October in the Ozarks brings a special kind of magic—a blend of wholesome harvest fun and lighthearted spooky thrills the whole family can enjoy. In Branson and the surrounding hills, you’ll find pumpkin patches and hayrides by day, and come nightfall, haunted adventures mild enough to give older kids and teens a fun scare (without giving Grandma nightmares!). Use this guide to plan a seasonal itinerary packed with pumpkins, hay bales, ghostly tales, and cozy fall memories.
Pumpkin Patches & Harvest Festivals (All Ages)
McKenna Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
Just north of town, McKenna Family Farm turns into an autumn playground from late September through early November. Pick your perfect pumpkin (they grow all sizes and colors), then explore a three-acre corn maze, tractor-pulled hayrides through the woods, a hay-bale maze for littles, farm animals, face painting, and a big bounce pillow. Kids love the “gerbil wheel” races and the corn-kernel sensory pit; parents love the homemade goodies—pumpkin bread, hot cider, and photo ops at every turn. It’s a quintessential fall afternoon for multigenerational crews. (Open select days—check their calendar for bonfire nights and special weekends.)
Silver Dollar City: Harvest Festival – Pumpkins in the City
By day, the 1880s theme park celebrates fall with Craft Days—glassblowers, blacksmiths, pumpkin carvers, and heritage artists you can watch up close. Come hungry: think soups in bread bowls, smoked turkey legs, apple dumplings, and pumpkin funnel cakes. At dusk, the park glows with thousands of illuminated pumpkins and larger-than-life gourds in the Garden of Giants. Kids meet friendly fall characters and dance at the nightly Pumpkin Plaza party; teens get their thrills on coasters under twinkling jack-o’-lanterns. It’s festive, non-frightful, and perfect for mixed-age groups.
Shepherd of the Hills: PumpkinFest
Weekends in October, the historic homestead transforms into a family-first fall fair—hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, mini-golf, and a kids’ corn sandbox. Your ticket includes the Inspiration Tower for a 360° look at peak foliage. Craft a pumpkin at the decorating station, then stick around for the kids’ costume parade (keep it friendly, not scary). It’s the simple joys—grandpa guiding the hay maze, little ones on the pony trail—that make this one feel timeless.
Downtown Branson & Branson Landing Happenings
Watch for pop-up fall markets, live music, and pumpkin-carving contests downtown. On Halloween day, Branson Landing typically hosts family-friendly, storefront trick-or-treating—ideal if you’re traveling and still want that candy-collecting moment.
Mild Haunts for Brave(ish) Kids & Teens
Castle of Chaos 5D Adventure (PG-13 light)
Part haunted house, part 3D ride, part interactive video game—this attraction on the Strip is more “spooky arcade” than nightmare fuel. Strap in, don 3D glasses, and battle virtual ghouls with a laser blaster while your seat moves and spins. Teens love chasing high scores; parents appreciate that it’s spooky without gore or jumpy actors. A fun indoor option for a cool October night.
Haunted Copperhead Mountain Coaster (PG-13 light)
On select October nights, the Copperhead coaster at Shepherd of the Hills adds Halloween flair—eerie sounds, glowing props, and a few distant “boo!” moments—as you control your own brake down forested tracks. The real thrill is carving turns under the moonlight while pumpkins flicker in the trees. Riders as young as 3 can ride with an adult; ages 9+ can ride solo. Bundle up and book ahead for prime times.
Not into jump scares? Try a guided evening walk through downtown for local lore—restless theater spirits, Civil War-era tales, odd happenings in historic alleys. It’s more history than horror and a great way to see a side of Branson most visitors miss. Some tours use simple ghost-hunting gadgets (fun, not freaky). Walking is moderate and route is central, so grandparents can join.
Branson Haunted Hills (PG-13)
If your teens want a traditional haunted attraction, this seasonal experience (northwest of Branson) offers outdoor paths and a classic walk-through with costumed actors. Expect creepy cabins, cornfield frights, and a chainsaw cameo. It’s designed to be thrilling, not traumatic—use judgment based on your crew. Many nights include an early “lights-on” walkthrough for younger kids.
Make It Cozy at The Ozarker
After a day of pumpkin picking and a night of mild haunts, bring the fall vibes “home.” At The Ozarker Lodge, wind down by the creek with campfire s’mores, hot cocoa, or a pumpkin-spice nightcap. Trade ghost stories, compare coaster top speeds, and dig into the farmstand pie you swore you’d save for later. These are the simple, memory-making moments that stick. From corn mazes to glowing pumpkin paths, gentle ghost tales to giggly coaster screams, Branson’s October brings out the playful side of fall. Carve the pumpkin, dance with the scarecrows, listen for a whisper of Ozark lore—and make a few Haunted Hills & Harvest Tales of your own.