Guide: Family friendly Halloween activities in the Dayton area

Garver Family Farm. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Garver Family Farm. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

With origins tracing as far back as the ancient Celts, Halloween is a holiday celebrated across the world in a variety of ways. In an article for NPR, Giulia Heyward details various international Halloween traditions.

These include Italy’s Ognissanti celebration, where the dead rise to bring gifts to good children, and Guatemala’s Barriletes Gigantes festival, where deceased loved ones are celebrated with the flying of giant kites.

People gather with giant kites at Sumpango municipality, Sacatepequez departament, some 48 km west of Guatemala City, during All Saints' Day, on November 1, 2014. AFP PHOTO/Johan ORDONEZ (Photo credit should read JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ

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Credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ

According to History.com, Halloween wasn’t widely celebrated in the U.S. until the late 1800s, when the large influx of Irish immigrants fleeing the Irish Potato Famine helped popularize the holiday.

Since then, America has developed a love for the fright-filled holiday. According to the History.com article, “One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.”

The holiday is celebrated by adults and children alike. There are many events geared specifically for adults, being too intense for children.

As autumn and Halloween season approaches, there are plenty of things in the local area to help you get in the fall spirit.

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There are also many Halloween attractions and events created for the whole family, including in the Dayton area. Here is a guide:

👻Newport Aquarium Pumpkin GLOW

Underwater Pumpkin GLOW at Newport Aquarium starts September 16 and runs through November 3. It’s free with admission or membership reservation.

Credit: JEREMIAH F KANE IV

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Credit: JEREMIAH F KANE IV

When: Sept. 16 through Nov. 3

Where: Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky.

Description: Featuring a 13-foot-tall octopus and other sculptures made from pumpkins, the Newport Aquarium is celebrating the Halloween season with a glowing exhibition.

👻Kings Island Tricks and Treats

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Kings Island features family-friendly Halloween activities for guests of all ages, including a kids costume contest, character meet-and-greets with the Peanuts Gang and much more. CONTRIBUTED

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When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 22 through Nov. 3

Where: Kings Island Amusement Park: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason

Description: Kings Island’s family friendly counterpart to Halloween Haunt is Tricks and Treats. At the event, children are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contests, craft making and more.

👻Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Henry Petty of Urbana plays with the pumpkins at Young’s Jersey Dairy on Thursday.

Credit: Natalie Jones

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Credit: Natalie Jones

When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 through Oct. 27

Where: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs

Description: At Young’s Jersey Dairy, families will be able to celebrate the fall season with pumpkins, a corn maze, special holiday treats and more.

👻Lucas Brothers Fall Festival

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 through Oct. 27

Where: 3229 Ferry Road, Bellbrook

Description: The annual Lucas Brothers Farm’s Fall Festival has returned for its eighth year. Featuring a hayride, barrel train, corn maze, sunflower patch and more, children under the age of four are free with the purchase of an adult wristband.

👻Camp Cedar Boo and Brew

The entrance to Camp Cedar at Kings Island in Warren County. WCPO

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When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 5

Where: 5158 Kings Island Drive, Mason

Description: Camp Cedar near Kings Island will be hosting its own Halloween event all day Oct. 5. From 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., food and craft vendors will be attending the event. There will also be seasonal beers, costume contests and a campsite décor contest. Children will be able to participate in Trick-or-Treating starting at 6 p.m.

👻Kids Halloween Party at Pops Play Studio

When: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 12

Where: 320 W. National Road, Englewood

Description: The first annual Pops Play Studio Halloween Party will feature a variety of treats, spooky music, story telling, costume contests and more. Spots for this event are limited.

👻Wegerzyn Gardens Fall Family Adventure

Participants in the upcoming Rabbit Hole Romp 5K will journey through Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark - CONTRIBUTED

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When: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 19

Where: 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton

Description: Wegerzyn will be hosting an autumn event mixing learning with recreational activities. Guests will be able to learn about the changing colors of leaves while playing games, listening to music and creating crafts. This event is free and families can register online.

👻Cross Pointe Centre Trick-or-Treating

When: 10 a.m. Oct 24. business hours vary

Where: 101 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton

Description: Businesses within the Cross Pointe Centre in Dayton will be handing out candy to children in costumes on Oct. 24. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Business taking part in the program will have a special sign on its door.

👻Czech Club Halloween Party and Dance

When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 25

Where: 922 Valley St., Dayton

Description: The American Czechoslovakian Club is celebrating Halloween with a dance party for families featuring Ed Klimczak. Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and a dish to share. There will also be pumpkin decorating.

👻Rock the Rec Halloween Party

An aerial view of the Vandalia recreation center and sports complex. A survey is being mailed out to 2,500 Vandalia residents that will be used to help formulate a master plan for city parks.

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When: Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 26

Where: Vandalia Recreation Center: 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton

Description: The Vandalia Recreation Center will be hosting a free party featuring food trucks, Trick-or-Treat, hayrides, inflatables and more. There will also be costume judging and craft vendors.

👻Camp Cedar Fall Festival

When: Noon-8 p.m., Oct. 26

Where: 5158 Kings Island Drive, Mason

Description: In addition to its Boo and Brew event earlier in the month, Camp Cedar in Mason will also be hosting its Fall Festival Oct. 26. The event will feature a pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. This event is open to all.

👻Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow

The Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow was held on the hill behind Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 500 Belmonte Park North on Oct. 30 & 31, 2023. Close to 1,000 glowing pumpkins carved by volunteers illuminated on the hillside during the free community event hosted by the Grafton Hill Historic District. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 28-29

Where: Stoddard Avenue, Dayton

Description: To celebrate Halloween, Grafton Hill in Dayton is filled with hundreds of pumpkins carved by the community. Many pumpkins feature famous characters or phrases. This popular event is organized by volunteers and supported by donations.

👻Indoor Trick-or-Treat Movie Night

On Par Entertainment is located at 4464 Indian Ripple Road in Beavercreek across from The Greene Town Center. FILE

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When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: On Par Entertainment: 4464 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek

Description: On Par Entertainment in Beavercreek is hosting an indoor Trick-or-Treat for families on Halloween. There will be separate children and adult Trick-or-Treats, beginning at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. For an additional fee, guests can paint their own pumpkin. There will also be Halloween movies playing throughout the venue.


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