Haunted Halloween Happenings for Everyone in the Hartford Area

9/4/17 - By Tania Pesce

There's something about fall that lends itself to haunted happenings. Maybe it's the first chill in the air or the rustle of dying leaves that stir up the spirit of the season. If your family is looking for some spooky (or not so spooky) fun in the Hartford Area, we have rounded the seasons best bets for kids of all ages. Read on and read carefully as some of these are really not intended for the smaller set. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Flamig Farm - West Simsbury
October 20, 21, 27, 28
Aimed at kids age 8 and up, this creepy hay ride lasts around 35 minutes. Hayrides leave every five minutes. Advance timed ticket purchase is recommended.

Haunted Hay-ride, Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Rd., West Simsbury 860-658-5070

Witches Dungeon Classic Movie Museum - Bristol 
September 29, 30 October 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
This homage to classic films includes actual props from classic horror movies, life size action figures of some of the weirdest, creepiest characters ever to hit the screen, and showings of silent horror classics. There are guided tours lasting about six minutes. This event is not recommended for children under the age of seven.  

Witches Dungeon Classic Movie Museum, 98 Summer Street, Bristol 860-583-8306

An Otherwordly Tour - Hartford    
October 20, 21, 27, 28, 31
Harriet Beecher Stowe was no stranger to seances. In the 19th century, lots of folks attempted to contact departed loved ones through otherworldly means. Tour the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and be on the hunt for your own paranormal encounter. Who knows, maybe you'll bump into Stowe herself who died in the home at the age of 86. Not recommended for kids under age 12. 

Spirits at Stowe, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, 77 Forest St., Hartford 860-522-9258

Graveyard Shift Ghost Tour - Hartford
October 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
The Mark Twain House has been featured on Sy Fy Channel's Ghost Hunters as well as Biography Channel's My Ghost Story. Twain himself had an interest in the supernatural. Now you can tour this storied old house and maybe you'll come out with a ghost story of your own. This tour is not recommended for kids under age 10. Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended. 

Graveyard Shift Ghost Tour, Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave. Hartford 860-247-0998

Haunted Golf at Farmington Miniature Golf - Farmington
October 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29
Golf 19 holes of Halloween fun. Themed displays include a haunted pirate tavern and Dracula's Fountain. Group rates are available. 

Haunted Golf, Farmington Mini Golf, 1048 Farmington Ave., Farmington 860-677-0118

Haunted Graveyard - Bristol
September 29, 30, October 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 22, 27, 28, 29
Halloween returns to Lake Compounce. Head to the park in the dark for some serious thrills and chills. The haunted graveyard isn't intended for the littler set, all Kiddieland rides are closed during this evening event. Larger rides remain open and hours of screams await at the Haunted Graveyard. 

Haunted Graveyard, Lake Compunce, 186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol 860-583-3300

Haunted Happenings - West Hartford   
October 20, 21, 27, 28
This theatrical, lantern-lit tour of West Hartford's historic North Cemetery includes spooky stories about West Hartford residents meeting untimely ends. Tours run around 45 minutes. Recommended for kids ages 10 and up.

West Hartford Hauntings, North Cemetery, 80 North Main Street, West Hartford 860-521-5362

Halloween Stroll - West Hartford
Monday, October 24
Perfect for young children, the Halloween Stroll at Blue Back Square is open to the public. Children are invited to trick or treat at participating businesses. There will also be kid-friendly musical entertainment, food and prize giveaways, appearances by mascots of local sports teams, games, and fun activities throughout town. 

Halloween Stroll, Blue Back Square, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford CT, 06119, 860-882-0678

Collinsville Halloween Parade - Collinsville
Saturday, October 28
The 24th annual Collinsville Halloween Parade invites ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of all ages to come out for some Halloween fun. The fun revs up at the Canton Historical Museum. Come on out for treats, shrieks, and Halloween sillies. 

Halloween Parade, Main St., Downtown Collinsville CT

Haunted Trails- Farmington
Saturday, October 28
Winding Trails hosts its Haunted Trails event on October 28. Take a 15-minute haunted hay-ride along the trails, then enjoy some Halloween crafts, games, pumpkin carving, a movie, and refreshments. There are ten half-hour sessions, beginning at 4 pm (sessions 1-5 are less scary). Registration required by three days prior. 

Haunted Trails, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington 860-677-8548

Hobgoblin Fair - Canton
Saturday, October 28
The annual Hobgoblin Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton is a fun event suitable for children ages 3-8. The fair features a Track-and-Treat walk, arts & crafts, cupcake decorating, face painting, and yummy homemade food items, including a lunch of soup, bread, and apple cider. The event takes place over two sessions and pre-registration is required.

Hobgoblin Fair, Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. 860-693-0263

Foster Family Farm - South Windsor
September 16, 17, 22, 23, 30 10:00 am - 6:00 pm October Hours: open every day 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This adorable family farm has plenty to do to keep children busy for hours. There are three corn mazes, including a small maze for young children and two large themed corn mazes that prove challenging, even for adults. The farm includes an assortment of friendly farm animals, two giant play areas including a wooden pirate ship, and a concession stand. Bring home a souvenir from the pumpkin patch with some of the best prices on pumpkins and gourds in the area.

Foster Family Farm, 90 Foster Street, South Windsor 860-643-9366

Connecticut Science Center Spooktacular Science Weekend - Hartford
Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, October 23
Come trick-or-treat in costume at the Connecticut Science Center all weekend. There will be a photo booth available to capture the memories and pumpkin decorating for the whole family. The regular exhibits will also be available. The event will be free with membership or purchased admission to the Science Center. Please note that adult face masks will not be permitted.

Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford 860-724-3623

Have a hauntingly fun Halloween!

Originally published 10/14/14.

Photo credit: Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Places featured in this article: