MAKING sure the kids are entertained through school holidays is hard enough through summer, but with wet weather putting a dampner on things it is more important than ever to have some rainy day ideas. We've put together a list of some events happening over the October half term. 

Spotted something we haven't covered? Add your own events in the comments section below. 

1. GET in the mood for Halloween this half-term with a special arts and crafts session in Leigh.

Resources will be provided for the session at Leigh Community Centre as children aged three to nine are encouraged to come along and make their own spooky creations.

The two-hour drop in session, run by The Art Ministry, will begin at 10am on Tuesday, October 27.

To book a space call 01702 477248 or email enquiries@leighcommunitycentre.com. 

2. HYLANDS House is set to terrify both big and little monsters this Halloween with two eerie events.

A special Hallows’ Day family friendly adventure will be held at 4pm on Saturday, October 31 followed by a ghostly gathering for grownups in the evening.

The daytime event will see a lantern-lit trail of tricks and treats in the house gardens, rides and activities and a spooky tour of the house, followed by a firework display.

But brave adults risking the evening event should prepare to be scared as it takes place behind the abandoned rooms of Hylands House in the darkest depths of the building.

The late night Hallows’ Eve gathering will finish with a Disco of the Dead. Everyone is invited to dress up and there will be awards for the best costume so dig out your ghostliest garments and frightening facepaint for a night of spooky entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £10 for the family event and from £13 for the evening.

Call 01245 606505 or visit chelmsford.gov.uk/allhallowseve

3. SPOOKY events will take place at Hadleigh Park to celebrate Halloween.

On Tuesday, October 27, visitors can take a step back in time to the Iron Age as part of the Horrendous History event.

Find out about bog bodies and the disgusting things people kept in their houses.

Meet at the Chapel Lane car park at 10am or 2pm. The cost is £4 per child and subject matter is suitable for children aged seven to 11.

On Thursday. October 29, hunters are needed to find the park’s missing vampire bats.

Visitors can follow the trail from the spooky house into the park and see how many they can spot to win a prize.

Halloween fancy dress is encouraged.

Meet at the Chapel Lane car park between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Entry is £4 per child and includes a prize. The vampire bats event is suitable for children aged from three to eight.

4. BRAVE souls can venture into the Essex Police Museum for a spooky tour packed with ghoulish tales next Thursday.

A special guided tour will take place at 7.30pm and will delve into 22 creepy ghost stories; hear about the ghostly footsteps which stalk the halls, moving objects and strange sightings and make sure you do not stray down any dark corridors.

To book a ticket, priced at £3, just call 01245 457150 or you can email museum@essex.pnn.police.uk. 

5. A SPOOKY fancy dress Halloween disco will be on offer at the Park Pavilion, Harwich, on Saturday, October 31, from 7.30pm until 12.30am.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £10 for the family.

To buy, contact Francis Mills on 07527 442327 or email francisjmills@aol.com.

6. A Spooky Rhyme-Time event will be held at Southminster Library from 11am on Monday, October 26. For kids aged 0-5.

7. A Halloween trail will be held around Highwoods Country Park, Colchester, on Friday, October 30. 

Uni students are helping the council to put on a Halloween event for kids. Fancy dress, face painting and lots more. Starts at 5pm. 

8. Witham library will have renowned children's book illustrator Marion Lindsay running a free Alice in Wonderland themed art workshop for children age four-11 on Tuesday 27th October, 10.30am -12 noon, during half term week.

The children will be making magical Cheshire Cats. There will also be Alice themed activities for younger children. No booking is required, just turn up on the day. 

9. Hadleigh rare breeds centre is hosting pirate week through half term. This includes fancy dress and treasure trail. For more information go to www.hadleighfarm.org.uk/visit-us/rare-breeds-centre.

10. Braintree District Museum is holding a wicked witches event on Wednesday, October 28. Learn about witches from Medieval times and how they identified one. Make a witches wand learn to cast your very own spells. Held from 11am until 12.30pm.