Halloween Adventure - Free event for Children - Monday 27th October (drop in 9-11am)
As you may know, we recently launched our Hidden Histories plaques, designed to encourage visitors to pause and reflect on the past lives of the garden and the people who once walked its paths. You can read more about the project here.
We wanted to give families and children a free activity for Halloween, using the plaques as part of a fun. We have created spooky challenges, with children solving the riddle by using the plaques...orienteering meets Halloween!
Community and Connection
Some of the principles that are really important to us at St John’s Garden are community and connection — the way the garden brings people together.
We wanted to create something that gets children moving, thinking, problem-solving, and enjoying being outdoors in the space that belongs to all of us.
Event Details
When: Monday 27th October, between 9 am and 11 am - drop in when it suits.
Where: St John’s Garden, on the corner of Britton street and Benjamin st, EC1M 5QL
What: A Halloween Adventure Trail — follow the clues, complete the challenges, and uncover the mystery… if you dare!
There’ll be spooky Halloween treats for all those who complete a challenge (while supplies last!) and plenty of fun for all ages.
The trail is aimed at 5–12 year-olds, but everyone is welcome — just don’t forget to bring your adult, as this is not a drop-off event. We imagine it could take between 15-40 minutes to complete but there is no rush.
Helpful Ghosts and Ghouls
Claire, Sebby, Violet, and potentially other members of the St John Community Garden team will be on hand to help if you get stuck on a clue or need a little guidance.
What to Bring
Please bring a pencil or pen if you can, to help complete your Halloween Adventure worksheet, but don't worry, there will also be an online version if we run out of forms or you forget your pen.
Your quietest foot steps - We need to make sure nature isn't disturbed and don't want any accidents falling on the stoney paths, so we ask that children do not run around the gardens but instead walk around pretending to be zombies or float around like ghosts (but they will still have activity challenges at each plaque to get them moving)
See You There!
Come in costume if you like, bring your best detective skills, and explore the garden in a whole new (and slightly spooky!) way.
Looking Ahead
We’ll be launching the activity sheets before the event. Some printed copies will also be available in the park on the day.
We hope this will be the start of many activities for children in the garden, with different themed trails and events at other notable times of the year.
We’d love to hear your suggestions for future activities, or your feedback on how you and your family found this one — and what we can do even better next time.