Get ready for a thrilling journey through “Spooky” Family-Friendly Attractions that will delight kids of all ages. Join us as we uncover the best local spots where families can embrace the spooky season together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your little goblins and pumpkin pals, and let’s dive into the enchanting world of family-friendly Halloween fun in Cincinnati!
8 “Spooky” Family Friendly Attractions in Cincinnati
Underwater Pumpkin Glow
September 19 – November 2
Newport Aquarium | 1 Aquarium Way Newport, KY 41071
Learn More
Explore the Underwater Pumpkin GLOW at Newport Aquarium! Discover giant glowing animals made from pumpkins in your favorite exhibits. Watch as your animal friends get pumpkin treats and special fall enrichment while Jack-O-Lanterns become artificial reefs for the animals to explore. Wander through an underwater pumpkin patch surrounded by sharks! It’s a fall adventure like you’ve never experienced before, filled with family fun and memories at every turn.
Tricks and Treats Fall Fest at Kings Island
Saturdays & Sundays from September 21 – November 2
Kings Island | 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
visitkingsisland.com/events/tricks-and-treats
Experience Kings Island like never before at Tricks and Treats, our all-new, family-friendly Halloween event. Celebrate the season with mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and so much more.
Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-last with our spooky, kooky Halloween activities for kids and adults. Come dressed in your finest Halloween attire for our Halloween costume contest. Plus, we’ve got skeleTONS of delicious seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy! If that’s not fang-tastic enough, enjoy your favorite family rides delivering the amazing thrills and chills found only at Kings Island.
Jack O’ Lantern Glow
October 3-5, 7-12,14-19, 21-26, 28-30
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220
cincinnatizoo.org/events/jack-olantern-glow
This immersive walkthrough adventure at the zoo features over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins and stunning fall displays along a half-mile trail, making it one of the largest events in the Cincy Region. Witness the Cincinnati Zoo transform into a mesmerizing wonderland of glowing jack-o’lanterns, breathtaking displays and special effects that will elevate your autumn nights to extraordinary heights.
HallZOOween
October 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220
cincinnatizoo.org/events/hallzooween
Wild about Halloween? So is the zoo! Enjoy treat stations, photo opportunities, and festive fun from 12-5 p.m., Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of October. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express train and enjoy fall-themed foods.
The Dent Schoolhouse “Lights On” Version
October 19
The Dent Schoolhouse | 5963 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati OH 45248
dentschoolhouse.com/lights-on
Experience The Dent Schoolhouse with the lights on! Trick-or-treat through the halls of Dent and experience family friendly monsters. Candy and prize stations will be located throughout the haunt.
Boo Fest — YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
October 18 & October 19, 2025
Multiple YMCA branches in the region
myy.org/boo-fest-free-family-events
Free family events including a trunk-or-treat, costume parades, games, snacks, crafts, and prizes. Great option for a low-cost, community-centered Halloween experience.
Haunted Village
Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25
Heritage Village Museum | 11500 Lebanon Road Sharonville, OH 45241
heritagevillagecincinnati.org/haunted-village
Heritage Village Museum will transform into a Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. This 19th century village inside Sharon Woods is the perfect setting for a “spooky” October evening! Explore the village meeting ghosts, witches, and a fortune teller along the way. Walk through the haunted woods. Enjoy balloon art, games, a creepy critter zoo, face painting, storytelling, and more!
Halloween costumes are encouraged for kids and adults and add to the family-friendly fun. The concession stand will be open serving hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks.
Trick or Treat at Findlay Market
October 31
Findlay Market | 1801 Race StreetCincinnati, OH, 45202
findlaymarket.org/marketevents/trick-or-treat
Trick or Treat at Findlay Market! Merchants dress up and pass out candy to any kiddo in costume.
