Halloween is creeping up on us quickly!

Halloween is creeping up on us quickly! There are many fun fall and Halloween events around the area to enjoy. West Coast Pediatrics has you covered with all the details!

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is celebrating its 15th Annual Goblin Gathering in conjunction with National Night Out at G.T. Bray Park on Friday October 13^th beginning at 6:30pm. Several local businesses will be participating by passing out “treats & sweets” to participants, providing a safe alternative for children to trick-or-treat.

Hunsader Farms is celebrating their pumpkin fest. There you can enjoy food, music, games, crafts, shows, and more! Taking place the next three weekends from 9am-5pm.

Brown’s Grove’s Fall Festival is this Saturday, October 14th from 9am-4pm. They will have lots of pumpkins, hayrides, train rides, carnival games, bounce house, great food and lots of great vendors. Free parking and admission!

Ed Smith Stadium has some big league family fun Saturday October 14^th with their Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spectacular! Dress the kids up in costume to enjoy games and activities in the concourse and outfield from 5-6:30 p.m. ​ A costume parade around the bases begins at 6:40 p.m. The movie, Monsters, Inc. begins at approximately 7 p.m. Admission is a non-perishable food item donation to All Faiths Food Pantry.

Head out to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Friday October 20^th as buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for a Night of Fish, Fun and Fright! Tickets are available at mote.org.

Selby Gardens – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is having a playful, family-friendly event on October 29^th 10 am – 12 pm which includes trick-or-treating, as well as frightening (but not too scary) options for older children. Come in costume! Included with regular admission; free to members.

South Manatee Library is hosting a Spooky Family Storytime with Trick-Or-Treating on October 26^th as well as a costume contest.

Caddy’s at the Pointe is hosting a movie night and kids eat free on October 26^th 5-9 pm. Costumes are encouraged, complimentary popcorn and Halloween candy provided to all little monsters!

BooFest at Main St. Lakewood Ranch is an annual Halloween event taking place on Friday October 27^th at 6pm. Have your children bring their Trick or Treat bags to collect the many treats that will be given out!

Calling all students of Braden River Elementary for a Trunk or Treat! Wear costumes and enjoy food and games. This takes place Saturday, October 28^th at 4pm.

The 14th Annual Halloween Spooktacular Celebration at The Children’s Garden and Art Center takes place on Sunday October 26^th from 5:30-7 pm. Come in your best costume for  trick or treating and you could win a “Best Costume” prize. This is a free event but please bring DONATIONS for All Faith’s Food Bank who will be present.

Visit the Village of the Arts Tuesday, October 31, 6-8 pm for a trick-or-treat stroll. There will be child-friendly decorations and friendly Villagers passing out treats. This is great for families with small children.