Ready for tricks, treats, and spooky good fun? Halloween is around the corner and the Bayou City knows how to celebrate with tons of fun activities ranging from ghost tours to Halloween-themed nature walks. Yet for some (especially the little ones), the best is yet to come when they head out on Halloween night to trick-or-treat. If you’re not hanging out in your neighborhood, put on your costume and head out to one of these local attractions, retail locations and neighborhoods.

In Houston’s Museum District, the Children’s Museum has become Halloween central during the entire month of October with activities and daily afternoon trick-or-treating. On Halloween, however, trick or treating happens all day until 8 p.m. so your little goblins can have a spooktacular time.

For a fun and quirky Halloween, head over to Smither Park, where The Orange Show will host a pumpkin carving workshop led by expert pumpkin carvers followed by trick-or-treating at dusk. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. The event is free but make sure you bring your own pumpkin. 

Many Houston neighborhoods are known for their spooky decorations and generous candy bowls. The Houston Heights with its historic homes, fun decorations, walkable streets and friendly residents is a favorite trick-or-treating location. You can also head to Bellaire, which earned the distinction of being the best neighborhood for trick or treating by ZipRealty a few years ago. Briargrove, not too far from The Galleria, is also a walkable, kid-friendly neighborhood that goes all out for Halloween. 

Local retail spots are also prime trick-or-treating locations. Join the fun at Memorial City Mall’s Monster Mash Spooktacular, where your little ghosts and goblins can enjoy a live DJ and go around to the mall’s retailers for candy. CityCentre in West Houston also puts on a Halloween celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. with trick-or-treating at its shops followed by a monster mash featuring a live DJ. Be sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on the candy.

For those near downtown, head to Discovery Green and Avenida Houston for double-the-family-fun with Scream on the Green and RetroSpookTacular. Trinity Church’s Trunks ‘n’ Treats event may be a good spot to take your little ones trick-or-treating. At the event on Halloween night from 5 to 7 p.m., kids can walk around collecting candy from decorated car trunks and then enjoy food, bounce houses and games.

Want to see more Halloween activities? The weekend leading into Halloween is packed with options. Check them out in our Halloween On The Bayou guide.