WHEATON, Md.‒ Embrace the magic of Halloween this year with Montgomery Parks. From ghoulish train rides to campy hikes and campfires, there’s something so everyone has a wicked good time!
Registration is required for all programs unless noted.
This year’s Halloween programs include
Halloween Eye Spy Trains | Saturdays and Sundays in October | 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cabin John Miniature Train; Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel
Hop on board the beloved Halloween Eye Spy Trains for a festive journey with station stops at “Día de los Trenes” (Wheaton) and “Trainsylvania” (Cabin John). Each rider receives an Eye Spy card to spot spooky characters hiding in the woods. Fun for all ages! $6 per person/ride. Special Wheaton bundle: $9 per person/ride for the train and carousel.
BOO-gie in the Barn! | Wednesday, October 14 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
This special edition of Dance Nights adds a little Halloween magic to the mix. Dancers of all experience levels are invited to step inside our charming rustic bank barn and enjoy upbeat rhythms through a variety of dance styles, from swing and ballroom to line dancing and the country two-step. Friendly instruction throughout the evening will help everyone feel comfortable and ready to dance. Come as you are or dress up in a fun costume. Drinks and snacks will be provided. $15.
Not so Spooky Skate | Friday, October 23 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Cabin John Ice Rink
Thursday, October 29 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Wheaton Ice Arena
Lace up those skates and bring your costume creativity to the ice! Kids can join a costume parade and enjoy making fun crafts. $20 per child.
Happy Hour on the Raptor Deck: Pumpkin Paint and Sip | Friday, October 23 | 5 to 6 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Sip on seasonal beer or wine, decorate a pumpkin, and maybe add some new friends to your flock. Registration includes a pumpkin, snacks, and two alcoholic beverages. Due to the consumption of alcohol this program is for adults ages 21 years or older. $25.
Hands-On History: Pumpkin Carving and Harvest Traditions | Sunday, October 25 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
Join us on a journey into the fascinating history behind one of Halloween’s most beloved traditions: pumpkin carving. Participants will also carve a pumpkin using inspiration from traditional designs and their own imaginations. $15.
BOOtanica | Sunday, October 25 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton
Celebrate Halloween with botanical-themed fun for the whole family! Dress in your favorite costume and explore indoor activity stations filled with creative arts-and-crafts, including pumpkin decorating, and conduct hands-on investigations about the fall season, and trick-or-treating. $20 per child.
Altar del Día de Los Muertos Exhibit | Wednesday, October 28 to Saturday, October 31 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Wed.-Fri.); 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sat.)
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Across the Americas, people commemorate late loved ones with offerings of their favorite foods, objects, and stories. This ceremony observes the interconnectedness of life and death. Meadowside Nature Center welcomes offerings (“ofrenda”) in a community exhibit discussing cycles of rest and renewal, and cultural traditions that celebrate death as a universal experience. Offering may include photographs, objects, flowers and plants, artwork, and non-perishable foods in sealed containers on the altar. Registration not required. Free.
Also, join us on Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., for our Día de Los Muertos Community Celebration. The event includes discussion of the cultural traditions that celebrate death as a universal experience. Bring offerings to loved ones of all kinds to share in the community art exhibit, and explore themes of rest and renewal through culturally themed art activities. Registration is closed but walk-ins are welcome. Free.
Pics in the Park: Halloween Edition | Saturday, October 31 | 1 to 4 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Bring a costume and pose with pumpkins! We’ll provide some fun props and take your photo on instant film for a memory you will never forget. Registration not required but supplies are limited; first come, first served. Free.
Creepy Campfires and Hikes
Luminary Hikes | Friday, October 23 | Various times | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda | $6.
Little Creepy Critters Costume Campfire | Saturdays, October 24 and October 31 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 to 2 p.m. | Locust Grove Nature Center | $8 per child/adult combo.
Creepy Critters: Spooky Story Campfire | Friday October 30 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Locust Grove Nature Center | $8 per child/adult combo.
Sparks, S’mores and Spooky Stories | Friday, October 30 | Various times | Meadowside Nature Center | $7.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2026 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 417 parks and more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Our parks, programs, and facilities promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship. As part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible park experiences. M-NCPPC has been stewarding public lands since 1927 and has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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