There are a lot of city and state parks with annual Halloween events! Most are appealing for all ages, though if you’re looking for some scares, you can find a park for you.
UPDATED: This post was first published in 2017. It has been updated with 2021 events.
Please note: Most of these parks will require a park permit to enter, and camping fees may apply.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out the 20+ Things You Must Do In Nebraska This Fall list!
Nebraska parks with Halloween events
1. Haunted Hollow
When: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22-23
Where: Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720th Road, Shubert, Neb.
What: This is the 26th year for the annual Haunted Hollow. Enjoy haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campground-decorating contest.
2. Hallowfest
When: Oct. 9 and 16
Where: Ponca State Park, 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, Neb.
What: For the 23rd annual Hallowfest, the park will have crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest. To do the haunted drive, you’ll have to register $25 per vehicle and call the park at 402-755-2284.
3. Halloween Haunt
When: Oct. 9, 1 to 7 p.m.
Where: Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, 1 Drive 25A, Elwood, Neb.
What: The park will host pumpkin painting at Area C (from to 3 p.m.) and a campsite-decorating contest with judging starting at 5 p.m. at the main campground. Prizes will be awarded.
4. Halloween is Brewing with Fun
When: Oct. 16, 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
What: Event activities take place at Owen Marina and include contests for campsite decorating, as well as pumpkin carving, bonfires and a scavenger hunt. The event kicks off with a children’s Halloween costume parade.
5. Spooktacular
Where: Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Raymond, Neb.
When: Oct. 16
What: The Middle Oak Creek Campground hosts the event, which includes a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and haunted hayrack ride.
6. Halloween at Fremont Lakes
When: Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
What: Campers can decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme and children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place.
7. Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event
When: Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Calamus State Recreation Area, 42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Neb.
What: This whole day is about pumpkins: pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, haunted houses, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays.
8. Haunted Camping
When: Oct. 30 and 31
Where: Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, 73122 338th Ave., Enders, Neb.
What: Haunted Camping will take place in Area A, where there will be a haunted trail, games, pumpkin-carving contest, and costume contests for adults, children and pets. There also will be camper and campsite-decorating contests.
