Trunk-or-treat and community trick-or-treating events are a wonderful and safe alternatives for young kids during the Halloween season. They are often held during the day and are contained within community centers, downtown areas with road closures, or blocked off parking lots.
Trunk-or-treat events are especially fun as cars are decorated with themes and fun displays and they require minimal walking between stops.
There are over 50 events offering special trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat fun in Columbus this year. Your kids will enjoy a safe and fun Halloween experience no matter which you choose – you may want to pick a couple to attend! In addition to these special trick-or-treating options below, there are also 25+ parties at the local community centers during the month of October to get you in the Halloween spirit.
If you’re looking for the standard trick-or-treating, check out the trick or treat schedule for communities around Columbus. There are also over 120 fall and Halloween events around Columbus for families and adults that you don’t want to miss this year!
Don’t forget – there are plenty of places to eat free or cheap on Halloween, including Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, and more!
Safe Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat October 21-27
Costume & Candy Crawl at Kingsdale Shopping Center: October 24 from 4 pm – 7 pm. Dress in your Halloween best and Trick-or-Treat at Kingsdale Shopping Center! There’s a costume contest, face painters, and balloon artists. Please meet at the green for registration and a trick-or-treat bag to take along the route. This is a FREE event. Open to kids 12 and under, with adult supervision.
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: October 24 Trunk-or-treat, pictures with special guests, dancing, food trucks, The Turtle Lady, The Bug Man, the Shazzbots, and other Halloween related crafts and activities.
Howl-O-Ween at Ohio Wildlife Center: October 24-25 Walk through the White Tail Trail, visits from “spooky” Animal Ambassadors like owls Bella, Alex and Woodsy, snakes Checkers, and Percy and Lenore, our American Crows. $5 per person ages 6 and up or bring a donation from the wishlist.
Worthington Halloween Party: Under the Sea Halloween: October 25 Trick or Treat Trail, Petting Zoo, hayrides, games, music, and more
Trick or Treat Trail at Prairie Township Community Center: October 25 from 6-8 pm. Local businesses will participate by bringing candy to pass out to your kids. Come out in your best Halloween costume for this fun event.
Boo at the Zoo: October 25-27 Meet characters throughout the Zoo, Pumpkin Junction, Animals on Safari, HOWL-OWEEN Show and treat stations located throughout the zoo
Ghost Trolley with Ohio Railway Museum: October 25, 26, 27 Fun, not scary Halloween event for young kids. Tour the decorated street cars and enjoy a lights out ride on the trolley about the Ghost Trolley.
Scarysville in Uptown Marysville: October 26 The streets of Uptown “Scarysville” come alive with Halloween FUN! From 10 am to noon. Children are invited to dress up in their costumes and visit Uptown merchants for candy and other Halloween goodies. All the fun of Trick or Treat, in the light of day. Head to Partners Park at noon for the Monster Mash.
Halloween ComicFest: October 26 Comic shops around the world celebrate the season by giving away FREE comics to fans
Candy by the Carload in Powell: October 26 from 4-6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Parking Lot at 47 Hall Street. The parking lot will be transformed into a trick-or-treater’s treasure chest as local businesses and organizations set up booths and car trunks filled with candy, toys and other Halloween goodies.
Trick or Treat at the Conservatory: October 26 and 27 Free with admission. Dress in costume and travel to treat stations in the Conservatory and in the Children’s Gardens.
Halloween Family Funday at North Market: October 27 Crafts, trick or treating starting at 11 am, face painting, games, farm animals, music and more!
Radiant Life Trunk-or-Treat: October 27 from 10:30 am-12 pm Inflatables, hayride, character photos, food, carnival games and trunk-or-treating, and lots of candy
Inniswood Halloween Party: October 27 from 2-4 pm Head to the Gardens for activities and crafts to celebrate this traditional holiday.
Hilliard Trunk or Treat at Hilliard/Ray Patch YMCA: October 27 Food trucks, music, Norwich Fire, Hilliard Police, a DIY photobooth and much more
Special Needs “Trick or Suites” at Embassy Suites: October 27 at 5 and 6 pm The Autism Society partners with Embassy Suites Dublin to provide a fun and safe environment for special needs individuals of all ages and their families to enjoy trick-or-treat. Activities include goody bags, trick or treat booths, games and crafts, and more. Registration is required. Activities take about 45 minutes to enjoy.
Young Explorers: Trick-or-Treat Hike: October 27 from 6-7 pm at Homestead Metro Park. Wear your favorite costume and earn some goodies on a 1-mile hike. Ages 2-14. Meet at the Barn Shelter.
More options for the week:
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Safe Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat October 28-November 1
Haunted Village in Pickerington: October 30 Ghost tours, hayride, trick-or-treating at Old Pickerington Village businesses
Tots Trick or Treat at Pickerington City Hall: October 31 1:30pm – 2:30pm. Children 2-5 years old accompanied by an adult may wear their favorite costumes as they stroll through the decorated halls and offices of City Hall while receiving a few goodies from the disguised employees.
Boo on Broadway in Grove City: October 31 Family-friendly alternative to the traditional door-to-door Beggars’ Night allows children to dress in costume and safely collect candy and other goodies from area businesses and civic organizations in the Grove City’s Town Center Promenade.
More options for the week:
Monday, October 28, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Find more Fall Fun here!
- Best places to pick apples in Central Ohio
- Columbus Pumpkin Patches, Farm Activities, Corn Mazes, and More!
- Big list of great Fall date ideas around Columbus
- Best hikes and scenic drives for Fall Color in Ohio
- Over 120 events celebrating Fall and Halloween in Columbus
- 11 Haunted Woods and Haunted Houses Around Columbus
Previous events for 2019
Safe Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat October 7-13
Boo-Tacular Halloween Party at Everal Barn: October 11 $10 per person. Dance the night away with ghosts and goblins as we celebrate Halloween with our first ever Boo-tacular! We’ll enjoy pizza, snacks and beverages along with games and of course dancing. Don’t forget to dress in your favorite Halloween costume, parents too!
Boo at the Zoo: October 11-13, October 18-20, October 25-27 Meet characters throughout the Zoo, Pumpkin Junction, Animals on Safari, HOWL-OWEEN Show and treat stations located throughout the zoo
Kidslinked Treat Fest at SuperKick Columbus, Lazer Craze, and Sky Zone in Lewis Center: October 12 from 9 am – 1 pm. Treat Village, Races, Video games, Bounce Park, characters, costume contests, and more.
Worthington Trick-or-Trot Family Festival: October 12 from 10 am – 12 pm. Presented by the Worthington Linworth Kiwanis. The Worthington Trick-or-Trot Family Festival includes a 3-mile run, shorter kids trots, costume contest, bounce houses, games and more. Event is free, but registration is required and limited to the first 300 participants.
Trunk or Treat Car Show: October 12 from 11am-4pm at Hilliard Presbyterian Church. Trophies awarded for the best-decorated cars/trucks. Trick or Treat: 1 pm to 3 pm
Historic Dublin Family Fall Festival: October 12 The Family Fall Festival features happenings all throughout the Historic District with fun activities at many of Historic Dublin’s unique businesses – including musicians & a Magician, activities, vendors, trick or treating through the district and more
More options for the week:
Friday, October 11, 2019
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Safe Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat October 14-20
Trunks Tricks and Treats at Worthington Place: October 17 Safe trick or treating at the mall, plus entertainment, Tricks & Treats, crafts, activities, music, story Time with a surprise character and more!
Halloween Treat Trail Party at Everal Barn: October 18 FREE; Ages 8 and under will enjoy carnival games along the treat trail; Halloween Bingo, and Vendor Alley. Don’t forget to enjoy the horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. Remember to wear your costume!
Ghost Trolley with Ohio Railway Museum: October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 Fun, not scary Halloween event for young kids. Tour the decorated street cars and enjoy a lights out ride on the trolley about the Ghost Trolley.
Boo at the Zoo: October 18-20, October 25-27 Meet characters throughout the Zoo, Pumpkin Junction, Animals on Safari, HOWL-OWEEN Show and treat stations located throughout the zoo
Oakland Nursery Trick or Treat Trail with Children’s Costume Contest (Columbus location): October 19
Boo ‘N Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: October 19 Fall festival with beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center. Live music, trick-or-treating, costume contest, parades and more!
Gahanna Creepside Festival: October 19 Games, food trucks, live music, activities, haunted trail and get candy from different businesses
Reynoldsburg Community Halloween Party: October 19 from 6-9 pm. Dress in your best costume and be prepared to have a great time playing games, listening to live entertainment, and enjoying fun foods. Reynoldsburg residents only. JFK Park, 7232 East Main St
Halloween Family Fun Night at Three Creeks Metro Park: October 19 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Not-too-scary stories and s’mores at the campfire and go trunk-or-treating for candy. Kids of all ages encouraged to wear costumes. Meet at Confluence Trails bulletin board.
Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt: October 20 Trick-or-treat, scavenger hunt, kid and dog costume contest and family fun activities
The Maize at Little Darby Creek Trick or Treat: October 20 From 2pm – 3pm, kids wear your costumes and trick or treat for candy. The costume contest will follow at 3pm.
Trick or Treat Trail at Gallant Woods: October 20 Gather treats from characters along the s-p-o-o-k-y trail. Decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, & vote for your favorite scarecrow. Fun at Gallant Farms afterwards.
More options for the week:
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Friday, October 18, 2019
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Sunday, October 20, 2019
[…] communities around Central Ohio; check out the Trick or Treat schedule here. There are also over 30 community events with trick or treating or trunk or treating for a safer alternative to Beggar’s Night. If you don’t know what to dress up as for […]