Now that I’ve covered some of the more adult-oriented frights in Frederick this Halloween season, it’s time to move on to the universally family-oriented options. With all those lighthearted enticements like farm follies, parades, and trick/trunk-or-treating events, the celebratory event lineup for children and families (and even pets) is admittedly far more extensive. Here are just some of the most eagerly anticipated family-friendly frights and delights to enjoy throughout Frederick this month.
Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns at Green Meadows Petting Farm
October 5 marks the seasonal reopening of the Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns at Green Meadows Petting Farm. An annual all-age-appropriate offering, admission covers the iconic walk along the brightly glowing pumpkin-lit trail along with a host of other activities. There’s trick-or-treating for children 13 and under (for an hour between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), a family-friendly comedy show, bonfires, and even those ever-popular visits to the Animal Barn that are all the rage.
At an added cost, you can go on a nighttime hayride and make other onsite purchases, including pumpkin flashlights ($3) trick-or-treat bags ($1), glow necklaces ($1), s’mores kits for two ($4), and food purchases from onsite vendors. Learn more about this event on the Green Meadows Petting Farm website.
Knine Rescue Halloween Party and Costume Parade at My Pet Store and More
Are you looking for a lighthearted treat that’s no trick and may even result in welcoming home a new furry addition to the family (that isn’t a werewolf)? Then come out to My Pet Store and More in the Frederick Shopping Center on October 13 for the Knine Rescue Halloween Party and Costume Parade.
The in-store event will run from noon to 2 p.m. and feature an array of adorable pups available to adopt. The cuteness is doubled by the fact that there will even be a pet-costume parade procession included as part of the “howling” Halloween party. Visit the Knine Rescue, Inc. event link to learn more.
Scare in the Air—Halloween Costume Party & Contest
Urban Air Adventure, Frederick’s ultimate go-to trampoline and indoor adventure park, is hosting its eagerly awaited annual Scare in the Air Halloween celebration on October 17. This year’s event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and feature a host of happy haunts through the evening. The lineup includes trick-or-treating stations spread out throughout the park, group activities, and even a costume party divided by age.
In addition to Halloween special features, visitors can still enjoy all the regularly offered activities available here. Park admission is required for attending the Halloween Party, and Family Night discounts will still be honored during this event! Visit the website to learn more.
Middletown’s 18th Annual Scarecrows March Down Main Street
Be a part of a beloved unscary Scarecrow celebration that’s been captivating the community of Middletown for nearly two decades. It’s their annual Scarecrows March Down Mainstreet—a free-to-attend fun for the whole family must-see hit. This year’s event will take place on October 19.
Come to Main Street between noon and 4 p.m. to enjoy ongoing Halloween-themed celebratory activities, treats, live music, and more. But at the heart of all the excitement is, of course, the scarecrows. This year’s ensemble will include nearly 60 scarecrows, all personally crafted and created by various residents, families, businesses, and organizations throughout the vicinity. They will all be lined up along Main Street for folks to stroll by, check out, and vote on their favorites. Scarecrows will remain on display through Halloween. To learn more about this event or get details on participating yourself, visit the Main Street Middletown website.
Spirits of the Furnace
Also taking place on October 19 is a haunted history tour that’s both informative and kid-friendly. It’s the ever-popular Spirits of the Furnace nighttime walking tour. Made possible by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, the touring times for this year’s installment will begin at 6:30 p.m.; the last tour will depart at 9 p.m. Each experience lasts 45 minutes, and while “slightly spooky” by the Society’s own volition, rest assured that there won’t be anything too creepy.
Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours make several stops at various historic structures of significance. Expect to come face-to-face with the storytelling “ghosts” of various departed residents from local history, learning their personal stories about life and death firsthand. Discover more about this event and others from the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society website.
5th Annual Canines on the Creek
Another doggie delight just in time for Halloween is Canines on the Creek. An annual celebration hosted by FSK Lions Club for five years now, Canines on the Creek is the ultimate family-friendly, pet-friendly Halloween bash. This year’s event will take place on October 26 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
It is, first and foremost, a parade and Halloween costume contest for dogs and their respective humans. Other exciting enticements include giveaway prizes, food, exhibitors, and more.
Set along scenic Carroll Creek, Canines on the Creek is free to attend. Spectators are, however, asked to consider donating by contributing at least one can of dog food. Also, all proceeds raised from onsite vendors benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind (TM) and other Lions Club charities. Visit the Lions Club website for all additional details.
City of Brunswick Halloween Downtown Party and Trunk-or-Treat
On the evening of October 26, Downtown Brunswick will unfold a scene of festive frights and devious delights in the form of their annual Halloween party. The fun starts at 6 p.m. sharp and will run for two hours before concluding at 8 p.m.
Two anchoring highlights to enjoy during the main event are, trunk-or-treating and the Haunted House at the American Legion. There will also be costume contests, a live DJ present, and a whole lot more. Additional details can be found on the City of Brunswick website link.
Halloween in Downtown Frederick
Another free-to-attend event happening on October 26 is the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s annual Halloween in Downtown Frederick. All are welcome to partake in the ghoulishly good happenings slated to occur here. Highlights will comprise an array of kid-friendly activities, including trick-or-treating at surrounding area businesses throughout Downtown, and even a special doggy parade and costume contest.
The day’s happy Halloween happening will run between 10 a.m. and noon. Visit the Downtown Frederick Partnership website to learn more.
Halloween with the Animals
Are you a young party animal? Then Halloween with the Animals may be just the thing you’re seeking. Taking place at the Nature Center at Fountain Rock Park on October 30 between noon to 6 p.m. (available in two-hour sessions), this exciting celebration, designed for kids ages three to 13, packs plenty of wild fun, including the chance to get up close and personal with some of the Center’s resident animal ambassadors.
Costumes are both welcome and highly encouraged among children and accompanying adults alike. Activities will include learning how to identify those crazy and sometimes “creepy’ animal sounds that are so prevalent this time of year. You’ll also get to partake in making tasty treats! Learn more or register for your session today by navigating to the event link.
In addition to all the Halloween-oriented happenings, you should remember that Frederick County is home to many other awesome autumnal delights to take in this time of year. There are countless corn mazes and pumpkin patches to pursue at various area farms, for instance, not to mention other annual events like the one and only Catoctin Colorfest. This year’s event will run on October 12 and 13 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Whatever eerie endeavors strike your family’s fancy this season, Frederick is the place to find so many frightful and delightful options available for the picking.