fun at Watford Museum. Ghost stories and legends from Watford’s grim and gloomy past will be spun into a night of frights for families and children aged six and up. Advance booking is essential. Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford on Friday, October 28, 6pm and 7pm (suitable for ages six and above), 8pm (suitable for ages ten and above). Details: 01923 232297, www.watfordmuseum.org.uk

GHOSTLY arts and crafts – including paper lanterns, bats and witches hats – and knitting skills are all on offer at Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley. From October 24-28 and Sunday, October 30, children can create their own Halloween decorations and on Friday, October 28, children can learn to knit. Sessions are from 11am-1pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm daily. l Details: 01442 234600, www.thepapertrail.org.uk

HEAD over to Knebworth House and join in on the Pumpkin Trail and Treats events running from October 26-28. Dress a pumpkin or come in fancy dress and join in the parade at 4pm and enjoy storytelling and fun activities. Details: 01438 812661, www.knebworthhouse.com

THOUSANDS of pumpkins are ready to be harvested at the annual Willows Farm Village Pumpkin Festival, taking place from October 22-30. Children can select a pumpkin and choose to take it home or carve it for display. Younger children can enjoy painting, drawing and collage activities in the craft area. Pumpkin Olympics takes place daily at 12pm and 3pm with children’s pumpkin judging at 3.45pm. Willows Farm Village, London Colney is open 10am to 5.30pm. Details: 0870 129 9718

CLASSICAL ballet visits Rickmansworth courtesy of Ballet Theatre UK’s lyrical re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale ballet, The Snow Queen. Follow Gerda’s quest across the frozen north to the Snow Queen’s Palace of Ice to set free her sweetheart, Kay, from an evil spell. Along the way, experience tales of gypsies, enchanted reindeer and a mysterious Lapland woman. Only Gerda’s love for Kay can release him from the spell and break the Snow Queen’s curse of eternal winter. This stunning new production features glittering stage sets, beautifully handcrafted costumes and a company of renowned international dancers. The Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth on Sunday, October 30 at 2.30pm. Details: 01923 711063

SPOOKY fun for families will be taking place in Welwyn Garden City at Woodall Library on Thursday, October 27. In celebration of the Family Learning Festival, there will be free Halloween-themed art and craft activities and scary story-time sessions from 2pm to 5pm. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be at the event to share fire safety advice and show children and adults around their fire engine. For more information visit www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk. Woodall Library, Cole Green Lane, Woodhall Town, Welwyn Garden City.

FRIGHTENING images or ideas can be very subjective, but dare you test your innermost fears? Hertfordshire County Youth Theatre bring the dark tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to life on the Watford Palace Theatre stage just in time for Halloween. A band of Dutch settlers arrive for a new life in a strange new world, where in dark woods superstitious locals scare the life out of each other with chilling myths and legends. Ichabod Crane is having none of it until he hears the hoof beats drawing nearer and the blood-curdling tale of the headless horseman haunts both his dreams and his every waking hour. Due to its content this show is suitable for children aged ten and over and anyone not of a nervous disposition. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is at Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford on Friday, October 28 at 7.45pm with a free post-show Q&A and Saturday, October 29 at 2.30pm and 7.45pm with a free post-show, fancy dress Halloween party with live music, food, and Halloween games.