Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for the best family-friendly activities in Austin, you’re in luck! This city is packed with Halloween magic—from pumpkin patches to spooky science experiments, and even some Día de los Muertos fun for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a day of pumpkin picking or an evening of trick-or-treating with the kids, there’s no shortage of things to do. Let’s dive into all the great ways your family can enjoy the Halloween season together in Austin.
Family Halloween Activities in Austin
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained all October long, Austin’s got you covered! You’ll find everything from interactive spooky science experiments to creative craft workshops for kids. Want to catch a Halloween movie outdoors under the stars? Or maybe your crew is ready to explore a kid-friendly haunted house. No matter what your family is into, there’s something for everyone. Bonus: many events are pet-friendly, so even your furry family members can join in the Halloween fun!
Austin Pumpkin Patches and Hayrides
Pumpkin patches are a Halloween must, and they’re even more fun when you make it a family outing. Whether you’re picking the perfect pumpkin for your front porch or taking a scenic hayride, Austin’s pumpkin patches are the place to be this season.
Last year, I took my two kids to Barton Hill Farms, and let me tell you, they were obsessed with the corn maze! It was the perfect mix of challenging for my older one but not too overwhelming for my little guy. We spent the entire afternoon picking pumpkins and snapping photos (which turned into our holiday card!). Plus, the hayride was a hit with the whole family—there’s something about the crisp fall air and the scenery that just puts everyone in a festive mood.
Best Family-Friendly Pumpkin Patches in Austin
Grab the kids and head to these top spots:
- Barton Hill Farms: Pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes.
- Evergreen Farms: Pumpkin patch, tree farm, farm animals.
- Sweet Berry Farm: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, berry picking, and mazes.
Popular Halloween Hayrides in Austin
For families that love a little adventure, hop on one of Austin’s many hayrides. Whether you’re enjoying a ride through a pumpkin-filled farm or a mildly spooky trail, your kids will love the experience. Barton Hill Farms, in particular, offers fun hayrides where everyone can enjoy the cool fall air and autumn scenery together.
- Barton Hill Farms
- Sweet Berry Farm
- Crowe’s Nest Farm
Halloween Festivals for Kids in Austin
Nothing says Halloween like a festival packed with candy, games, and costumes! Austin’s kid-focused Halloween festivals make for a great day out, where the whole family can dress up and enjoy some good, clean fun. Boo at the Zoo is a local favorite, with plenty of kid-friendly activities and a not-so-scary train ride. Over in Pflugerville, the Pfall Chili Pfest has carnival games, costume contests, and yummy food perfect for a family outing.
Where to Trick-or-Treat in Austin
Trick-or-treating is one of the best parts of Halloween, and Austin has some awesome neighborhoods and events that make it safe and fun for everyone.
We live near Hyde Park, and every year, the neighborhood transforms into a trick-or-treater’s dream! It’s become a bit of a family tradition. We meet up with a few other families, start early, and work our way through the decorated houses. Last year, my daughter insisted on hitting every house with spooky lights—she was fearless! By the end of the night, her candy bucket was overflowing, and we all sat down together to sort through the treats. It’s one of those simple joys that makes Halloween so special for the whole family.
Austin Trick-or-Treating Locations
Outdoor and Kid-Friendly Halloween Movie Nights
Looking for a fun, low-key way to enjoy Halloween? How about watching a spooky (but not too scary!) movie under the stars? Austin has plenty of family-friendly outdoor movie nights where you can pack a picnic, bring blankets, and settle in for a cozy evening of Halloween films.
We tried the outdoor movie night at Community First! Village for the first time last year, and it was such a hit! My son couldn’t stop giggling at Hocus Pocus, and my daughter loved cuddling up under her favorite blanket while munching on popcorn. It was one of those calm but magical moments, just relaxing under the stars with other families around us. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love the idea of an outdoor movie night as a fun, laid-back way to enjoy Halloween!
Kid-Friendly Halloween Movie Nights
- Alamo Drafthouse Kids Club: Indoor and outdoor screenings of family Halloween classics (Hocus Pocus, Casper).
- Community First! Village: Outdoor movie nights throughout October.
- The Long Center: Outdoor Halloween films where families can enjoy movies on the lawn.
Get Crafty: Halloween Workshops for Kids and Families
Does your little one love making Halloween crafts? Austin’s got plenty of workshops that’ll let your kids get creative and messy (without you having to clean up).
Local craft shops like Paper + Craft Pantry and The Pottery Parlor and Cordovan Art School host fun family workshops throughout October. From decorating pumpkins to DIY costumes and spooky masks, these are great bonding moments with the kiddos, and they get to bring home their creations too!
Austin Public Library often holds free craft events that are geared specifically toward kids. They can create their own Halloween decorations, masks, and more—all while getting in the holiday spirit.
Spooky Science for Little Scientists
Is your child curious about the “science” behind Halloween? Austin’s got just the thing. Head over to the Thinkery or check out events at The Science Mill, where kids can participate in hands-on science experiments with a spooky twist.
From making glow-in-the-dark slime to dry ice cauldrons, these fun activities let your kids explore science while having a blast. They’ll be mesmerized by the bubbling potions and creepy-crawly concoctions, and you might even learn a thing or two yourself!
Pet-Friendly Halloween Events in Austin
Got a four-legged family member who wants to get in on the Halloween action? Austin is super pet-friendly, and many events are designed for the whole family—pets included!
Pet-Friendly Halloween in Austin
Here are some fun, pet-friendly Halloween events where your furry friends are more than welcome:
- Pet-tober Fest at The Domain: Pet costume contests and demonstrations, vendors and more.
- Pflugerville Pfun Run: Halloween-themed pet and family run.
Día de los Muertos Family Events in Austin
Austin’s Halloween fun doesn’t stop with spooky events—there’s also the rich tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a beautiful celebration of life, culture, and family. This is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to a different kind of celebration that’s full of color, music, and meaning.
We attended the Viva la Vida Festival last year, and it was such an incredible experience for the whole family. My kids were mesmerized by the vibrant altars, the parade, and the traditional music. We even joined in on the altar-building workshop at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, where they helped create a small tribute. It was such a meaningful way to spend the day together, and it sparked so many great conversations with my kids about honoring loved ones and learning about other cultures.
Día de los Muertos Family Events
Here are a few family-friendly Día de los Muertos events to enjoy:
- Viva la Vida Festival: Parade, altars, and live music.
- Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center: Altar-building workshops, kids’ crafts.
- Mexic-Arte Museum: Art exhibits, family crafts, and cultural performances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the safest neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Austin?
Austin has several family-friendly neighborhoods that are known for being safe and welcoming during Halloween. Hyde Park, Barton Hills, and Clarksville are popular options, where neighbors really get into the spirit with decorations and plenty of candy. Many parents prefer community trick-or-treating events like those held at The Domain and Mueller for an organized and safe experience.
What are the best times for trick-or-treating in Austin?
Most families start trick-or-treating around 6:00 PM, with the majority wrapping up by 9:00 PM. It’s a good idea to head out a little earlier with younger kids, as it gets darker. Be sure to bring flashlights or glow sticks to help keep everyone visible and safe.
What should I bring to outdoor Halloween movie nights in Austin?
Outdoor movie nights in Austin, like the ones at Community First! Village or The Long Center, are a fun, laid-back experience. Pack blankets or low lawn chairs for seating, and don’t forget snacks! Some venues may have food trucks or concessions, but it’s always a good idea to bring your family’s favorites. Since evenings can get cooler in October, especially after sunset, throw in an extra blanket or a jacket for the kids.
Are there any kid-friendly Día de los Muertos events in Austin?
Yes! The Viva la Vida Festival, hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum, is one of the biggest family-friendly Día de los Muertos events in Austin. It features a colorful parade, live music, and art activities for kids. You can also visit the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center for altar-building workshops, cultural crafts, and storytelling that is designed for families with younger children.
Are there any Halloween events in Austin that are pet-friendly?
Definitely! Austin is a very pet-friendly city, and there are plenty of events where your furry friends can join in the fun. Pet-tober Fest at The Domain features costume contests for pets, and the Pflugerville Pfun Run welcomes pets and their humans.
Are Austin pumpkin patches open all week?
Most pumpkin patches like Barton Hill Farms and Sweet Berry Farm are open on weekends during the Halloween season, though some are open on select weekdays as well. It’s always best to check their websites or call ahead for specific hours, especially if you’re planning a weekday visit.
Are there any indoor options for Halloween fun if it rains?
While many of Austin’s Halloween activities are outdoors, you do have indoor options for those rainy days. The Alamo Drafthouse Kids Club hosts indoor screenings of Halloween movies that are perfect for families. Additionally, places like The Thinkery offer indoor spooky science workshops where kids can engage in fun, hands-on learning activities that aren’t weather-dependent.
What Halloween events in Austin are best for toddlers or younger children?
If you have little ones, stick to gentle and engaging activities. Austin pumpkin patches like Evergreen Farms and Sweet Berry Farm are great because they offer activities like hayrides and petting zoos that appeal to younger kids. For Halloween festivals, Boo at the Zoo and The Pfall Chili Pfest have plenty of toddler-friendly games and entertainment.
Make Halloween in Austin Unforgettable!
Austin is full of Halloween fun, whether you’re looking to trick-or-treat with the kids, craft spooky decorations, or experience a bit of Día de los Muertos. So grab your costumes, gather the family, and get ready to create some incredible memories this Halloween season. From pumpkin patches to outdoor movie nights, there’s something for every family to enjoy together! Now, go out and have the spookiest, most fun-filled Halloween ever!
