THERE’S something for everyone this half term from theatre fun, arty workshops, and because it’s that time of year lots of Halloween thrills and spills.

Here’s our little guide to just some of the events designed to keep your little ones amused.

  • Half Moon Theatre, Mercury Studio Theatre, Monday to Wednesday, 11am and 2pm (The Girl and the Giraffe) October 28 and 29, various times (Curious). 01206 573948.

CHILDREN’S theatre make a welcome return to the Studio space with a double bill from one of the country’s top theatre companies for children Half Moon.

In The Girl and the Giraffe puppetry and a gorgeous soundscape are used to tell the story of a girl who makes a giraffe feel better, and in Curious, cake-making gets really messy in a introduction to theatre aimed at the under 3s.

  • Flipside Exhibition, Firstsite Art Gallery, Lewis Gardens, Colchester. until October 30. Free. 01206 577067.

THERE’S plenty going on at Firstsite over the half term thanks to Young Artistic Kommunity’s Flipside show. Have a go at poi tomorrow from 1pm to 2pm, or hulahoopaloonie on Sunday at the same time, then on Tuesday from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm, Yak’s Limitless dance crew will be teaching basic breaking and freestyle dance moves in their uniquely designed checkerboard dance studio.

  • Theatre Workshops. For all those who think their lives should be on the stage as always there’s a theatre workshop or two.

TWAS Theatre are running a Little Mermaid-inspired three-day extravaganza at Kingsland Church on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm and then at the Colchester Institute on the Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. The cost is £75, available by calling 07954 258027.

From Tuesday to Thursday from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Headgate Theatre, Polka Dot Musical Theatre Workshop will be doing Alice in Wonderland. That costs £80 and is available by calling 01206 366000.

  • Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Tuesday to Thursday, 1pm to 4pm. Children priced £10, which includes one free adult. Additional adults £2. 01206 330784.

AS well as their special Halloween sleepover, the historic Tudor gatehouse will also be hosting what they call a Halloween Lite party, not so frightening but jam packed with spooky fancy dress, apple games, pumpkin fun, and scary tales up the Tower.