Spooky Halloween fun for kids in the Cincy Region

From trick-or-treat extravaganzas to exciting fall festivals, the Cincy Region is bustling with bewitching family fun that will delight kids of all ages this Halloween. Whether your kiddos seek a delightful fright or just want to enjoy some family fun, this list of Halloween events will prepare you for a memorable Halloween adventure in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Family-friendly Halloween events in Cincinnati

HallZOOween at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Saturdays & Sundays in October, starting October 12): Wild about Halloween? So is the zoo! Enjoy treat stations, photo opportunities, and festive fun from 12-5 p.m., Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of October. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express train and enjoy fall-themed foods. HallZOOween is free with general admission to the zoo. Get our insider tips for first-time zoo visitors. 

Jack O' Lantern Glow at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (specific dates through October): This immersive walkthrough adventure at the zoo features over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins and stunning fall displays along a half-mile trail, making it one of the largest events in the Cincy Region. Witness the Cincinnati Zoo transform into a mesmerizing wonderland of glowing jack-o’lanterns, breathtaking displays and special effects that will elevate your autumn nights to extraordinary heights. 

Weekends at the BOO!seum (Saturdays and Sundays in October): Every Saturday and Sunday in October you can bring your little ghost or goblin to the Cincinnati Museum Center and visit the Boo!seum. From dancing the Monster Mash and costume parades to creepy crawlies and scavenger hunts, Saturdays at the BOO!seum are all treats and no tricks.

Trick or Treat at Findlay Market (October 31; 4-6 p.m.): Trick or treat at Findlay Market. There will be children’s story time and crafts, games, a spooky haunted house, and more! This event is free. 

Tricks and Treats Fall Fest at Kings Island (Saturdays & Sundays September 22 - November 3): Put on your costume and join your favorite Peanuts characters at the Tricks and Treats Fall Fest at Kings Island. Activities include trick-or-treating, fall-themed games, mazes, and crafts. Plus, rides will be open to deliver the thrills and chills found only at Kings Island. 

Jack O'Lantern Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction (September 28 - October 31): Take the fun indoors at EnterTRAINment Junction, home to the world's largest indoor train display. During Jack O'Lantern Junction, let the kids roam through the trick-or-treat or straw mazes, get a free mini pumpkin at the indoor pumpkin patch, make Halloween crafts, admire the Halloweenville miniature animated display, and enjoy outdoor kids' train rides. 

Underwater Pumpkin Glow at the Newport Aquarium (September 16 - November 3): Head to the Newport Aquarium for this brand new event! Discover giant glowing animals made from pumpkins in your favorite exhibits. Watch as your animal friends get pumpkin treats and special fall enrichment while Jack-O-Lanterns become artificial reefs for the animals to explore. Wander through an underwater pumpkin patch surrounded by sharks!

Fall festivals and pumpkin farms

Fall on the Farm at Blooms & Berries Farm Market (daily, September 14 - October 31): Bring the whole family to Blooms & Berries Farm in Loveland, to experience pumpkin patch hayrides, a 7-acre corn maze, a kids’ corn maze, farm animals, cow train rides, and more. Visit the market barn for fall treats such as fresh squeezed apple cider and caramel apples. 

Country Pumpkins Fall Festival (September 7 - October 30; closed Tuesdays): Spend the day at Country Pumpkins Fall Festival on a 250-acre dairy farm in Dry Ridge, KY. Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin launch, a corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, farm animals, and more! Visit their website for the most up-to-date information and ticket prices. 

Fall Fest at Neltner's Farm (September 28 - October 27): At Neltner’s Farm, autumn is the time for harvest and celebration, and they invite your family to join theirs for the annual pumpkin patch. There’s something for every member of your family: horse-drawn wagon rides, model train display, an expansive corn maze, our pick-your-own pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, homemade food and ice cream, farm shop, seasonal apples, and a barrel train!

Check out our full events calendar to find even more Halloween family fun. Looking for fall colors? These are the best places in Cincy for leaf peeping. Find more spooky experiences in Cincinnati.