October is packed with opportunities to get out and make memories together! From fall festivals and Halloween fun to live shows and community celebrations, plenty is happening around the Treasure Valley for families with young children.
Here are some family-friendly events to add to your October calendar.
Family-Friendly Fall Fun
1. Kid’s Race on Harrison Blvd.
Get those little legs moving! The YMCA Harrison Classic Kids Race is a fun opportunity for children to be active and experience the excitement of participating in a community race. Registration Fee is $30.
2. Witches Night Out at The Village in Meridian
A free, family-friendly evening at The Village at Meridian with plenty of Halloween spirit. Even better, the event supports the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA).
3. Bluey’s Big Play at the Morrison Center
If Bluey is a favorite in your house, this one might deserve a spot on the family calendar! Bluey’s Big Play brings the beloved characters to the stage at the Morrison Center, with tickets starting around $20.
4. Viva Nampa Festival
Celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month with a community celebration in Downtown Nampa! It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to experience music, food, traditions, and culture while celebrating the diversity of our Treasure Valley community.
5. Watershed Fall Festival
This one is especially worth checking out! The Boise WaterShed’s FREE Fall Festival gives children an opportunity to have fun while exploring and learning. For families looking for an educational outing without adding another expense to the month, put this one on your list.
🎃 FREE Halloween Fun
Halloween activities don’t have to cost a fortune. Several Treasure Valley communities are hosting free trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treat events this year. Check them out:
6. Meridian Trunk or Treat
A family-friendly community event with a $1 suggested donation per child benefiting the Meridian Food Bank.
7. JUMP or Treat
Head to JUMP in Downtown Boise for free Halloween fun for the family.
8. Downtown Nampa Trick or Treat
Downtown Nampa’s annual trick-or-treat celebration returns for its 39th year.
9. Star Trunk or Treat
Another free option for families looking for a fun and festive Halloween outing.
10. Scarecrow Stroll at the Idaho Botanical Garden
Take a stroll through creative scarecrow displays throughout the garden. Check with the Idaho Botanical Garden for current admission information before visiting.
11. Free Developmental Screening for Children Ages 3–5
October is also a great time to check in on how your little one is growing and developing. The Boise School District offers FREE developmental screenings for children ages 3–5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten.
The screening is designed for children who may be experiencing developmental delays and can help families better understand how their child is progressing in areas including Speech, Language, Motor Skills, Concepts, Social/Emotional Skills, Self-Help Skills, Hearing, Vision
Developmental screenings can be a helpful first step for parents who have questions or concerns about their child’s development. Identifying potential delays early can also help connect children and families with appropriate resources and support.
To make an appointment, contact Madison Early Childhood Center at (208) 854-5520.
Make Your Activity Part of Learning
You don’t need to turn a family outing into a lesson plan. Simply talking with your child along the way can create meaningful learning moments. Ask what they notice. Let them choose their favorite scarecrow. Count pumpkins together. Talk about the music or food they experience at a cultural festival. Ask them how they felt after finishing a race or trying something new!
We hope this list helps your family find something fun to do together this October. From all of us at Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers, have a fun happy fall! 🍁
