When it comes to October half term, spooky activities are undoubtedly on the agenda. The Dramatic Heart of Wales has its fair share of Halloween excitement, from open air cinemas to potions workshops. Locals and tourists alike may come for these seasonal events, but should stay for the adrenaline-fuelled experiences that make this region so unique.

Feel inspired for an October half-term holiday here on the South Wales coastline. Discover how you can get your heart racing this half term with our pick of family friendly adventure activities – ready and waiting once you’re done with your autumnal walk.

Mountain Biking: Splash through muddy puddles

Embrace the change of the seasons with mountain biking: there is something about splashing through muddy puddles and crunching over fallen leaves that makes the sport even more exciting in autumn.

The Dramatic Heart of Wales offers plenty of blood-pumping mountain biking trails to choose from, all set in the dramatic scenery of our valleys and vales. Our recent blog helps you to pick the right one for you and your family.

For those wanting to take on the world famous Afan Forest Park, bike hire is available for child and adult bikes at Afan A Blast. Bike hire and maintenance is also available from Afan Valley Bike Shed. When you’re ready to go, Campbell Coaching are on hand with sessions to help you make the most of your family mountain bike adventure.

Go Ape: Zip into autumn leave piles

Gain a new perspective on the beautifully autumnal Margam Country Park. Go Ape is well known across the UK for offering the ultimate treetop adventure, and their Margam Country Park location is their only site in Wales. Go Ape Margam Country Park also boasts their biggest Tarzan Swing in the UK ¾ a six-metre free fall leap of faith. If that doesn’t get the heart racing, then a zipline plunge into a bed of fallen leaves is sure to do the trick.

Go Ape Margam Country Park welcomes all adventurers aged 10 and up, who are at least 1.4m (4’7”) tall. Find out more about Go Ape Margam Country Park.

Mountain and River Activities: Brush up on your bushcraft

Mountain and River Activities’ 24-Hour family course offers action-packed adventure, and some great family bonding time too. Learn hands-on bushcraft skills together, including first aid, lighting fires, purifying water, and catching, cooking, and eating food in the wild. Most importantly, put all your new skills to use as you set up your own overnight accommodation.

After the thrills and hard work of setting up camp, the whole family may even be treated to a clear night sky of glistening stars. Your guide will be on hand with a virtual constellations set-up for cloudier evenings.

Find out more about Mountain and River Activities’ 24 hour family course, as well as their full range of outdoor activities.

Feeling inspired to discover a half-term family adventure? Plan your Dramatic Heart of Wales holiday today.