Celebrate Halloween In The Parks
Looking for a “spook”tacular way to spend your Halloween? From ghost stories to costume contests, our national parks offer great ways to trick or treat your way to a hauntingly good time with family and friends! To help get you in the Halloween state of mind, here are a few of the events taking place at parks across the country.
Gateway National Recreation Area (New York, New Jersey)
When? October 19th 7:30pm - 9:30pm
What? American Littoral Society Spooky Tales and Ghosts -- Get into the Halloween Spirit on this moonlight walk around Historic Fort Hancock where ghosts have been known to linger. Warm up with cider and munch on fall snacks at $5 per person. Call 732-291-0055 to make reservations.
Minute Man National Historical Park (Massachusetts)
When? October 20th 4:45pm – 5:45pm and 7pm – 8:30pm
What? Halloween Tales -- Join The Guild of Historic Interpreters in a spooky, candle-lit setting for an evening of traditional New England ghost stories.
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (Louisiana)
When? Sunday, October 21st 12pm – 12:45pm and 3pm – 3:45pm
What? "Boo Carrè at the French Market" -- Jim and Martha Hession perform ghoulish ragtime and jazz pieces.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Illinois)
When? October 26th 5:30pm – 7:30pm
What? Safe Trick or Treat -- Wear your costume and stop by for candy, children’s programs, games, and more. Bring a canned good item to help feed families in need.
Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida, Mississippi)
When? October 26th - 6:00 pm
What? Stories and Stars Night Walk -- Dress up in costume and enjoy regional folk tales about local people and wildlife from park rangers. Learn star lore and how early mariners used the stars to navigate. Don’t forget your flashlights!
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (California)
When? October 27th 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What? Creatures Creeping -- As the sun goes down, the night comes alive. Hear some Halloween tales on an easy 1-mile walk, as we look and listen for coyotes, scorpions, and owls.
De Soto National Memorial (Florida)
When? October 27th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
What? Desoween V, Trail of Haunted Legends -- Visit De Soto National Memorial on October 27th for a family friendly spooky trail walk. Bring the kids decked out in Halloween costumes, and experience a unique and educational Halloween event for all ages.
Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
When? October 28th 1pm – 5pm
What? Halloween Museum Fun Walk -- Join the rangers of Hot Springs National Park for a creepy crawly good time at the Maurice Bathhouse. Afternoon activities include educational programs with live spiders, make your own jumping spider craft, and prize give a ways.
Rock Creek Park (Washington, DC)
When? October 31st 4pm
What? The Weird and Spooky Night Sky -- Come to the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium in your Halloween costume and learn about the spooky stars, planets and constellations in the night sky. This program is geared for the youngest of astronomers.
Canyon De Chelly National Monument (Arizona)
When? October 31st
What? Halloween Costume Contest -- Put on your ghoulish garb and compete for prizes in this Halloween costume contest!
For a full listing of events happening in parks nationwide, click here.
