OCTOBER half-term is finally upon us and the Star has picked out some of the best activities in and around St Helens this week.
After a long and difficult year adjusting to lockdowns, isolation and restrictions, this half-term is a time where kids, parents and teachers can finally let their hair down and enjoy a care-free week with their loved ones.
And even if you're still stuck at work this week, we're hoping there are still some activites you can get stuck into around your working schedule.
Mountain Monkeys
Boasting a jam-packed outdoor activites and adventure schedule for kids, Mountain Monkeys' Adventure Holiday Club is the perfect place to take kids with a penchant for the great outdoors.
Operating their Holiday Clubs at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, as well as a second venue at Ratcliffe House Farm in Cultheth, the team offer a week long activity course for kids aged between 5-12.
Split into age groups of Years 1-3 and Years 4-7, each course offers an "age-appropriate" set of activities such as Rockclimbing, Rafted Canoeing, Kayaking, Archery and Laser Tag.
The core outdoor activities are supported by fun games and craft activities, with the Clutheth site offering only the landbased activities.
All equipment is provided and kids can book for the day, at £28.50, or for the week at £137.50.
For more information visit the website here
The World of Glass
Getting into the spooky spirit, the World of Glass is offering a series of free events this week in the lead up to Halloween.
Families are invited to the trails taking place from 11am-3pm on each from Tuesday through to Friday.
Joining the team at the World of Glass, guests will trek through the museum, discover secrets hidden in the underground tunnels, solve clues and win prizes.
With no need to book, residents are encouraged to bring the kids along to the trails at the World of Glass, located at Chalon Way East, St Helens, WA10 1BX.
Darkstar
Described as the "most exciting laser tag venue in the UK", this venue is a great place for the older kids to let off some steam, with a bar and pizzeria offering parents a well needed relaxing space.
Recommened for ages 7 and above, players can compete against up to 45 others in an intense game of laser tag in a multi-level 125 Sq ft. arena, using the most advanced equipment.
Groups can hire the venue for private parties or birthdays, and the venue also offers a discounted rate for younger children at a Kids Club every Saturday morning from 10am-11.45am.
The games start from £6 per person for an individual game, while the Kids Club is £6 for three games.
In addition to this, Darkstar is hosting a DJ Workshop for kids aged 7+ on Wednesday October 27 at 2pm.
Located at The Arena, Central Street, St Helens, WA10 1TZ, you can get more information here
St Helens Libraries
Citadel Arts and St Helens Libraries are celebrating Black History Month by bringing a new show for children aged 8+ and their families to 3 libraries in St Helens this October Half Term.
Aleiah’s Adventure follows young Aleiah who sets off through the city on her own to prove her independence.
As she ventures through the city that she thinks she knows, Aleiah encounters three incredible black women from British History who teach her fascinating things about the past and also about herself.
The show uses visual storytelling and BSL throughout the performance making it accessible to those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Aleiah’s Adventure will be at Haydock Library Wednesday, October 27, Moss Bank Library on Thursday, October 28 and at Eccleston Library on Friday, October 29 – all shows at 11.00am.
Tickets cost just £3 each or £9 for a family ticket (group of 4) and can be purchased online at their website or in person at the libraries.
The Shining Lights Centre
In association with Saints Community Development Foundation, a Halloween Party will be thrown at the Shining Lights Centre in Sutton Manor on Friday, October 29.
At £5 a ticket, the party is designed for kids aged 6-11 and will host a disco, party games, fancy dress prizes and a spooky outdoor walk
To buy a ticket, visit this link
Imagine That!
Just a short drive down the road, the Science and Discovery Centre, Imagine That! is offering a host of spooky-themed activities to kids in Liverpool
With a week of themed actives that includes science shows, spin art and slime surprises, the discovery centre is a popular and interactive centre for children under the age of 11.
With guided tours, graffiti walls, pumpkin design studios, water activties and an outdoor area also on offer, parents are advised to book now to save disappointment.
Tickets are £14.95 per child, £12.95 for under threes (babies go free) and £7.95 per adult. Adult and child tickets are £22.90.
Located at Wavertree Technology Park, formerly Underwater Street, you can find out more information at Imagine That's website here
Tech Club
Set up by a local family business, Computer Xplorers have set up a half-term technology club at Golborne High School.
For kids who love to game and create online, the team have three days of activities planned to keep children entertained over the half term.
Today offers a Stop Motion Animation day, where kids can use specialised software to create their own animation designs.
Tuesday gives kids the opportunity to code online and play with a high-tech robot, while Wednesday offers a host of Minecraft gaming activities.
Recommened for kids in Year 3 and above, the days last from 9am-3pm and cost £40 a day - with 10% discount foir siblings.
For more information visit their website here
St Helens Scarecrow Festival
With creations already popping up around St Helens, families are encouraged to get involved with this years festival for the chance to win the £500 top prize and raise money for Willowbrook Hospice and the Standing Tall Foundation.
After last year's success, the festival has once again captured the imagination of the town with interpretations of superheroes, spooky villians and community heroes on show on the streets of St Helens.
With Johnny Vegas judging the competition again, residents are advised to get their scarecrows registered before the deadline on Wednesday, October 27.
For more information about how to get involved, visit this link
Pumpkin Patches
A perfect autumnal treat is going to visit one of the region's pumpkin patches to pick your own pumpkin and carve your own creations on it.
A popular activitiy for all the family, a handful of patches are located around St Helens including Rainford's Christmas Trees, Birchall's Pumkin Patch in Rainford and Sandhill's Strawberry Farm in Rainhill.
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