Halloween began in Ireland. Long before trick-or-treating, the festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest, when bonfires were lit, turnips were carved into lanterns and families gathered close to share food and stories.
For Irish children, it is still one of the best weeks of the year, and with the October mid-term falling around it, there are plenty of days to fill. In 2026, Halloween lands on Saturday 31 October, and mid-term starts on the October Bank Holiday, Monday 26 October.
Here are five fun Halloween activities for kids and families, at Carton House and around County Kildare.
Follow a Pumpkin Trail or Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Choosing a pumpkin is half the fun of Halloween. Kids love wandering the rows looking for the right one, then carving a face into it at home. The tradition has Irish roots too: before pumpkins arrived from America, families here carved turnips to keep wandering spirits away.
At Carton House, the Sweet Pumpkin Trail leads down through the estate towards the Boat House. It is an easy walk for small legs, with plenty to spot along the way, and it is one of the highlights of our Halloween family programme.
If you want a full farm day out, Clonfert Farm is just outside Maynooth and runs its Halloween event from 17 to 31 October 2026, with a pumpkin patch, haunted house, funfair and fire performances. Caragh Open Farm near Naas is a good pick for younger children, with pumpkin picking in the field, tractor rides and animals to meet. Bring wellies to both, as October fields get muddy.
Watch a Halloween Magic Show
A magic show hits the sweet spot for Halloween. It is spooky enough to feel special but never frightening, and children of all ages get caught up in the tricks, especially when they are called up to help.
This mid-term, Carton House hosts the Amazing Halloween Magic Show as part of our Spooktacular Enchanted Estate celebrations. Halloween activities for children are included when you stay on our Halloween Family Two Night Escape.
There is more on around the county too. The Irish National Stud & Gardens runs its Halloween Extravaganza on Dark Horse Avenue from 24 to 27 October, including a Witches' Potion Quest for younger visitors. On Halloween itself, Samhain Newbridge holds a family day at Newbridge Town Hall with crafts, face painting and entertainment.
Bake and Decorate Spooky Treats
When the weather turns, and in late October it usually does, baking is a reliable way to keep everyone busy. Children love covering cupcakes in ghostly icing, piping spider webs and adding jelly-sweet eyeballs, and they love eating the results even more.
At Carton House, kids can join a cupcake-decorating workshop with our pastry team and take home their own creations. It is also a nice moment to share an old Irish custom: barmbrack, the fruit loaf eaten at Halloween, traditionally has a ring baked inside, and whoever finds it is said to be married within the year.
Have a Cosy Halloween Movie Night
After a day outdoors, a film night is the easiest way to settle everyone down. Blankets, popcorn and a Halloween film pitched at your youngest viewer are all you need, and older children can choose the next one.
At Carton House, families can watch a film in the Duchess's Study, one of the estate's historic rooms, with the fire lit and the day's adventures still being talked about.
Go on an Autumn Woodland Walk
Late October is when Irish woodland looks its best. Kicking through leaves, collecting conkers and spotting mushrooms keep children happy for hours, and a simple Halloween scavenger hunt, with a list of things like a red leaf, an acorn or a spooky-shaped stick, makes any walk more fun.
Carton House sits on a 1,100-acre estate with self-guided walking and cycling trails through old woodland and around the lake, and there are plenty more family favourites for the hours in between. Close by, Donadea Forest Park and the riverside parkland at Castletown House in Celbridge are both good for an autumn afternoon. Head out early, as the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October and it gets dark sooner through mid-term.
For more ideas, read our guides to things to do in Kildare in autumn and a family day out in Kildare.
Spend Halloween Mid-Term at Carton House
If you would rather not pack the car every morning, you can do all of this in one place. This Halloween, Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, becomes the Spooktacular Enchanted Estate, just 25 minutes from Dublin.
Our Halloween Family Two Night Escape includes two nights in a Fairmont Family guest room in The Garden Wing, based on two adults and two children under 17 sharing, with breakfast the following morning and one evening meal for two adults in Kathleen's Kitchen. Children under five dine free, with other children's meals charged as taken, and the Halloween activities for children are included.
You also have complimentary use of the Carton House Wellness facilities, including an 18m swimming pool, gym and thermal suite, along with the estate's trails, tennis courts and two championship golf courses.
Book Your Family Halloween at Carton House
Once the children are tired out, the evening is yours. Head back to one of our rooms and suites, book a treatment at the spa, or simply enjoy the quiet of the estate after dark.
Book Your Halloween Family Two Night Escape at Carton House
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun Halloween activities for kids?
Pumpkin trails and pumpkin picking, Halloween magic shows, decorating spooky cupcakes, Halloween movie nights and autumn woodland walks are all popular with children. At Carton House, families can do all of these during the Halloween mid-term.
What Halloween activities are on for kids at Carton House?
During the Halloween mid-term, Carton House runs the Sweet Pumpkin Trail, the Amazing Halloween Magic Show, a cupcake-decorating workshop with the pastry team and film screenings in the Duchess's Study.
When is Halloween mid-term 2026 in Ireland?
Halloween is on Saturday 31 October 2026. Most schools are off from Monday 26 October, the October Bank Holiday, to Friday 30 October, but check exact dates with your child's school.
What is included in the Halloween Family Two Night Escape?
Two nights in a Fairmont Family guest room in The Garden Wing, breakfast, one evening meal for two adults in Kathleen's Kitchen, Halloween activities for children and use of the Carton House Wellness facilities.
Is Carton House good for families?
Yes. Carton House has Fairmont Family guest rooms, seasonal family programmes, an 18m swimming pool and a 1,100-acre estate with walking and cycling trails.
How far is Carton House from Dublin?
Carton House is in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, about 25 minutes from Dublin.
Are there pumpkin patches near Maynooth?
Yes. Clonfert Farm, just outside Maynooth, has a pumpkin patch as part of its Halloween event from 17 to 31 October 2026. Caragh Open Farm near Naas also does pumpkin picking. Book ahead for both.
What Halloween events are on in Kildare in 2026?
Family events include the Halloween Extravaganza at the Irish National Stud & Gardens from 24 to 27 October, Clonfert Farm's Halloween event from 17 to 31 October and the Samhain Newbridge family day on 31 October.
What can parents do during a Halloween break at Carton House?
Parents can relax in the rooms and suites, book a spa treatment, have dinner in Kathleen's Kitchen, use the pool and thermal suite, or play tennis or golf on the estate.
Why spend Halloween mid-term at Carton House?
Carton House brings Halloween activities for children, family rooms, dining and wellness facilities together on one 1,100-acre estate, 25 minutes from Dublin, so families can enjoy mid-term without planning every day out.