Garner Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026

The Jones–Witcher Family Reunion Weekend in Garner, NC, offers a day for family members to reconnect and celebrate their heritage. The main event includes food, activities, games, casual meet-and-greets, and a farewell breakfast.

Mordecai Historic Park transforms into a magical Halloween destination for children at Spellbound. Attendees can enjoy family-friendly stage performances, get their fortunes told, and create spooky crafts. A costume contest and parade encourages festive attire, while vendors offer enchanting handmade...

Mothers and sons are invited to the Mummy & Son Masquerade Ball to wear costumes, hear a story, play games, and roast s'mores.

The annual Fall Arts Fair showcases local artistry with crafts from jewelers, potters, and painters, alongside live demonstrations. The event includes hands-on art activities, live music, and food trucks.

The Fall for Five Points Festival is an annual community event celebrating the Five Points neighborhood. Local vendors, artisans, and performers provide live music, unique crafts, and a celebration of local businesses.

Skeletons for St. Jude is a nationwide initiative by haunters to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2026, the goal is to surpass $100,000. Participants use signs with QR codes to turn displays into donation points. The...

The Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park features carved pumpkins floating across the lake at twilight. The event includes live music and food trucks. Participants can bring their own carved pumpkins.

Preschoolers ages 2-6 can learn how pumpkins grow at Dix Park's nature program, held on the lawn by the House of Many Porches in Gipson Play Plaza.

SARDUC and RDUAE host a Fall Fest celebrating local small Asian-owned businesses. The event includes performances, an arts and crafts market, beginner-friendly Hong Kong style mahjong, K-pop mat pilates, and food from local eateries.

NCDAC's Fourth Annual Candy & Cars Trunk or Treat offers free candy collection from decorated vehicles, face painting, and music. The event also functions as a food drive for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Paint a mini pumpkin using stencils, paints, and examples to create seasonal decor.

Raleigh author Carrie Williford will read from her debut picture book, 'Please Don't Scare the Ghost,' at Quail Ridge Books. The story guides young readers through navigating Halloween night. Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.

The Cary Building hosts a fall celebration and trunk or treat event for families and friends. Attendees can enjoy food, games, and collect treats from decorated car trunks. The event is open to all.

Teens in grades 6-12 can design custom trick or treat bags at the North Regional Library. This free event provides supplies for creating a unique bag. Registration is recommended to secure supplies.

Teens in grades 6-12 can build mini haunted terrariums using mushrooms, spooky creatures, and other decorations. Registration is recommended to ensure supplies.

Lafayette Village features Scarecrows on the Square from October 3rd to October 31st, showcasing community-created scarecrow displays. Attendees can vote for their favorite designs, with prize donations supporting local charities.

Bierman Autism Centers in Cary hosts a sensory-friendly Trunk-or-Treat event. Attendees can explore decorated trunks filled with treats, participate in simple games, enjoy face painting, and engage in craft activities. A quiet comfort zone is available.

Page Farms hosts a client appreciation event for Raleigh Realty with pumpkin picking and farm exploration. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts will be served.

LC Brier Creek's Harvest Fest features live bluegrass music from The Sweet Peas, local vendors, and fall-themed games and inflatables. Hot cocoa and apple cider are available, and Happy Hour is at The Goat until 6 PM.

Durham's free, all-ages Halloween festival features Truck or Treat candy stops, cosplay, gaming, local art, bounce houses, face painting, and workshops. A 4 PM Main Cosplay Showcase offers prizes. Live entertainment and food are available.

The Museum of Life and Science presents the Pumpkin Patch Express. Families can select pumpkins, navigate a Hay Maze, and enjoy autumn-themed games and science activities before a train ride.

Spring Haven Farm hosts Goatober Fest, a fall event with farm exploration and animal encounters. Activities include 'Carving Pumpkin with Goats,' tractor train rides, and farm games.

The 5th annual Bull City BOOs Fest is a Halloween celebration at Durham Central Park. The festival features live music, aerialist and magician performances, and food trucks. Activities include costume contests, tarot readings, and a Pitbull look-alike contest. The kids'...

Children can attend a hands-on class to bake and decorate Halloween cupcakes.

A fall door leaner can be crafted at this workshop, providing step-by-step guidance for guests to choose designs and personalize sayings. No artistic experience is needed to create a masterpiece in a stress-free environment.

Couples can paint a masterpiece together during this date night painting event. An instructor guides participants step-by-step, suitable for all skill levels. One ticket covers both attendees for an artistic evening.

An evening painting session guides participants step-by-step, with no prior artistic skill needed. The studio offers a relaxed environment with music, encouraging guests to de-stress and enjoy the creative process. Snacks and beverages, including beer and wine, are available for...

BooFest at the Museum of Life and Science includes trick-or-treating, challenges, a pumpkin POP, costume crafting, and science explorations. Costumes are encouraged.

Lafayette Village transforms into a Halloween wonderland for families and pets. Enjoy a delightful trick-or-treat experience as you visit the charming shops, participate in a village-wide scavenger hunt, and capture memorable photos with your favorite Halloween characters. It's a perfect,...

Marbles Kids Museum hosts the Kooky Spooky Halloween Party, transforming the museum into a Halloween wonderland with activities and entertainment for families.

The Kooky Spooky Halloween Party at Marbles Kids Museum is a family-friendly event. Activities include spooky science, crafting monsters, and a dance party. Children can dress up friends and play games like broom ball.

Celebrate autumn at this vibrant local market and festival! Discover unique crafts from over 180 vendors, savor delicious food from 50+ food trucks, and enjoy NC craft beer. The event features live music, a FREE pumpkin patch, hay rides, inflatables,...

The North Carolina Symphony presents a Halloween Spooktacular concert featuring ghostly music and characters. Pre-concert activities and a costume contest are offered.

Biltmore Hills Park hosts the 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat, organized with the Police Advisory Board. Children can collect candy and participate in carnival games, inflatables, and enjoy pizza.

Goblin's Groove Family Dance invites families to dance to groovy tunes and spooky hits. Attendees can enjoy games, crafts, and Halloween treats. Costumes are encouraged for this parent/child event.

The City of Raleigh holds a Fall Carnival at the Pines, an indoor event with carnival games, prizes, and goody bags. Children may wear costumes.

Paint a pet portrait at TCB - The Corner Biergarten & Bottle Shop during a Halloween-themed event. Participants can add festive touches like witch hats or bats to their pet's portrait. An instructor will guide the process; no prior artistic...

Apex Community Park features Scarecrow Row, a display of community-crafted scarecrows for the week of Halloween.

The 4th Annual Pawsitively Spooky Pet Fest is a free, family-friendly event for people and leashed pets. Attendees can trick-or-treat, browse local vendor booths, and enter costume contests for pets and people.

Sugg Farm's Halloweekend includes a Haunted Trail and a Family Spooktacular with activities for all ages.

Hill Ridge Farms invites visitors to their Fall Pumpkin and Harvest Festival, offering a day of family fun. Admission includes a complimentary pumpkin, wagon rides, train rides, and access to play areas like the giant mountain slide and jumping pillow....

Gross Farms invites visitors to experience a classic fall adventure with its expansive corn maze and vibrant pumpkin patch. Navigate through nearly five miles of pathways in a 10-acre cornfield, enjoy a scenic hayride, and select the perfect pumpkin. The...

Barktoberfest, presented by Durham Parks and Recreation and Beyond Fences, is designed for dogs and owners. Features include dog costume contests, agility courses, and local vendors.

The Carrboro Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest invites residents to decorate pumpkins. It is an activity for families and individuals to celebrate fall.

Sonlight Farms offers a delightful autumn experience with a corn maze, hayrides, and a giant slide. Kids can enjoy the Bouncin' Barnyard, while all ages can explore the animal barn, climb the rock wall, and test their skills on the...