If you’re bored with traditional Halloween carnivals and pumpkin patches, check out all of the Halloween fun to be had at your local state park this year. Many parks are offering Halloween-themed festivities all month long for you, your friends and family to enjoy. From trick-or-treating and edible creepy crawlies to costume contests and “zombie” hikes, the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife have planned great Halloween-themed events for everyone.
Things to Do
7 Unique and Spooky Halloween Events at Texas State Parks
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1. Halloween Creatures of the Night Hike at Inks Lake State Park
Photo: Facebook/Inks Lake State Park
When: October 28 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Trick or treat in costume and meet some of the park’s creatures of the night. Visitors will explore the trails for some of the park‘s more famous creatures!
2. Scary Campfire Stories & S’mores at McKinney Falls State Park
Photo: Flickr/John Lustig
When: October 27 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Join your friends at the park for s’mores toasting and telling a few scary stories (PG rated). Bring a chair, water, bug spray, flashlight, and blanket (if the weather is cool) and meet at the Amphitheater at the park.
3. Spider Safari! at Bastrop State Park
Photo: Facebook/TexasParksandWildlife
When: October 27 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Come and hunt for amazing arachnids on the old Golf Course trails with a Ranger. Take a walk with a Ranger along the trails of the old Golf Course to see if you can find any in their natural habitat and see how spiders aren’t that scary at all!
What to Bring: Please bring your own flashlight (preferably a bright LED light with tight focus and a red light option). Close-toed shoes, water, appropriate clothing
Where to Meet: Park at the Historic Golf Course parking lot (a Ranger will be waiting for you.)
4. Halloween Fest at Lockhart State Park
Photo: Facebook/TexasParksandWildlife
When: October 28 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Don your costume and come on down to Lockhart State Park. They will have several Halloween-themed crafts for your enjoyment, along with a “spooky” storytime! All participants are encouraged to wear a costume. There will be a costume contest at 2 p.m. with prizes for the winners! All ages welcome.
5. Zombie Apocalypse Hike at Bastrop State Park & McKinney Falls State Park
Photo: Facebook/TexasParksandWildlife
When: October 28
Can you survive a zombie apocalypse? Join your friends at the park to test your skills.
Take a short hike with a survival skills test, games, and activities. (May require pre-registration. Check website for details)
6. Halloween in the Park at Guadalupe River State Park
Photo: Facebook/GuadalupeRiverStatePark
When: October 28 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Get your children dressed up in their ghouly best costumes and join the park at their annual Halloween in the Park evening of fun. Your evening will begin with a story or two followed by a walk along the not-too-spooky trails; 6-7 p.m. for your youngest ghosts and goblins; 7-8:30 for older ones. There will be free food and other bits of fun on this special evening – and the Discovery Center will be open, as well. Admission for this event is a $10-per-car donation which goes directly to charity and benefits programs and other projects at the park.
7. What Goes Bump in the Night Hike at Buescher State Park
Photo: Facebook/FriendsoftheLostPinesStateParks
When: October 28 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
How do nocturnal creatures prowl and stalk their prey? Learn to walk like a fox and hear like an owl as you explore the park after dark just in time for Halloween!
If you aren’t near any of these parks, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for events at a state park near you.
