Free family events bring Halloween to life
Explore museum mysteries and stories among the trees
Families looking for Halloween hijinks can enjoy trick-or-treating, costumes, spooky stories and after-dark adventures at the Landsborough Museum and the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.
Come along to Halloween at the Museum, as Landsborough Museum transforms into a funhouse of activities on Friday 30 October from 4.30 to 7.30pm.
Visitors can dress in their favourite costume, trick-or-treat through the museum and enjoy face painting, games, a jumping castle and sausage sizzle.
For families with younger children, Spooky Storytime will bring storytelling and outdoor adventure together at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden on Saturday 31 October, from 9.30 to 10am.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Halloween program offered affordable ways for families to spend time together, explore somewhere new and connect with the region’s heritage.
“Halloween at the Museum is a fun and welcoming event that gives families a different way to discover our local history,” Cr Law said.
“Children can dress up, collect treats and enjoy the activities, while the whole family explores a collection filled with stories from our region.
“For families who prefer their Halloween fun in the great outdoors, Spooky Storytime at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden combines reading, imagination and a walk through one of our region’s most beautiful natural spaces.”
A night at the museum
What: Halloween at the Museum
When: Friday 30 October, 4.30–7.30pm
Where: Landsborough Museum
Tickets: Free entry, drop-in event
Landsborough Museum is located at 4 Maleny Street, just a short walk from Landsborough train station (with affordable 50 cent train fares).
Accessibility resources, including a virtual tour, sensory and accessibility guide and communication boards, are available online.
While exploring the museum, visitors can also immerse themselves in The Night Sky: Our shared darkness.
Through interactive displays and stunning imagery, the exhibition reveals the important role darkness plays in our lives and the natural world.
Visit the Heritage website and plan your trip to the Museum.
Follow the trail into the woods
What: Spooky Storytime
When: Saturday 31 October, 9.30–10am
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden
Tickets: Free event, no registration required
Beloved local children’s author, Philip Bunting, will do a reading of his book Dropbear, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.
Located on Palm Creek Road, Tanawha, the Botanic Garden features bushland trails, nature play spaces, native gardens and art installations, with plenty of options for families to explore and picnic.
To reach the Spooky Storytime event, visitors can walk past the Lagoon to the open lawns area and find Mr Bunting and the Sunshine Coast Libraries team ready to entertain.
To view the accessibility guide and plan your visit, go to the Botanic Gardens website.
Beyond the Spooky Storytime event, the Story Walk will be open from 13 October to 20 November, a fun, educational and free activity for families with young kids.
Visit the Libraries website to discover more upcoming programs and events.
Have a fun and safe Halloween
A little planning can help make Halloween enjoyable for everyone.
If you’re heading out trick-or-treating, keep children close, stay together as a group and take care when crossing roads.
If you're on the road, slow down and keep an eye out for excited trick-or-treaters, especially in busy neighbourhoods.
Look for decorated homes or outdoor lights as a sign that residents are joining the fun. If a house is dark or undecorated, simply move on to the next one.
Remember to park safely, leave footpaths and driveways clear, share the treats around and say thank you.
Residents planning a neighbourhood event should also remember that a police permit is required to close a road to vehicles.
Most importantly, enjoy the fun, look out for one another and help make Halloween a happy night for the whole community.
Landsborough Museum exhibitions and events are supported by the Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy.
The Spooky Storytime and Story Walk programs are supported by First 5 Forever, a Queensland Government initiative that supports parents and caregivers as their child’s first and most important educator.