Without a doubt, October is one of our favorite times of the year. Crisp air, gorgeous fall colors, the fall farmer's market bounty, and, of course, Halloween! While there are still quite a few things going on in Park City, the mellow shoulder season is a great time to explore some fantastic Halloween options further afield. If you have kids in tow or prefer less frights and more fun, then this activities round-up is for you. 

Homestead Resort Fall Festival

October 6 @ 2 - 6 p.m. 

Take the short trip to Midway for the Fall Festival at the Homestead Resort featuring toe-tapping live music from Acoustic Echo and mouthwatering a la carte BBQ. Let the kiddos pick out a perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, admire the dozens of scarecrows created by local businesses in the Scarecrow Walk. Don't forget to pick up fresh goodies from the farmer's market. If you don't make it to the Fall Festival, you can still catch the Scarecrow Walk the entire month of October -- and even vote for your favorite. 

Pumpkin & Wizard Train at Heber Valley Railroad

October 4th - 29th, 2018 (select dates and times) 

Climb aboard the Heber Valley Railroad's (450 South 600 West, Heber) special Pumpkin Train this Halloween for a 40-minute train ride featuring entertainment from costumed characters. Every passenger is served a delicious pumpkin cookie and riders can also visit the (family-friendly) haunted car for a Halloween sticker. Harry Potter fans can also choose to take a 2 hour excursion on the Wizard's Train (select dates at 7 p.m.), complete with costumed staff, trivia, games, photo opportunities, and licensed Harry Potter items. 

Pumpkin Nights at Utah State Fair Park

October 5 - November 4, various times 

Wander through the many magical lands of Pumpkin Nights at Utah State Fair Park (155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City). Featuring more than 3,000 hand-carved, real and artificial pumpkins, the half-mile walking path takes you through a Pumpkin City, pirate grove, underwater world, and more. Grab a snack or tasty drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available) from the central festival area and enjoy live entertainment and carving demonstrations. 

Halloween Lift Rides & Zip Tour at Sundance Resort

October 18-31 @ 7 - 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends; closed Sunday, October 21 and 28)

Enjoy the crisp weather and scintillating fall scenery at Sundance Resort with a 45 minute Halloween-themed ride on Ray's Lift. At the base of the lift, you'll find fun games and activities, complimentary Halloween movie screenings (weather permitting), and hot chocolate and snacks for sale. Thrill-seekers can also take flight with ZipTours down Outlaw Span (3,871 feet of soaring). Tickets are available online or Ray’s Base Ticket Office.

The Haunted Woods in Murray

October 22 - 24 @ 6 - 8:30 p.m.

If you're keen for a haunted house experience that's appropriate for the little ones, take a trip down to The Haunted Woods (5130 S. State Street, Pavillion #5, Murray) -- Utah's only family-friendly haunted attraction (no graphic violence, foul, language, or demonic beings). You can choose from two different trails, the "Silly Trail" for a fun, scare-free experience that's great for all ages or the "Spooky Trail" with frights for guests who enjoy the thrills of Halloween. Another perk of this attraction: proceeds help fight child abuse in Utah. 

Frankenweenie Screening 

October 27 @ 4 p.m.

Join Park City Library and Park City Film Series for a special Halloween free screening of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie (rated PG). A twist on the classic Frankenstein story, the film follows a young boy named Victor who brings his dog Sparky back to life using a science experiment. The re-animation of the pup, however, has many unintended consequences.

Howl-O-Ween on Main Street

October 31 @ 3 p.m. 

After spending the month checking out activities outside the Park City limits, make sure you return for the best celebration of all. Trick-or-treating for the little ones begins at 3 p.m., courtesy of Main Street merchants, and the festivities continue with the doggy parade at 5 p.m. Whether you've been dozens of times before or it's your first time, this annual gathering is one you can't miss!