Are you looking for a fun and free way to celebrate Halloween with your family in Austin, Texas? Then look no further! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the many free Halloween activities and events that are taking place around Austin this October. From spooky downtown tours to pumpkin patches and costume parades, we have plenty of ideas to help make your family’s Halloween season extra special. So grab your favorite witch hat and join us as we explore all the free Halloween events and activities Austin offers!
Creative Halloween Candy Alternatives That Kids Will Love
When it comes to handing out Halloween treats, candy doesn’t have to be your only option. There are plenty of fun, affordable alternatives that kids will enjoy just as much—if not more. Plus, these options cut back on sugar while still keeping the spooky spirit alive.
1. Glow-in-the-dark toys and Bracelets
Glow sticks, bracelets, or glow-in-the-dark stickers are surefire hits for kids of all ages. Not only are these items fun to use in the dark, but they also promote safety by making children more visible during nighttime trick-or-treating. You can find glow-in-the-dark items in bulk at most dollar stores or party supply shops, making them a budget-friendly candy alternative.
2. Stickers and Temporary Tattoos
Kids absolutely love stickers and temporary tattoos, especially when they have fun Halloween themes like pumpkins, ghosts, or witches. They’re inexpensive, easy to hand out, and provide hours of entertainment beyond the sugar rush. This makes them one of the most popular non-candy Halloween treat ideas for parents looking to reduce the sweets.
3. Mini Play-Dough or Slime Containers
Another crowd-pleaser, mini containers of play-dough or slime allow kids to get creative and have fun long after Halloween night ends. You can often find these items in Halloween-themed packaging, making them a festive yet mess-free option for trick-or-treaters.
4. Halloween-Themed Pencils and Erasers
While school supplies may not sound as exciting as candy, you’d be surprised at how much kids love Halloween-themed pencils, erasers, or small notepads. These practical items are fun to use and bring the Halloween spirit into the classroom. Choose pencils with spooky designs like bats, skulls, or skeletons for an extra fun touch.
5. Mini Bubbles
Bubbles are a classic, simple, and inexpensive toy that children always enjoy. Mini bubble containers are available in Halloween designs and can be found at dollar stores or online in bulk. They’re perfect for younger kids and offer an active, sugar-free alternative to candy.
6. Fun Socks with Halloween Designs
Believe it or not, kids love quirky socks, especially if they’re festive! Halloween socks featuring pumpkins, ghosts, or spider webs are not only fun but also practical, especially as the weather cools down. They make a great long-lasting alternative to candy, and you can find these at most discount stores.
7. Healthy Halloween Snacks
If you prefer to give out food-related items but want to avoid the sugar, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to consider. Small bags of pretzels, popcorn, or whole-grain crackers can be a hit with both parents and kids. You could also consider mini granola bars, trail mix, or boxes of raisins, which provide a balance of fun and nutrition without the sugar overload.
Halloween In Austin 2024
Halloween Market At The Arboretum
10000 Research BLVD
Austin, TX 78759
The Halloween Market at The Arboretum is the ultimate destination for kids and families this Halloween season! With its festive atmosphere, fun activities, and unique shopping experiences, it offers something for everyone. Get ready for a frightfully fun day at the Arboretum Artisan Markets on Saturday, October 26, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM. Come enjoy a day of spooky fun, festive treats, and one-of-a-kind shopping! Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win a special goodie bag, and browse through an array of vendors offering everything from handcrafted items to delicious snacks. You won’t want to miss out on this exciting Halloween event! thearboretum.com
Doc’s Drive-in Haunted Marketplace 2024
1540 Satterwhite Rd
Buda, TX 78610
Doc’s Drive-in Theatre is thrilled to host the 5th Annual Haunted Marketplace on October 25-27, 2024! From 10am to 5pm, enjoy a day full of free festivities and activities for all ages. Dress to impress as you participate in our costume contest and explore over 25 local vendors. Along with live music and art stations, your little ones can get into the spirit of Halloween with goodie bags just for them. Plus, plenty of great food and drinks will keep you going. And don’t forget to check out our underground 1920s speakeasy! So join us and bring the whole family, even your furry friends – we look forward to celebrating this spooky season with you! www.DocsDriveInTheatre.com
Round Rock Fall Fun Festival 2024
3300 Palm Valley Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
On Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 9 – 11:30 am – Old Settlers Park – Hall of Fame Complex, enjoy Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Fall Fun Festival! At this farm-themed fun day, you can expect petting zoos, hayrides, snacks, and many family-friendly games and activities.
FREE EVENT!
Don’t forget to bring a canned good to donate to the Round Rock Food Pantry! Your donation will go a long way in helping support those in need in our community. Wear your best costumes and bring a can of food to share – we’ll see you there! roundrocktexas.gov/event/fall-fun-festival/
Halloween Carnival at the NCHM 2024
2310 San Gabriel St
Austin, TX 78705
Enjoy a festive afternoon of fun and activities at the Neill-Cochran House Museum this Halloween! Put on your comfiest autumn costume or clothes and go to the museum. You can participate in Trunk-or-Treat*, scavenger hunts, games and more. Plus, Latinitas will host an Ofrendas workshop to commemorate Día de los Muertos by honoring those who have passed away.
The event is free and open from Sunday October 27th, 202411 am to 3 pm. Feel free to drop in anytime throughout the day. The Neill-Cochran House Museum is also available for tours, with no entry fee for kids under 12. Free parking is also available behind the museum. Don’t miss out – join us this Halloween for a spooktacular fun afternoon! nchmuseum.org/nchm-events/2023-halloween
Halloween Trick-or-Treat at Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Blvd
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Head to the Hill Country Galleria this Halloween on Saturday, October 26th, from 11 to 2 pm to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday! Beat the crowd and arrive early so you can pick up your festive pumpkin bag* from the Central Plaza—it’ll help hold all the treats you’ll be collecting from our retailers along Hill Country Boulevard. No reservations are needed – just come ready to have some fun! *While Supplies Last hillcountrygalleria.com
Kids Ball 2023
4001 North Lamar BLVD
Austin, TX 78756
Hosted by Creative Action & The Saddle Sores. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Halloween in a fun and sustainable way! On Saturday, October 26th 2024, from 5–7 pm, join us for a festive gathering of music, dancing, creative activities, and friendly competitions. You’ll have the opportunity to make your costume using recycled materials at our costume-making stations, pose against our photo BOOth backdrop, participate in three-legged races and a pumpkin rolling contest, and enjoy live music from White Ghost Shivers. So join us as we embrace the spooky season in style! eventbrite.com/e/kids-ball-2024
Spooktacular at the Bullock Museum 2024
1800 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
Join the Bullock Museum for our annual Halloween celebration on October 25th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm! Enjoy many fun, family-friendly activities designed to spark creativity and ignite imaginations. Discover the mysteries of Rock out with School of Rock Austin’s house band, The B Team. Have Fun with hands-on STEM fun for the whole family with Girlstart. Get ready for an eerie evening filled with mystery and excitement as you embark on a spooky scavenger hunt that will take you through the museum’s most intriguing galleries and hidden corners. Solve clues, uncover secrets, and explore the exhibits in a whole new light—after dark!
Rock out to tunes from School of Rock Austin’s house band during their 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm performances. Afterward, explore the Museum’s exhibitions during our spooky scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite ocean-themed costume for a chance to win prizes—including Museum memberships. thestoryoftexas.com
StrawFest 2024 at Umlauf Sculpture Garden
605 Azie Morton Rd
Austin, TX 78704
StrawFest offers a wide variety of hands-on activities that will keep kids entertained all day long. October 27, 2024 11-4pm. From pumpkin decorating to hayrides, there’s something exciting for every age group, making it a perfect way for families to celebrate the spooky season together.
Admission to StrawFest is free! If you wish to participate in some of our special activities like pumpkin decorating (take it home!), Face Painting, and inflatable game, you may purchase activity tickets in advance online or at the door. Don’t miss this chance to make wonderful memories with your loved ones.
StrawFest is packed with live entertainment, including music and performers, making it a lively experience for attendees. umlaufsculpture.org
Trick or Treat Trail in Georgetown 2024
445 E Morrow St
Georgetown, TX 78626
Georgetown Parks and Recreation presents a free Halloween event for the whole family on Thursday, October 24, 2024! This FREE and fun-filled family event will definitely get you into the spirit of Halloween, so get dressed up and come on out for candy, games and fun!
Get out your costumes and join us for candy, activities, food trucks, and a screening of the movie Coco at Legacy Pavilion. The trick-or-treating will occur from 5 – 7 pm. Feeling hungry? Twisted L BBQ, Elsies Egg Rolls, Kilwins food trucks will be available. Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with us. parks.georgetown.org
Witches Ride
105 Cross Creek
Lakeway, TX 78734
Lakeway Parks & Recreation will host their annual Witches Ride Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 19, 2024, 6 – 9 pm. Participants are invited to join the parade and ride their decorated bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, skates, scooters, wheelchairs, golf carts, wagons, or spooky feet from the Live Oak Golf Course parking lot to the Lakeway Activity Center. Upon arrival at the Lakeway Activity Center, participants can enjoy refreshments from local vendors, balloon animals, jugglers, battle axe, a bookmobile, and more.
Carnival Time! Join us at the Lakeway Activity Center parking lot for an evening of fun and festivities. . lakeway-tx.gov
Austin offers something to suit your family’s needs no matter what type of Halloween fun you’re looking for. From attending thrilling haunted houses to participating in festive costume contests, there are plenty of free Halloween events in Austin to get you into the spooky spirit. Make sure to plan as many of these events require advance registration or, due to pandemic restrictions, have limited capacity. Whatever Halloween event you decide to attend will be a memorable experience for everyone involved!
