It seems that Richmond, VA offers even more creepy, scary, entertaining and just plain fun Halloween activities this October than in past years. In fact, I found so many options it was hard to decide which ones to highlight. I decided I would offer Halloween options for all age groups--families, teens, children and general public. October activities in Richmond reflect the diverse, interesting and energetic flavor of the greater Richmond area.
Halloween Activities For Older Teenagers and Young Adults
Kings Dominion Halloween offerings include mazes, “scare zones” and creepy costumed characters on Fridays, 7 pm to midnight, Saturdays, 10:30 am to midnight and on Sundays from 10:30 am to 10 pm through October 28. For complete details about “Halloween Haunt,” you can visit the Kings Dominion website at:
Kings Dominion. Kings Dominion is about a 30-35 minute drive, north of the city of Richmond. Keep in mind some of these activities are extremely scary and may not be appropriate for children and even younger teens.
Busch Gardens is in Williamsburg which is a about 45 minutes from Richmond. Their 2007 Halloween season has been dubbed “Howl-O-Scream.” Busch Gardens also offers haunted mazes, scare zones and shows that are guaranteed to scare you silly. Busch Gardens opens at 10 am and will be open until 10 pm on Fridays, 11 pm on Saturdays and 10 pm on Sundays. Their website,
Busch Gardens, cautions that a most of the Howl-O-Scream activities are not appropriate for children under 17. I know of many high school students who have attended both Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Halloween activities and they enjoyed it tremendously!
Halloween Activities For Young Children
Richmond truly does love her children! Genworth Foundation's Halloween Hoopla is kid and parent pleaser for sure. The Children's Museum of Richmond has constructed a kid-sized neighborhood resembling six Fan area houses, complete with decorations where children can actually trick-or-treat. Halloween art projects, a costumed parade and ghost stories make this kid-friendly activity a real winner! Bring the whole family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Children are free and adult tickets cost $4. For more information about the Halloween Hoopla visitC-Morg and click on the Special Events tab.
For a non-scary Halloween activity your children and pets will enjoy, check out the Hanover Humane Society's "Spooktacular" on Sunday, October 28 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Children ten and under and their pets can enter the costume contest, have a picture taken with Jasper the friendly ghost, enjoy a magic show and more! The humane society's event is at 12190 Washington Highway in Ashland, just a few minutes north of the City of Richmond. You can find our more information about this family friendly activity by visiting their website at Hanover Humane Society.
Halloween Activities for the Whole Family
Glen Allen Community Church is sponsoring a festival for families on Wednesday, October 31 beginning at 5 pm. The fun will include carnival games, a 20-foot slide, Sponge Bob and Disney princess inflatables, an obstacle course and “tons of candy. For more information about this free event visit the Glen Allen Community Church website.
Short Pump Town Center is hosting a pumpkin festival for families on Saturday, October 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Kids can decorate pumpkins and have their face painted, and enjoy other fun Halloween activities. Children will receive a free reflective trick-or treat bag while supplies last. They have scheduled a rain date of Sunday, October 28.
Another great family fun event is the Harvest Festival at Meadow Farm Museum. Meadow Farm is in Henrico County, about 12 miles North of Richmond. Hands-on activities and demonstration of typical homemaking and farming activities will be demonstrated. Families will have the opportunity to make cider, try quilting, candle dipping, cornhusking and many other fun activities. Children ages 3 - 12 can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and children's crafts will include cornhusk doll making and gourd decorating. There will also be live music! The Meadow Farm Harvest Festival will be on Saturday, October 20 from noon to 4 pm. Rain date is Sunday, October 21.
Halloween Activities for Adults
You won't want to miss the largest German-American Octoberfest festival in Virginia! The Showplace at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville will be the home of the 2007 Richmond Oktoberfest. Three traditional German bands, dancers and a German choir group will perform and you can feast on Bavarian food, beer and buy merchandise for a real German experience. Families are welcomed buy I don't think I'd take the kids to this one. The Oktoberfest will be from 6 pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. You can get more information at Oktober Fest.
If you love good ghost story, you won't want to miss these two events! Magnolia Grange in Chesterfield County and the Maymont House tour afford lovers of scary tales a chance for spine-tingling tales and regional ghost stores.
Magnolia Grange is on Iron Bridge Road in Chesterfield County at 10020 Iron Bridge Road in Chesterfield Courthouse. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark and the perfect setting in which to hear stories about famous murder trials, tales of paranormal activities and other famous ghost stories. The program, to be held from 11 am to noon on Saturday, October 27 is free. For more information about Magnolia Grange visit at their website.
Maymont House is another historic landmark in Virginia. The mansion will be draped in Victorian mourning and you can view photos, portraits and some creepy artifacts during your visit. On Fridays, October 19 and 26, brave souls can hear a presentation by mourning expert, Mary Brett. From Maymont House, a horse-drawn hearse will lead a procession to the Stone Barn for ghost stories of the period. Registration is required for this activity, held from 6 pm to 8pm. Admission is $17 per person. Visit Maymont's website
for more information.
This is just a sampling of the events, activities, celebrations and festivals Richmond has to offer this October. Regardless of your age, you won't have any trouble finding something to do to celebrate Richmond's culture, history, and of course, Halloween!
