Halloween events in Sunderland 2020: spooky activities near me - from pumpkin picking and trails to monster hunting

It goes without saying that Halloween celebrations are going to be anything but normal this year.

Fancy dress parties may be off the table due to Sunderland’s current Tier 2 restrictions, which prevent households from mixing indoors.

Yet, lovers of all things spooky can rejoice as there are still plenty of Covid-safe events planned in the area.

From a real-life monster hunt to pumpkin picking at a farm, here’s a list of family-friendly Halloween events near you:

Makem monster hunt

Fancy yourself as a fearless monster hunter? Look no further than Sunderland’s very own outdoor monster trail, where you’ll find 13 terrifying creatures situated around the city.

There are six giant real-life monster inflatables and seven virtual creatures which can be tracked down and photographed using the trail’s free augmented reality app.

The colourful installations, both real and virtual, can be found everywhere from cafes in the Bridges shopping centre to the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.

Anyone can join the free trail, which runs every day this week until November 1. Visit Sunderland BID’s website for more information.

Pumpkin trails

No Halloween is complete without some kind of pumpkin-related activity, and Active Sunderland have planned a special trail across the city.

The aim of the game is to spot the 100 hidden pumpkins while enjoying some fresh air and exercise.

There are 10 pumpkins within 10 different parks and green spaces to be found, and each trail is approximately 1km long. Go to Sunderland City Council’s website for starting point details.

Science club Halloween special

The science boffins at Fun Science Sunderland are putting on a spooktacular Halloween show, where they will be conducting mesmerising demonstrations from burning ghosts and bubbling balloons, to monsters’ toothpaste and spooky slime.

The children-only event will run on October 30 at ILM Associates, 25 Bridge House, from 6pm, and costs £10 for a ticket - just message the Fun Science Facebook to book a slot.

Pumpkin carving

Pumpkin carving can turn into a mess at home when you don’t have the right equipment.

Instead, head down to The Green Bean cafe at Southwick Green on Halloween day where everything you need to create your own spooky work of art is provided.

What’s more, Halloween-themed drinks and snacks will be available to purchase while you work.

Families can book a socially-distanced table in advance via the cafe’s Facebook page, and the cost is £5 per pumpkin.

Spooky glass painting

If pumpkins aren’t your thing, look no further than spooky glass painting at the National Glass Centre.

Kids - and adults - can create their own creepy design using designated glass paints in an array of colours.

The event costs £5 and is suitable for children aged four plus, who must be accompanied by an adult with a free ticket.

The workshop operates strict bubble seating in line with Covid-19 guidance, and you have to book in advance.

Pumpkin picking

Last, but most definitely not least, enjoy a spot of pumpkin picking as part of Down at the Farm’s annual Pumpkin Week, from 24 to 31 October.

The farm’s infamous haunted house has been transformed into an indoor, socially-distanced pumpkin patch which can be enjoyed by people of all ages - even in the rain. Pumpkins can be picked then carved at the farm or taken home.

All play areas and barrel rides are open and take-out food is available at the cafe.

Adult entry with pumpkin costs £9.50, while a child entry with pumpkin and barrel ride costs the same. You will need to book in advance.