Pumpkin carving, haunted hayrides, movie nights, and other activities are taking over Baltimore-area parks and recreation centers this season.
Celebrate all things fall with these events in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County:
The Haunted Experience, Oct. 17, 18, 24, and 25, times vary based on date, Rockburn Branch Park West near Montgomery Road (Howard County). Take a haunted hayride through Rockburn Branch Park and hear spooky stories that will make your hair stand on end. The event is recommended for ages 7 and older. Registration is $10 at the gate (cash only). The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 24, and from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 25.
Floating Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Drive in Ellicott City (Howard County). Find a floating pumpkin in the heated pool, play games, make crafts, and enjoy refreshments. Visitors are welcome to come dressed in their costumes, but should bring a bathing suit too. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 5 must have a parent within arm’s reach while in the pool. This event is recommended for ages 3-11. The event is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.
Happy Haunted Hayride, Oct. 19 and 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Rockburn Branch Park West near Montgomery Road (Howard County). Looking for a Halloween activity for your littlest pumpkins? This hayride is cute, friendly and fun – not scary – which makes it perfect for ages 2-7. Registration is $5 at the gate (cash only).
Marvel, Chicken & Waffles, Oct. 20, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane in Columbia (Howard County). Suit up as your favorite Marvel character and enjoy Marvel movie screenings with free popcorn, games, and activities. There will also be chicken and waffles available for purchase to celebrate National Chicken & Waffles Day. All ages are welcome.
Holt Haunted Hike, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Holt Park and Center for the Arts, 34 Elmont Ave. in Overlea (Baltimore County). Walk through the woods of Holt Park during this Halloween-themed haunted hike.
Halloween Paddle, Oct. 24, sessions at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Middle Branch Park (Baltimore City). Take in the sunset views as you paddle along the water near Middle Branch Park. Participants can register for $10, which includes the paddling experience, paddling equipment, s’mores, snacks, a bonfire, and photo opportunities. These will be the final sunset paddles of the season, with sessions from 6-7 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m.
5K Zombie Zoom, Oct. 25, 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Middle Branch Park, ticket redemption at 3301 Waterview Ave. (Baltimore City). Run for your lives! The zombies are coming! This Halloween-themed 5K is sure to get your heart racing. Participants are strongly advised to register in advance. Costumes are optional but encouraged.
Fall, Fun, and Frights, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ag Center and Farm Park, 1114 Shawan Road in Cockeysville (Baltimore County). Enjoy hayrides, meet farm animals, and explore a haunted barn at this free event.
Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane in Columbia (Howard County). Gather among the trees for some daytime tricks and treats. Activities include potion-making, Halloween puppet shows, crafts, and sensory play. Morning trail activities are designed for ages 0-4 years; afternoon trail activities are designed for ages 5 and older. There will also be ongoing activities for all ages. Participants must call 410-313-0400 to register and select a time slot for the tree stations. Walk-ins are welcome for the ongoing activities. Registration is $10 for a child, $5 for an adult, and free for kids under 1 year.
Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Oct. 25, 4 p.m., Patterson Park (Baltimore City). Enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun, including a kids’ costume contest, lantern making, pop-up performances, an arts & crafts market, and more. When it gets dark, watch – or even participate – in The Great Lantern Parade. This free event is presented by Creative Alliance and The Friends of Patterson Park.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Belmont Manor and Historic Park, 6555 Belmont Woods Road in Elkridge (Howard County). Come in costume for a screening of the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The movie will be shown in the formal gardens behind the manor. Showtime is at dusk. The event is free, though donations are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. Parking is limited.
Monster Mash, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane in Columbia (Howard County). Party with your fellow ghosts and goblins during the Monster Mash. This free event will include games, music, snacks, pizza, and drinks. Costumes are encouraged but masks are not allowed. You will not be allowed to re-enter the event once you leave. A limited number of registrations will be accepted at the door, so pre-registration is recommended. This event is for ages 14-17 and older.
Benjamin Banneker’s Birthday Market Fair, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave. in Catonsville (Baltimore County). Baltimore County native Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician, astronomer, writer of almanacs, and a civil rights advocate. Nov. 9, 2025 will mark 294 since Banneker was born. Baltimore County will celebrate his birthday on Nov. 1 with live music, activities, and a market featuring local and regional vendors.
Holt Fall Harvest Day, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holt Park and Center for the Arts, 34 Elmont Ave. in Overlea (Baltimore County). Listen to live music, shop from local vendors, participate in scarecrow-making and pumpkin-painting workshops, and more at this fall arts festival. The event is free, though some workshops have a fee.
Lake Roland Dam Jam, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lake Roland, 1000 Lakeside Drive in Towson (Baltimore County). Autumn is here and music is in the air. Listen to musicians perform on the main stage, and participate in nature-related activities for the whole family.
Fort Garrison Frontier Open House, Nov. 23, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Fort Garrison, 6 Garrison Farms Court in Pikesville (Baltimore County). Attend guided tours of the stone fort, participate in hands-on historical activities, and sample 17th-century recipes in this open house of one of the oldest standing structures in Baltimore County.
