October Half Term: Freaky Phobias

This October half term, face the facts behind your fears 👻

Designed for children and their curious grown-ups, Freaky Phobias is a light-hearted – but still spooky – look into the things that keep us up at night.

Why do spiders make us shiver? Why do clowns give us the creeps? And why does our heart race when the lights go out? Discover what fear does to our bodies – and how we can overcome it.

Thackray Science Live: The Fear Factor

Daily | 11:30am, 12:30pm & 1:30pm | Free with museum entry

Our resident Boffins are back with a spine-tingling science show. Discover why we get scared, what fear does to our bodies, and clever ways to face our phobias.

Hands-on Eye Dissections

Friday 31 October | 10:30am & 2:30pm | Age 7+ | Ticket link TBA

Did you know that the eye has approximately 2 million working parts? Learn to identify just a few and get up close to the inner workings of this fascinating body part, as you dissect a real eye* with the help of our team.

*Non-human! Please note that this workshop uses animal products.

Craft: Sleepy Dream Pillows

Daily | 10am–4pm | Free with museum entry

Mix soothing herbs like lavender and chamomile to make your very own sleep remedy — the perfect potion to ward off those bedtime jitters.

Family Trail: Find Your Phobias

Daily | 10am–4pm | Free with museum entry

Spiders, snakes, needles and more… can you match each fear to its phobia? Complete the spooky trail around the galleries and claim a Halloween prize.

Circus Skills with Rosie the Clown

Dates TBC | Free with museum entry (bookable)

How can juggling help us overcome our fears? Meet Rosie, who works using juggling, balancing and circus games to entertain children in hospitals.

Story & Rhyme Time: Afraid of the Dark

Wednesday 29 October | 10:30am | Under 5s | Pre-book here

Enjoy a spookily special Story and Rhyme Time session. Help Wise Eyes the owl conquer his fear of the dark with mindful exercises, nightlights, stories, and songs.