Illustration of glowing jack-o'-lanterns, candles, pumpkin seeds and small figures on a wooden table under string lights (Pumpkins, Lanterns, and Leaves)

Pumpkins, Lanterns, and Leaves

Designed especially for children ages 4–10 and their families, this fall celebration features creative activities and live entertainment in the garden. Visitors can watch light spinning by Flow Artistry, a shadow puppet show by Patrick Elkins, and a magic show. Attendees can also make a lantern craft, stroll the jack-o’-lantern trail, take part in the Parade of Lights, and enjoy donuts and cider.

Map It Details Official site

👻 If you like this, try:

Illustration of striped booths with pumpkins and costumed figures on a town street with orange autumn trees (Romulus Pumpkin Festival) Romulus Pumpkin Festival Illustration of white ghosts floating over houses with glowing windows and pumpkins, with a witch flying past a full moon (Build a Mini Haunted House) Pair it with · UniqueBuild a Mini Haunted House7 mi · same dates Illustration of costumed clay children and a witch playing among pumpkins, hay bales and tents on an autumn lawn 53 family-friendly events in Ann Arbor
Advertisement

See more family-friendly fall activities near Ann Arbor

Illustration of a craft table with a glitter pumpkin, paint cups, a clay kid, a smiling ghost and a paper bat under bunting (Succulent Pumpkin Workshop) Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Northville · 8 mi Illustration of a giant pumpkin on a stand in a grassy field near striped booths with small figures and pumpkins (South Lyon Area Pumpkinfest 2026) South Lyon Area Pumpkinfest 2026 South Lyon · 11 mi Illustration of a ghost and a small witch carrying a pumpkin bucket on a sidewalk past glowing porches on an autumn street (Trick or Treat on the River) Trick or Treat on the River Ann Arbor · 2 mi Illustration of clay figures walking past striped market stalls and pumpkins on a paved square with orange autumn trees (6th Annual Fall Fest & Trunk-or-Treat) 6th Annual Fall Fest & Trunk-or-Treat Livonia · 13 mi Illustration of two costumed figures in a festive autumn street at dusk with pumpkins, string lights and a glowing bonfire (Rosedale Park Annual Fall Festival) Rosedale Park Annual Fall Festival Detroit · 23 mi

Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

mbgna.umich.edu

When

Tickets

$20.00 per ticket. Tickets are required for all attendees, including chaperones; everyone over age 2 is required to have a ticket. The page gives no other ticket prices.

Hours

Friday and Saturday, 5:30-7:30pm.

Ages

4-10

Food & Drink

Donuts and cider from Washtenaw Dairy are available at the event.

Parking

Metered parking is available at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Gaffield Children's Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens · 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children ages 4–10

Vibe

Playful and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Make sure to buy tickets for all attendees over the age of 2, including adult chaperones.
  • Metered parking is available on-site at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Links & Contact

Run by Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

Website / Tickets Contact

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is the event designed for?

The event is designed especially for children ages 4–10 and their families.

Do chaperones need their own tickets?

Yes, tickets are required for all attendees, including chaperones, and everyone over the age of 2 must have a ticket.

What live entertainment will be at the event?

The lineup includes light spinning with Flow Artistry, a shadow puppet show by Patrick Elkins, and a magic show.

Are food or refreshments provided?

Yes, activities include donuts and cider from Washtenaw Dairy.

Browse Halloween in Ann Arbor

Illustration of costumed clay children and a witch playing among pumpkins, hay bales and tents on an autumn lawn Family & Fall53 events Illustration of a Halloween party at dusk with costumed characters around a punch bowl, a ghost, pumpkins and string lights Parties & Food18 events Illustration of a small haunted cottage with glowing windows, ghosts, jack-o'-lanterns and a black cat under a pale moon Haunted15 events Illustration of a pumpkin character and a ghost performing on a small stage with red curtains before a costumed audience Shows & Movies4 events Illustration of a Halloween town at dusk with glowing houses, pumpkins, floating ghosts and a witch flying past a full moon Unique & Unusual23 events MapNearby

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: