We have a little over 2 weeks until the visit from the “Great Pumpkin” aka the great scamper for candy – HALLOWEEN!! And while many view this as a holiday for witches and ghosts and goblins, there is a ton of family fun to be had out there. We gathered 10 fun ways to add a little Halloween-y fun to your celebrating here in the Austin area.
Haunted Trails
Pioneer Farms
October 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th “Nightly”
Walk the 3/4 mile trail all decked out for the holiday with spooky scarecrows, lanterns, historic haunted houses, story-tellers, and more! Hear Edgar Allan Poe tales and watch “lantern-lite” movies form the 1800’s. Fortune tellers & hayrides are available for an additional fee. Admission is $15.
Boo at the Zoo!
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
October 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Enjoy after hours at the zoo! Come dressed in costume and make sure to bring a flashlight to see the animals at night. Take a ride on the Haunted Train, all decked out for Halloween. Tickets are $12.50 and include a train ride. So fun to see the zoo at night!
Spooktacular Bowling
Mel’s Bowling Alley, Georgetown
October 27, 2012 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Come enjoy a family fun evening with bowling, Costume Contest, Ghostly Drink & Food Specials, and the “Gutter Mansion” – Mel’s Haunted house. Admission includes 2 games, shoe rental, and a goodie bag. $12 per person
Halloween at the Y
Old Settler’s Park, Round Rock
October 27, 2012 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come to one of the largest Halloween events in Central Texas, this festival includes carnival games, inflatables, rides, climbing walls, FREE Halloween candy, music, prizes, concessions, and more. There will also be a fun costume contest! Admission is $5 per person
Fright at the Museum
Texas Natural Science Center
October 28, 2012 1:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Dress up your kiddos and bring them down to dig in the dinosaur graveyard. Learn the mysterious side to Texas Natural History…from frightful fish to slithery snakes to creepy bugs – tons of fun for the whole family. Storytelling at 2:30 and 3:30 and a musical scavenger hunt as well. Museum admission is free.
Halloween Children’s Concert
Austin Symphony
October 28, 2012 2:00 PM
A family fun “spook-tacular” show featuring chilling songs for everyone Come dressed in your best costume! What a fun way to get you in the spirit! At the Long Center for Performing Arts, tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
Goblins in the Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
October 28, 2012 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Come dressed in your costume and enjoy fun events such as the “Not-So-Haunted-Tower where Botanica the herbal witch casts her magic plant spells” and the Owl Prowl scavenger hunt in the gardens. Dress up as an insect from the Butterfly Garden and get to march in the parade at 6:00 PM. Arts & Crafts, snacks, and plenty of great photo opportunities. $7 per Adult, $3 children 5-12
Fall Fun Fest
Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock
October 31, 2012 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
A fun fall Dr. Suess-themed festival featuring pre-school & toddler carnival games, hayrides, and fun entertainment. Trick dogs, juggling, uni-cycling, and more fun to be had! Bring canned goods to donate, as all donations benefit the Round Rock Serving Center. Free Admission
Don’t forget that we have already lined up the Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin for you. And check out the Top 5 Corn Mazes in Texas as well!
This is a great list of Halloween things to do in Austin. If you’re looking for a few more ideas, check out this list as well: Austin Halloween Events