THE half term holiday is just around the corner. Here are six events to keep the family entertained.

1. Kingston Lacy. Enjoy an autumnal adventure at Kingston Lacy near Wimborne with activities running every day from October 19 October – November 3 including woodland storytelling sessions, ranger walks, autumn inspired crafts such as beeswax candle making and autumn leaf creations as well as bulb planting. Families can also venture out along the woodland walk (accessible by buggy and wheelchair) to have a go at traditional fence building, creating a wild poem or making a fairy den. Normal admission applies. All events are free or by suggested donation for National Trust members with the exception of the storytelling walks (£5 per child) and bulb planting (£3.50 per pot).

2. Brownsea Island. This October half term, Brownsea Island will host a series of pollution pods, which simulate the air quality of five different places across the world. Each pod will recreate the air quality, smell and temperature of five major cities – Tautra, London, Beijing, São Paulo and New Delhi.

As visitors pass through the five cells, moving from dry and cold locations to hot and humid, for a few minutes at a time they experience, at no risk to their health, the sensation of breathing toxic air that is a daily reality for millions of people. The event is free but normal admission and ferry fares apply. The Pollution Pods will be on the island from Friday, October 25 to Tuesday, October 29.

3. North Dorset. Crowned winners of a Primary Times Children’s Choice Award in 2018, Theatre Fideri Fidera are heading back to Dorset this October half term with a new show, Ogg n Ugg n Dogg in partnership with Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity. See artsrreach.co.uk for details.

Theatre Fideri Fidera will tour to Broadmayne, Sturminster Newton, Nether Compton and Milborne St Andrew from October 28-30 respectively.

4. Verwood. Thrill-seekers are being invited on a new night-time adventure with Sundown Segway tours at Go Ape Moors Valley. The thrill of the all-terrain Segway is heightened as you manage your way through the maze of the forest, with only a head torch and the night sky for light – keep an eye out for the local wildlife! The hour-long Sundown Segways is £35 per person and available from October 28 to November 3 at 5pm and 6.30pm. See goape.co.uk/sundown for more information and dates.

5. Lulworth. The Lulworth Estate is hosting four days of spooky fun. Inside the castle, children can wander through the basement, meet Merlin and get creative at the craft table. Within its beautiful grounds (which includes a grass maze, children’s playground and wondering peacocks) visitors can enjoy Pitch ‘n' Putt and classic lawn games or venture into the woods for a spooky trail with a gingerbread house sweetshop in the woods for trick or treaters. Older (and braver) children can experience a creepy zombie apocalypse, while younger family members enjoy a jump on the bouncy castle or fun in the soft play. There is also a spooky disco.

6. Poole. From the creators of Aliens Love Underpants comes the monstrous-ly good new show Monstersaurus! at Lighthouse, Poole from Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27 at various times.

With original music, lots of audience participation, bags of energy and a wealth of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem, it’s a delight for the whole family as the story unfolds of young inventor Monty who creates a whole world of wacky inventions and incredible monsters. The only trouble is, not that he has made them, how is going to get rid of them all?

7. New Forest. Smuggler’s trails, wild play activities and wildlife are some of the treats awaiting walkers in this autumn’s extended New Forest Walking Festival which includes half term week. Dozens of guided walks led by local experts will be available and booking is now open online.Routes that take you behind the scenes to reveal the area’s history and heritage are available from Saturday, October 12 to Sunday, November 3.