From costumes to trick-or-treating to spooky decor, October is a fun-filled month for families with kids. And Houston has no shortage of Halloween-inspired events for all ages. Whether it’s a ghostly symphony concert or a day of Día de los Muertos arts and crafts, you’re guaranteed to have a fun at the many events the city has to offer. So get your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes and head out for a terrorific time.
Halloween Monster Mayhem
Monsters have taken over the Children’s Museum of Houston. Through October 31, visitors will enjoy trick-or-treating, experiments with monstrous matters, and more. Trick or treating takes place on weekdays from 4-6 p.m. and on Thursdays and weekends from 4 to 8 p.m. On October 31, don’t miss the museum's Halloween Monster Mash where you can shake your skeleton to funky tunes and enjoy a Thriller Dance Party.
Zoo Boo
Dress up in your spookiest costume and get ready to trick-or-treat, learn about bats, paint pumpkins, and play carnival games during Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo. Open on weekends from October 13 to 29, Zoo Boo is one of Houston’s best Halloween celebrations. Don’t miss this year’s new Halloween Zoovie Nights on October 13 and 21 for fun activities and spooky films after dark. Go on Fridays to beat the crowds.
Symphonic Spooktacular
The Houston Symphony’s orchestra of witches and goblins treat you to a repertoire of creepy classics at Miller Outdoor Theater. Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy a spooky musical evening on October 15 at 7 p.m. Daddies, mummies and their little ghosts and goblins are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume.
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival
This two-day fall festival on October 21 and 22 returns to a transformed Russ Pitman Park at the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire. Go with your family and pick out the perfect pumpkin, ride a horse-drawn wagon, visit local vendors, play on bounce houses and climbing walls, and get some good grub. Admission is free.
ArBOOretum
Have a ghostly good time at the Houston Arboretum’s annual Halloween event on October 21. Walk a forest trail with scattered trick-or-treat stations, enjoy fall activities, and learn about wildlife. Activities also include hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a cake walk, carnival games, face painting and pumpkin decorating. Tickets are $13 through October 20 and $15 at the door.
Family Day Fiesta
Join the Lawndale Art Center for a day of arts and crafts to celebrate Día de los Muertos. On Saturday, October 28 from 11 to 4 p.m., you can join schools and other families to help designa and create the sets that the art center will use for its Day of the Dead ballet performance on November 2. Food trucks selling tacos and popsicles will be on site. The Family Day Fiesta is part of the weeklong Dia de los Muertos celebration at Lawndale.
MECA Día De Los Muertos Festival
Join MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts) on October 28 and 29 for its celebration of Latin American Dia de los Muertos folk art traditions. The two-day festival will delight visitors with a community ofrenda exhibition, Latin American food, and dance and musical performances. Don’t miss performers such as Solero Flamenco, MECA’s Ballet Folklórico, Bayou City Swing, and Mariachi Infantil de MECA. Admission is free.
National Museum of Funeral History Halloween
This little known Houston museum has much going on throughout the month to celebrate Halloween. From October 1 to November 4, the museum holds a haunted house for adults and kids ages 12 and up that’s sure to give you goose bumps. On October 28, visit the National Museum of Funeral History for its 10th Annual Halloween Car Show. See more than 100 cars while supporting local charities, and enjoy fall crafts and activities. And from November 1 to 4, join the museum to explore Day of the Dead traditions.
Monster Mash Halloween Spooktacular
On Halloween night, head to The Square at Memorial City Mall from 5 to 7 p.m. for a kid-friendly ball. Wear your costume to trick or treat at the mall’s retailers and move to the music of Beetlejuice DJ.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Pumpkin patches about around Houston. Blessington Farms, Oil Ranch, St. Andrews Episcopal Church (also known as the Pumpkin Church), St. Luke’s Methodist Church, and Old Christmas Tree Farm are good options if you want to spend a day playing carnival games, taking pictures and buying some pumpkins.
Looking for more stuff to do on Halloween? Check out these other Halloween events.