Halloween week is packed with ways to celebrate close to home. Early in the week there is a bat walk at the beach, a gentle Halloween morning for the littlest trick-or-treaters, and cider with spooky stories at the library. Friday and Saturday bring trunk-or-treats and a fall festival across Onslow, Carteret and Pender counties, and we have added two farm stops for pumpkins, animals and fresh air.
Here is your family lineup for Tuesday, October 27, through Monday, November 2, in date order. Times and details can change, so tap through to each listing for the latest before you head out.
Tuesday, Oct 27: Let's Get Batty
When: Tuesday, October 27, 6:00–7:00 PM
Where: Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro
Celebrate Bat Appreciation Week with a family evening program all about bats. Kids and grown-ups learn about bat myths and conservation, then head out on a short hike to look for night flyers. Meet on the back deck of the Visitor Center at 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, Oct 28: Not Too Spooky Spectacular
When: Wednesday, October 28, 9:30–11:30 AM
Where: Northwoods Recreation Center, 621 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville
A gentle, indoor morning of Halloween fun for little ones, with festive snacks, hands-on crafts, games and storytime. Every little one goes home with a goody bag, and costumes are encouraged.
See Not Too Spooky Spectacular details
Thursday, Oct 29: Cider & Spooky Stories
When: Thursday, October 29, 5:30–6:30 PM
Where: Sneads Ferry Branch Library, 1330 NC Highway 210, Sneads Ferry
Cost: Free
Settle in for hot apple cider, cookies and family-friendly "spooky" stories at a cozy evening storytime with just the right amount of spooky for younger listeners. Bring a camping chair and a blanket.
See Cider & Spooky Stories details
Friday, Oct 30: A2C Trunk or Treat
When: Friday, October 30, 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market, 2501 Onslow Dr, Jacksonville
Trick-or-treat in the front parking lot, then enjoy games, treats and entertainment in the event area. The costume contest starts at 5:30 PM, with categories for ages 5 and under, ages 6–10, all ages and best family costume, and prizes are awarded, so arrive in costume a little early.
See A2C Trunk or Treat details
Friday, Oct 30: Family Fun House
When: Friday, October 30, 6:30–8:30 PM
Where: Northwoods Recreation Center, 621 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville
Cost: Free with a donation of two nonperishable canned goods
Step into a Beetlejuice-themed Halloween walkthrough with quirky costumed characters and playful scares, then stay for games afterward. Costumes are welcome but not required. The walkthrough includes scares, so consider each child's comfort level.
Saturday, Oct 31: Cape Carteret Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 31, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Where: Cape Carteret Community Park, 102 Dolphin St, Cape Carteret
Spend Halloween afternoon at the town's annual Fall Festival, with trunk-or-treating plus children's games and activities presented with Cape Carteret Baptist Church. Check the official event page for any updates before you go.
See Cape Carteret Fall Festival details
Saturday, Oct 31: Halloween on the Square in Burgaw
When: Saturday, October 31, 4:00–8:00 PM
Where: Pender County Courthouse Square, 100 S Wright Street, Burgaw
Cost: Free
Burgaw brings its trunk-or-treats together in one spot for a free community Halloween at Courthouse Square. Come in costume for an evening of treats for kids of all ages, with help from Burgaw Baptist Church and Lions Crest Martial Arts. Groups can register a trunk for free at burgawnc.gov/halloween.
See Halloween on the Square details
Saturday–Sunday, Oct 31–Nov 1: Pogies at the Farm
When: Saturday, sunrise to sunset; Sunday, noon to sunset
Where: 117 Williams Farm Rd, Maysville
Cost: No entry fee to visit the animals from outside; animal treat cups are $2
A working farm that opens to visitors on weekends, with heritage farm animals, a kids' area with a mud kitchen, chalk zone, build zone and swings, and a forested 1.5-mile loop trail. Food trucks set up from noon to sunset, and the Barn Market sells produce and baked goods.
See Pogies at the Farm details
All fall: Carol Sue Farms
When: Fall season, for pumpkins and mums
Where: 19874 US Hwy 17, Hampstead
This family-run farm, best known for its berries, opens again later in the year with pumpkins and mums for fall visits. It is an easy stop for picking out a pumpkin before Halloween. The farm closes between seasons, so confirm fall hours before heading out.
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Looking for more? Browse the PlayventureGuide events calendar or explore family attractions across Onslow, Pender and Carteret counties.