When Friday the 13th happens to fall during Halloween season, it seems especially fun to celebrate. For those who aren’t exactly into spooky, scary thrills, you may be surprised to see that there are actually a few themed events around Austin that are kid-appropriate (and not too creepy). So if you want to make a frightfully fun night of it with the whole family, check out one of these Friday the 13th events:
— Haunted Halloween Trails @ Pioneer Farms
October 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 7-10 p.m.
Creepy scarecrows, ghost stories and all things scary will be featured at this annual event. This year’s event features three separate spooky trails each night — one for young children (amusing, rated G), another for those who want spooky surprises (rated PG) and a scary, scary trail for the adventurous (frights galore, rated PG-13). Tickets are $15, which you can purchase online here.
— Boo at the Zoo @ Austin Zoo
Fridays & Saturdays through October 28, 6:30-9 p.m.
Wear a costume, ride the Haunted Train, explore the Haunted House and hear all of those animal noises at night! Austin Zoo will be illuminated and decorated for the occasion. Tickets are $17.50 for ages 2 and up. You can call 512-288-1490 to order tickets.
— Outdoor Screening: Hocus Pocus @ Cinema at Community First Village
Friday, October 13, 7 p.m.
Grab chairs and a blanket, bring family and friends, and enjoy this special screening of Hocus Pocus. Arrive as early as 7 pm to explore Community First! Village, pick your spot, and enjoy your favorite movie snacks. Hot dogs, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and drinks will be available for purchase (cash preferred). A $5 donation would be highly appreciated. Donations can be made electronically when RSVPing to this event online here.
— Downtown Georgetown Ghost Tours @ Williamson Museum
October 13-14 & 27-28, tours at 7:30, 8, 8:30 p.m. with a special Scary Tour at 9pm.
Listen to stories of the ghosts who have haunted local places for more than a hundred years. The costumed docent-led tours leave the museum for a stroll downtown. Tickets are $15 per person; $12 for members and students. To purchase tickets, call 512-943-1670, stop by the Museum, or purchase online here.
— Friday Movie Matinee – Ghostbusters: Answer the Call @ Old Quarry Library
Friday, October 13, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Visit the Austin Public Library for a free film screening that’s open to all. In this latest Ghostbuster’s film, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.
— Protect the Park: Zombies VS. Werewolves @ Austin’s Park N Pizza
through October 31
For just $5 per ride during the month of October, you can Protect the Park from bloodthirsty Zombies & vicious Werewolves in their XD Theater. They will post the hi-scores at the end of each week for each game for the chance to win a bowling party for six guests. (Please note, the height requirement is 36”. We’re told that as far as level of scary goes, it’s about a 3 out of 5. There are moments where the suspense builds and players get startled.)
As with all things related to your kids, you obviously know what’s best for them and what’s most appropriate. If you have questions about the events listed above, please reach out directly to each for more info.
Have a safe and fun Friday the 13th!
