20+ Free Things to Do with Kids in October

October can be an expensive month — Halloween candy, costumes, decorations, more Halloween candy after you ate the Halloween candy you bought earlier in the month (just us?). But there’s no reason to break the bank when going out and about with the kiddos. Here are some ideas for free kid-friendly fun this month.

Hear a story. Head to Annie Bloom’s Books on the first Tuesday of the month (this month is on October 1) for reading, games and songs. All ages welcome. And for even more story times around Portland, click here!

Gallery gaze. Every first Thursday, get free admission to the Portland Art Museum. Pro tip: Kids ages 17 and under are always free! This month, check out more than 250 photographs from Paul McCartney’s personal archive and opening on October 19, is Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s.

Friday night flick. This fall, Yesteryear Farms, in Wilsonville, is hosting Fall Friday Night Movies. Pro tip: The movie area is uncovered, so dress for the weather, and bring your own seats. Watch Hocus Pocus on October 4; The Nightmare Before Christmas on October 11; Beetlejuice on October 18 and The Adams Family on October 25.

Spooky-free marketplace. On Saturday, October 5, Wonderwood Springs is holding its The Not So Scary Fair at Wonderwood Springs. You’ll find the goods of more than 35 local vendors, Bard Story Time, music, live goats, face painting, a costume contest, opera and much more.

Giant gourds. If you’re looking to get out of town and see the biggest pumpkin of your life — more than 1,000 pounds! — don’t miss the Great Pumpkin Weigh Off at Bauman Farms in Gervis during Bauman’s 2024 Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. This even has produced some national and world records! After being weighed, these giant gourds will be on display.

Cider sing-along. The chance to press your own cider and hear Red Yarn? Count us in! Don’t miss this event on Saturday, October 5 at Leaven Community Center in Southeast. Families can bring their own apples to press, or get some from the Portland Fruit Tree Project harvests. Red Yarn plays at noon.

Apple tree appreciation. Speaking of apple trees, celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826 during the annual Old Apple Tree Festival. There will be food, music, kids’ activities and apple cider pressing.

Witchy waters. The broom may be the preferred method of transportation for witches, but they like to stand up paddle, too. Don’t miss them take to the water during the Witches & Warlocks SUP and Kayaks even on Saturday, October 5 at Estacada Lake.

Organ tunes. On October 6th, the Lake Grove Concert Series will launch their 10th anniversary with Bells & Whistles: An Organ Concert for All Ages. Listen to the enchanting sounds of Lake Grove’s magnificent pipe organ in this free, one-hour, family-friendly concert. Plus, organist, Jeff Wood will share insights into this unique musical instrument.

Swap books. Get new-to-you books, while donating others (plus puzzles) during the two-day, third annual Gardner School Book Swap. There will also be story time led by local indie authors, a raffle and other fun activities.

Visit a graveyard. The Davis Graveyard is one of the best free Halloween displays in the city.

See Pirates. Speaking of free Halloween displays, don’t miss the Pirates of Pinehurst. On weekends they often offer free performances, too.

Go to a pumpkin patch. Some patches on our roundup offer free entry, such as Bella Organic Farm, The Pumpkin Patch, Fazio Farms and more.

Get Halloween freebies. Make the rounds, with freebies typically found at Salt & Straw, Krispy Kreme, IHOP, and Mike’s Drive-In on Halloween. Be sure to double-check this year’s offerings, as deals are subject to change. And if you have a birthday this month, check out our list of birthday freebies, too!

Check out some awesome carved pumpkins. Beginning October 19, head out to West Linn on weekends for a kid-friendly Halloween display featuring 200 intricately carved pumpkins with music, fog, lasers, and UV glow lights.

Skip the parking fee. October 14 and 17 are Metro Free Parking Days. Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp, and Chinook Landing Marine Park.

Pumpkin race. Attend the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta on October 20 and see locals race giant pumpkins (yes!) on Tualatin Commons Lake. On dry land, check out the costume contest, face painting, pumpkin bowling and pumpkin golf.

Puppet show. Join Dragon Theater Puppets for some spooky fun at the Hillsdale Library on October 26.

Visit a minigallery. Portland goes way beyond little free libraries. Follow this handy map to find a fun and funky gallery near you.

Give back. Try one of these kid-friendly volunteering opportunities.

Get Snacking. Make one of these easy, lower sugar Halloween treats.

Take a hike. Go on one of our recommended fall color hikes or kid-friendly fall trails.

Go on a troll hunt. There are plenty of magical creatures to be found in the Portland metro area. Find our recs here.

Ride a train. It’s hard to believe, but there’s no entrance fee and no charge to ride the trains at Molalla Train Park. Trick or treat there on October 27, at their Trick or Treat Extravaganza! Pro tip: The park is only open on Sundays and they are volunteer-run. (Donations are appreciated.)

Trick or Treat! The ultimate free October event. Get those bags or buckets and get some candy! Many of these Daytime Trick-or-Treating events are free to attend, too.