Halloween Adventures for Kids in Austin: Spooky Family Fun & Things to Do
Halloween in Austin is about more than candy and costumes. From outdoor adventures and pumpkin patches to animal encounters and spooky attractions, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with the whole family. If you are looking for Halloween things to do in Austin with kids, this is the perfect time of year to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather and plan a day full of family fun.
For families who want to make their Halloween adventure a little more thrilling, start with a zipline adventure at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Located just outside Austin, LTZA combines incredible Texas Hill Country views, Lake Travis and an unforgettable outdoor adventure that kids and adults can enjoy together.
Go Ziplining Over Lake Travis
If your kids are looking for a Halloween adventure that is more exciting than simply walking through a haunted house, ziplining is the perfect way to add some adrenaline to your fall plans. At Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, families can soar above Lake Travis on one of the longest and fastest zipline experiences in Texas.
The 5-Line Adventure takes guests across multiple ziplines while enjoying views of the lake and surrounding Hill Country. The experience includes a boat ride to Zip Island, hiking through the Balcones Nature Preserve and multiple zipline runs. The longest line reaches speeds of up to 65 mph, making this a thrilling family adventure and a great way to make Halloween weekend one the kids will remember.
You can even turn your zipline trip into a Halloween tradition by dressing up in a fun costume for your adventure. Just remember that guests need to wear closed-toe shoes and meet the tour’s age, weight and participation requirements.
Whether your kids are little thrill seekers or your family simply wants to try something different this fall, ziplining is an exciting way to get outside and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime.
Visit Sweet Berry Farm for Fall Fun
For a classic fall day, head to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. The farm’s fall season includes pumpkins, hayrides, mazes, goats, farm activities, pumpkin painting, ice cream and plenty of opportunities for family photos.
Kids can explore the Texas Maze, navigate the Candy Corn Maze, visit the goats and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities. Sweet Berry Farm is especially great for families who want to combine Halloween fun with a fall day trip from Austin.
The farm’s 2026 fall season is open through late November, with activities changing throughout the season.
Sweet Berry Farm Fall Activities
Boo at the Zoo
For younger kids who love animals and Halloween, Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo is another great option. Families can dress up in costume and enjoy Halloween themed activities throughout the zoo.
Austin Zoo’s 2026 calendar lists Boo at the Zoo nights on October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24.
This is a great choice for families who want Halloween fun without the intensity of a traditional haunted house. Kids can enjoy the zoo, costumes and Halloween activities while parents get to experience a fun fall evening together.
Haunted House & Hayride: Outbreak
If your older kids are ready for something a little scarier, check out Haunted House & Hayride: Outbreak at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The experience combines a haunted house with a hayride, creating a classic Halloween night filled with spooky scenes and surprises.
For an extra challenge, look for their special Blackout nights, when guests navigate the attraction with only a glowstick to guide them. This option is better suited for older kids, teens and families who enjoy a good scare.
Bat City Scaregrounds
Located in Buda, Bat City Scaregrounds offers three haunted attractions for families with older kids and teens who are ready for a more intense Halloween experience. The 2026 attractions include Ritual, Castle Orlock and Slaughter Mall 3D, along with live entertainment, roaming characters, food and seasonal treats.
Because this is a true haunted attraction, parents should consider their child’s age and comfort level before visiting.
House of Torment
For teens and older Halloween fans, House of Torment in Austin is one of the area’s most intense haunted attractions. The 2026 season features multiple attractions and is open on select nights from September 12 through November 8.
This one is important to mention for parents: House of Torment specifically warns that the event may be too intense for children 12 and under. If your family has younger children, stick with the more family friendly options on this list.
Explore a Free Halloween Light Show
Looking for Halloween fun that won’t break the budget? A free Halloween house and light display south of Austin can be a fun way to spend an evening together. Families can check out Halloween decorations, animatronics, roaming characters and a small tunnel featuring Halloween movie projections.
With free admission, it is an easy addition to a Halloween weekend itinerary, especially for families with younger children who may not be ready for a traditional haunted house. Check the event’s current social media information before visiting for the latest hours and details.
Scare for a Cure
Families with older kids and teens looking for an interactive experience can also check out Scare for a Cure in Manor. Unlike a traditional haunted house where you simply walk through, this experience incorporates physical challenges as guests duck, dodge and climb their way through the attraction.
It is designed to be an interactive and energetic Halloween experience while supporting a charitable cause. Because of the physical nature and intensity, parents should review the attraction details before bringing younger children.
Last Stop Haunt in Leander
For a community focused Halloween option, Last Stop Haunt in Leander offers a spooky experience with a family friendly twist. The event includes candy, a pumpkin carving activity and a food collection benefiting the HCCM Food Pantry.
With free admission, it can be a great option for families looking for something simple and affordable to add to their Halloween plans.
The Freakshow Farms
If your family enjoys a traditional haunted trail, The Freakshow Farms in Spring Branch offers an eerie hayride followed by the Haunted Trail: Nightmare in the Woods. Guests travel into the woods before taking on the haunted trail.
This is another attraction that is better suited for older kids and teens who enjoy being scared. Parents should consider their child’s comfort level before choosing a haunted trail over a family friendly Halloween activity.
Build Your Own Austin Halloween Adventure
The best part about Halloween in Austin is that you don’t have to choose just one activity. Start your day with an outdoor adventure at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, then head to a pumpkin patch or fall festival for the afternoon. Finish the evening with Boo at the Zoo, a Halloween light display or one of the area’s haunted attractions depending on your family’s age and scare level.
For younger children, combine ziplining with Sweet Berry Farm or Boo at the Zoo for a day filled with outdoor adventure, animals, pumpkins and Halloween fun. For older kids and teens, add a haunted house or trail to the itinerary for an extra dose of adrenaline.
However you celebrate, Austin offers plenty of ways to make this Halloween more than just one night. Get outside, put on your costume and make some memories with your family this fall!
External Links
• Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: Learn more about ziplining over Lake Travis, tour options, requirements and availability.
• Sweet Berry Farm Fall Activities: Explore pumpkins, mazes, hayrides, farm activities and other fall attractions.
• Austin Zoo: Find information about Boo at the Zoo and other family friendly events.
• Bat City Scaregrounds: Check out the haunted attractions and Halloween events in Buda.
• House of Torment: Explore Austin’s haunted houses and Halloween attractions.
• Dripping Springs Ranch Park: Learn more about events and activities at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.
• Scare for a Cure: Get information about the interactive haunted attraction in Manor and its charitable mission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween in Austin
What are the best Halloween activities for kids in Austin?
Some of the best family friendly Halloween activities include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, Boo at the Zoo, visiting Sweet Berry Farm and exploring local Halloween light displays. Families with older children and teens can also consider haunted houses and haunted trails.
Is ziplining a good Halloween activity for kids?
Absolutely! Ziplining is a great alternative to traditional Halloween activities for kids who love adventure. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers an outdoor experience where families can enjoy Lake Travis views, hiking and thrilling ziplines together.
What is the most family friendly Halloween activity in Austin?
Boo at the Zoo and Sweet Berry Farm are excellent choices for younger children. Both offer seasonal activities without the intensity of a traditional haunted house.
Are Austin haunted houses appropriate for young children?
Not always. Haunted houses can vary significantly in intensity. Some attractions specifically warn that their experiences may be too intense for younger children. Parents should check the attraction’s age recommendations before purchasing tickets.
Where can I go pumpkin picking near Austin?
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls is a popular fall destination with pumpkins, mazes, hayrides, goats, pumpkin painting and other seasonal activities.
What should kids wear for a zipline adventure?
Guests should wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes. If you want to dress up for Halloween, choose a costume that allows for safe movement and works with required zipline safety equipment.
Can I combine a zipline trip with other Halloween activities?
Yes! A zipline adventure can easily become part of a full Austin Halloween weekend. Plan your zipline experience earlier in the day and visit a pumpkin patch, zoo or Halloween attraction afterward.
Make This Halloween an Adventure
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about being scared. For families who want to spend more time outside and try something new, a Lake Travis zipline adventure is a memorable way to celebrate the season. From flying over the lake to exploring pumpkin patches and dressing up for Boo at the Zoo, there are plenty of ways to create a Halloween adventure that your family will remember long after the candy is gone.