By: Alexander Huey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Delaware State Parks

At Delaware State Parks, we love the Fall season. After a busy and warm summer, the cool breeze and autumn leaves are always welcomed. The changing of seasons brings with it exciting programs and events in our parks, some of our favorites being centered around one of our favorite holidays, Halloween. From trick-or-treating to ghostly tours, here are just a few of the many fun ways to spend Halloween with Delaware State Parks.

Boo-B-Que

At Delaware Seashore State Park, join in the fun for a spook-tacular weekend at Boo-B-Que. Back for its fourth year, this BBQ festival brings Trick-Or-Treating, entertainment, and finger lickin’ good BBQ to Delaware Seashore State Park. In partnership with Kansas City BBQ and LaVida Hospitality, Boo-B-Que brings together the best BBQ competitors from up and down the East coast for a full weekend of fun. This family friendly event spans two full days. On Friday, trick-or-treat and sample mouth-watering wings as part of the People’s Choice Wing Competition, and enjoy the entertainment, beer garden, and more on Saturday! Join in the fun October 19-20.

Hay Rides

A staple of the fall season, wagon and hay rides can be found throughout the state in Delaware State Parks. Join family, friends, or plan a private group outing and discover the beauty of the fall season. New this year, join an all-abilities hayrides at White Clay Creek State Park where hay wagons have the ability to hold up to two wheel chairs per ride. Nothing says “fall” like a tractor pulled wagon or hay ride.  Reserve a full wagon or join a scheduled wagon ridethrough the beautiful fall foliage in Delaware State Parks.

Halloween Haunts and Spirits

Ghostly tours are abundant through Delaware State Parks this fall season. From Paranormal tours guaranteed to spook to happy haunts appropriate for all ages, Delaware State Parks becomes your go to place to celebrate the spirit of the season. Be part of an actual paranormal investigation at Fort Delaware State Park and tour areas of Fort Delaware that are highly suspected of paranormal activity. At First State Heritage Park in Dover, historic tours by lantern light tell the story of individuals that once called the state capital home. You too can discover the rich history and spirits of the season in Delaware State Parks.

Harvest Weekend

October is not just limited to Halloween events, celebrate the harvest season by attending Harvest Weekend at Killens Pond State Park! Select weekends in October, join in for a day filled with fall activities. Attend a scarecrow making program, pumpkin carving program, or enjoy the Harvest Havoc program where attendees can join in for fun-for-all games and activities and hay-wagon shuttle. Harvest Weekends makes for the perfect Autumn afternoon.

Steamin Halloween

At Auburn Heights Preserve, discover monthly Steamin Days where you will find the Marshall Mansion truly coming alive. Visitors are encouraged to climb into the antique steam powered automobiles, or board one of our trains and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Tours of the magnificent 1897 mansion, once home to three generations of the Marshall family, are also sure to delight. This October, Steamin Day becomes Steamin Halloween! Gather your family and friends, pull out your favorite costumes and join us for another “spooky” day at Auburn Heights to celebrate Halloween! With games, candy, free popcorn and more, enjoy a festive fall day filled with fun at Steamin Halloween.

Trick or Treat Events

For guests interested in treats and not tricks, Delaware State Parks offers several Trick-or-Treat events. At the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, join in the fun at Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween Brandywine Zoo-style with this merry, not scary, event. As the sun begins to set, children of all ages can trick-or-treat through the zoo in their Halloween costumes while enjoying fun activities and learning how animals behave after hours.

For those in coastal Delaware, join the fun at Children’s Fantasy Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park. A local tradition for 30 years, put on your costume and follow the trail lined with jack-o-lanterns to receive candy and toys from favorite storybook characters. Plus, enjoy additional entertainment for an evening filled with delights and not frights.

Joining us for a weekend of Halloween camping? Check with your park directly to learn about campground offerings on halloween weekend.

What is your favorite way to celebrate Halloween? Let us know in the comments below. The fun continues all season long. Discover your fall adventure in a Delaware State Park.