October in the South Sound brings the start of a cozy drizzle, lots of stunning fall foliage, mouthwatering farm-to-table autumnal harvest, and of course, a host of Halloween hoopla to enjoy! But where to start, you might ask? If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Pierce County for the fun of All Hallow’s Eve, check out our 2024 family-friendly guide of can’t-miss amusement for ghouls, ghosts, and witches of all ages. No tricks, and plenty of treats!
U-Pick Fall Fun
Puyallup is home to the best of the South Sound’s farm-to-table offerings, and come fall, it also features a large host of pumpkin patches to choose from. If your recent “pumpkin patches near me” Google search felt a bit overwhelming, not to fear - we’re breaking down the best patches including activities and food offerings perfect for the whole family!
For food vendors, photo ops, a corn maze, and a massive pumpkin patch, you can’t miss a stop at Kutson Farms, Picha Farms, and Spooner Farms to start. For festivities taken to the extreme, you can’t miss the awe-inspiring attractions at Maris Farms including a five-acre corn maze and patch to explore (we said extreme after all!), wagon rides, tube slides, and … ziplining?! Yes, in Pierce County you can pick a pumpkin AND zipline on the same day - talk about #pnwonderland! And, if you’re still not feeling satisfied, we have a full breakdown of our top picks of patches for your pumpkin-obsessed pleasure.
If you’ve decided to opt for a pumpkin from the supermarket this season and spring on a fresh-picked apple adventure instead, look no further than the Curran Apple Orchard. In a state world-renowned for its apple crop, this u-pick community garden is a gem of the South Sound. Offering families the opportunity to either adopt a tree for the season (and save all those red delicious for yourselves!) or just find your favorites on your next fall stroll, the orchard is definitely worth a checkbox on your autumn bucket list.
Spooky Spots
Spooky season isn’t complete without a good scare and whether your family is looking for some serious frights or just a light haunting, there are plenty of options to pick from in the South Sound.
For some serious fear factor, we recommend Fright Factory in nearby Buckley - rated one of the scariest haunted attractions in Washington! Keep in mind while all ages are welcome, the staff recommends no children under 10 years of age. You could also visit the Haunted Woods after your pumpkin patch excursion at Maris Farms, where you’ll journey through a spooky cornfield and forest full of frightful characters and scenes - perfect for thrill seekers ages 12 and up. Craving even more spooky experiences? Check out our full list of haunted houses and scenes in Pierce County.
For an experience much lighter on the scare factor, we recommend Zoo Boo at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium where kids can dress up as their favorite zoo creatures, watch the animals enjoy fall treats, and even observe as divers carve pumpkins underwater in the Northwest Waters exhibit.
For a full guide to haunting experiences in the South Sound check out our 3 day itinerary which includes meals, lodging, and activity recommendations perfect for soaking in all of the fall fun!
Family Friendly Events
The fun would not be complete without some community Halloween hoopla! Fortunately for our October visitors, there are plenty of family-friendly Halloween-themed events ready to show you a spooktacular time. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite festivals and events by Pierce County region to ensure you make the most of your next trip to town.
Tacoma
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Haunted Market at Freighthouse - October 5, 2024
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Shop ‘til you drop with the whole family at a Haunted Market in the Dome District of Tacoma featuring over 60 vendors and costumed attendees offering delicious free samples.
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Inaugural Tacoma Halloween Parade - October 19, 2024
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Mark your calendars because the first annual Tacoma Halloween Parade is being organized to take place along McKinley Way near downtown Tacoma. The parade will be free and fun for all ages - we sense a new yearly tradition in the works!
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Trunk-or-Treat - October 31, 2024
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Hosted at the Foss Landing Marina, kids can trick-or-treat in a safe environment, check out some cool rides, and even take advantage of some free hotdogs and hot chocolate!
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Haunted Farmers Market - Every Saturday in October
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The Haunted Farmer’s Market in South Tacoma features 60 to 100 vendors with haunted-themed fares such as taxidermy, crystals, tarot card readings, and of course some delicious food trucks. Perfect to get the whole family into the spirit of the season.
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Puyallup
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Washington State Horror Con - October 25-27, 2024
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Horror movie fanatics rejoice! Don’t miss this year’s Horror Convention at the Washington State Fairgrounds offering opportunities to hear from big names in the horror movie business, enjoy fares from local vendors, and much more!
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Haunted Hustle - October 27, 2024
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For the family of fitness fanatics looking to get into the Halloween spirit, consider registering for the costume-themed 5K & 10K run/walk event kicking off in Puyallup.
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Free Family Halloween Party - October 27, 2024
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Bring the whole family for an afternoon of candy, snacks, crafts, and trick-or-treating at the Fruitland Grange event space in Puyallup. The best part? Completely free for all!
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Boo-Allup in Puyallup - October 31, 2024
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The Puyallup Main Street Association hosts an annual trick-or-treating event for all ages, complete with entertainment and dozens of participating local businesses.
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Lakewood
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All Hallow’s Eve at Lakewold Gardens - October 25-27, 2024
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Explore Lakewold Gardens and engage in some spooky fun for the whole family - are you brave enough to face the Lakewold monster? Time to find out!
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Trick-or-Treat at Lakewold - October 31, 2024
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Families can have fun within the Lakewold Gardens hunting for hidden ravens while trick-or-treating! For every raven you find, you get a treat. Free for all, no tricks here!
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Gig Harbor
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Kids Night Out Halloween Party - October 27, 2024
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Kids can enjoy a fun activity, dinner, and a movie with a spooktacular theme to complement the season. Just don’t forget your costume!
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Trunk or Treat Drive-Thru - October 27, 2024
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PenMet Parks is hosting a free family event at Sehmel Homestead Park where the family can dress up and go trick-or-treating in the trunks of many decorated vehicles and booths!
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All Hallows' Eve at Gateway Park - October 28, 2024
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Visit Gateway Park with the family for an evening of Halloween and harvest fun and games you won’t want to miss.
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Trick-or-Treat in the Harbor - October 31, 2024
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Bring out the whole family to trick-or-treat along the historic Gig Harbor waterfront, a perfect way to spend the afternoon and celebrate the spirit of Halloween. Treats assured - and perhaps some tricks too!
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Did we forget any can’t miss Halloween moments? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @visittacomapiercecounty!
