Discover Family-Friendly Fall & Halloween Events 2025: Hosted by Howard County Recreation & Parks
From pumpkin painting to haunted hayrides, discover all the must-attend fall and Halloween events hosted by Howard County Recreation & Parks this October. Make memories, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate the magic of autumn with your family - fun for ALL ages!
Fall is hands-down one of my favorite times of year. The air feels crisp, the leaves start to turn, and if you’re anything like my kids, the countdown to Halloween starts way before October 31st. As a mom, I’m always on the hunt for ways to make the season magical, without adding more work to my plate. That’s why I’m so excited about all the fun, family-friendly (and sometimes spooky!) events Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP) has lined up this October.
Whether you’ve got toddlers who want nothing more than pumpkins and hayrides, or older kids looking for something a little more adventurous, there’s truly something for everyone. And the best part? These events are right here in our own community.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this month. I already have a few of these on my family calendar, and I think you’ll want to do the same!
Family-Friendly Fall Events
Fall Festival at North Laurel Community Center
October 4th, 12-3
Think food, games, crafts, live entertainment, and of course, fall-themed activities for the whole family. This is the kind of event where kids can run around and enjoy themselves while parents soak up that festive atmosphere.
Pumpkin Paint at North Laurel Community Center (All Ages)
October 4th, 1-2
Let’s be real, carving pumpkins with little kids is messy and a little stressful. Painting them? Pure fun. This hands-on event is perfect for kids of all ages (and moms like me who don’t want to clean pumpkin guts off the kitchen floor).
Spook-tacular Halloween Events
Truck or Treat at Gary J. Arthur Community Center
October 11th, 10-3
One of the most unique Halloween traditions! Kids get to dress up in costumes and safely trick-or-treat around parked trucks and vehicles. It’s part candy, part “wow factor,” especially for kids who love trucks, fire engines, and more. This popular event sells out quickly every year, so grab your tickets early!
The Haunted Experience at Rockburn Park (Ages 7+)
October 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th, 6-10pm
Got a brave kid (or maybe a tween who thinks they’re too cool for pumpkin patches)? This spooky experience is just the thing. With age-appropriate thrills, it’s a step up from the family-friendly events but still in a safe, community setting.
Floating Pumpkin Patch at Roger Carter Community Center
October 18th, 12:30-3
This one blew my mind the first time I heard about it: pumpkins floating in the pool! Kids get to swim, scoop up their pumpkin, and decorate it afterward. Such a fun twist on a classic fall activity. To make it safe for all ages, time slots are divided by age: ages 3–5 (12:30–1:30 pm), ages 5–8 (1:15–2:15 pm), and ages 8–11 (2–3 pm).
Happy Haunted Hayride at Rockburn Park (Ages 2–7)
October 19th and 26th, 2-4
This event is perfect for the younger crowd, just the right mix of “spooky” and “silly. Enjoy fun Halloween surprises along the route during the daytime, and let your kids giggle through a safe, festive, and interactive fall adventure.
Halloween Tricks, Treats, and Trees at Robinson Nature Center
October 25th and 26th, 9-2:15
If your family loves nature, this event is a must. Think themed potion-making, puppet shows, sensory play, and magical “tricks” tucked away among the trees. Morning sessions are perfect for little ones, while afternoons cater to slightly older kids.
Monster Mash at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
October 31st, 7-10pm
A brand-new event for teens! Dance, play games, and celebrate Halloween with pizza, drinks, and snacks provided. A safe, fun night just for older kids to enjoy the spooky season with friends.
Why I Love These Events as a Mom
Here’s the thing: October is busy. Between school routines, sports practices, and everything else, it’s easy to let the month slip by without really soaking in the magic of fall. That’s why I love that HCRP makes it so easy to plug into our community. The events are affordable, thoughtfully planned, and (most importantly) fun for kids and adults.
I know from personal experience how important it is to create these little traditions, whether it’s pumpkin painting, hayrides, or even just watching my kids squeal as they spot their favorite truck at Truck or Treat. These are the moments that stick with them.
Join the Fun This Fall
Howard County Recreation & Parks has gone all out this year to make sure families have plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Whether your crew is into costumes and candy, outdoor adventures, or cozy seasonal activities, there’s something on this list with your name on it.
Check out the full lineup of fall and Halloween events on the Howard County Recreation & Parks website.
And if you go to one (or five!) of these events, let me know, I love seeing your pictures and hearing your stories. Tag @the.columbiamom and share how your family is making memories this season!
