Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Raleigh NC

Where to Take the Kids and Where to Take Some Time for You

Halloween is about to descend on us once more just as it has for centuries. All Souls Day is given credit for this usually jolly expression of joy and fun. 

Though the Celts and Romans with an assist from the Catholic Church get the credit for the early beginning, much has been changed since the Irish brought the tradition with them during the Potato famine. 

In my fathers generation the pranks were more like tipping outhouses and the like. Today most often the pranks have been left behind and like most every other holiday we Americans have a party of some sort. 

In some neighborhoods we still see the door to door Trick or Treating but in many places this has been replaced by school parties and Trick or Treating at the local Mall. 

Raleigh is no different. Many of the local schools and churches organize local events. These are not usually widely publicized but usually the church offices and PTAs can let you know if they are having an event. 

For the general public there are community wide events that are being held in Raleigh. Some are quite unique and take advantage of the semi-rural nature of the city. 

One favorite with children is the Halloween Trail at Durant Nature Park in North Raleigh. Here the trails are turned into mildly spooky dimly lit trails with interesting events to be seen along the walk. 

Normally at this time of the year the trails are closed at night, but for a night or two near Halloween the ghosts come out to mingle. 

There are hayrides, games and activities in the area by the waterfront. Up in the meeting area there are ghost stories by the campfire. There is usually a haunted house to add to the environment of the evening. 

It is amazing how different a trail can look at night. 

This program is designed for families with every effort to please the small ones. 

The trail is scheduled to be open October 21 and October 22, from 6-9 p.m. 

For more information on the Halloween Trail at Durant Nature Park Contact:

Durant Park Manager
8305 Camp Durant Road
Raleigh, NC 27614
919-870-2871 

The Natural History Halloween is a real crowd pleaser.