While Halloween is known as a time when children dress up, scream, and run from monsters, it can also be really fun if done properly. There are many wonderful family-friendly events and activities for this seasonal celebration!
Children can dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and play games without the pressure of being afraid or uncomfortable. Take a look at these family-friendly events in Austin (and beyond) to make sure you’re prepared when your child asks What are we doing this weekend?
At PUMPKIN NIGHTS, families will venture along a half-mile walking path, where they’ll discover the Forbidden City, a Pirate’s Cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 5,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins!
The celebration continues with entertainment and games including a journey through six magical pumpkin-themed lands, real-life fire dancers, and more!
Location:
PIONEER FARMS
DATES:
September 22- October 30, 6 PM- 11 PM
Illuminating 16 acres in the Texas Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is a stunning display of 28,000 vibrant solar-powered, fiber-optic light pods that showcase the intersection of art, technology, and nature.
Location:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
DATES:
September 23- December 30
There will be plenty of fun family-friendly activities and attractions during the Fall Festival, including Wine Bar & Biergarten, Fall Photo Ops, Pumpkin Patch, Axe Throwing, Pumpkin House, Live Music, Chainsaw Wood Carver, Farm Animals, Bounce Pad, Barrel Train, Corn Cannons, Playground, Sand Art, Corn Pit, Yard Games, Tug O War, Hayride, Ball Zone, and more!
Location:
The Robinson Family Farm
DATES:
Sept. 17th – Oct. 30th | Saturdays – Sundays; 10 AM- 6 PM
At Crowe’s Nest Farm Family Fall Festival, families will see farm animals and Texas wildlife!
There will be Raptor shows, hayrides, milking demos, live music, horse rides, barrel-train ride, games, and much more!
Location:
Crowe’s Nest Farm
DATES:
Every Weekend in October, 10 AM- 5 PM
Families will find out why Barton Hill Farms has been named the best pumpkin patch in Central Texas!
You will get to explore the 5-acre corn maze, enjoy the many family-friendly activities, or relax to some live music in the Biergarten!
Location:
Barton Hill Farms
DATES:
October 1 – November 6, Saturdays: 10 AM – 6 PM | Sundays: 10 AM– 5 PM | Columbus Day: 10 AM- 5 PM
This camp for kids ages 3-6 will begin with a pumpkin-themed storytime!
Kids will read books & sing songs! Campers will create a sparkly pumpkin canvas, paint an adorable pumpkin pottery piece, and draw unique pumpkins inspired by Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama!
Location:
The Art Garage Austin
DATES:
October 7, 10 AM- 2 PM
The Pumpkin Hunt is a premiere event for the entire family that includes a free wagon ride into the Christmas tree fields where mini pumpkins are hidden!
There will be other fun activities including a Pumpkin Hunt, Pumpkin Launcher, Train Ride, Fishing Pond, Spinner, Bounce Track, Kid Zip Line, Mazes, The Famous Striker, Bounce House, and more!
Location:
Evergreen Farms
DATES:
October 8 – October 30, Friday: 1 PM -5 PM | Weekends: Saturday 10 AM- 5 PM | Sunday 1 – 5 PM
For this year’s Boo at the Zoo, visitors can wear a costume, ride the haunted train, explore the haunted house, and see animals by the glow of a flashlight!
You can also bring a picnic to enjoy in the Picnic Grove.
Location:
Austin Zoo
DATES:
October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. 6:30 PM- 9 PM
Families with kids can join the City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department as they host the Halloween Movie in the Park on Friday, Oct. 14 beginning at sundown at the basketball court at Gregg-Clarke Park, 1301 W. Center Street.
Location:
Gregg-Clarke Park
DATES:
October 14, 8 PM
The entire family can have a blast at the 26th Annual Hairy Man Festival® and enjoy Live Music, Food Vendors, Arts & Craft Booths, and Carnival Games!
Location:
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District
DATES:
October 15, 11 AM- 6 PM
Local businesses and organizations will set up tents and tables at Mary Kyle Hartson City “Scare” Park to provide a fun and safe opportunity for trick-or-treating.
All “ghosts” and “goblins” young and old are invited to come out to this Treat Trail for a fun afternoon of treats as well as a costume and pumpkin decorating contest!
Location:
Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park
DATES:
October 22, 12- 3 PM
Your little ones will help haunt Long Center’s Dell Hall for Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert.
This amazing concert features frightfully fun symphonic music that is stimulating for young eyes and ears (ages 2-10). The entire family is invited to dress up in their favorite costume and enjoy “boo-tiful” music with their Austin Symphony Orchestra!
Location:
The Long Center
DATES:
October 23, 3 PM
Your little ones will help haunt Long Center’s Dell Hall for Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert.
This amazing concert features frightfully fun symphonic music that is stimulating for young eyes and ears (ages 2-10). The entire family is invited to dress up in their favorite costume and enjoy “boo-tiful” music with their Austin Symphony Orchestra!
Location:
The Long Center
DATES:
October 23, 3 PM
Families will get to join the Bullock Museum for spacey hands-on STEM fun for the whole family.
There will be many fun activities, including FREE spooky tote bags; exploring space with Girlstart by creating LED Halloween bracelets, launching rockets across the plaza, creating solar system headbands, and so much more!
Location:
Bullock Texas State History Museum
DATES:
October 25, 5 PM- 8 PM
This 2-hour event will start with family Halloween-themed yoga. Afterward, families can explore process art stations including slime, costume making, pumpkin art, and more!
Kids will get to take home their own slime and costume element (superhero mask, magic wand, or crown).
Location:
JWSD Dance Arts
DATES:
October 27, 28. 10 AM- 12 PM
Kids of all ages will get to sip on hot chocolate and decorate a spooky gingerbread haunted house!
There will be candy, frosting, and sprinkles galore. When done kids will wrap up each house safely to go home.
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
October 28, 4 PM- 5 PM
Families will enjoy fun activities such as face painting, trick or treating, and a costume contest!
There will be a chance to face your fears at the creepy crawly station, where participants can get up close and personal with the zoo’s favorite creepy critters, or you can test your problem-solving skills as you journey through the corn maze!
Location:
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
DATES:
October 29, 30.
Kids will get to enjoy a spooky, fun-filled, trick-or-treat event!
Attendees will venture through the haunted forest or if they’re too spooked, they can make their way along the path and stop at each of the spooktacular candy vendors!
Location:
Devine Lake Park
DATES:
October 29, 5 PM- 9:30 PM
This Halloween, guests in costumes will enjoy free admission to the Austin Aquarium!
There will be fun activities such as pumpkin painting, a costume contest, free candy, and more!
Location:
Austin Aquarium
DATES:
October 30, 31. 5 PM- 8 PM
