Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to a variety of family-friendly Halloween-themed events at state parks across Texas that are guaranteed to provide a witchy good time. Activities range from educational conversations on creepy crawlies and nocturnal animals to pumpkin scavenger hunts along park trails. Anyone interested in finding an event in their area can visit the TPWD state park calendar for a list of spooky events and updates.
Some of the ghostly events include:
Lake Tawakoni State Park, east of Dallas
Oct. 23, 5 p.m.
strong>Boo in the Park
Bring the family out for a campsite decorating contest, pumpkin carving contest, trick or treating, and spooky storytelling.
Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Creatures of the Night<
Learn about nocturnal animals from park staff and grab some treats during a short hike.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens
Oct. 28, 6 p.m.
Halloween at the Hatchery
Grab your costumes and trick-or-treating bags for family-friendly games, photo opportunities, and ghostly activities.
Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso
Oct. 30, 10 a.m.
Halloweenfest
Visit the park to learn about the creepy crawlies that call the park home — centipedes, millipedes, snakes, bats, tarantulas and more! There will also be a pumpkin carving contest and serving up spooky s’mores!
Choke Canyon State Park — Calliham Unit
Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Halloween Critter Crawl
Bring a flashlight and your costume! Families and staff will wonder around the Seventy Five Acre Lake and Hawk Ally Trail to find all the nocturnal critters on All Hallows’ Eve!
San Angelo State Park, San Angelo
Oct. 30, 2 p.m.
Jack-O-Lantern Scavenger Hunt
Can you spot the Jack-O-Lanterns out on the trail with the park ranger? Enjoy a guided scavenger hunt and learn about many of the plants and animals of the park.
Oct. 31, 10 a.m.
Compass Trick or Treat
Trick or treating will be challenge for the kids when they must use a compass to find the hidden candy in the park.
Before heading out to a state park, all guests, including annual pass holders, are encouraged to pre-purchase or register for day passes and overnight reservations in advance through the Texas State Parks Reservation System. Park capacity is limited, and permits sell out fast. Reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org or by calling 512-389-8900.
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