From the popular Southend Halloween Parade to craft fun at Southend libraries, feast your eyes on these 10 low cost events to enjoy over half term.

The Big Trick or Treat event at Lakeside Shopping Centre

The event will run from October 23 to 31 where visitors can explore the mall and use the interactive map to guide them to some spooky, tasty treats.

Southend Halloween Parade

The third annual Southend Halloween Parade returns on Saturday October 28. The frightfully fun and free event includes music, costumes and light up puppets, don’t miss the fireworks finale at 8pm.

Halloween traditions at Southchurch Hall

Join in the free tour of Halloween traditions at Southchurch Hall on October 28 at 12pm at Southchurch Hall Museum. Tickets are free but must be prebooked.

Festival Leisure Park pumpkin patch

Festival Leisure Park in Basildon will open their pumpkin patch from Monday October 23 until Saturday October 28 where people can strike a pose with the chance to win a £100. On Sunday October 29 from 11am to 2pm people can book to pick up a free pumpkin to take home.

Hanningfield Nature Reserve

Little ones can take in the sights and sounds of autumn at Hanningfield Nature Reserve on a self guided walk from Saturday October 21 to Sunday October 29. It costs £4 per child, no booking necessary.

Children's party

CBEEBIES TV presenter Joanna Adeyinka-Burford will be hosting a children's party with music, dancing, story telling, fun and games at Thundersley Congregational Church, Benfleet on Friday October 27 at either 10am or 2pm sessions. It costs £10 per child.

Langdon Nature Reserve for a wild evening

If you are feeling brave head to the woods at Langdon Nature Reserve for a wild evening of lantern decorating and toasting marshmallows at Lower Dunton Road, on Monday October 23 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. It costs £10 per child, booking essential.

Make your own fairy wings

Spread a little magic by taking your little ones to the make your own fairy wings event at Southend Library. It takes place on Monday October 23 at 10am in The Forum combined meetings rooms and is aimed at children aged five and over.

Macabre tour at Prittlewell Priory

Take a macabre look at practices and traditions surrounding death and dying in the Victorian period. The tour runs at Prittlewell Priory at various time on October 25 and 28. Recommend age 11 and over. Prices start at £5.94.

Southend Library fantasy world map making

Youngsters can make their own magical, fantasy world map on October 24 and 25 at Southend Library The Forum combined meeting rooms. For children aged eight and over. See www.eventbrite.co.uk.