Halloween Events for the Whole Family!

By Stephanie Cornwell

Need plans for Halloween? Check out these local Halloween events for the whole family! Dress up in your best costumes, and have a happy Halloween!

Boo at the Zoo  

Come trick-or-treat at the zoo!! Students and staff create 10 fun zones that are decorated in themes from children’s classics with 14 candy stations. It’s spooky, fun and helping those in need. Admission to the event is one can of food per person. The canned goods are donated to Gainesville Harvest and Catholic Charities.

  • Date: October 31, 2019
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd Street
  • Admission: 1 can of food per person

 

Molecular Mania 2019

If your kids are interested in science, or you just want an educational and fun Halloween event, check out Molecular Mania. The UF Chemistry Department’s graduate students organize interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences designed to teach kids that chemistry is cool. Making fog bubbles, shrinking soda cans and playing with slime are just a few of the 22 kid-safe activities planned. More information can be found on the Facebook page. 

  • Date: October 26, 2019
  • Time: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
  • Where: The Oaks Mall, 6419 West Newberry Road
  • Admission: None

 

Rogers Farm Fall Festival 

Rogers Farm hosts an annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze. They have hay rides, slides, haunted corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, games and more. No outside food or drinks are permitted, but there are food trucks inside. Weather is subject to change the hours of operation. More information can be found on the website.

  • Date: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October 27th
  • Time: Friday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 10 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Where: 3831 NW 156th Ave
  • Admission: 
    • Children 2 and under- free
    • Kids ages 3-12- $10
    • Adults- $15
    • 10% discount for military members with ID
    • 10% Senior discount 65 years and older with ID

 

Trunk-or-Treat

Several churches are hosting trunk-or-treats with carnival games and food! Bring money for food trucks. 

The Family Church

  • Date: October 31, 2019
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: 2022 SW 122nd Street
  • Admission: Free

 

First Lutheran Church

  • Date: October 23, 2019
  • Time: 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.
  • Location: 1801 NW 5th
  • Admission: free

 

Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks

The UF sororities will decorate their houses in different themes with candy and games for all of the Gainesville kids to enjoy. Come in your costumes and trick-or-treat! 

  • Date: October 24, 2019
  • Time: 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: University of Florida Sorority Row
  • Admission: Free