It seems like summer has only just drawn to a close, but mid-term is suddenly upon us. And the pressure is on to come up with activities to keep everyone entertained.

Luckily, there’s plenty happening in Cork, as well as all of the usual attractions of the city and surrounds.

There’s a Happy Halloween Experience in the middle of the city, where the emphasis is on spookiness, not scariness (perfect for more nervous kids)…

“Witch Hattie O’Goodspell, the good witch of Munster, will entertain visitors in her magical spooky home.  Hattie is joined by her friends, the spooky skeletons, including old “Lazy Bones”, the bonkers bats, and a host of friendly ghosts and ghouls enjoying their annual Halloween party!”

This fancy dress event is held every day of the mid-term break, in the Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street and costs €5 per child (adults are free). You can find out more on their  Facebook page. 

If you want to get a little spookier, then head to the Cork City Gaol. From Monday to Friday of mid-term, there’ll be plenty going on to keep the kids entertained, and fancy dress is most definitely encouraged. There’s a Black Cat treasure Hunt, face painting, balloon making and story telling, all on the grounds of the jail itself (head inside for a guided tour afterwards). Entrance is €5 for kids, €8 for adults, and you can see more on their  site. 

The biggest event of the season is the Dragon of Shandon Samhain Parade, which takes place on Halloween night itself. The parade starts at 7pm on the Church Street/Shandon Street junction, finishing up on Cornmarket Street at around 8.30pm. There are big crowds out in force for the parade – organisers are expecting around 15,000 people (many of whom will be dressed up for the occasion). You can keep up to date with the details on their  site. 

If you’re looking for a night away, The River Lee is the perfect hotel for a family getaway. With spacious family rooms, super friendly staff and a great (but quiet) location in the middle of the city, everyone will be happy. The Family Fun package is ideal for a getaway, with everything you could with for from a break with the kids. You even get a family pass for either Rumleys Open Farm or Fota Wildlife Park included, with a children’s picnic too. And everyone is happy when it comes to turndown, when little guests get milk and cookies.

The package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a superior family room (2 adults & 2 children)
• One evening meal
• Turndown of milk and cookies
• Children's activity pack
• Breakfast the following morning
• Family ticket to Rumleys Open Farm or Fota Wildlife Park, including children's picnic
• Complimentary on-site car parking
• Complimentary access to on-site NRG fitness centre including swimming pool

For more information on the package and booking details, see  The River Lee website.