Family-Friendly Fun at The Races

Halloween, Music and Wildlife are just some of the family-fun days planned.

With the October half-term holiday fast approaching, why not bring your family along to your local racecourse to check out the host of activities on offer for the whole family?

All of The Jockey Club's 14 racecourses offer free entry to under 18s accompanied by a paying adult[1], making a family visit to the races great value for money.

North West

Families in the North West who fancy a spooky day out should head down to Haydock Park racecourse for the first day of the jump racing season. The day includes an action-packed afternoon of quality racing with plenty of free Halloween entertainment for the family which will be taking place in the Newton Enclosure.

All the family can head to Carlisle Racecourse for its Countryside Family Day on 30th October, where you can come and interact with the most beautiful birds of prey, including the owls from Hawkeye Falconry Display Team, as well as having the opportunity to see the amazing dogs from Border Hound Trailing Association. For top-level racing fans, the day centres around the racecourse's biggest prize money race of the year - the Cumberland Chase - and there will be an array of free children's attractions on offer including Punch & Judy, face-painting, children's rides and a caterpillar maze.

South East

The Home of Flat racing, Newmarket Racecourse, will open its doors this October half-term for your last chance to catch racing action at the Rowley Mile this season. A Halloween Party will be hosted on 29th October for the children and it is the last time that the fantastic children's playground in the Rowley Enclosure will be in action until next spring. The day includes a fancy dress competition, face painting and a ‘Mad Scientist' who will be doing all sorts of spooky experiments to keep the children entertained, while the adults can keep an eye on the scintillating action occurring on the race track.

North East

For your chance to be part of the Freaky Family Funday at Aintree Racecourse this half-term, come down to the famous Merseyside course on Sunday 23rd October to check out the host of Halloween activities on offer. There will be free face painting, a Halloween fancy dress competition, free pony rides, miniature pony grooming and themed-pantomimes. This all sits alongside seven exciting races taking place throughout the afternoon.

South West

So far this year, several music acts have announced their visits to Cheltenham Racecourse and artists such as The Magic of Mowtown, Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show, Russell Watson and Alexandra Burke have already wowed fans. To continue the excitement into the Autumn, The Specials have announced a tour, which includes a date on Monday 24th October in the state-of-the-art events centre at the course, The Centaur. However, if you're already planning Christmas, why not pay a visit on Friday 28th October or Saturday 29th October for the Christmas Fashion and Gift Fair also located in The Centaur for some early festive fun and inspiration!

A great day can also be had on 23rd October when Wincanton Racecourse in Somerset will host its popular Charity Day for St Margaret's Hospice and Wincanton Community Hospital. A great day's racing action will be accompanied by a silent auction sporting an array of fantastic prizes. Why not take advantage of the advanced ticket offer which includes a free racecard and betting voucher?