PLEASE NOTE: This post contains information about events from 2023. However, many of these events are annual happenings. So you can use this list as inspiration for future Halloween fun! Just be sure to check each event/venue’s website for the most up-to-date information.
2023 Post:
Spooky season is upon us! Which means it’s time for our annual roundup of not-so-scary Halloween events in Connecticut that you can feel confident taking your littles to (hey, we don’t want our kids climbing into bed with us after a 3am nightmare either! Ha!).
We hope this list helps you find lots of opportunities to enjoy this fun holiday with your kiddos of all ages. And while none of these events are scary, we know you’ll have a frighteningly good time 🙂
Enjoy!
10+ Not-So-Scary Halloween Events for Families in CT
Annual Scarecrows Along Main in Old Wethersfield
Come to the historic district of Wethersfield during the month of October and see something spooktacular! Scarecrows will be popping up alongside shops, restaurants, museums, colonial homes and more this fall season. Grab a warm cup of coffee from Heirloom Market or a delicious ice cream from Main Street Creamery and wander at will! (Check out our post from the 2020 event here!)
Main Street (between Garden Street and Hartford Avenue) Wethersfield
Pumpkin Patch Trolley Ride at CT Trolley Museum in East Windsor
Ride a historic trolley car out to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin! Then it’s back to the Visitor Center where you can decorate your pumpkin with the provided materials. Enjoy the outside harvest play area, corn box, and explore the museums as well! Sat & Sun until October 29th, 2023. Tickets must be purchased online in advance as there will be no ticket sales at the Trolley Museum on the day of the event.
58 North Road, East Windsor
Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton
The Pumpkinheads are back in the Village September 23rd-October 31st, 2023 and looking forward to your visit. And, you’ll be able to drive through the Pumpkintown Forest again this year! Reservations required for the drive-through Pumpkintown Forest activity (what was formerly known as “The Ride”). Admission to the Village can also be purchased in advance online.
93 E High Street, East Hampton
Ray of Light Farm Not So Scary Halloween Drive-Thru in East Haddam
Come see their magical Pony Trail, decorated & lit up for Halloween! You will find all sorts of exciting sights on the way, as well as human characters dressed to the occasion! Candy will be passed out to the little visiting goblins. This will be a fun event, daylight and in the dark. Only difference is, you’ll see all the beautiful lights in the dark. Drive-through dates are: October 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th, 2023 from 5:45pm – 8:00pm (last time slot for tickets will be 7:30pm). Visit their website to buy your ticket online. $5 per person (age 18 months+). Please note that the farm and tack shop will not be open to visitors during this event. Please do not exit your car during this event.
232 Town Street, East Haddam
Flamig Farm Haunted Walk Through in West Simsbury
A spooky but fun, kid-friendly family walk through. A little scary, a lot of fun! This does take place on the petting zoo side of the road so you will see the animals. Some might be sleeping at night or might come to say hi. Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on October 20th and 21st, 2023 (rain date October 22nd); October 27th and 28th, 2023(rain date October 29th). $15 per person for kids (ages 3 and up) and adults. Purchase your tickets online. Strollers are not permitted.
7 Shingle Mill Road, West Simsbury
Wee Faerie Village at The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme
September 30th-October 29th, 2023; Get ready to explore Fathom Heights: The wonderful underwater world of the sea faeries. 06H20 is the Connecticut zip code for a fashionable shoreside community where the wee sea faeries—enchanted creatures sporting both wings and fins—live, work, and play. From shell encrusted houses and coffee shops to kelp-covered schools, theaters, and sport arenas, you’ll love visiting this underwater wonderland. Costumes are encouraged! NEW THIS YEAR: buy your tickets online! This is not required but an optional convenience.
Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
Pumpkin Passage at The Dinosaur Place in Montville
Pumpkin Passage is a toddler-friendly Halloween event. Walk the Trail of Lights with glowing dinosaurs, pumpkins and mythical creatures. Enjoy special entertainment, bounce houses, corn maze, food trucks & more! Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from September 29th to October 30th, 2023; Indigenous Peoples’ Day Oct. 9th, 2023; and Thursdays Oct. 19th & Oct. 26th, 2023. Trick-or-Treat night will take place on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 and will include a bag of candy and presents for participating children. Online Registration Only!
160 Hartford-New London Tpke, Montville
Putnam Pumpkin Festival
Celebrate The Great Pumpkin on October 21st, 2023 from 10:00am to 3:00pm with dozens of arts and crafts vendors, music, performances, a scarecrow contest, pumpkin features in specialty boutiques and food & drink specials in unique Putnam restaurants! Ride the train and spend the day Discovering Putnam.
Downtown Putnam
Plainville PumpkinFest
Dress up your little boys and ghouls for this outdoor festival on October 21st, 2023 from 4:00pm-8:00pm featuring a kids’ Halloween party and costume parade, kids’ games, a variety of food trucks, carve your own pumpkin, a haunted house and many local vendors.
Plainville Municipal Center, 1 Central Square, Plainville (Kids’ Halloween party starts at 4:00pm at 50 Whiting Street)
Día de los Muertos at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (formerly the Connecticut Historical Society) in Hartford
Visit “Día de los Muertos,” a FREE community event on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 from 10:00am-5:00pm. Experience the sights and sounds of Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead, with all-ages arts activities, mariachi music, and Mexican folk dance! Ofrendas, or small altars that honor and celebrate those who have passed away, will be open to visit all day. Bring your own photographs of your muertos or deceased relatives, small mementos, or messages to contribute to our community ofrenda. FREE; get your free tickets here.
One Elizabeth Street, Hartford
Hobgoblin Fair at the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton
What “critters” will appear on the Roaring Brook nature trails this Halloween? Join the Nature Center for their annual Hobgoblin Fair on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 from 10:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:00pm. The Fair features the ‘Track & Treat’ walk, children’s crafts, hunt in the Leaves, and a Country Kitchen of yummy homemade items. Children are encouraged to wear costumes IF suitable for walking in the woods and participating in the craft activities. $10 per person. Register online. Suitable for children ages 3 – 8.
70 Gracey Road, Canton
Please note: All information contained in this post was current at the time of publication. We always recommend checking with each individual venue’s website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Do you have a not-so-scary Halloween event we should add to this list? Leave a comment with the details below!
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