Fall has arrived in Tacoma, and with it comes that magical mix of crisp air, jack-o’lantern grins, and spooky delight. If you’re hunting for fun ways to celebrate Halloween with your kids (without traveling an hour or more), you’re in luck. Here are five fantastic Halloween activities open to the public, all within about a 30-minute drive of Tacoma, WA, plus some bonus ideas to fill out your spooky season calendar.
Halloween-themed Jack-o-lantern Lamp Near October 31 Calendar byAleksandar Cvetanovic is licensed with Pexels License
Let’s get right into the fun:
1. Zoo Boo at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
If your little ones like animals and candy (or both!), Zoo Boo is a must. Held October 18–19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Zoo Boo invites kids to wear costumes, meet costumed animals, play ghostly games, and even watch underwater pumpkin carving in the aquariums. It’s free with zoo admission (or with membership). This is a perfect daytime, family-friendly Halloween outing that’s very Tacoma-accessible.
2. Tacoma Halloween Parade & Street Fair
If you want a big community vibe, mark your calendar for the Tacoma Halloween Parade and Street Fair. This year’s parade is slated for October 18, with a spooky street fair running from early afternoon until evening. Along McKinley Avenue, expect floats, costumed walkers, performances, and trick-or-treat stations. It’s free and fun for all ages, and is right in Tacoma, making it super convenient.
3. Harvest Fest at People’s Community Center
Looking for something low-key but delightful? Harvest Fest at People’s Community Center (October 31, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.) offers safe, family-friendly Halloween fun, with costumes encouraged, arts & crafts, a pool activity, and treat bags. It’s free (or a nominal $5 drop-in for non-members), no pre-registration required, and perfect for younger children or families who want gentle Halloween fun without the scares.
4. Eastside Community Center Haunted Night
For a dose of mild thrills, check out the Eastside Community Center Haunted House. Parks Tacoma is hosting a night of thrills, a haunted house, photo booths, and treat bags. It’s suitable for all ages (though kids under 10 must be accompanied), and it’s a manageable, local option that doesn’t require a long drive or a full fright commitment.
5. Trunk or Treat at LeMay America’s Car Museum
This is a fun twist combining cars with candy. LeMay Car Museum’s Trunk or Treat invites families to trick-or-treat among creatively decorated cars and enjoy a Halloween evening in a unique setting. The event offers a safe, festive environment for kids to roam, pick up treats, and enjoy the museum backdrop.
6. Frighthouse Station (Bonus: Haunted Attraction for Families Who Dare)
If your family leans toward the spooky end, consider Frighthouse Station, Tacoma’s seasonal haunted house with 30+ rooms and an immersive storyline. While this is more intense than the other picks, it’s a local haunt that many thrill-seeking families will love (just be sure to check age recommendations and scare level before going).
7. Halloween on the Hill Tacoma Community House
Another fun, free trunk-or-treat style event: Halloween on the Hill (October 25, 3:00–5:00 p.m.) is a community event where kids can trick-or-treat in a safe, neighborhood atmosphere hosted by Tacoma Community House. It’s an especially nice option if you want something close to home.
8. Haunted Theatre at Tacoma City Theaters
If your family enjoys performance arts, Haunted Theatre presents a dance production full of witches, ghosts, monsters, pumpkins, and skeletons, all staged in a fun, theatrical way. It’s a great indoor option when the weather turns cold or rainy.
Your Halloween Game Plan (And a Little Tip from Titus-Will Chevrolet)
There you have it! Eight excellent Halloween options for families within a comfortable drive of Tacoma. From animal-themed fun at Zoo Boo, to the excitement of the Tacoma Parade, to safe trunk-or-treat nights and theatrical chills, there’s something for every age and appetite for spookiness.
Start with a general roadmap: use the parade or Zoo Boo as anchor events, add a trunk-or-treat or community center outing for quieter days, and perhaps brave Frighthouse Station if your children are ready for something scarier. Don’t forget to double-check dates and times as the season approaches.
Oh and one more thing: if you end up driving past or through Tacoma’s neighborhoods, swing by Titus-Will Chevrolet to learn how we can help you find your next vehicle. Enjoy the ghostly fun, Tacoma! Let me know if you want printable event calendars, costume ideas, or tips for photographing your trick-or-treaters.
Connect with us
