Looking for things to do in the 419 without breaking the bank? We put together a list of completely free things to enjoy this month!
Thursday, October 5
Tails and Tales at Walbridge Park
Learn about wildlife myths and animals that are typically misunderstood this spooky season with Nature’s Nursery’s ambassador animals at this free, open to the public, event at the Walbridge Park shelter house.
Scarecrow Workshop and Contest
Join in on the family fun fall tradition of building scarecrows. Build a scarecrow from scratch using provided materials or bring your homemade scarecrow to Carter Historic Farm to decorate the grounds and display for all to see! Optionally, enter it in the 22nd Annual Scarecrow Contest to win cash prizes.
Friday, October 6
AfterBurn
Join NAMI Wood County for their annual AfterBurn event. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy free trunk or treat, free kids activities, and a chili cook-off. Food and t-shirts will be available for purchase. Afterwards, the night will conclude with a special recovery celebration with performances from local artists.
Saturday, October 7
Dundee’s Pumpkin Palooza
Free family fun at the Annual Pumpkin Weigh off festival. Check out the giant pumpkins and after enjoy the fall craft vendors, car show and free kids activities, including a petting zoo!
Sturgeon Fest
Join the Toledo Zoo for this free event to celebrate the Zoo’s partnership with organizations to help bolster the local Lake Sturgeon population! Attendees will have the chance to release a reared Lake Sturgeon into the Maumee River.
Heritage Farm Fest
A sustainable-grown and holistically-raised lunch is served on the farm, as well as wagon rides, games, live music, heritage activities, demonstrations of the Power of Yesteryear, a doughnut eating contest, history talks, blacksmithing, history stations, fresh cider pressing, tours, and the Zimmerman one-room schoolhouse. There is no charge for parking, entrance, or any of the activities. All are welcome.
Sunday, October 8
Grand Rapids Applebutter Festival
Since 1977, the Applebutter Fest has been known for its historical re-enactments, handmade crafts, live music, food, and apple butter.
Saturday, October 14
Fall Festival & Truck-or-Treat
Bring the whole fam for a day of costumed fun at The Shops at Fallen Timbers and fill your candy coffers, featuring the fan-favorite Truck-or-Treat, plus fun activities & food trucks!
Sylvania Fall Festival
Northwest Ohio’s Finest Fall festival. Trick or Treat on Main Street, a pumpkin patch for the kids. Costumes are encouraged. Live Music Food Trucks & Fall Desserts. Parade: Sunday, Oct. 15th at 1pm.
Sunday, October 15
Art Loop: Haunted Harvest
Haunted Harvest is a fall and spooky themed event for Toledoans of all ages! Enjoy a trunk or treat, pumpkin painting, art, live performances and more. Costumes are encouraged.
Wednesday, October 18
Wiggle Wednesday Kids’ Club
Presented by Educare Academy, Wiggle Wednesday is a monthly interactive children’s entertainment and education series courtesy of Toledo Area Parent and Franklin Park Mall. Kids will learn from community organizations while having fun with games, crafts and entertainment.
Friday, October 20
Halloween Dance Party
Join an exciting dance party just for kids! Music and fun will make your sides jingle and those little feet start a-tapping. Wear your costume and get moving.
Eerie Manor Tours
Metroparks presents the second annual Eerie Manor Tours. This is a free, family-friendly event for all. Roam over 30 hauntingly decorated spaces. This is not a Trick-or-Treat Event. No registration required.
Wednesday, October 25
Lunch and Learn: BeLove Parenting Coach
Bring more joy and deeper connection into your parenting journey. Penny Meeker from BeLove Parenting will guide you towards intentional choices for you and your child. Registration is required.
Thursday, October 26
Boo Bash Trunk or Treat
Presented by East Toledo Family Center, the City of Toledo, and the Human Relations Commission. Put on your costumes and join us for a spine-tingling night, featuring a candy-filled trunk or treat, a vibrant resource fair, and delicious bites. All ages are invited to join the fun!
Multiple Dates/Library Branches
Play and Learn Treasure Chest with WGTE Media
A special storytime utilizing beloved PBS KIDS programming and characters. WGTE educators will facilitate engaging and enriching mini-lessons using hands-on activities, video clips and storytelling to help promote language and literacy, cognitive development, creative development, physical development and wellness, and social and emotional development.
Monday, October 2 – Main Library
Thursday, October 12 – Holland Branch Library
Wednesday, October 18 – King Road Branch Library
