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The Best Halloween Events for Babies and Toddlers in Columbia, SC

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Are you looking for what to do on Halloween for babies and toddlers to in Columbia, SC? While Halloween is such a fun time of year, we know for families with young children it might be overwhelming to try and find events that are just right for them! From trunk-or-treating to outdoor movies, and Halloween events at playgrounds, Columbia offers several great options for even the littlest of littles! Below you will find the best events to take your babies and tots to this spooky season! 

Enjoy These Fa-BOO-Lous Halloween Events! 

At Kidding Around Columbia, we want to be sure that even your littlest ghosts and ghouls have the best Halloween yet! We love that several of these events happen during daylight when it’s easier to see and keep eyes on your littles, however even the ones that happen a little later can still be just as spook-tacular! 

Some great tips for making sure everyone enjoys their time at these events with little ones are: 

  • Use glow sticks to help see them better at night 
  • Bring your own special snacks in case the candy given isn’t suitable for them – fruit snacks, lollipops, m&m’s, chocolate kisses, etc. 
  • Choose the easiest candy bag – I have found hardshell or structured bags that stay open up top are much easier for littles because they don’t have to worry about trying to open them after receiving treats 
  • Be sure their costumes are as comfortable as possible – comfortable walking shoes, breathable costume material, etc. 

Top Halloween Events for Babies and Toddlers in Columbia, SC 

Soda City Bounce – Pumpkin Patch 2023

When: September 30, 2023
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Krafty Draft Brew Pub
Price: $15
About: A family-friendly pumpkin patch with so much to do for kiddos of all ages! Along with pumpkins to paint and decorate, there will be inflatables, face painting, cotton candy, snow cones, and more. Krafty Draft will also be offering their full menu and drink options.

Soda City Bounce – Pumpkin Patch 2023

Family Farm Day and Fall Festival

When: October 14, 2023
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Fox Farm – 1822 Saint Matthew Church Road, Eastover
Price: $10 parking fee
About: A huge family fun day that you won’t want to miss! Perfect for littles to enjoy the fall and Halloween season without being too spooky. There will be tons of farm animals to interact with, hayrides, pony rides, games, crafts, and more.

Family Farm Day and Fall Festival

Boo at the Zoo 

When: October 20 through October 30, 2023 
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Riverbanks Zoo 
Price: $12 for members and $15 for non-members 
If purchased the day of, $17 for members and $20 for non-members 
About: At Boo at the Zoo, even your littlest little will have a great time trick-or-treating around Riverbanks! Aside from trick-or-treating, there will be an awesome dance floor, fun and festive lights and decorations, carousel and train rides, and more! Last year, my son was just 2 years old and it was the perfect event for him to join in on! Be sure to check out our Boo at the Zoo parent review for more information. 

Boo at the Zoo

Little Blue Truck’s Halloween

When: October 20, 2023
Time: 9 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Beechcreek Farm – 1260 Martin Smith Road, Gilbert
Price: $45/child
About: Send your preschooler off for a fun, educational, Halloween-themed day at the farm! There will be a storytime, learning center, arts & crafts, STEM activities, animal encounters, and so much more. Space is limited so you must register in advance!

Little Blue Truck’s Halloween at Beechcreek Farm

Movie Night & Trick-or-Treating at Crooked Creek Park 

When: October 20, 2023
Time: Trick-or-treating from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Casper movie begins at 7:30 pm
Where: Crooked Creek Park – 1098 Old Lexington Highway 
Price: $20 max per family OR $5/person in advance, $7/person day of  
About: At this spook-tacular event your family will have an awesome time trick-or-treating and then watching the outdoor movie, Casper. Trick-or-treating will take place from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with the movie beginning at 7:30 pm. Such a great event for all ages, but especially your babies and tots! 

Movie Night & Trick-or-Treating at Crooked Creek Park

Halloween at Saluda Shoals Park 

When: October 21, 2023
Time: 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm 
Where: Leo’s Landing – 6071 St. Andrews Rd. 
Price: $5 when purchased in advance, $7 day of 
About: Your kiddos will be able to go trick-or-treating throughout Leo’s Landing in Saluda Shoals. This is the perfect event for babies and tots because aside from trick-or-treating, there is a lot of size-appropriate equipment for them to play on, too. It is important to note that there are limited tickets for this event so tickets should be purchased ASAP! 

Halloween at Saluda Shoals Park

Harbison Trick-or-Treat Trail

When: October 28, 2023
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Lake Woodcross
Price: Free
About: This event is full of treats, but very little tricks. Wear your favorite costume and be ready to fill your bag with candy.

Harbison Trick-or-Treat Trail

Best Trunk-or-Treating Events for Toddlers Around Columbia

Trunk-or-Treating events are perfect for babies and tots because they usually feel a bit more organized and a whole lot less spooky – making it the perfect combination for a family-friendly Halloween! Most trunk-or-treat events in Columbia are held at local churches and are open to everyone. So, put on those costumes, don’t forget the trick-or-treating bags, and head to one of these great places for a night full of trunk-or-treating fun!

Trunk or Treat at Robert Mills House & Gardens

When: October 25, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Where: Robert Mills House & Gardens – 1616 Blanding Street
Price: Free
About: Head to the Robert Mills House in your best costume! Community businesses will be passing out candy, there will be prizes for best costumes, and games and activities in the carriage house!

Trunk or Treat at Pine View Baptist Church

When: October 28, 2023
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: Pine View Baptist Church – 111 Pine View Church Road, Blythewood
Price: Free
About: An annual trunk or treat celebration!

Trunk or Treat for a Cause

When: October 31, 2023
Time: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: 1405 North Millwood Avenue, Columbia
Price: Not specified
About: A Halloween wonderland full of greatly decorated trunks! All proceeds go towards Automotive Service Assistance, helping customers with affordable car repairs.

What is your favorite Halloween event to enjoy with your babies and toddlers? 

Get Ready for a Fun Halloween Night: Boo at the Zoo in Columbia, SC

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Are you searching for a family-friendly place to trick-or-treat and enjoy the Halloween spirit this year? It’s time to get ready for the wildest trick-or-treating event, Boo at the Zoo in Columbia, SC! Riverbanks Zoo will host its annual “Boo at the Zoo” event from October 20 through October 30, 2023. We have everything you need to know about Boot at the Zoo from a local mom. Your kids will have a blast dressing up in their costumes, trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, and experiencing other spook-tastic Halloween fun! 



5 Riverbanks Boo at the Zoo Top Parent Tips

  • Get Riverbanks Boo at the Zoo Tickets in Advance
  • Don’t forget to bring your own treat bag!
  • Come in costume, but no full face masks or scary costumes for adults.
  • Attend on a weekday if at all possible.
  • Keep it simple and have fun!
Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia SC.

Don’t miss the Biggest Halloween Guide in Columbia! It’s packed full of Halloween events and activities in Columbia, plus spooky day trips, haunted houses, and much more!

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Celebrate Halloween: Travel Ideas for a Spooky Good Time!

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Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky? These Halloween trips are worth the drive! You will find special Halloween-themed events in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that will make for a memorable time with your family. These events go all out with spectacular light shows, costumed characters, and out-of-this-world Halloween displays.
Let us know how you’re celebrating Halloween in 2023 in the comments.



Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges

Celebrating Halloween In 2023

We found some great day trip activities to celebrate Halloween this year. They are not only entertaining, but they will get you exploring a new town. These festivities make a great day trip or a weekend getaway! We’ve compiled extra info if you decide to make a trip of it! 

Halloween Trips to Georgia

If you’re thinking of making a weekend out of Halloween this year, check out our Guide to Travel in Georgia for ideas to fill out your itinerary.

Photo provided by Stone Mountain
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival 

1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA 

The Glow By Night Experience is a journey through a  storybook tale that comes to life with thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, bubbles, fog, and plenty of kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark adventures after dark.

  • September 16th- October 29th, 2023
  • Adult (ages 12+) $39.95 / Child (ages 3-11) $34.95 / Children two years and younger are free.
  • Pumpkin Festival Tickets

Six Flags Over Georgia Frightfest

275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell GA 

In addition to all of the fun Six Flags Over Georgia normally offers, guests will experience Halloween-themed extras. Live character interactions and shows top off the list of themed things you can expect. Kids Boo Fest is spooky fun for all ages, including trick-or-treating, family-friendly rides, and other fall activities.

  • September 16th – October 29th, 2023 (select dates)
  • general admission prices varies
  • $30 per car parking fee 
  • Purchase Tickets

Check out a local dad’s review of Six Flags Over Georgia.

Walk With The Spirits in Augusta, GA

Downtown Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is hosting its annual historic cemetery tour. Notable “spirits” come to life! This ghost tours aims to increase awareness of Augusta’s past by connecting current residents and visitors with the people and places that still influence us today through their contributions to Augusta’s cultural legacy.

  • 2023 Dates and Ticket Information TBD

Tickets may be purchased on the Explore Historic Augusta website.

Halloween Trips to Tennesee

If you’re thinking of spending Halloween weekend in Tennesee, check out our Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some excellent lodging options, things to do, and places to eat.

Dollywood Great Pumpkin Luminights

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood guests will be invited nightly to glow with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. This event was named the “#1 Theme Park Halloween Event in 2019″ by USA Today.

  • Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 20th – October 30th, 2023
  • Purchase tickets online

Halloween Trips In South Carolina

Carowinds Halloween Events

14523 Carowinds Boulevard Charlotte, NC

  • Select Dates September 15th through October 29th, 2023
  • SCarowinds tickets begin at $45, Great Pumpkin Fest tickets are general admission tickets

SCarowinds

SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween themed destination, happening September 15, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. The theme park has evening events that contain haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and more. It is a scary event, not for small children!

SCarowinds scene at Carowinds in North Carolina
SCarowinds Ripper Alley scene, Photo Credit: Carowinds

The Great Pumpkin Fest

Carowinds’ fall and Halloween event for families, the Great Pumpkin Fest has all the regular Carowinds fun, plus great fall and festive Halloween activities with just a tiny bit of spooky. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays September 16th, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. Enjoy a haybale maze, craft corner, soapy mummy pit, trick-or-treat trail, festive games, live entertainment, and lots more!

Here is more information on Carowinds.

Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest
Great Pumpkin Fest Show, Photo Credit: Carowinds

South Carolina Railroad Museum: Pumpkin Patch

110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, SC

Hop aboard for a train ride to the pumpkin patch! When guests arrive at the patch, kids will choose a pumpkin and decorate it with provided supplies. There will also be a maze and games at the patch to enjoy for about 40 minutes before heading back aboard the train to return to the museum.

  • October 21st and October 28th, 2023
  • Purchase tickets in advance. They range from $17 to $120 depending on the seating class purchased.

SC State Museum- Dark History Tours

Visit the SC State Museum for a special kind of history tour full of spooky legendary tales from South Carolina’s history. Tours are self-guided and are available every day, or you can attend an educator-led guided tour any Saturday in October at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm. These tours are included in regular museum admission.


Haunted hotels, cabins, and rentals in the southeastern United States

If spending the night in haunted hotels or cabins sounds like an excellent way to spend Halloween, don’t miss our list of Haunted Cabins, Hotels, and Tours.