ORLANDO, Fla. – October in Central Florida is packed with exciting events for every age and interest — from pumpkin patches and hayrides to haunted houses, cultural festivals and creative family days at the museum.
Whether you’re looking for thrills, chills or just some good old-fashioned fall fun, there’s something happening near you every weekend. Mark your calendars!
🌽 Harvest Fields Corn Maze & Hayride
Oct. 4–26 | 📍 3000 N. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand, FL 32724| Weekends only
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Admission: $15 per person (ages 2 and under free)
Unlimited access to the corn maze, hayride, hay fort, round bale racers, duck races, corn hole, corn box, mini hay maze and post pounders.
Corn Cannon: 2 shots for $1 — hit the target and win a pumpkin! Gem Mining Paydirt available onsite or online (not included in general admission) Pumpkins for sale | Free Parking | This annual agritourism event takes place on a working 100-acre hay, cattle, and sod farm — the largest corn maze in Central Florida!
👻 Fields of Fright – 5th Annual Haunted Experience
Oct. 10–25 | 📍 Same location as above | Fridays & Saturdays only 💀 $25 per person
Get spooked with TWO haunted houses, a haunted hayride and a haunted corn maze!
🐾 PawPals 4 Life 5K
📍 Rock Springs Run State Reserve Trail, Sorrento, FL | Saturday, Oct. 4
8:30 a.m. | This in-person 5K supports the enrichment and well-being of pets and their humans. A paw-some cause bringing together PawRents and PawPals to promote affection, loyalty, and service.
🎪 7th Annual Marion County Parks & Recreation Carnival
📍 2228 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL | Oct.4 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: FREE! (Youth activity armbands: $5 or 5 non-perishable food donations)
Activities: Hay rides, petting zoo, haunted stalls, games, inflatables, giveaways, and more!
Candy | Music | Food trucks | Family fun for all ages
🎨 OMA Family Day: Celebrating Jason Chin
📍 Orlando Museum of Art | Saturday, Oct. 4 | | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
FREE for all ages!
Join us for a celebration of artist Jason Chin, featuring: Symphony Storytime by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Live music by Mr. Richard Environmental & solar telescope activities. Dance of the Wild by Voci Dance – a tribute to Florida’s wildlife.
Storytelling & strolls with Orlando Family Stage and Orange County Library. Keepsake photos by Laser Photos. Refreshments from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice & Let’s Dough It! Free samples from Dunkin’ Community Cruiser
🍺 Oktoberfest 2025
📍 German American Society of Central Florida, Casselberry | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Doors open at 11:59 a.m.)
General Admission: $7 (advance) | $10 at the gate
Enjoy traditional German beer, authentic food, a flag parade, nonstop live entertainment and more!
Kids 11 and under FREE! With a Kids Korner featuring bounce houses, face painting & games. Central Florida’s longest-running Oktoberfest since 1963!
🦓Boo at the Zoo
This October, every weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the zoo transforms into a spook-tacular playground at Boo at the Zoo—a Halloween celebration packed with fun for the whole family!
Get your groove on with DJ Eric Deniro spinning creepy-cool tunes as you trick-or-treat through themed stations, dive into awesome activities, and snap festive photos all around the zoo. Don’t miss the thrilling live shows happening at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. daily on the main plaza stage!
Each weekend brings a fresh theme to inspire your costume and fun:
- Oct 4 & 5 – Favorite Characters: Dress up as your fave princess, pirate, superhero, or storybook hero and bring your imagination to life!
- Oct 11 & 12 – Mad Scientist: Grab your wildest lab coat and join in on some silly, madcap science fun!
- Oct 18 & 19 – Creature of the Wild: Roar, hop, or slither around as your favorite furry or scaly buddy!
- Oct 25 & 26 – Classic Spooktacular: Rock your spookiest or coolest costume for a Halloween celebration that’s all treats, no tricks!
Best part? All the fun is INCLUDED with your zoo admission. So, gather your crew and get ready for a howling good time at Boo at the Zoo!