There are plenty of ways to have a frightfully good time in South Florida with the family this year
Published: September 28, 2021
Here’s a lineup of local on-site events for families in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County, ranging from crafty and cutesy to scary and spooky. Please be sure to double-check all details, including registration guidelines and COVID-19 regulations, before setting out on your adventure.
Broward County
COCONUT CREEK
Dark & Spooky Forest Stroll
Friday, October 8
Take a nighttime stroll through the lush landscape. 7:30-8:30pm, Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. S.
954-357-5198
Spooky Fest
Saturday, October 23
Pick up spooky masks to decorate, crafts, and take photos at the library’s Pumpkin Patch Selfie Zone. Noon-2pm, North Regional BC Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd.
http://www.broward.org/library
Toddler Halloween Spooktacular
Friday, October 29
Little ones can dress up for a morning filled with playtime, crafts, music and dance. Ages 3 and under. $20/resident, $30/non-resident. 10am-noon, Coconut Creek Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Blvd.,
Spiny Orb Weaver Haunts and Things
Saturday, October 30
Stop by the Nature Center for a spooky lesson on spiny orb weavers. The activity includes a spider lesson, crafts and a nature walk. Call to pre-register. Ages 10 and under accompanied by an adult. $5/child. Noon-1pm, Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 S. Lyons Rd.
954-357-5198
COOPER CITY
Trick-or-Treat Shop-to-Shop
Saturday, October 30
In a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, little ghouls and goblins can gather goodies from shop to shop and compete in a community-wide costume contest. 10am-noon, Countryside Shops, 5524 S. Flamingo Rd.
954-434-4300
CORAL SPRINGS
Broward Health Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch
Monday, October 18
Cruise down pumpkin patch lane where there will be music, characters and treats for the kids. Each family will receive a real pumpkin while supplies last. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Broward Health Coral Springs, 3100 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs. Pre-register at http://www.browardhealth.org/pumpkincoralsprings
Take and Make Sugar Skull Mask
Monday, October 18
Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos by picking up materials to make your own sugar skull mask. 10am-6pm, Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University Dr.
http://www.broward.org/library
DAVIE
Halloweekends at the Old Davie School
Saturdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Visit the old schoolhouse for a guided tour with a spooky twist, trick-or-treating and crafts. $10/adult, $7/kids under 12. 10am, 11:30am & 1pm. Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd.
954-797-1044
Little Seedlings: Bats
Thursday, October 7
Bring your preschooler for an interactive, outdoor classroom lesson about bats. Pre-registration required. $5. 10-11am, Long Key Nature Center, 3501 SW 130 Ave.
954-357-8797
Nature Crafts for Kids: Fall & Halloween Crafts
Saturday-Sunday, October 9-10
Drop by the Discovery Room to make fall-themed crafts using a variety of recycled and natural materials. Ages 3-10. $5. 10am-1pm, Long Key Nature Center, 3501 SW 130 Ave.
954-357-8797
Harvest Festival
Saturdays-Sundays,
October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31
Celebrate the season with themed weekends, scavenger hunts, activities, harvest displays, live performances, music, and more. 9:30am-4pm, Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd.
954-473-2955
http://www.flamingogardens.org
Preschool Play ‘N’ Learn: AcroBATics
Thursday, October 14
Little ones ages 4-5 can explore the natural world through nature-based lessons and activities such as crafts, storytelling, songs, a nature walk and more. 10-11am, Long Key Nature Center, 3501 SW 130 Ave.
954-357-8797
EcoSprouts: Spiders
Thursday, October 21
Join a naturalist for outdoor nature exploration and lessons about spiders. $5. 10-11am, Long Key Nature Center, 3501 SW 130 Ave.
954-357-8797
Paranormal Investigation
Friday, October 22
Use a variety of equipment and techniques to discover who from the past remains in the historic building. $30. 7-10pm, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd.
954-797-1044
Not-So-Spooky Halloween
Friday, October 29
Explore the school by flashlight at this magical Halloween adventure for all ages. $5. 7-9pm; last entry at 8:45pm, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd.
954-797-1044
Halloween Happenings
Saturday, October 30
Not-so-spooky activities, live entertainment, horse costume contest, kids/family costume contest and more. 10am-1pm, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4201 Rodeo Way
954-797-1181
DEERFIELD BEACH
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 16
An old-fashioned gathering with activities including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, arts and crafts, treats and more. 4-9pm, Pioneer Park, 217 NE Fifth Ave.
954-480-4429
http://www.deerfield-beach.com
FORT LAUDERDALE
Halloween Tricks and Treats
Weekends through October
Come in costume for spooky science projects, a trick-or-treat bag craft project, fake blood and scar wax recipes and more. Free with paid museum admission. Saturdays 10am-5pm, Sundays noon-5pm, Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St.
954-467-6637
HOLLYWOOD
Hallo-Green
Saturday, October 23
Celebrate Halloween with a green theme, featuring environmentally friendly activities, games, arts and crafts and more. 11am-2pm, Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St.
954-357-5161
Spooktacular Road Race
Saturday, October 23
Burn some Halloween calories at this annual event sponsored by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners Club. T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Rd.
954-357-8811
LAUDERHILL
Harvest Festival for Kids
Friday, October 29
Have some fall fun while painting mini pumpkins, listening to music, and more during this outdoor event. Pre-registration required. 3-4pm, Lauderhill Towne Centre Library, 6399 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
http://www.broward.org/library
MARGATE
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 23
There’s something for everyone at this seasonal celebration for all ages. 6-11pm, Margate Sports Complex, 1695 Banks Rd.
954-972-6458
MIRAMAR
A Not-So-Scary Scavenger Hunt
Friday, October 29
Put on your costume for a fun-filled scavenger hunt. Kids who complete the activity by 5pm receive a candy treat. Miramar Branch Library, 2050 Civic Center Place
954-357-8090
http://www.broward.org/library
PEMBROKE PINES
Bow Wow Ween
Saturday, October 9
Halloween fun that includes pooches, with a costume contest, activities, prizes and more. 9am-1pm, Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park, 9751 Johnson St.
954-392-2116
Boo-ville
Wednesday, October 27
Have a spook-tacular time with Halloween-themed fun. 6-9pm, Charles F. Dodge City Center Way, 601 City Center Way
954-392-2116
Pet Costume Contest & Halloween Fun
Saturday, October 30
Halloween happenings include games, crafts and a pumpkin patch photo display throughout the afternoon and a South Florida Family Life family and pet costume contest beginning at 2pm. Winner of the family and pet costume contest will be featured on southfloridafamilylife.com. Pre-registration for the contest recommended at https://www.southfloridafamilylife.com. Noon-4pm, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, 527 SW 145 Terrace
http://www.pembrokegardens.com
PLANTATION
Halloween Take & Make
Monday, October 18
Pick up a craft kit at the library to make your own Halloween-themed craft at home. While supplies last. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd.
954-765-1585
http://www.broward.org/library
POMPANO BEACH
Halloween Boo Bash
Sunday, October 31
Little ghouls and goblins 10 and under are invited to wear their costumes to enjoy a magic show, Halloween-themed craft activities and giveaways. Candy will be handed out at the Pompano Citi Centre table. Costume masks only allowed on small children. 1-3pm, Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 N. Federal Hwy
SUNRISE
Trick or Trot 5K
Saturday, October 23
Dress in costume for this Halloween-themed race for the whole family. 7am, Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84
954-747-4600
TAMARAC
Halloween Haunt
Friday, October 22
Drive through the park for an experience with spooky characters, decorations, music, and a free bag of candy and treats. 6-8pm, Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77 St., Tamarac
WESTON
Halloween Craft
Monday, October 25
Kids can get creative at the library by making a spooky craft. Pre-register online. 3:30-4pm, Weston Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd.
954-357-5420
http://www.broward.org/library
Spooky Halloween behind the Bell Tower
Sunday, October 31
Head to the center of town for lots of Halloween fun and activities. 4-7pm, Weston Town Center, 1675 Market St.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
AVENTURA
The Horrorland Drive-Thru
October 1-31
Prepare for zombies, monsters and other creatures of the night as you drive through themed haunted houses at a new location this year. Geared toward ages 10 and up. Pricing starts at $58.99 per car. Aventura Mall parking lot, at the corner of Country Club Road and Abigail Road
CUTLER BAY
Halloween Spooktacular and Golf Cart Parade
Friday, October 29
Families will have a Spooktacular time with a golf cart parade, haunted house, trunk or treat, a costume contest, food trucks, music and more. 6-10pm, Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 St.
DORAL
House of Horror Haunted Carnival
Through October 31
Prepared to be scared as you creep through 100,000 square-feet of haunted houses that begin with demented clerks and demonic mannequins. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Miami International Mall, 1625 NW 107 Ave.
http://www.houseofhorrorcarnival.com
Howl-O-Ween
Saturday, October 16
Disguise your four-legged friend for a dog costume contest with prizes. 5-7pm, Trails & Tails, 11645 NW 50 St.
305-593-6600
Movie Night and Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, October 22
Kids can collect treats and then settle in for an outdoor movie. Free. 5pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
305-593-6600
MIAMI
Haunted Circus Miami
Through October 31
A family-friendly Halloween event featuring quests, shows, pumpkin carving, tarot reading, a petting zoo and more. Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St.
305-392-2255
http://www.hauntedcircusmiami.com
MiChiMu’s Halloween Week
Monday-Sunday, October 25-31
This week-long celebration of Halloween-themed activities kicks off with Mini Monster Monday when little ones can dress in costume, trick-or-treat through the galleries, watch The Monsters Under My Bed theatrical production and more. The rest of the week includes STEM experiments, art activities, creepy light play and other fun for kids of all ages. Halloween weekend, October 30 and 31, kids can trick-or-treat and watch a live performance. 10am-6pm, 980 MacArthur Causeway
305-373-5437
http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Ghost Hunting on the Rails
Saturday, October 2
Take a paranormal tour at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. $30. 7-10pm, Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152 St.
http://www.goldcoastrailroadmuseum.org
Historic Ghost Tour
Tuesdays & Thursdays,
October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
Step into the past as a guide shares stories of historic events, insights and paranormal activity that has been experienced on the grounds. $40. 7:30-9:30pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave.
305-235-1668
Little Monster Tales
Saturday, October 16 & Sunday, October 31
Fantasy Theatre Factory presents a live performance using comedy, storytelling, puppets and music. Oct. 16 is a sensory-friendly show. Sandrell Rivers Theater, 6103 NW Seventh Ave.
http://www.sandrellriverstheater.com
Hocus Pocus
Sunday, October 24
Come in costume to watch a screening of a Halloween classic. $5. Doors open at 2pm; movie begins at 3pm. Sandrell Rivers Theater, 6103 NW Seventh Ave.
http://www.sandrellriverstheater.com
Spooky Science Monster Mash
Saturday, October 30
Come in costume for science experiments that range from sweet to shocking. Free with paid museum admission. 11am-5pm, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd.
Zoo Boo
Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31
A wild adventure with trick-or-treating for kids under 12, costume contests, crafts, games and prizes, special characters and more. See the animals get their own special treats. Free with zoo admission. 10am-3pm, Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St.
305-251-0400
Dog Date Stroll: Halloween Edition
Sunday, October 31
Dress your pup in costume for a Halloween Garden Party designed especially for pooches and their people. $16.95/adult, $7.95/child. 8-10am, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd.
http://www.fairchildgarden.org
MIAMI BEACH
Halloween Half Marathon
Saturday, October 30
Dress in costume or just come as you are for a half marathon or freaky 4-miler Halloween-themed race. Register online. 6:30am, One Washington Ave.
http://www.halloweenhalfmarathon.com
HalloWave Family Fun Fest
Sunday, October 31
A full day of family fun with 24 superheroes, a dunk tank, music, food trucks, a costume contest and over a mile of trick-or-treating. Block party takes place from 3pm to midnight with activities scheduled at specific times throughout the day. 1445 Washington Ave.
PINECREST
Track or Treat
Friday, October 29
Take a stroll and get some treats from 5-7pm before settling in for an outdoor movie from 7-10pm. Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124 St.
Howl-O-Ween
Saturday, October 30
Bring your pooch to have a pawsitively good time with tricks, treats, a costume contest, doggy agility course, live entertainment, a spooky Kids’ Zone and more. $8/online, $10/gate. 11am-5pm,, Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd.
305-669-6990
http://www.pinecrestgardens.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY
WEST PALM BEACH
Fall Family Fun Fest
Saturday, October 9
Explore the museum while participating in family fun including grab and go activities, live science demonstrations, outdoor entertainment, mini golf, a petting zoo and more. Included with paid admission of $17.95/adult, $13.95/child. 10am-4pm, South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
561-832-1988
http://www.sfsciencecenter.org
BOCA
Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival
Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31
Celebrate all things fall at this event featuring carnival rides, a cornstalk maze, a dress your own scarecrow village and a pumpkin patch with a variety of colors, sizes and shapes to pick from. $25. 10am-6pm, Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton