October near Lake Wallenpaupack is full of the kind of events that make a regular weekend feel a little more like Fall: downtown festivals, live animals, costumes, and just enough spooky history for kids who are ready for it. But October does not need to be filled with plans. A family hike is a good reason to get outside, too. Shuman Point’s three-mile trail has lake views and is especially nice when the leaves are changing.
These three events are worth putting on the calendar when you want to add something extra to the weekend.
Hawley Harvest Hoedown Saturday, October 3, 10 AM-5 PM, and Sunday, October 4, 10 AM-4 PM | Downtown Hawley
The Hawley Harvest Hoedown is a good pick when your family cannot agree on one thing to do. Downtown Hawley will have food trucks, vendors, music, local shops, yard games, wood-carving demonstrations, and plenty of places to wander without needing a tight plan. Saturday has piglet and goat cuddling, a Western rope show, a dunk tank, an apple pie contest, and a dairy bake-off at 2 PM where attendees get to taste and vote. Sunday is especially good for younger kids: Bingham Park’s Sunday FUNday includes inflatables, with many available free of charge. It is one of those events where it makes sense to arrive hungry, walk around for a while, and let the day unfold. If you only go once, Sunday may be the easier family day because of the kids’ activities in the park. Hawley Harvest Hoedown details
Downtown Honesdale Ghost Tours Friday, October 9 and Friday, October 16, 7 PM | Downtown Honesdale
Downtown Honesdale Ghost Tours return for two Friday nights in October. The guided walk heads through historic Honesdale, where guides share stories about the town’s haunted buildings, alleys, and local lore. This is probably best for older elementary-age kids, tweens, and teens who enjoy a spooky story but do not need a full haunted-house experience. Since the tour starts after dark, bring a jacket, wear comfortable walking shoes, and use your judgment on whether your child is ready for ghost stories. It is a nice option for families looking for something beyond pumpkins and trick-or-treating. Check the Greater Honesdale Partnership calendar for ticket information and any updates before heading out. Downtown Honesdale Ghost Tours
Amazing Animal Adaptations at Van Scott Nature Reserve Saturday, October 24, 10 AM-noon | Van Scott Nature Reserve, 571 Perkins Pond Road, Beach Lake
Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center will bring live animals to the Van Scott Nature Reserve for a morning program on Pennsylvania wildlife. Kids will get to learn how native animals use physical and behavioral adaptations to survive, and what it looks like to share space with wild neighbors responsibly. Costumes are encouraged, which makes this a fun low-key Halloween outing for families who would rather meet an animal educator than wait in a haunted-house line. The program is held at the reserve, so it is also a good excuse to plan a little outdoor time before or after the presentation. Advance registration is required. This one will likely be a strong fit for animal-loving kids, especially preschoolers through elementary age. Amazing Animal Adaptations registration and details
October does not need to be packed wall-to-wall with plans. Pick a downtown festival, a spooky Friday walk, or a morning with live wildlife, and you have a pretty solid family weekend with the opportunity to pickup some fresh apple cider along the way. Check each organizer’s page before you leave for weather updates, registration, and last-minute schedule changes.
