It all adds up to an exciting time for kids and families, so let’s try and whet all your appetites with a guide to things to do and places to go this coming weekend.
We’ve come up with no fewer than 17 ideas for getting out and about either side of the match in the coming days across Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Ashfield and the wider Nottinghamshire area.
You can tell Halloween isn’t far away because the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is hosting a haunted, spooky trail, while pumpkin-picking starts in Oxton.
Walking trails are also on the agenda at The Harley Gallery in Welbeck and at Hardwick Village in Clumber Park. Worksop hosts an evening with award-winning author Chris Riddell and a special talk on Bolsover Castle. And of course, it’s never a bad time to visit Bassetlaw Museum in Retford.
Mansfield’s Palace Theatre has a packed programme again, celebrating nights in Ibiza, rock legends Pink Floyd and top West End shows such as ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’. Mansfield also hosts one of its popular vegan markets and a chance to research your family tree.
Before setting off, please check the individual website of your chosen destination for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!

. Weekend Guide
Kids picking pumpkins is a surefire sign that Halloween is just around the corner, so let's whet your appetite for getting out and about with this guide to things to do and places to in your area over the coming few days. Photo: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images

. Haunted Halloween trail for the family
Get in the mood for Halloween and explore the mysteries of ancient woodland with a spooky and haunted trail for all the family at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe. The series of walks starts on Saturday (11 am to 3 pm) and runs every day until Sunday, November 5. It is perfect for adventurers of all ages -- from the tiniest trick-or-treaters to the wisest of elders Photo: Submitted

. Evening with award-winning author
Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre at Worksop is hosting an evening with award-winning author and illustrator Chris Riddell on Saturday (5.45 pm to 8.30 pm). Chris will present an unforgettable story-telling experience in one of the caves and then return to the centre for a live drawing event, with a prehistoric theme. He will finish the evening with a question-and-answer session. Photo: Submitted

. Museum is one of best-kept secrets
Bassetlaw Museum, located in the 18th century grade II listed Amcott House at Retford, remains one of north Nottinghamshire's best-kept secrets. But a visit there to admire collections in local history, archaeology, art, agriculture, costumes and textiles, is never wasted. This weekend, until November 18, you can catch an exhibition, 'Simple Things', showcasing watercolours and acrylic paintings by Retford-based artist Angela Larry. Photo: Submitted

. Relive those nights in Ibiza at spectacular show
A whole generation of 'clubbers' spent their summers living the unique Ibiza experience, and now those holidays can be relived in a new, spectacular show, 'Ibiza Nights', which rocks Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Friday night. Go dressed to impress as an incredible orchestra, top singers and a video and laser show celebrate the place and bring you the classic hits that changed dance music forever. Photo: Submitted

9. Join Robin Hood's arch-enemy on a twilight walk
There's a rare opportunity to join Robin Hood's arch-enemy on a guided walk as dusk descends over Sherwood Forest on Saturday and Sunday (6 pm). The Sheriff of Nottingham is leading twilight walks among the ancient oaks for fascinating evenings of history and myth. The walks are part of The Sheriff's Weekend event at the forest, featuring family fun trails, historical re-enactments, plays, archery and mock medieval court trials. Photo: Submitted

10. England in action on our doorstep
It's not often we get the chance to watch international football on our doorstep. But tomorrow (Thursday) night, England Under-21s, fresh from being crowned European champions during the summer, are in action at The City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, where they take on Serbia. It's only the fourth time the Under-21s have played at Forest. Photo: Submitted

11. Event to help you delve into your family tree
We are all fascinated by our family trees, and intrigued to see what we might find out about our ancestors. So a free event at Mansfield Central Library next Tuesday (2 pm to 3.30 pm) might be of interest. One of the librarians will give a talk about the history of Nottinghamshire's parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials, which are a major resource for anyone exploring their family tree. Some amazing stories will unfold. Photo: Submitted

12. Art and sculpture trail from The Harley Gallery
Follow the footpath between The Harley Gallery (pictured) at Welbeck and Creswell Crags on a new art and sculpture trail for families. The free Worksop trail takes you from contemporary art at The Harley and historic art in The Portland Collection museum to Britain's oldest cave art at Creswell. Along the way is a new outdoor sculpture exhibition. Photo: Submitted