Halloween Fun for Kids in Raleigh, NC: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey there, fellow parents! As Halloween approaches, our little ones are already buzzing with excitement. If you’re like me, you’re probably searching for the best Halloween events in Raleigh, NC, to make this spooky season extra special. Well, you’re in luck because Raleigh is packed with fun events, free activities, and family-friendly spooktaculars that are perfect for kids of all ages. Let me share with you some of the best Halloween happenings in this vibrant city. Don’t you worry, I still sprinkle in super super cute hairstyles for kids throughout this blog post (yes, we are still staying on the hair blog trend, but I thought this would be super helpful for my memory as the holiday season gets closer). Let’s get ready for a ghoulishly good time!
*I plan on updating this post as more events and locations finalize their dates and ticket links!!!!!
Top Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh and Durham
Magic of Marbles
One of our first stops every Halloween season is the Magic of Marbles after dark at this family friendly event, the Kooky Spooky Halloween Party event at Marbles Kids Museum Friday October 25, 2024 1 – 4pm. This place is a treasure trove of interactive fun, and their Halloween event is no exception. The kids absolutely love the costume parade where they can show off their favorite costumes. And let’s not forget the variety of other ghostly games they get to play. It’s a fantastic way to kick off our Halloween celebrations and learn about ancient cultures through fun, spooky activities. The Member Presale July 30 at 10am • Tickets: $18 and General Public On Sale Aug 6 at 10am • Tickets: $20
Hairstyle Suggestion: Try a cute witch’s braid. Braid their hair and weave in some Halloween-themed ribbons or small plastic spiders. It’s a fun and spooky look that stays neat through all the activities.
BooFest at Museum of Life and Science
October 28, 29, and 31 10am – 3pm
Get ready for a spooktacular weekend at the Museum of Life and Science’s BooFest! Join them for a fun-filled celebration featuring hands-on activities in the Lab, a pumpkin-party station with take-home goodies (while supplies last), themed enrichment, and encounters around the campus. Wear your costumes and come celebrate the season with them. Don’t forget to also sign up for their Pumpkin Patch Express event! We love that!
Costume Parade
Speaking of costume parades, Raleigh is home to some of the best ones around. There’s something magical about seeing kids of all ages parading in their costumes, from superheroes to spooky creatures. Our local parks and community centers often host these parades, and they usually come with fun costume contests. Trust me, watching your little one win a prize for their costume is a memory you’ll cherish forever. Stay tuned for more specifics
Hairstyle Suggestion: Go for a princess-inspired updo. If your child is dressing as a princess or another fancy character, an elegant updo with a few sparkly clips can add the perfect touch.
Pumpkin Patches and Painting
Nothing says fall fun like a trip to a pumpkin patch. We’ve made it a tradition to visit places like Phillips Farms Corn Maze and Morrisville’s Trick. These spots are perfect for picking out the ideal pumpkin and participating in pumpkin painting events. The kids love getting creative with their pumpkins, and the 4-acre corn mazes and bounce houses add even more excitement to our day out. Last year they even how a cow train at Phillips Farms Corn Maze!
- DJ’s Berry Patch
- For Garden’s Sake
- Holder Hill Farm
- Spring Haven Farm
- Smith Family Farm
- Perkins Orchard
- McKee’s Cedar Creek Farm
- Page Farms
- Ragan and Holly’s Pumpkin Patch
- Kens Corny Corn Maze
- Crossroads Corn Maze
- Hill Ridge Farms.
- Tractor’s Corn Maze
Hairstyle Suggestion: Opt for a simple ponytail or pigtails. These styles keep hair out of their face while they run around the patch and paint their pumpkins.
Highlighted Events for Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC
Dorthea Dix Park
Halloween themed event includes trick or treating, firepit smores, and costume parade before the movies
Mordecai Historic Park
If you’re looking to mix a bit of history with your Halloween fun, Mordecai Historic Park is the place to go. Their Halloween event includes fascinating ghost tours and treat events that are both educational and entertaining. The park’s rich history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the spooky season. It’s a great way to teach the kids about Raleigh’s past while having a blast. I’m not sure about this yet, but as the Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC are posted, I will update the timing.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A low bun with a spooky accessory like a spider clip or a black bow can be both practical and festive for this event.
Clayton Fear Farm
For a blend of fun and fright, Clayton Fear Farm is a must-visit. They offer a range of activities suitable for all ages, from pumpkin painting to more thrilling haunted attractions. We usually start with the tamer activities like the bounce house, and as the sun sets, we venture into the scarier parts of the farm. It’s a perfect mix that keeps everyone in the family happy.
Hairstyle Suggestion: Consider a messy bun with orange and black hair ties. It’s a casual look that stays put through all the jumping and running.
NC Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
Our family loves animals, so the NC Zoo‘s “Boo at the Zoo” event is always a hit. This event transforms the zoo into a Halloween wonderland complete with carnival games, live music, and animal exhibits that have a spooky twist. It’s an excellent opportunity for the kids to learn about wildlife while enjoying the Halloween festivities. Plus, seeing the zoo all decked out in Halloween decorations is pretty spectacular.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A half-up, half-down style with animal ears (like cat or bunny ears) is both adorable and thematic for a zoo event.
Naylor Family Farm’s Fall Fun
For a full day of Halloween excitement, Naylor Family Farm is hard to beat. They offer a wide range of activities, including a 4-acre corn maze, farm animals, and a haunted trail. It’s a one-stop-shop for fall fun. We love spending the entire day here, exploring everything they have to offer and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC are all over the place if you keep your eyes open.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A braided crown is not only cute but also functional for a long day of activities. It keeps the hair off their face and stays secure all day.
Local Food Trucks and Treat Events: Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC
No Halloween outing is complete without some delicious treats. Raleigh’s grub markets and local food trucks are always a highlight for us. They offer a variety of tasty options that cater to all tastes. We make it a point to visit the grub night market for a unique dining experience under the stars. The kids love the array of treats available, and it’s a great way to end a fun-filled day.
I also have a list of local events and trunk or treat events in Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas.
- WakeMed Cary Hospital Trunk or Treat
- Kerr Family YMCA 2500 Wakefield Pines Drive Raleigh, NC
- Wakefield Missionary Baptist Chruch
- Wendell Treat Trail
- Beacon Baptist Chruch’s Fall Fest
- Cross Point’s Trunk or Treat
- Fuquay Sports Center Trunk or Treat
- Hilburn Academy Trunk or Treat
- Open Door Church Fall Outreach event
- The Block on Main Trunk or Treat
- Eno River Halloween Trunk or Treat
- Trunk or Treat at All Saints UMC in Morrisville Trunk or Treat
- Trick or Treat in the Trail at White Deer Park in Garner
- Lune Sparks Halloween Bash
Hairstyle Suggestion: A fishtail braid can look fancy yet stay in place through all the eating and exploring. Plus, it’s easy to manage and looks great.
Special Attractions and Activities: Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC
Inflatable Slides and Bounce Houses
If your kids are anything like mine, they have boundless energy. Inflatable slides and bounce houses are a lifesaver. They’re a staple at many of Raleigh’s Halloween events and provide endless entertainment for the little ones. It’s also a great way for them to burn off some of that Halloween candy energy. Many of these pumpkin patches and other Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC have these extras included in their pricing
Hairstyle Suggestion: A high ponytail or double buns are fun and practical for these active events, keeping hair secure and out of the way.
Carnival Games and Live Music
Carnival games and live music are the heart and soul of many Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC. These activities keep the festive spirit alive and add a touch of magic to the celebrations. We love participating in the various games, and the live music always sets the perfect Halloween mood.
Hairstyle Suggestion: Loose curls with a festive headband or a simple side braid with a sparkly hair clip can add a touch of glam to their look.
Ghost Tours and Haunted Attractions
For those who enjoy a bit of a scare, Raleigh offers several kid-friendly ghost tours and haunted attractions. They’re spooky enough to thrill the older kids but not too frightening for the younger ones. It’s a fine balance that allows the whole family to enjoy the Halloween spirit together.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A low ponytail with a Halloween-themed scrunchie or hair tie is easy and fits the spooky vibe.
Fun Costume Contests and Parades
Encouraging the kids to dress up and participate in fun costume contests is a great way to boost their confidence and creativity. Plus, the joy on their faces when they win a prize is absolutely priceless. Raleigh’s costume parades and contests are well-organized and add an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Hairstyle Suggestion: Go all out with a thematic hairstyle that matches their costume. If they’re dressing as a character like Elsa, try a braid with some sparkly accessories.
Other Must-Visit Events
Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl (Share and Save)
Okay, this one’s not exactly for the kids, but if you’re planning to make a night of it, the Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl is worth mentioning. It’s a great way for parents to enjoy some Halloween fun too. Just make sure to share the babysitting duties with a friend so everyone gets a chance to participate.
Hairstyle Suggestion:For moms, a sleek low bun or fun cat ears headband can be a stylish and playful choice for a night out.
Family-Friendly Halloween Spooktacular
If you’re looking for an all-in-one event, the Family-Friendly Halloween Spooktacular at various locations across Raleigh is fantastic. These events are designed with families in mind, offering everything from inflatable slides and face painting to live music and local food trucks. They’re perfect for a fun-filled Halloween outing that everyone will enjoy.
Hairstyle Suggestion:A double French braid is perfect for keeping hair neat and tidy through a day full of activities.
Halloween Parties
Don’t forget about the numerous Halloween parties happening around town. Many community centers and local businesses host family-friendly parties with activities like pumpkin carving contests, costume parades, and even haunted house experiences. These parties are great for meeting other families and enjoying the Halloween spirit together (know of any, share them with me here –
Hairstyle Suggestion:A cute bob with a headband or space buns can add a fun and festive touch to their party look.
Late October Highlights
As we get closer to Halloween, the events ramp up. Late October is the peak time for all the spooky fun, so make sure to check out the local event calendars for Halloween Events for Kids in Raleigh NC. This is when you’ll find the best haunted attractions, ghost tours, and special Halloween-themed events like the Practical Magic Party and the Holiday Nightmare Edition at various venues.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A loose braid with Halloween-themed hair clips can keep the festive spirit while being practical for colder, late October weather.
Granville Haunt Farm
For those willing to take a short drive, the Granville Haunt Farm is a fantastic destination. They offer a mix of haunted trails and family-friendly activities. It’s worth the trip for a unique Halloween experience that’s both thrilling and fun.
Hairstyle Suggestion: A classic ponytail with some spooky ribbons tied in can be both comfortable and thematic.
Here are a few other ideas:
| 9/14/2024 | Smith’s Nursery Fall Open House |
| 9/14/2024 | Apex Oktoberfest |
| 9/21/2024 | Burwell School Fall Festival |
| 9/28/2024 | Lafayette Village Oktoberfest |
| 10/5/2024 | Wendell Harvest Festival |
| 10/5/2024 | Falling for Local at Dix Park |
| 10/12/2024 | Compass Rose Brewery Fall Market |
| 10/12/2024 | Garner Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo |
| 10/12/2024 | Family Spooktacular |
| 10/19/2024 | Wake Forest Boo Bash |
| 10/25/2024 | Fuquay Downtown Trick or Treat |
| 10/26/2024 | Holly Springs Holly Fest |
| 10/26/2024 | Morrisville boo bash |
Raleigh, NC, truly comes alive during Halloween, offering a plethora of activities and events that cater to kids and families. Whether you’re looking for spooky thrills or light-hearted fun, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your costumes, pack some snacks, and head out to explore all the Halloween wonders Raleigh has to offer. Happy Halloween, and may your season be filled with fun, laughter, and lots of candy!
