The spookiest time of year is approaching. While many look forward to a fun fright or even a serious scare, folks with little ones may be on the prowl for some less shocking Halloween shenanigans. Not to fear (no, really, don’t be afraid); Norfolk has a great lineup of kid-friendly Halloween events and activities. From glass pumpkins and ghoulish gardens to costumed fun for fur babies, here are some fun, family-friendly Halloween activities in Norfolk.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Pumpkinpalooza
Oct. 24, 2024
6 P.m.–8:45 p.m.
Starting in September and going all the way through the spooky season, the Chrysler Museum hosts their popular Pumpkinpalooza, a chance for creatives to make their very own glass pumpkin. Participants ages 5+ can choose from an array of colors to make their object unique. With help from an instructor, pumpkin makers will apply colorful crushed glass to molten clear glass on a long metal tube. The objects are then inflated with an air device. A curly stem is the finishing touch to bringing these ornamental gourds to life.
Halloween Harvest Festival
Oct. 27, 2024
12:30 P.M. –4 p.m.
Costumed kiddies and grownups are invited to show off their creativity as they venture throughout the Chrysler Museum where they will encounter some wonderful surprises along the way.
Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG)
The Garden’s Little Sprout Explorers is a weekly nature education program for children ages 3–6, and during the month of October, there are several spooky-themed programs to look forward to. Spooky themes will get kids in the Halloween spirit while they have fun learning new things about nature. (Mondays in October from 10–11 a.m.)
Trick ‘r Trees
Oct. 24, 2024
5–6:30 p.m.
Join the Garden ghouls and goblins for a family-friendly evening of games, crafts and light trick-or-treating. This event is recommended for ages 3+ and requires moderate walking.
Pumpkin PArty
Oct. 28, 2024
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
It’s a pumpkin party! Join us in the WOW Children’s Garden to learn about the science, lifecycle, and uses of pumpkins. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with caregiver participation. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket. Program includes an AM session (10-11AM) and a PM session (2-3PM).
Fairy and Gnome Fall Homes
Oct. 23, 2024
10–11 A.m.
Make a spooky and fun autumn home for the fairies and gnomes in your garden! Recommended for ages 4+. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
Spooky, Scary Plants
Oct. 22, 2024
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Get ready for the Halloween season by learning about some of the spooky and creepy plants growing in the Garden! Recommended for children ages 7-12 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket. Program includes an AM session (10-11AM) and a PM session (2-3PM).
Masquerade in Ghent
Oct. 25, 2024
6–10 p.m.
Ghent’s largest Halloween street party and costume contest is back and bringing a frightfully fun-tastic time. There will be a costume contest, parade and monster mash.
Virginia Zoo
Zoo Boo
Oct. 19-20, 2024
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
A beloved tradition for the whole family, Zoo Boo is a wild and spooky good time filled with costume contests, animal pumpkin enrichment, candy stations and much more. A timed ticket entry will be required.
Other
Trick or Treat Business Crawl on Colley Ave.
Oct. 26, 2024
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Trick or treat on Colley Avenue in Highland Park! Fun for all ages – local businesses are passing out candy, hosting spooky activities, and serving hauntingly good specials!
Meet at Elation Brewing (5104 Colley Ave) for your trick or treat map and free candy tote!
