Diana Lynn

There’s always so much to do in Charleston, and it can be overwhelming making plans, especially when scheduling kids activities that are also enjoyable for parents. October is jam-packed with fall themed neighborhood activities, local trunk or treats, school events, and sports. On top of that, the weather is absolutely perfect, so porch sitting at home is at its best. For any wiggle room in that October schedule, I’ve selected my top picks for events to take advantage of to celebrate the Halloween season.

Top Charleston Event Picks for Kids in October

• Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 9/29-10/29): Visiting the pumpkin patch is a tradition for my family every year. We love to see what themes Boone Hall comes up with for their annual Halloween tractor ride. There is also a petting zoo, pig races, giant jump pillows, slides, and swings for kiddos of all ages. Tip: Get there early, and go to the tractor ride first, and make your way back to the front.
• Hanahan Haunted Firehouse (Friday, October 13): Enjoy the first haunted firehouse in South Carolina and support their cause. Food trucks will be available.
• Oktoberfest at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church (Saturday, October 14): Join the 7th annual Oktoberfest celebration in Charleston, and enjoy German beer, music, and food. There will be a Kinder area with activities for kids including a bounce house, face painting and games.
• Children’s Day Festival Mount Pleasant (Sunday, October 15): Celebrate our local children with plenty of kids activities including blow-up slides, pony rides, amusement rides, and games.
• Magnolia Beauti-Fall Festival (Saturday, October 21): Enjoy the beautiful gardens, vendors and snacks, along with activities for the kids, including pumpkin and face painting.
• Halloween Cookie Decorating at Indigo Reef (Saturday, October 21): Indigo Reef is one of my favorite local breweries and they are hosting in partnership with Bebe’s Bakes a cookie decorating workshop for kiddos. While only kids can decorate, parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy a beverage.
• Coco in Concert at the Gaillard Center (Sunday, October 22): View a screening of Disney’s adorable Coco with the musical score performed by Orquesta Folclorica Nacional de Mexico.
• Trick or Treat at the Charleston Museum (Friday, October 27): Kid’s can dress up and trick or treat in various parts of the museum, do fun crafts, and have snacks.
• Disney on Ice at North Charleston Coliseum (Thursday, October 26 – Sunday, October 29): Always bring back childhood memories, and this iteration is Mickey’s Search Party.
• Kids Halloween Terrarium Workshop at Planthouse (Sunday, October 29): I have heard wonderful things about planthouse and this event for kids over six teaches plant care tips while they create a terrarium with a spooky twist.

I’d love to hear what other parents in the Charleston area do with their kiddos, whether it be official events, or unofficial, such as picnics on the beach! Most importantly, have a safe and happy Halloween.