Novato Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026

40 family-friendly fall activities in Novato and nearby.

Novato families can find plenty of Halloween happenings. For a large-scale celebration, the Carnival on Sherman Avenue offers a local downtown focus. If you're seeking something a bit further afield, consider the family-oriented Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

All Family-Friendly Fall Activities Around Novato

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Illustration of a Halloween party at dusk with a ghost above string lights, two witches by a table, and glowing pumpkins

Food, Drink, and Parties

1 of 24 Fairmont Hotel San Francisco MEGA Halloween Party San Francisco

Five themed rooms and 10 DJs for a mega Halloween party

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 Illustration of a small haunted cottage with glowing windows, ghosts, pumpkins and a black cat under a big pale moon

Haunted Experiences

1 of 8 After Dark: Creepatorium San Francisco

Adults-only evening exploring fear science, live music, and a costume contest.

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 Illustration of a small ghost and a jack-o'-lantern performing on a stage with red curtains, watched by a crowd at dusk

Movies, Theater, and Entertainment

1 of 5 BATS Improv presents: Trick or Treat San Francisco

Audience suggestions inspire spooky improvised scenes and earn attendees candy.

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 Illustration of friendly ghosts on small town rooftops with pumpkins and glowing windows as two witches fly past a full moon

Unique & Unusual

1 of 12 Repair Fair and Halloween Costume & Decor Swap Novato

Free item repairs by volunteer fixers alongside a community costume swap.

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See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.

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Novato Halloween events map - Click to view interactive map

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the restroom situation at farms and outdoor events near Novato?

Assume porta-potties, plan accordingly: go before leaving home, carry your own wipes and sanitizer, and do a preemptive stop before the hayride or maze, which trap you for 30-plus minutes. Locate the restrooms on the farm map at arrival, not mid-crisis. For potty-training kids, a car-trunk travel seat is the veteran move on big farm days.

How do we tell if a Halloween event in Novato is genuinely not-so-scary for young kids?

Look for daytime hours, words like "lights-on," "boo-tacular," or "little goblins," and photos showing costumed staff without masks. Red flags: chainsaws in the trailer video, teen-focused marketing, or a shared site with a nighttime haunt where sets stay visible. Reviews from parents mentioning specific ages are gold. When unsure, email and ask whether characters jump-scare or just wave.

How should we dress kids for October weather swings in Novato?

Layer like an onion: t-shirt, zip hoodie, and a packable shell beats one heavy coat, because farm mornings can be chilly while afternoons hit t-shirt warm. Sunscreen still matters at daytime patches, hats work for both sun and cold, and gloves live in the bag after mid-October evenings. Dress costumes over base layers so warmth doesn't ruin the look.

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