Carve out some spooktacular time this season and attend one of the following family Halloween events in Wisconsin.
Click here for 2023 adult-focused Halloween events in Wisconsin.
Sept. 22 to Oct. 31: Scarecrow Lane
Waukesha County
For those looking for a family Halloween event in Wisconsin that takes place in the great outdoors, look no further than Scarecrow Lane in Waukesha County. Open daily from sunrise until 10 p.m., this self-guided hike features whimsical scarecrows that have been lovingly decorated by local families and businesses. As you embark on your half-mile journey, you’ll also encounter Retzer Pond and the Children’s Garden, brimming with pumpkins, vibrant flowers and other quintessential fall flora.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: waukeshacounty.gov.
Sept. 28 to Oct. 29, Thursdays to Sundays: Jack-O-Lantern Nights
Racine
Get ready for a bewitching good time as Racine Zoo lights up with Halloween magic during Jack-O-Lantern Nights. Marvel at thousands of carved pumpkins, enjoy spooky storytelling and have a delightful time with your family. While you take in these glowing sights, be sure to warm up with delectable seasonal sips and treats, or check out the pumpkin sculptures, a new display showcasing multiple pumpkins intricately arranged to form animal shapes with finely detailed carvings.
Cost: $10 per person; free for ages 2 and under.
For more information: racinezoo.org.
Oct. 1 to Oct. 31: HOLLOW-een
Blue Mounds
Fear not the darkness and explore the underground wonders of Cave of the Mounds during its HOLLOW-een event in Blue Mounds. The family-friendly fun will include a unique trick-or-treat adventure within the cave as your tour guide tells eerie tales of cave folklore, making it a unique and educational Halloween experience. Along the tour, trick-or-treaters will collect rocks, fossils and geodes sourced from around the world to take home or break open at the end of the tour.
Cost: Tickets are available at the on-site ticket desk.
For more information: caveofthemounds.com.
Oct. 6, Oct. 7, Oct. 13, Oct. 14, Oct. 20 and Oct. 21: Halloween Legends & Lore
Eagle
Step into the enchanting turn-of-the-century village at Old World Wisconsin’s Halloween Legends & Lore event. Here, live performers will weave haunting tales, fireside storytelling will captivate your imagination and a Victorian séance will add an eerie touch. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Emporium of Oddities, savor live music and engage in treat-filled games for the little ones. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to don their costumes (sans masks) and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tram service will not be operational during this family Halloween event in Wisconsin. The fun will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 for ages 13-plus and $14 for ages 5 to 12.
For more information: oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org.
Oct. 19 to Oct. 21: Halloween Haunts
Milwaukee
For over 35 years, Friends of Wehr Nature Center has hosted its staple Halloween Haunts event, and this year’s gathering is going to be bigger than ever. Guests will venture into the woods and encounter costumed characters, enjoy campfire tales and embark on a flashlight hike through the darkened forest. Halloween Haunts seamlessly melds the whimsical and slightly eerie aspects of the season with the enchanting allure of nighttime nature, resulting in a delightful event suitable for the entire family. New this year is the warm glow of over 300 jack-o’-lanterns that illuminate the forest path, in addition to a magic show and a selfie spot to capture the spooktacular evening. Hikes start between 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $14 per person ($12 for members), plus $5 for parking.
For more information: friendsofwehr.org.
Oct. 19 to Oct. 22: Boo at the Zoo
Milwaukee
Embrace the “merry, not scary” spirit of Halloween at Milwaukee County Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. The family Halloween event in Wisconsin offers delightful kid-friendly activities, including a Trick-or-Treat Trail, captivating live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, mesmerizing light shows and the chance to encounter fascinating animals. All ghosts and goblins (including their parents) are encouraged to don their Halloween costumes and show their spooky spirit, taking place from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $15.50 for ages 13-plus or $13.50 for ages 3 to 12. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Zoo Pass members save 15 percent with code SPOOKY and their membership number.
For more information: milwaukeezoo.org.
Oct. 27: Bayshore BOOgie Bash & Costume Contest
Glendale
Embrace the essence of fall at the fourth-annual Bayshore BOOgie Bash & Costume Contest, presented by Spirit Halloween and taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. Bring your little ones dressed as princesses, monsters, goblins and charming characters to The Yard at Bayshore for an unforgettable family Halloween event in Wisconsin. Groove to the beats with Kid Boogie Down, who’s not only your host for thrilling costume contests but will also hand out prizes at 6 p.m. Get your groove on with Halloween-themed fairytale princesses from Fairytale Birthday Company and don’t miss the mesmerizing laser light displays and photo-worthy, not-so-spooky holiday setups throughout The Yard.
Cost: Free; subject to purchases.
For more information: thebayshorelife.com.
Oct. 28: Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
Milwaukee
Grab your Halloween costumes and head to Milwaukee for the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This lively event features a pumpkin-carving contest, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more. New this year is a showcase with autumn-themed produce and delectable sweets, including offerings from Weston’s Antique Apple Orchard, Doughnuttery Mayfair, Pop’s MarketPlace and Cottonmouth MKE. Plus, there’s a free pumpkin patch (first-come, first-served), pumpkin decorating, live performances by Frogwater and the Extra Crispy Brass Band, face painting, character meet-and-greets, bubble playtime and much more.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: milwaukeedowntown.com.