MomSkoop
October in Texas isn’t just about cooler nights and pumpkin spice everything—it’s when certain towns completely transform into Halloween wonderlands. These places go all in with ghost tours, pumpkin festivals, spooky parades, and candy-filled celebrations that kids adore (and moms secretly love just as much).
Whether you’re chasing photo ops, family-friendly fun, or a good old-fashioned scare, these Texas towns will make you want to grab your costume, pack up the car, and join in the magic.
1. Denton
If you want a place that lives and breathes Halloween all month long, Denton is it. The whole town becomes a festival of fun with outdoor movies, pumpkin drops, themed art, and ghost tours weaving through its charming square.
There’s something going on every single day in October—some big, some small, all delightfully spooky. Parents will love how inclusive and kid-friendly it is, with dozens of free community events that make celebrating easy and affordable.
Bring your best costume and comfy shoes, because Denton’s “31 Days of Halloween” is more like a month-long carnival. You’ll be hopping from one fun activity to the next, surrounded by the kind of small-town spirit that makes fall feel magical.
2. Galveston
Nothing says “Halloween getaway” quite like a beach town with a haunted past. Every October, Galveston leans into its spooky side with ghost tours, costume parties, and the Ghost Coast Festival—an island-wide celebration of all things eerie and exciting.
The vibe is part beachy, part haunted, and all fun. You can stroll The Strand in costume, join a lantern-lit tour, and still be close enough to grab dinner by the ocean afterward. It’s the kind of weekend where the kids get their thrills, and you get your perfect fall photo by the water.
Stay overnight so you don’t miss the after-dark fun. The haunted mansions and historic hotels light up the island with that perfect mix of creepy charm and coastal beauty.
3. Jefferson
This charming East Texas town is straight out of a storybook—if that storybook came with a few ghosts. Jefferson’s candle-lit streets and Victorian architecture make it the perfect backdrop for ghost walks that blend history and hauntings.
Families with older kids or teens will love how the tours balance spooky storytelling with fascinating bits of Texas lore. No jump scares, just shivers and laughter as you follow your guide past creaky old buildings and shadowy corners.
Make a night of it by booking one of the town’s cozy inns, some of which have their own ghostly reputations. It’s the kind of getaway that feels like a Halloween movie come to life—complete with a Southern twist.
4. Waxahachie
South of Dallas, Waxahachie’s beloved Renaissance fairgrounds get a seasonal makeover as “Scarborough’s Hollow.” It’s an autumn dreamland filled with costumed performers, haunted houses, artisan booths, and enough pumpkin décor to make any mom’s heart happy.
The best part? It’s built for families. Kids can enjoy crafts, shows, and gentle thrills, while adults soak in the whimsical atmosphere and maybe grab a caramel apple or two.
Go on a Saturday to catch the full lineup of entertainment and lights that make the evenings especially magical. Whether you’re into fantasy or just looking for an unforgettable fall outing, this place delivers.
5. Tomball
In Tomball, Halloween feels like the whole town decided to throw a block party. Their “Zomball in Tomball” event fills the streets with music, costumes, and candy in every direction.
You’ll find trunk-or-treat stations, spooky games, and live entertainment that keeps kids buzzing well past bedtime. Parents will love the small-town charm—everyone knows everyone, and the community energy is contagious.
Arrive early to grab parking and take in the decorations downtown. Between the parades, the laughter, and the smell of kettle corn in the air, you’ll remember why Halloween is such a joy to share with your kids.
6. Huntsville
Come late October, downtown Huntsville transforms into a Halloween carnival during its “Scare on the Square” celebration. Streets fill with costumed families, local vendors, and candy stations stretching around the courthouse.
The best part is how walkable and safe it feels. You can let the kids wander a bit while you chat with other parents or grab a treat from one of the food stands. It’s a true small-town experience that makes Halloween simple, fun, and stress-free.
If you can, plan to stay until evening—there’s something magical about watching the town light up under a cool October sky, full of families laughing and little ghosts and goblins running by.
7. Georgetown
When Halloween weekend arrives, Georgetown’s historic downtown square turns into a sea of costumes and candy for the annual Candy Crawl. Local shops open their doors for trick-or-treaters, and the whole area feels like a cozy fall festival.
It’s the perfect mix of fun and relaxation for moms who want an easy day out with the kids. You can stroll, snack, shop, and let your little ones show off their costumes in a safe, walkable setting.
Once the candy buckets are full, grab dinner nearby and end the night with a family photo under the twinkle lights on the square—it’s pure Halloween magic, Texas style.
8. Granbury
Granbury’s historic square is beautiful any time of year, but in October it really shines. The Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts fills the town with craft booths, live music, and fall colors that make it a picture-perfect weekend.
This one is ideal for moms who want a slower pace—more pumpkins and pie, less fright and fright. Kids can explore games, pick out mini pumpkins, or watch local artists at work.
Grab a hot cider, browse the vendor stalls, and just enjoy the relaxed fall atmosphere. It’s a lovely reminder that Halloween doesn’t have to be all ghosts and ghouls—it can also be about community, creativity, and a really good time.
9. Mineral Wells
With its eerie Baker Hotel and downtown ghost tours, Mineral Wells leans right into its haunted reputation. During October, you’ll find nighttime walks, local legends, and plenty of small-town character to go with the chills.
It’s not too scary for families, but just mysterious enough to make your heart race a little. Older kids love hearing about the hotel’s ghostly guests and peeking through the old windows.
Plan a full day here—enjoy the local shops and hot springs by daylight, then join a ghost tour once the sun sets. It’s spooky, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing all at once.