Columbus Botanical Garden Not-So-Scary Halloween
Family Halloween fun featuring live animal shows, inflatables, and nature activities.
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Columbus 2026
7 family-friendly fall activities near Columbus.
Halloween events in the Columbus area span from agricultural attractions like pumpkin patches to downtown gatherings. Consider the family-focused BOOtanical at Callaway Gardens or a drive to Paradise Pumpkin Patch.
All Family-Friendly Fall Activities Around Columbus
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Food, Drink, and Parties
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Uptown Columbus Halloween Fundraiser Gala
Columbus
Elegant Halloween fundraiser with costume contest
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Haunted Experiences
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Springer Ghost Tours
Columbus
Behind-the-scenes walking tour through the haunted historic State Theatre of Georgia.
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Unique & Unusual
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Midland Community Farmers Market
Midland
Community market supporting local charities with vendor fees
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Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun on Our Map!
See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we prep for a corn maze with kids in Columbus?
Closed shoes that can get dirty, water, and a bathroom stop before entering are the big three. Pick the short family maze over the flagship one for under-8s; a full maze runs 45-90 minutes and patience dies at minute 30. Photograph the maze map at the entrance, agree that kids stay within arm's reach at junctions, and go before dusk on your first trip.
Which weekend is best for family Halloween events in Columbus?
The first weekend of October has full activities and the thinnest crowds; the two weekends before Halloween are wall-to-wall wagons. If you want the buzz, go peak; if you want photos without strangers in them, go early. Late September often means opening deals. For trunk-or-treats and costume parades, the weekend before Halloween is usually the only option, so book patches around it.
Are hayrides at Columbus farms okay for babies and toddlers?
Daytime, non-spooky hayrides are generally fine from infancy if a lap adult holds the child the whole ride; wagons bounce hard over field ruts. Sit toward the center, away from wheel edges, and skip rides where kids sit on loose hay bales without sides. Evening "haunted" versions with actors are a different product, so check which one you're queueing for.