With Halloween around the corner, here’s my guide to family fun in and around Bradford.

Even at the age of 30, I get dressed up for Halloween and enjoy taking my little step lad, Theo, trick or treating. We headed to Pontefract to visit the famous Farmer Copleys who dedicate an annual event to pumpkin picking.

Shannon and Theo in Halloween costume (Image: Shannon Palmer)

This year’s Pumpkin Festival includes Pumpkin Nights, with evening picking, live music and autumnal food and drink.

Shannon Palmer at the pumpkin patch (Image: Shannon Palmer)

It’s a yearly tradition for me, and this year’s visit didn’t disappoint. I love getting out in the fields and looking at all the quirky pumpkins - there are thousands to choose from - with loads of photo opportunities.

I took my two-year-old niece, Rae-Obi Williams, she loved exploring the pumpkin patch and enjoying all the sights and experiences, especially the spooky bumble bee tractor ride. There is loads to do and plenty of food vendors. A perfect autumn day out. Visit farmercopleys.co.uk/farmer-copleys-pumpkin-festival/

Some of Bradford’s oldest buildings are said to be home to various spooky spirits. I’m sure many of you’ll have heard about a few, whether it’s the legend of Fair Becca, still roaming to find her lover after her deadly demise, and the ghost room at East Bowling’s Bolling Hall. Growing up that neck of the woods, I was always dared to venture in solo and it still spooks me out. The Paper Hall in the city centre is said to be haunted by a ghostly admiral roaming the building, and in Haworth Branwell Bronte is said to haunt The Black Bull pub.

If you’re brave enough, there’s a ghost hunt at Bolling Hall tonight. Tomorrow, 11am-3pm, there’s an Early Years Halloween Event, with arts and crafts activities, biscuit decorating, spooky storytelling and a ghost trail. Also tomorrow, 11am- 3pm, there’s Halloween Hyacinth bulb planting with the Bolling Gardeners. Visitors can decorate their pots in a spooky style and take them home.

Today at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley there’s an Apple Day, 11am-3pm, with free tastings, craft activities and entertainment. Visit bradfordmuseums.org

At Halifax’s Piece Hall there’s a family Halloween Trail today and, for the grown-ups, a Disco Aint Dead night at the Trading Rooms. Visit thepiecehall.co.uk

At Tickles Music Hall, Westgate, Bradford, there’s a Little Groovers Halloween party today, 2-4pm, and on Tuesday there’s a Halloween Party, with Mark Memphis. Visit tickleslivemusichall.co.uk

Over at Harold Park in Low Moor there’s a fun-filled family Halloween ghost hunt today. And on November 27, Yvette Fielding and the masters of all things spooky bring Most Haunted Live to St George’s Hall.

Happy spooky season, and remember - you’re never too old to get into the spirit and carve a pumpkin.