It's Halloween-eve and it's getting spooky!

As many children are off of school for half-term week, many parents are looking for ways to keep the kids busy.

We've taken a look around and found some of the best family-friendly Halloween activities in the area - so you can keep your little ghouls entertained!

Thursday, October 31 - Halloween

• The Spooky Barn, Heybridge Basin

The Jolly Sailor in Heybridge Basin is hosting an evening of haunting events in their "Spooky Barn". Enjoy a pumpkin carving competition, fancy dress and tasty pizzas at the welcoming local pub from 6pm.

Find out more about this event, here.

• Halloween Crafts, Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham-on-Crouch Library is hosting a free family spooky-themed craft day on Thursday. From 3pm to 4pm, children are invited to dress up in fancy dress and create a Halloween craft. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Find out more about this event, here.

• Light Party, Maldon

The Salvation Army on 12 Wantz Road are holding a fun light party for families of 3-13 year olds. Enjoy craft activities, a glowstick silent disco, a bible story & dinner for just £2 per child. This is the perfect option for children who may not enjoy trick or treating. From 4.30-6.30pm.

Find out more about this event, here.

• Halloween Freakshakes, Maldon

The Waffle Bar on Maldon High Street is bringing the 'treat' in trick or treat this Halloween. From 11 am Wednesday they will be offering Halloween-themed Freakshakes and treats specially for the School Holidays. 

Take a look for yourself! Here.

• Halloween Party for ages 1-6, Maldon

Happy Healthy Minds on Church Street Maldon is hosting a fun line-up of Halloween activities for your kids. For £13 per child, children can enjoy potion making, messy play, biscuit decorating, party food, and so much more. Cute costumes encourages! 11am to 12.30pm.

Find out more about this event, here.

• Halloween Trail, Southminster

Ettie's Coffee Shop has organised a Halloween Trail in Southminster, complete with trail maps and prizes. The event, in aid of Farleigh Hospice, will run between 4-6pm and feature a route with clues along the High Street. The trail behind at the coffee shop before finishing at Dreamy Play Days where you can collect your prize. Tickets must be booked online at a cost of £3 per child.

Find out more here.

• Dress-up and Brewhouse Cinema, Southminster

Wibblers Brewery on Goldsands Road is inviting both adults and children to get dressed up in their silliest or scariest costume and enjoy a spooky afternoon at the Brewery. Films will be shown throughout the day in the "haunted brewhouse cinema", and there will be the opportunity to visit Kerry the Psychic Medium and Erin the Tarot Reader. 

Find out more here.

• Barleylands Halloween Festival, Billericay

Barleylands in Billericay is hosting a Halloween Festival from October 26 to November 3. The scaretastic line-up includes spooky magic shows, a maze, dance parties, pumpkin decorating, a pumpkin paddock, as well as the indoor and outdoor play areas and daily timetabled activities.

You can grab tickets, here.

Friday, November 1

• Halloween Roller Disco, Maldon

Sk8ters Roller Rink at Madison Heights Maldon will be holding a Halloween-themed Roller Disco. From 7 to 10pm, enjoy lots of skating, a DJ, games, and best dressed competition. There is also a diner and licensed bar available.

Find out more about this event, here. 

Saturday, November 2

Halloween History Tour, Burnham-on-Crouch

Head to Creeksea Manor House in Burnham-on-Crouch on Saturday for a delightful Halloween tour. Join guide Geoff as he tells personal, first hand tales of amusing past events and historical facts. Instead of candy, why not opt for fresh air and exercise. £20 pp.

Find out more here.

Happy Haunting!