Your Guide to a Not-So-Scary Halloween

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Is spooky season sometimes a little too spooky for your kiddo? Check out these not-so-scary Halloween activities for fright-free fun!

For the Budding Artist

Courtesy of Northwest Children’s Theater

The Northwest Children’s Theater is hosting two kid-friendly Halloween-themed performances throughout the month of October. Check out their Halloween Ball (ages 4+) for a costume party with sing-a-longs and dance performances, or Blue Marigold (ages 10+) – part of the BIPOC Superhero Project.

Enjoy a Dia de Muertos celebration at the Forest Grove Farmers Market with live music or join Zazzy Zoe at Hammer + Jacks for a music class on Halloween.

The Sunset Swim Center will be hosting fall-themed crafts along with an open swim at their Spooky Saturday event.

For the Pumpkin Obsessed

Courtesy of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Of course, visiting one of the Portland area’s many awesome pumpkin patches is a great place to start.

We also highly recommend the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, an annual event at Lake Tualatin. Rain ruining your outdoor adventures? Head inside to decorate pumpkins at Happy Play in North Plains.

For the Kids With an Early Bedtime

Courtesy of the Pirates of Pinehurst

Many local businesses and neighborhoods make it easy for younger kids to participate in trick-or-treating without staying out too late — we have a full compilation of those events here!

If you’re hankering for a day trip, we love visiting The Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens for their fun performances, yummy snacks and kid-friendly activities.

Finally, although their performances happen later in the evening, you can hunt for treasure anytime at the Pirates of Pinehurst display. Pro tip: Gather gold coins and bring them back to the pirates on Halloween weekend for a prize!

For the Train Connoisseurs

Courtesy of Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

What kid doesn’t love trains? Lucky for them, there is plenty of Halloween train fun to be had in the Portland area. Bushue Farming has a pig train, Flower Farmer has a pumpkin train, and the Molalla Train Park is hosting a Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza (and will also be open all month). If you’re not already all train-ed out — because we know your kiddo won’t be! — here’s a longer list of our favorite Halloween trains and where to find them.

For the Budget Conscious

Courtesy of Nordic Northwest

Between costumes, decorations, and candy, the cost of Halloween can be scarier than the holiday itself – but don’t fear! There are plenty of free activities to celebrate spooky season. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, go on a hunt for the trolls and other magical creatures that call Portland home, or enjoy a kid-friendly fall hike.

Many of our local pumpkin patches offer free admission – pack a picnic lunch and get going!

Need more ideas? Here’s a list of 20 free things to do in October.

Robin Lanehurst
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