1. World's Largest Halloween Party at the Louisville Zoo
October 8-11, 15–18, 22–25 & 29–30
Gates open at 5 p.m. and you can enter the party until 8:30 p.m. Have a blast together venturing through all of the storybook lands and meeting and greeting with several beloved characters! A must-do for families in Louisville, and the photo opportunities are endless so be sure to bring your camera!
Location: Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Cost: Ticket prices vary from $1 to $5 for members and $8 to $10 for non-members; see the website for more information.
2. Jack O'Lantern Spectacular
Nightly now through November 1 beginning at dusk to 11 p.m. This event is back in its third year at Iroquois Park, and the trails, dark paths, and illuminated pumpkins are beyond enchanting. Go during the week if possible, as this event gets very crowded on weekends and especially toward the end of October.
Location: Iroquois Park, 1080 Amphitheater Road
Cost: Varies from $9 to $15
3. The Highland's Louisville Halloween Parade
Friday, October 16, 7 p.m. This parade is an exclusive Halloween event in Louisville, and the website states you should bring your entire family out, so it sounds family-friendly!
Location: Intersection of Baxter Avenue and Broadway
Cost: FREE
4. Dreams with Wings Jack O'Lantern Stroll
Friday, October 23, 6 p.m to 9 p.m. This event is a very special one for the city of Louisville. There is no cost to enter this event, and the entire evening is beautiful from the delicately carved pumpkins to trick or treating safely throughout Slugger Field. You can even try a bite of the largest pumpkin pie! The Louisville League of Mascots will also be there entertaining children.
Location: Louisville Slugger Field
Cost: FREE
5. Jeffersonville Halloween Downtown
Monday, October 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you live in Louisville, head to the sunny side for a special night of trick or treating near the Indiana side of the Big 4 Bridge. Southern Indiana hosts many outstanding Halloween and fall events, so be sure to give them a holler and a visit!
Location: Big Four Station
Cost: FREE
6. Bardstown Bound Boo Fest
Saturday, October 24
1 p.m. to the "witching" hour. Take your family Bardstown Bound and enjoy a very family-friendly atmosphere with trick or treating in both participating stores and at Boo Alley. Families can also enjoy free Spudz Potato Chips at Boo Alley and the ValuMarket haunted candy maze and costume contest from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Boo Alley in William Dean Parking Lot, Highlands
Cost: FREE
7. Halloween in Brown Park
Saturday, October 24
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event is a tradition for families in St. Matthews and surrounding areas. There will be over 50 trick or treat stations, bounce houses, petting zoo, hay rides and games to enjoy.
Location: Brown Park in St. Matthews
Cost: FREE; See the Facebook event page
8. Corn Island Storytelling Festival at Blackacre Nature Preserve
Saturday, October 24, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event will delight all, especially those who love classic scary stories around a campfire!
Location: Blackacre Nature Preserve
3200 Tucker Station Road
Cost: $12 for all day event package, $5 for afternoon workshops only, $7 (adults) evening festivities / $3 (children) evening festivities. See more information on the website.
9. Fright Light Halloween Party
Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Fright Light Halloween Party at the Planetarium is going to be a frightfully fun time with activities, treats, and a Fright Light laser show.
Location: Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium
Cost: $5 per person
10. Boo Dell at Yew Dell
Saturday, October 31
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Trail-o-Treats
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for performance by Mr. Magic - Enjoy your Halloween day at beautiful Yew Dell Gardens, where they transform the gardens into a Halloween lovers delight. Enjoy trick or treating, storytelling, hayrides and straw mazes, scavenger hunts and more.
Location: Yew Dell Gardens
6220 Old LaGrange Road
Crestwood, KY 40014
Cost: $5 per car-load or $1 donation per person walk-ins
Photos courtesy of Erin Nevitt and the Facebook pages of the following: Chamber of St. Matthews, Dreams with Wings, Jeffersonville Main Street, Inc., Louisville Jack O'Lantern Spectacular & Simply PR. Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.com/Maya Kruchankova
