There’s Halloween family fun for everyone in the Austin area this fall. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes to dog parades to Zombie runs to movies and more. There’s no denying it Halloween family fun abounds! And, guess what? You’ll have a month-long blast attending all of these great activities leading up to Halloween. Below is a list of suggestions and activities for great family fun this fall.
Family Fun on the farm and beyond
Attend a farm. There’s country in the air at Barton Hills Farms in Bastrop. This 25-acre family farm near the Colorado River is alive all year-long. But, beginning in late September it transforms into a fall haven of family-friendly activities. Paint a pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, feed farm animals, listen to country music, eat barbecue, and a whole lot more. The farm is open during the weekend on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. respectively. New activities this year include rubber duck races, a ball toss arcade, tug-o-war games and the Little Bee Train.
Rescue a dog. You’ll have a howling good time during the 10th annual Dogtoberfest Austin, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Domain. This howl-o-ween celebration features a 1K walk, pet portraits, Weiner dog races, a canine costume contest, a silent auction, raffle drawings, demonstration stations, and yappy hour. Dogtoberfest Austin is a nonprofit organization that creates awareness and raises funds for the purpose of dog rescue. In 2017 the organization helped to support eight area Austin Dog Rescue groups.
Run in the mud. Zombie Charge is the ultimate survival of the fittest 5K mud run. It debuts in the Austin area for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 21. Participants can sign up as a team or individually. Children over 10 years of age can participate with a parent or guardian. During the event runners navigate obstacles, fields, trenches, hills, and trails while keeping their flags safe from the evil zombies. Be one of the survivors during this ultimate fitness test. The $89 fee includes a t-shirt, custom medals, disaster swag bags, and a survivor’s after party. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Red Cross. Check out Groupon for a 34 percent savings on the admission fee.
Free teen and family fun events
Watch a Halloween movie for free. Grab your family for a special presentation of Hocus Pocus. Mobile Loaves and Fishes hosts this PG movie classic on Friday, Oct. 13 in their community cinema amphitheater. The event begins at 7 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair and a blanket. Mobile Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit organization that provides food and clothing to Austin’s homeless population. Donations appreciated.
For teens only. Attend the Stranger Things Teen Party on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2-4 p.m. in the Community Room at the Cedar Park Library. This science fiction Netflix series debuted last year and has since become an instant hit. It focuses on a missing boy in rural Indiana and the mysterious events surrounding his disappearance. Games and treats for ages 12-18.
Safe Trick or Treat family fun outings
On Halloween night the cities of Leander and Cedar Park are opening their doors and welcoming families to join them for a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. All are welcome during Cedar Park’s Halloween in the Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. in City Hall. Ghosts goblins, witches, princesses and superheroes. Sweets, treats, and plenty of surprises. Kids will also have the opportunity to check out a city fire engine, police car, and its construction equipment.
And, there’ll be plenty of family fun during the Leander Police Department’s sixth annual Trunk-or-Treat Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event features a classic car show, candy treats, touch-a-truck, games, contests, snacks, awards and more. Event location to be determined.
Both the cities of Leander and Cedar Park events are free and open to the public.
