Creepy creatures, pumpkin-loving animals, cheeky tricks and free entry for kids – Howletts is getting into the Halloween spirit this October half term.
If you’re looking for a half-term day out in Kent that delivers plenty of Halloween fun without terrifying the smaller members of the family, Howletts Wild Animal Park might have just the thing.
From 23 October to 1 November 2026, the wild animal park near Canterbury is hosting Little Monsters Go Free, a playful Halloween takeover created especially with younger families in mind.
There are creepy creatures to meet, pumpkins for the animals, a rather brilliant poo-themed trail and plenty of opportunities to dress up. Best of all, kids go free.
Things are getting creepy at Howletts
Halloween and creepy crawlies are a natural combination, and brave little monsters can head into the Creepy Cave to get up close to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates while discovering more about the creatures that creep, crawl and slither.
Around the rest of the park, Halloween is getting a suitably wild twist with Feast for Beasts.
Howletts’ keepers and rangers will be creating pumpkin treats tailored to different species, from meat-filled pumpkins for the big cats to pumpkins packed with fruit, seeds and bugs for other residents.
Families can then watch the animals investigate, pounce on and tuck into their seasonal enrichment.
The cheekier side of Halloween
Then there’s the Poo Detectives Trick Trail.
Armed with an activity sheet, children can make their way around the park hunting for clues about some of its residents’ more unusual toilet habits and trying to work out which animals have been playing tricks on their keepers.
It’s silly, slightly disgusting and exactly the sort of thing younger visitors are likely to find hilarious.
The park’s Conservation Station will also be joining the Halloween fun, with spooky talks and activities hosted by Howletts’ Ranger team.
Calling all little monsters
There’s every excuse to arrive dressed for the occasion too.
Howletts will be searching for its Little Monster of the Day, with visitors invited to share their best costumed – or suitably “spookified” – Howletts photographs on social media for the chance to be selected in the competition.
So witches, ghosts, mini monsters and wild animals can all show off their finest Halloween looks.
And when it’s time to warm up, themed hot drinks and snacks will be available from the Pavilion and Elephant Café.
Tony Kelly, Managing Director, Howletts Wild Animal Park said:
“Halloween should be fun for the whole family, so this year we wanted to create an October half-term adventure that delivers all the excitement of the season without being too scary for younger visitors.
“From meeting creepy creatures and discovering some very cheeky animal tricks to watching our residents get stuck into their pumpkin treats, there will be lots happening around the park. And with kids going free, families can enjoy all the Halloween activities alongside a full day exploring Howletts.”
Of course, the Halloween activities are only part of the day.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is set within 90 acres of ancient Kent woodland and is home to more than 390 animals across 52 species, including the UK’s largest herd of African elephants, Kent’s only giant anteaters and more gorillas than any other zoo in the country.
Add pumpkins, creepy crawlies and some very questionable animal toilet habits into the mix, and this could be one of Kent’s more wonderfully wild ways to spend October half term.
Little Monsters Go Free runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026 at Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, Kent.
