- Kelseycharmayne
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Halloween in Northern Michigan is nothing short of magical—crisp air, colorful leaves, and just the right amount of spooky fun! If you're planning a fall getaway or lucky enough to call Traverse City home, plenty of Halloween activities are perfect for little ghouls and goblins. Here’s a roundup of the best kid-friendly Halloween events and activities in Traverse City, MI, this spooky season.
🎃 1. Downtown Halloween Walk – October 25, 2025 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Halloween in Traverse City
Every year, Downtown Traverse City hosts a family-friendly Halloween Walk, which will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Businesses along Front Street will open their doors for safe and sweet trick-or-treating. Kids can show off their costumes, collect candy, and enjoy a lively, festive vibe. Bonus: Many shops will decorate their windows for the occasion, making it a charming stroll for the whole family!
👻 2. Jacob’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
This one’s a fall classic! Located just outside Traverse City, Jacob’s Corn Maze offers more than just a maze—a full-blown autumn adventure. You’ll find hayrides, pumpkins to pick, cider to sip, and smiles all around. The maze is fun for all ages and not too spooky for younger children.
🧛♂️ 3. Great Lakes Children’s Museum – Halloween Fun
This hands-on museum often hosts a Halloween-themed event or activity leading to the big day. Think crafts, costumes, and safe indoor fun. Check their website or Facebook page for this year’s lineup!
4. Zoo Goes Boo – John Ball Zoo
Mark your calendars for October 10–12, 17–19, and 24–26! During these weekends, John Ball Zoo transforms into a festive, family-friendly Halloween destination with Zoo Goes Boo. Kids can wear costumes, explore themed decorations, and enjoy special activities throughout the zoo.
Members Only: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
General Admission: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s a not-too-spooky event that combines animal encounters, trick-or-treating, and colorful fall fun—perfect for kids of all ages!
🦇 5. The Ghost Farm of Kingsley – Haunted Traverse Tours
Part of Haunted Traverse Tours, The Ghost Farm of Kingsley offers a haunted experience with a family-friendly twist. The farm hosts less intense walkthroughs early in the evening, perfect for kids and those who prefer more treats than tricks. With creative storytelling and spooky-but-not-scary displays, it’s a unique Halloween adventure outside Traverse City.
🍂 6. Fall Color Hikes and Pumpkin Hunts
Places like the Boardman River Nature Center or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sometimes host fall-themed hikes with scavenger hunts, storytelling, and nature crafts. These hikes are a great way to burn off that sugar buzz and soak up Traverse City’s gorgeous fall colors.
🏡 7. Host a Backyard Halloween Bash
If you're staying at a rental or with family in the area, consider organizing your mini-Halloween party! Decorate pumpkins, make caramel apples, and let the kids dress up and run around outdoors. Bonus: it's a perfect setting for some unforgettable fall photos!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for treats, light-hearted tricks, or just some fall fun with the kiddos, Traverse City offers the perfect backdrop for Halloween magic. The memories you make this season will last long after the candy is gone!
About the Author
I'm Kelsey, the owner and photographer behind Kelseycharmayne Photography, LLC. I specialize in capturing real, candid family moments—especially during the beautiful fall season in Traverse City, Michigan. Whether it’s your child’s first Halloween or you're planning a cozy family session among the fall leaves, I’m here to help you preserve it all. Click here to learn more from your Traverse City, MI family photographer.
📍 Livonia, MI (Serving Traverse City and beyond!)
📞 734-521-7535
Comments