Best places, neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in Austin and more kid-friendly activities
Halloween can be hard to navigate in a city with many activities for kids and various neighborhoods, but finding the perfect Halloween activity does not have to be hard with this kid-friendly guide.
From trick-or-treating to haunted trails, here's a list of events around Austin leading up to the spookiest night.
What are the best Austin neighborhoods for trick-or-treating?
Trick-or-treating is a go-to tradition for most kids during Halloween. It's essential to pick a compact neighborhood with generous houses, great decorations, and the appropriate amount of tricks for kids. These neighborhoods continuously appeared across kids' blogs and were preferred by parents for their safety and generosity.
Shoal Creek
Barton Hills
Travis Heights
Clarksville
Cherry Creek
Allandale
Crestview
Steiner Ranch
Rosedale
Bee Cave
Ultimate guide to Halloween in Austin: Movies, haunted houses, events and more in Texas
Z'Tejas Halloween Fest
Z Tejas will host a "fang-tastic" Halloween event on Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their Avery Ranch Location, 14900 Avery Ranch Boulevard B100. Their parking will turn into a dance floor featuring a live DJ. A magician and balloon artist will also be present for children. A classic Halloween movie night will be held afterward, with a "Hocus Pocus" screening beginning at 7 p.m.
Adults will also have special menu items and drinks, including "La Muerte," their in-house margarita drink made with select barrel Maestro Diamante tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. The glass is rimmed with black salt, and inside is a purple-dyed skull-shaped ice cube with dry ice to add smoke. It sells for $16.
More information: ztejas.com/events/halloween-festival-at-avery-ranch
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Boo at the Zoo
Experience the Austin Zoo at night during Boo at the Zoo throughout October on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Kids can enjoy haunted houses, the Frightfully Fun Animal Show, and the Haunted Train. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy in their Picnic Grove. Visit their website for more details and to buy tickets.
More information: austinzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo/
Spooktacular at Bullock Museum
The annual Spooktacular at the Bullock Museum is free, with performances, crafts, games, and AR experiences. It will be held on Oct. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year's theme will be space, with opportunities to launch rockets, make solar system headbands, create slime, and more.
More information: thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/education/spooktacular-20231027
Pioneer Farms Haunted Trail
Pioneer Farms will host a haunted trail for older kids who want more tricks than treats. The popular guided ghost tour is currently sold out for October, and the next available date is Dec. 16. Still, if you want some "Nightmare Before Christmas" vibes, it is something to keep on your radar.
More information: pioneerfarms.org/event-tickets/austin-ghost-tours
Pumpkin Nights
This extensive light trail at Pioneer Farms includes over 7,500 hand-carved pumpkins with many photo opportunities at multiple displays. The event runs until Oct. 30 and opens at 6:00 p.m. every day. Adult tickets range from $20 to $28 if it is on the weekend and $15 to $20 for kids older than three.
More information: pumpkinnights.com/austin/
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What are the best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Austin?
