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Family Friendly Halloween Activities in the Austin Area

October Events for Kids

By , About.com Guide

Do your children love Halloween? Learn about the family friendly activities and events in Austin that you can enjoy with your kids this October.

Pumpkin Hunt

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Where: Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees in Elgin
When: October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31. Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
What: Activities will be ongoing each day, including a petting zoo, beanbag toss, wagon rides, pumpkin decorating (after selecting and purchasing a pumpkin). For $2 each, you can do other activities such as the pumpkin maze and pumpkin slide. Pumpkins will also be available for purchase. Half of all ticket sales for the day go to the Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin
Admission: Free except for certain activities that cost $2 each

Halloween Ghost Story Train

Where: Austin Steam Train
When: October 31 at 2:00 p.m.
What: There will be readings of kid-friendly ghost stories, a costume contest with prizes, Halloween treats, and several surprises.
Admission: $12 for child 3-13, $14 for senior 62 and up, $17 for adult.

Harvest of Fall Fun

Where: Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls
When: Now through November 14 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Sundays 1-5 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
What: Hay rides, kiddie mazes, stuffing scarecrows, pick your own flowers, eat pumpkin-flavored ice cream, and pet horses and goats. If you come on the weekend, you can also ride horses, have your face painted, and enjoy grilled corn. Picnic tables available.

Boo at the Zoo

Where: Austin Zoo
When: October 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31 from 6-9 p.m.
What: Come enjoy the zoo after-hours. Come in costume and bring a flashlight so you can see the animals at night. You will see the nocturnal creatures out and about. Take a ride on the Haunted Train Ride (ride the earliest departure when it’s still light out if your kids are afraid of the dark).
Admission: $15 per person (children under 2 are free)

Goblins in the Garden

Where: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
When: October 25th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Come in costume and watch pumpkin carving, follow the Trail of Bones, view a scarecrow exhibit, explore the Haunted Tower, and trick or treat around the gardens. You can have your photo taken at the Punkin’ Patch and eat at The Wildflower Café if you get hungry.
Admission: $7 for adults, $6 seniors and students and $3 for children 5 to 12 years old (under 5 free).

The Austin Symphony's Halloween Children's Concert

Where: The Long Center's Dell Hall
When: Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
What: A concert with spooky music from the likes of "Ghostbusters," "Harry Potter, "Scooby-Doo," and some "boo-tiful" classical music with special effects. There is also an educational aspect; children will be introduced to instruments and learn about the music. Kids and their families are welcomed to wear costumes!
Admission: $8 per child, $12 per adult

Parks and Recreation Department Halloween Activities

Where: Various Austin city parks and recreation centers
When: Events span from Oct. 15-31
What: The City of Austin hosts several events at its various parks and recreation centers, such as carnivals, festivals, and trick or treating opportunities. Click the link above for specific event details.
Admission: Most free; some $3

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