Morris County Parks: Spook-tacular Halloween Festivities

Published on October 15, 2017

Enter at your own risk (for All Ages)

The Morris County Park Commission urges you to "Brace yourself for the best Halloween ex-FEAR-iences this season!''

All through the month to Oct. 31, enjoy haunting activities at various Morris County park locations. From trembling, nature-themed tales to creating boo-tiful pumpkins, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our featured Halloween events:

photo of dozens of lighted pumpkins with carved faces (JPEG, 107KB)

Trail Tales & Teeny Tiny Trail Tales

Are you afraid of the dark? On Saturday, Oct. 28, visit the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township for an exciting, outdoor adventure. Enjoy a memorable night of silly, slightly spooky, and nature-themed tales told by costumed storytellers along the moonlit trails of the Great Swamp. Between storytellers, discover hand-carved jack-o-lanterns in the forest that light the trails and add to the eerie atmosphere. Sign up for a time slot between 5:30-7:45 p.m. Admission is $6 per person, and be sure to register early as time slots fill up quickly! This program is designed for ages 6 and up, and fun-loving adults.

photo of Kids on a Halloween adventure in Morris County parks(JPG, 20KB) Kids on a Halloween adventure in Morris County parks

Teeny Tiny Trail Tales is just for families with small children ages 2 to 5! On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1-2:30 p.m., explore the trails during daylight with a guide. Hunt for hidden surprises along the way, and listen to storytellers in the woods. Admission is $3 per person. Sign up for a time slot before they fill up! For more information, and to register for Trail Tales and Teeny Tiny Trail Tales, call 973.635.6629. Both programs are held rain or shine.

A Miller's Halloween

On Saturday, Oct.28 at 1-3 p.m., come in costume to Cooper Gristmill in Chester Township, and enjoy spook-tacular storytelling. Spend the afternoon creating corn husk dolls and playing old-time games. Tour the Gristmill, and look for surprises around every corner. The event is free, and donations are welcome. For more information, call 908.879.5463.

Many Dreadful Tales

Enter the Vail House at Historic Speedwell in Morristown to hear haunted tales both old and new in a particularly special setting. Enjoy horror stories from the Victorian period shared by a costumed interpreter, along with modern day instances from museums all over the country. Don't miss this eerie Halloween event Saturday, Oct. 28, from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $7 per adult, $6 per senior, $5 per child age 4 - 16, FREE per child under age 4. To learn more, call 973.285.6537.

Scaredy Plants(JPG, 17KB)

Voodoo lily? Bat flower? Some plants are simply wicked! On Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1-4 p.m., celebrate Halloween at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township with scary, smelly, and spiny plants from around the world. Explore a display of flesh-eating plants, and plant one to take home. Step into the Food Laboratory to decorate a Halloween treat, enjoy a creepy plant scavenger hunt, and create a spooky craft of your own. Admission is $15 per family. Preregistration is required, call 973.326.7601 to reserve your spot today.

Historic Halloween Happenings

Play festive Halloween games, decorate cookies, and try on old-fashion costumes at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township. The fun starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29. Take a guided walk, and find all of the jack-o-lanterns hiding in the nearby woods. Top off the afternoon with an open-air wagon ride back to the Visitors Center. Admission is $6 per adult, $5 per senior, $4 per child age 4-16, $2 per child age 2 & 3, FREE per child under age 2. For more information, call 973.326.7645.

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