As October rolls in, Columbus transforms into a hub of Halloween excitement, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that are sure to delight the whole family. Hereโs a roundup of some of the most fun and festive Halloween events happening in the area this month:
Wizards & Wands Festival
Dates: October 1-31
Location: Westerville Library – 126 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Details: Embark on fantasy-themed missions throughout October at the Wizards & Wands Festival. Complete various activities like designing potions, scavenger hunts, and spotting magical creatures for chances to win prizes. Explore transformed library areas including the Enchanted Forest, Dragon Hatchery, and Medieval Village. Enjoy performances and special activities throughout the month.
Admission: Free
More Info: Wizards & Wands Festival
Hallowen at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Easton
- Dates: October 1st – 31st
- Times: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Mondays – Thursdays: Search for the hidden skeleton key to win exciting prizes!
- Fridays – Sundays: Dress up in your best Halloween costume and compete in our fun costume contests to win fantastic prizes!
- Cost: Included with General Admission
- Ages: All Ages
Details: Get ready for a spooktacular time at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus with their Brick-or-Treat Monster Party! This family-friendly event promises a thrilling Halloween experience with an exclusive 4D movie, The Great Monster Chase, themed games and activities, themed photo opportunities, and much more!
More Info: Brick-or-Tret
Boo at the Zoo
- Dates: October 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
- Times: Fridays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Details: Experience a merry-not-scary Halloween celebration at the Columbus Zoo! Get your costumes ready and enjoy a variety of festive activities with your favorite Boo at the Zoo Character Ambassadors. This event is included with regular Zoo admission, so arrive early to explore the animals as well.
More Info: Boo at the Zoo
Pumpkins Aglow
- Dates: October 9-13, 16-20, 23-27
- Times: Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Fridays & Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Franklin Park Conservatory – 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Details: Wander through enchanting displays of over a thousand hand-carved pumpkins at Pumpkins Aglow. Enjoy familiar favorites like the pumpkin tunnel and new surprises such as alien invasions and dancing skeletons. Family-friendly activities and crafts are available nightly.
Activities & Crafts: Spooky Sand Art: $4 per craft, Spider Spin Art: $3 per craft (Bring Cash)
More Info: Pumpkins Aglow
KSM’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat and Car Show
- Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Line-up for cars and trunks: 2:30 PM – 3: 30 PM)
- Location: KSM Parking Lot – 10336 Sawmill Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Details: Get ready for a trunk-or-treat extravaganza featuring a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks, firetrucks, police cars, and antique cars, all decorated for Halloween. Kids can walk from trunk to trunk collecting goodies and enjoying festive decorations. The event also includes yummy food, exciting contests with prizes, and more.
More Info: KSM’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
- Dates: October 17-20
- Times: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM (final trail entrance at 9:30 PM)
- Location: Heritage Park – 60 N. Cleveland Ave. Westerville, OH 43081
Details: Stroll through a trail of glowing pumpkins at the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow. Enjoy a range of activities including axe throwing, pumpkin bowling, and a mechanical pumpkin ride. This event is Westervilleโs signature fall attraction and is sure to impress.
Pricing: Adults: $15, Youth (ages 3-15) and Seniors: $12, Free for children under 3
More Info: Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular
- Dates: October 17-18
- Times: Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Coffman Park – 5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
Details: Join the fun at the Dublin Halloween Spooktacular with activities including Trunk or Treat Trail, a hay maze, crafts, and live performances. Itโs a perfect way to celebrate Halloween with family-friendly fun in a safe environment.
More Info: Dublin Halloween Spooktacular
Columbus Symphony’s Halloween Concert
- Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM (Activities begin at 2:00 PM)
- Location: Ohio Theater – 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Details: Dress up in your favorite spooky costume and join the Columbus Symphony for a special concert designed just for kids aged 5-12. The event features “boo-tiful” music and ghoulish fun, with pre-show activities including crafts such as paper bag monsters and spooky shakers, and photos with the lovable mascot, Bee-thoven.
Tickets: Adults: $15.13, Kids (16 and under): $8.93
More Info: Columbus Symphony Halloween Concert
KidX Candy Crawl at Polaris
Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Polaris Fashion Place – 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Details: Bring your little ones to Polaris for a spooktacular candy crawl! Dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat at participating stores. Enjoy Halloween music and enter the costume contest for a chance to win a cool prize.
Admission: Free
More Info: KidX Candy Crawl
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bridge Park – 6634 Riverside Dr. Dublin, OH 43017
Details: Enjoy a fun evening at Boo & Brew, where Bridge Park businesses will distribute Halloween candy and goodies. This event offers a delightful way to celebrate Halloween with your little ghouls and goblins.
Admission: Free
More Info: Boo & Brew
Hoover Garden โHauntedโ Maze
Dates: September 21 – October 31
Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hoover Garden – 182 N Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Details: Explore the Hoover Gardenโs haunted maze, designed for young kids with varying levels of spookiness. Itโs a fun and affordable option for families looking to enjoy Halloween festivities.
Pricing: $3.00 per person (watch for a $1.00 off coupon)
More Info: Hoover Garden Haunted Maze
CAPA Haunts the Ohio
Date: October 23
Time: 4:00 – 7:00
Location: Ohio Theatre & Columbus Commons
Details: Kids of all ages can enjoy a Halloween-themed experience at the Ohio Theatre, collecting goodies in a safe, weather-proof setting. CAPA associate organist David Fleisher will perform on the Mighty Morton organ throughout the event. “Creatures” from For All Species Education and characters from Castle On A Cloud Entertainment will also be present, along with a Day of the Dead display.Guests can participate in trick-or-treating, grab crafts, and take photos at selfie stations. Trick-or-treat stations and entertainment are provided by CAPA and partners, including Columbus Children’s Theatre, Columbus Symphony, Opera Columbus, and Short North Stage.
Columbus Commons will host themed activities from 4-7 pm, featuring a dance party, spooky readings from the Columbus Metropolitan Library, photo-worthy creatures from Otherworld, a sway-pole performance by the Amazing Giants, Halloween photo opportunities, and Ohio Apple Cider for purchase. Classic Halloween cartoons will be screened outdoors.
Pricing: Free2024 Trick-or-Treat Times in Columbus
- Bexley: Oct. 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Blendon Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Canal Winchester: Oct. 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Columbus: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Dublin: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Gahanna: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Genoa Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Grandview Heights: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Grove City: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Groveport: Oct. 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Hilliard: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Marysville: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- New Albany: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Obetz: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Pataskala: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Plain City: Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.
- Pickerington: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Powell: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Reynoldsburg: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Upper Arlington: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Westerville: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Whitehall: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
- Worthington: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
From concerts and zoo events to pumpkin displays and trick-or-treating, Columbus has a wealth of Halloween activities that are perfect for families with young kids. Mark your calendars and get ready for a month full of spooky, festive fun!
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