Best Places for October Half Term Family Holidays
Looking for a family getaway that’s more than just a beach break? Whether you’re chasing sunshine, seeking out wildlife, or craving cultural immersion, October Half Term is the perfect time to take a week off and make incredible memories together.
We’ve handpicked the best destinations around the world for families who love adventure, discovery, and something a little different—all suitable for a week-long escape. From Northern Lights in Iceland to safaris in South Africa and ancient cities in Jordan, these trips will give your family stories to tell for years.
Explore behind the glitz of Dubai
Where: Dubai
Flight time from the UK: 7 hours
We all know that Dubai is a list of superlatives, the biggest, the newest, the fastest, but behind all of this you can explore its more authentic side. Families can dive into desert adventures with thrilling 4x4 dune rides, sandboarding, and camel trekking before spending the night under the stars in a luxurious Bedouin-style camp. The old town offers a more traditional experience—wander through the spice and gold souks, take a boat across Dubai Creek on a wooden dhow, and learn about Emirati history at the Al Fahidi Historical District. With a mix of futuristic fun and cultural authenticity, Dubai is an easy and exciting destination for families wanting a taste of the Middle East. You can find more exciting things to do with your little adventurers in our blog What to do in Dubai with Children.
Seal spotting on the beaches of Vik.
Where: Iceland
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours
Autumn is a magical time in Iceland. The landscapes are ablaze with golden moss and changing leaves, the skies are dark enough to catch the Northern Lights, and the crowds of summer have thinned. Families can explore geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic beaches all in a single day. Visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs glisten on black sand, or take a whale-watching tour from Husavik. There are hot springs to soak in, Icelandic horses to meet, and opportunities for snowmobiling or even ice caving depending on weather. It’s an epic outdoor adventure—compact enough for a week, wild enough to feel like another planet.
Island hopping in the Adriatic
Where: Greek Islands
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 40 minutes
With warmer temperatures than some of its European counterparts Greece makes for a pleasant stay in October. The warmest weather can be found in the southernmost islands of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. The best way to experience the islands is on a small private tour, this way you are guaranteed to avoid the crowds and see the things that are most important to you. Many of the islands have a nice mix of beaches, mountain villages and ancient ruins. This means that if the weather is slightly mixed for any reason there is always something to keep little ones entertained. It is also a great way to keep the little ones entertained as many of these islands wouldn’t provide a week of activities.
Awe-inspiring Petra
Where: Jordan
Flight time from the UK: 5 hours
Jordan offers the ultimate mix of history and adventure. October is a fantastic time to visit—the heat of summer has faded, making it perfect for exploring. Children will be awed by the rose-red city of Petra, where hidden tombs and temples seem plucked from an Indiana Jones movie. Float in the Dead Sea, where even the smallest kids can bob like corks, and hike through dramatic canyons in Wadi Mujib. For a more immersive experience, camp in the red desert of Wadi Rum in an eco-lodge, stargazing beside the fire and learning about Bedouin traditions. Safe, friendly, and endlessly fascinating.
Learn to Flamenco in Seville
Where: Spain
Flight time from the UK: 2 hours 45 minutes
Seville in October is full of Andalusian charm without the crowds. This sun-drenched city invites families to explore its winding alleys, Moorish palaces, and vibrant plazas at a relaxed pace. Kids can learn flamenco, sample churros dipped in chocolate, or take a horse-drawn carriage through the historic centre. Visit the Alcázar (which feels like a real-life castle), climb the Giralda bell tower, or cruise the Guadalquivir River. Combine Seville with nearby Córdoba or Ronda for a full week of culture, colour, and hands-on history.
Make a splash in Cyprus
Where: Cyprus
Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 30 minutes
Cyprus offers a delightful mix of lazy beach days and easy cultural adventures. In October, the sea is still warm enough to swim, and the island’s interior is a patchwork of harvest-ready vineyards, quiet villages, and scenic trails. Families can explore the dramatic Troodos Mountains, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea in Latchi, or take a boat trip to the famous Blue Lagoon. There are castles, Roman mosaics, and even a legend or two about Aphrodite to keep little imaginations buzzing. With short driving distances and a warm welcome everywhere you go, it’s a stress-free adventure.
Celebrate Halloween at Tivoli Gardens
Where: Denmark
Flight time from the UK: 1 hour 45 minutes
Popular during the summer months and for the Christmas markets, the end of October makes for a chance to experience the city away from the crowds and before the really cold winter temperatures. From mid - October to the start of November Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a bewitching scene of ghosts, spiders and witches; making this even more of a fun destination. To get outside of the city there are several day trips that you can do from Copenhagen.
Beyond the magic of Tivoli, families can explore the colourful waterfront of Nyhavn, visit fairytale castles, and bike through parks and historic neighbourhoods. The city is small, safe, and wonderfully child-friendly—with interactive museums, a world-class aquarium, and excellent food. A stylish, simple getaway that mixes thrills with Nordic calm.
Stargaze at Wahiba Sands
Where: Oman
Flight time from the UK: 7 hours
Oman offers a softer, more authentic Arabian experience for families. A few hours from Muscat, you’ll find the endless dunes of Wahiba sands, where you can sleep in luxury tents under a vast, star-strewn sky. Days are spent quad biking, camel trekking, or exploring the refreshing pools and waterfalls of mountain wadis. In the capital, kids will love the colourful souks and the grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Boat trips offer dolphin spotting and snorkelling, while the country’s calm vibe and strong infrastructure make it a surprisingly easy and rewarding adventure.
Discover the secrets of Sintra
Where: Portugal
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours
Portugal is the perfect low-stress destination for October, with mild temperatures and lots to do in a short amount of time. In Sintra, families can explore enchanting palaces, secret tunnels, and hilltop castles straight out of a fairytale. In nearby Lisbon, ride the famous yellow trams, take a boat along the Tagus River, and enjoy delicious custard tarts from the city’s famous bakeries. Add in a beach day along the Estoril coast or a day trip to Cascais for a week that balances culture and play beautifully.
Explore the Atlas mountains
Where: Morocco
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 40 minutes
There is so much more to Morocco than Marrakech. Whilst haggling in the souk and seeing the bustling markets of the main square are all really exciting and a great part of any trip to Morocco. If you want to explore further afield there are 3 great festivals held in October, there is a music festival held in the coastal city of Essaouira, which might not coincide with the dates for your half term, but held at the end of October are the festivals of Taragalte, celebrating nomadic culture, heritage and music. Also, the date festival held in Erfoud celebrates the end of the harvest with local music, dancing, camel racing and lots of other fun activities for children to get involved in.
Safari & Coastline in South Africa
Where: South Africa
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours
South Africa in October is a nature lover’s dream. It’s springtime in the Southern Hemisphere, which means flowers blooming, mild temperatures, and excellent wildlife sightings. You can go on malaria-free safaris in the Eastern Cape, visit penguins on the beach near Cape Town, or take a scenic drive along the Garden Route. There are interactive museums, stunning landscapes, and world-class food and wine for parents. South Africa works well for kids with its variety, safety, and adventure-to-relaxation ratio.
Tigers, Temples & Trains
Where: India
Flight time from the UK: 8-9 hours
October marks the beginning of India’s peak travel season, with lush landscapes and clear skies. You can explore the Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—where tuk-tuks, palaces, elephants, and the Taj Mahal come together in one extraordinary week. Add on a safari in Ranthambore National Park for a chance to spot Bengal tigers, or travel by toy train into the Himalayas. With colourful festivals like Diwali sometimes falling during half term, your trip could be lit—literally—with fireworks, sweets, and cultural celebration.
Tea Plantations & Wildlife
Where: Sri Lanka
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours
October is a shoulder season in Sri Lanka, and a smart choice for families looking to beat the crowds. Head to the east coast for sunshine and beach time, or explore the central highlands where tea plantations roll into the clouds. Take a wildlife safari in Yala or Minneriya, cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or ride the train from Kandy to Ella—one of the world’s most scenic routes. It’s a compact country with an enormous range of family activities, making it ideal for week-long adventures.
Rainforest & Wildlife
Where: Costa Rica
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours
October is green (rainy) season on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast—but the Caribbean side shines. Families can visit Tortuguero National Park, where you cruise the jungle canals spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans, and maybe even nesting sea turtles. Zipline through rainforest canopies, visit butterfly sanctuaries, and relax on black- or white-sand beaches. Costa Rica offers immersive nature and wildlife at every turn—and it's surprisingly accessible for families ready to go beyond the usual.
Walk with the Pharaohs
Where: Egypt
Flight time from the UK: 5 hours
Egypt offers an unforgettable dive into one of the world’s most iconic ancient civilisations. In October, the temperatures are comfortably warm—perfect for exploring the pyramids, riding camels, and cruising the Nile by traditional felucca. Visit the sprawling new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, explore ancient tombs in Luxor, and sail past temples at sunset. We can arrange special family experiences, like after-hours tours of the Valley of the Kings or interactive treasure hunts through ancient sites. It’s a powerful, educational, and awe-inspiring trip.
From camels in Morocco to castles in Portugal, temples in India to tigers in Sri Lanka, these journeys go far beyond a typical holiday. If you're ready to turn your October break into a story-worthy family adventure, we’d love to help. If you have any questions or would like a personalised quotation please get in touch with us at 0118 336 0363 or info@littlepeoplebigadventures.com