Halloween Events in Rhode Island for Kids and Families
We rounded up eight wicked cool Halloween activities for both costume lovers and those with a sweet tooth to enjoy.
The Horribles Parade in Wickford. Courtesy of the Wickford Village Events Committee
Fall is in the air, trees are losing their leaves and many are hunting for the best-of-the-best Halloween costume. But sometimes Halloween falls on a school night and you’re not loving the idea of the kiddos staying up till dawn with a sugar high. Sometimes you live in a neighborhood with a terrible walking score. Or, sometimes you just want to go where the king-sized candy bars are. Whatever your reason for seeking alternative or additional spooky season and/or trick or treating plans, this list of family-friendly jaunts has you covered this October.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
No Rhode Island fall is complete without a visit to Roger William Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. See thousands of intricately carved pumpkins with a punny twist through November 1. Admission costs $20–$23 for adults and $16–$19 for children (pricing varies between weekdays and weekends). Purchase tickets in advance here. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 401-785-3510, rwpzoo.org
The Horribles Parade and Witches Paddle
Head down to Wickford Village on Saturday, October 24, for the annual Horribles Parade. Costumed kids and pets of all ages are welcome to march in the parade which forms at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Parish House on Main Street. The parade kicks off around noon. Stick around after for the costume contest, live entertainment, and trick-or-treating at surrounding businesses. Make a weekend of it and head to Wickford Kayak Centre’s Witches Paddle on Sunday, October 25 to watch (or participate in!) the annual spooktacular paddle around Wickford Harbor, which raises money for the North Kingstown Food Pantry. Learn more about both events here.
Howl-O-Ween Hike N Treat
Dog lovers, unite! Grab your pup and start brainstorming your matching Halloween costumes for the annual Howl-o-ween Hike N Treat, hosted by Furry Fellas Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service, on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 3 – 5:30 p.m. The Hike N Treat offers treats and a fun-filled afternoon for dogs and their owners. Walk registration and costume contest registration are $15 each. The event will benefit the Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter, which supports the homeless animal population in Warwick. Learn more here. Warwick City Park — Buttonwoods, 185 Asylum Rd., Warwick, 401-738-2019, visitwarwick.com
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Howl-O-Ween Hike N Treat
Dog lovers, unite! Grab your pup and start brainstorming your matching Halloween costumes for the annual Howl-o-ween Hike N Treat, hosted by Furry Fellas Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service, on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 2:30– 5p.m. The fun-filled day at the park is for both pups and their owners, and the event will benefit the Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter, which supports the homeless animal population in Warwick. Learn more here. Warwick City Park — Buttonwoods, 185 Asylum Rd., Warwick, 401-738-2019, warwickri.gov/parks-and-recreation/pages/warwick-city-park-buttonwoods-beach
Providence Monster Dash
On Sunday, October 25, get on your running shoes and your best Halloween costume for Run Rhody’s annual Monster Dash. With a .25-mile race for kids under 12 and a 5k for adults, the race will be a blast for the whole family. There are also opportunities to win prizes based on run time and on the best costumes. If you’re up for an extra challenge, the Monster Dash is the second segment of the Run Rhody Grand Slam, a series of four races from September to December. Register for the Monster Dash here. 250 S Water St., Providence, runrhody.com
Spooky Views: A Halloween Stargazing Experience
Join the Frosty Drew Observatory astronomers on Friday, October 30 for a night under Hallow’s Eve skies. Kid-friendly activities, a scavenger hunt, and story times will accompany the opportunity to gaze through the observatory’s telescopes and celebrate Earth’s entry into the darker half of the year. For adults, the Sky Theatre will be broadcasting the original live radio readings of Orson Wells’ War of the Worlds. There are two ticketed sessions from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here. 61 Park Ln, Ninigret Park, Charlestown, 401-859-1450, frostydrew.org
Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery
Wright’s is making October a little sweeter – and a little spookier – all month long. From a family-friendly scavenger hunt around the farm to seasonal treats, a trip to the farm this month will certainly get you in the Halloween spirit. Wright’s Bakery is offering bonus discounts and treats (BOGO spider cupcakes! extra points earned for maple milk!) to loyalty members (it’s free to sign up) through their Spooky Spotlights rewards program. Wright’s Creamery, located inside Farm Fresh, is also offering the Spooky Spotlights program with their own selection of special offers through the end of the month. 200 Woonsocket Hill Rd., N Smithfield and 498 Kinsley Ave., Providence, 401-767-3014 wrightsri.com
Halloween Flea and Witches’ Night Market
The Providence Flea is back inside for the cold months, and on Friday, October 23 head to Farm Fresh for the Halloween Flea and Witches’ Night Market. Mystical merchants and artisans abound, along with psychic readings, a lighted labyrinth, live music, and much more. This magical market is guaranteed to be an evening of Halloween delights for the whole family. Free entry. 5:30–9:30 p.m. 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 401-484-7783, providenceflea.com
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