NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS
Check out these tips to stay in the Halloween spirit all month long
It’s finally October, and while Central Texas may not get to experience the stereotypical joys of fall, we can take the full month to celebrate my favorite holiday: Halloween.
Think it’s too soon to get your spook on? Think again. Here are some ways you can get in the haunted holiday spirit right now.
HIT UP A PUMPKIN PATCH
Sure, there are gourds aplenty at your local grocery store, but going out to a farm for fall fun will make you feel much more festive.
Barton Hill Farms in Bastrop has a corn maze, pumpkin picking, music and more than 30 other activities as part of their fall festival on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 5. $14 admission, plus extra for pumpkins and face painting. 1115 FM 969, Bastrop. bartonhillfarms.com
At Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, you can pick a pumpkin, go on a hay ride, make your own scarecrow, tackle the Texas maze and more, daily (except Wednesdays) through Nov. 5. Cost varies per activity. 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls. sweetberryfarm.com
And at the Robinson Family
Farm Pumpkin Patch in Temple, enjoy a hay maze or corn maze, bounce houses and more on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29. $10 wristbands for all activities, or purchase individual tickets; pumpkins cost extra. 3780 White Owl Lane, Temple. therobinsonfamilyfarm.com
DARE TO WALK HAUNTED PATHS
October offers the full range of frightening experiences, whether you’re brave enough for a horrific haunted house or just looking for tame scares.
The House of Torment has been scaring us (or, in some cases, scarring our psyches) for 15 years. This year’s frightful festivities include “three unprecedented haunt attractions, a dark carnival with freak show performances, and an extended themed food menu that will include beer and wine for the first time ever,” according to a news release. That’s right: You can imbibe before subjecting yourself to chainsaw-bearing clowns. House of Torment is open nightly through Halloween (closed Oct. 9) and into November. $19.99-$32.99. 2632 Ridgepoint Drive. thehouseoftorment.com
Not quite up to that level of fright? Check out the Haunted
Halloween trails at Pioneer Farms. There are three options each night: one for the youngest little ghouls, another with some spooky surprises and “a scary, scary trail for the adventurous.” There will also be storytellers, food and drink, and music. The trails are open 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 13-28. $15. 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive. pioneerfarms.org
And if you’re looking for all treats and very few tricks, Boo
at the Zoo may be for you. Dress up and enjoy the nocturnal animals at the Austin Zoo as well as a spooky train ride and other Halloween-themed activities. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28. $17.50. 10808 Rawhide Trail. austinzoo. org