October half-term for Kent schools runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. In Folkestone, there are free Halloween films at the Harbour Arm on both weekends either side of it. There’s also the biggest free adventure playground in the South East, and plenty of places to eat with children nearby. Here’s our round-up, including where to get the family fed.
When is October half-term in Kent?
Kent County Council’s term dates say Term 1 ends on Friday 23 October and the school holiday runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. School starts again on Monday 2 November. Some schools set their own dates, so check with yours.
Free Halloween films at the Harbour Arm
The Harbour Arm is showing a free spooky film every Saturday and Sunday at 1PM, from 24 October to 8 November, in The Goods Yard. Over half-term, that’s:
- Saturday 24 October: Mars Attacks! (12A)
- Sunday 25 October: Ghostbusters
- Saturday 31 October: Hocus Pocus (PG)
- Sunday 1 November: Eight Legged Freaks
Check the age ratings before you go, as not all of them are for little ones. See the Harbour Arm events page for the latest details.
A free day out at the Lower Leas Coastal Park
The Lower Leas Coastal Park runs along the seafront between Folkestone and Sandgate. Its adventure playground is the largest free play area in the South East. It reopened this summer after a £750,000 refurbishment, with more inclusive and sensory equipment, extra seating and buggy parking (Folkestone & Hythe District Council).
It’s outdoors, so save it for a dry spell and wrap up warm.
Family-friendly places to eat
Children are welcome at all the places below, and The Pullman and Luben have high chairs. Food is served at the usual times over half-term; each venue page has the details. Buggies can be a squeeze when the bar’s busy, so please fold yours up if you can.
Luben, 24 Rendezvous Street
Wood-fired pizza for the whole family. Luben is relaxed and friendly, so it’s an easy one with children and has high chairs. You can eat in or take your pizza away. Read more in our guide to Luben.
Panataria, 15 Rendezvous Street
A few doors from Luben, Panataria is our deli and café. It’s walk-in only, so just pop in. There’s a kids’ meal deal of a cheese or ham sandwich, crisps and a juice carton, and you can eat in or take away. It’s handy for a picnic in the coastal park.
The Pullman, 7–9 Church Street
Our first pub, in the town centre, with a proper garden for drier days and a fire in the colder months. There are high chairs here too.
Harbour Inn, 24–26 Harbour Street
Right by the harbour, so it’s an easy stop before or after the films. Harbour Inn is known for its seafood, and our seafood guide has more.
The Ship Inn, 65 Sandgate High Street
In Sandgate, at the other end of the coastal park from the harbour, so it’s a good place to warm up after the playground. Our Sunday roast is served here too, if your half-term ends with a family Sunday lunch.
A rainy-day plan
If the weather turns:
- Catch the 1PM film at the Harbour Arm at the weekend.
- Have lunch at Harbour Inn, or head up to Luben for pizza.
- On a weekday, go for breakfast at The Pullman or a sandwich at Panataria.
Half-term is busy, so book a table for weekends and lunchtimes.
Questions people ask
When is October half-term 2026 in Kent?
Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, according to Kent County Council. Some schools set their own dates.
Are the Harbour Arm Halloween films free?
Yes. They’re on at 1PM on Saturdays and Sundays from 24 October to 8 November, in The Goods Yard.
Where can we eat with kids in Folkestone?
Children are welcome at Luben, Panataria, The Pullman, Harbour Inn and The Ship Inn. Luben does wood-fired pizza, Panataria has a kids’ meal deal, and The Pullman and Luben have high chairs.
Is there a free playground in Folkestone?
Yes. The Lower Leas Coastal Park has the largest free adventure playground in the South East.
Do I need to book?
It’s a good idea at weekends and in the holidays. Use the Book a table button. Panataria is walk-in only, so there’s no need to book.
Fancy it? Book a table.
Book a table →Written by Jonnii, L&B Marketing.