Spooktacular Fun: Halloween Programs & Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Mark your calendars and get ready for some spooktacular fun with Prince William County Parks! We’ve got lots of fall and Halloween programs coming up that the whole family can enjoy so we hope you’ll join us throughout October for all the fun. These programs will fill up fast, so early registration is encouraged.

Take a Sip of History: Ghost Stories of Prince William County – October 1
Prince William County has a diverse and dramatic history since its creation in 1731. In those nearly 300 years, many unusual and tragic events have happened, and it is said that spirits of the unquiet dead still linger at the places they knew in life. Join us on Wednesday, October 1 from 6:30 pm - 8 pm to kick off spooky season with a night of local ghost stories from throughout Prince William County's history. This is a FREE joint program with Water's End Brewery in Lake Ridge (12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge, VA 22192) where the program will take place.

Twilight Trek – October 11
Join our park naturalists for this fun family program on Saturday, October 11, 6:30-8:30 pm at Neabsco Regional Park that brings you up close and personal with some of the wetlands best known inhabitants, the beaver, muskrat, deer, and other wetland critters. Then, meet back at our warm firepit for a warm, gooey s'more. Bring your phone/camera, this will be a night to remember! Click here to register.

Great Pumpkin Party – October 17
Get Ready to Party! Join for an unforgettable parent/guardian and child event with laughter, music, and creative fun! Wear your best costumes and enjoy exciting games, catchy tunes, dancing, and crafts. Plus, there will be delicious snacks to keep the energy going! For ages 2-5 to attend with their parents/guardian. All children attending must be registered. Click here to register to join us for all the fun on Friday, October 17, 10:30 am-12 pm, at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center.

Spooky Critters – October 18
Creepy, crawly, and totally cool! In Spooky Critters, kids will discover the fascinating world of animals that come out when it’s dark or give us a little shiver. From bats and spiders to owls and toads, we’ll explore the myths, facts, and superpowers of these misunderstood creatures through games, crafts, stories, and nature walks. A not-so-scary adventure perfect for the curious young naturalist! Two separate classes available by age group. Ages 5-8, 9:30 am-11 am; ages 9-12, 11:30 am-1 pm, Saturday, October 18. Program takes place at Veterans Memorial Park. Register today.

Spooky Snacks – October 22
It's time for cooking up some spooky snacks together! Join us at Birchdale Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 22 (6-7 pm) as we create Halloween-style dishes that will amaze your friends. This class at Birchdale Recreation Center is specifically designed for people with disabilities. Food allergies may be able to be accommodated. Please contact Veronica Laughman ADA Coordinator [email protected].

Family Pumpkin Carving – October 25
Does your family love carving pumpkins? Join us on Saturday, October 25, 10 am - noon, at Veterans Memorial Park for our 3rd Annual Family Pumpkin Carving Event! We'll provide carving tools and a pumpkin for each registered participant. (Fee per participant.) Start planning your spooky, silly, or creative designs! This is a popular one be sure to register early. 

Haunted Mini Golf – October 24-26
Drop by Locust Shade Park for some spooky fun on October 24-26. Course will be open on 10/24, 10/25 and 10/26 from 10am - 5:30pm. $6/per person. Beware of any frightful weather. Family friendly for ghouls of all ages. Swing your life away on our 18-hole haunted course. See more details here.

Spirits of Brentsville – October 25
In 1822, the small, unassuming town of Brentsville opened as the County Seat. For over 200 years, the town was the site of trials and triumphs. The spirits of Brentsville have awakened and are eager to speak with you. Join us at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre on Saturday, October 25, 7 pm-9:30 pm for the Spirits of Brentsville. Groups will depart every 30 minutes starting at 7 pm. Advanced registration is recommended as space is limited. Purchase tickets here or by calling 703-365-7895.

Glow Fitness – Various Classes – October 27-31
Join us for glow fitness classes where we will switch the lights off and turn the glow lights on for class! We encourage you to wear white or bright colors, then add tons of glow bracelets and necklaces, and get ready to get the party started! Classes take place at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. *Free for passholders; $12 drop-in for non-members. Find your class and register here.

Haunted Gro Trail – October 30
Costumes, Halloween games and activities, and of course Trick-or-Treating all wrapped into our adventure trail experience at James Long Regional Park! Come dress up in your costume for an afternoon of spooky fun, on Thursday, October 30 from 4-6 pm. For ages 2-8. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee is per child. Click here to register.

Ben Lomond Campfire Ghost Stories – October 31
Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history as a Civil War hospital, a farm, and a private home. Over the years, many local residents have claimed to see ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site. Is Ben Lomond haunted or not? Join us on Friday, October 31, 7:30-9 pm, for an eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Bring your own chair and flashlight. $5 per person; children 6 and under are free. Purchase tickets here.