Looking for something a little different to do with the kids this Halloween? Centennial Park is getting spooky this October, with an afternoon of creepy creatures, outdoor challenges, costumes and trick-or-treating designed especially for younger children.
Halloween: Friend or Foe? takes over the Wild Play Discovery Centre on Saturday 31 October 2026, inviting kids aged 4 to 8 to explore the park and discover some of the fascinating creatures that come alive after dark.
Rather than simply being about scares and sweets, this Halloween adventure combines plenty of fun with nature discovery. Kids will crawl through a spooky obstacle course, venture into the mysterious Shadowland, learn about bats, frogs and toads, and finish their adventure with a Halloween treat.
And, of course, costumes are encouraged!
What happens on the Halloween trail?
There’s something different waiting at every stop.
Spooky Forest Challenge
Time to crawl, climb and conquer! Kids can make their way through the spooky forest obstacle course as they begin their Halloween adventure.
Shadowland Adventure
Who is hiding in the shadows?
Children will discover the world of flying foxes and learn more about these fascinating nocturnal residents and the secrets of life after dark.
Frog or Prince Quest
Frogs might look a little spooky when you encounter them at night, but they play an important role in our environment. Kids will explore the wonderful world of frogs and toads and find out whether they really are a friend or foe.
Trick or Treat Trail
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a treat.
Complete the trail and kids can collect a Halloween sweet reward, with Make-A-Wish and Chupa Chups joining in the Halloween fun.
Dress up for Halloween
This is definitely an occasion to raid the dress-up box.
Kids are encouraged to arrive in their favourite Halloween-inspired costume, whether that means a witch, ghost, vampire, monster, superhero or something completely original.
Just remember that children will be exploring and completing outdoor activities, so enclosed shoes are required.
Halloween: Friend or Foe? – Event Details
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Location: Wild Play Discovery Centre, Education Precinct, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
Suitable for: Children aged 4–8 years
Session length: Approximately 60 minutes
Session times:
1:00pm
1:30pm
2:00pm
2:30pm
3:00pm
3:30pm
Tickets:
$24 per child
$40 for two children
Children must be supervised by an adult throughout the program, and all children and accompanying adults require a ticket.
Bookings are for a specific session and session times cannot be changed after booking, so make sure you arrive ready to start at your allocated time.
What to bring
Centennial Park recommends coming prepared for an outdoor adventure. Bring a refillable drink bottle and dress for the conditions, including sun protection on warm days or wet-weather gear if rain is expected.
Most importantly, children need to wear enclosed footwear for the activities.
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions, although sessions may be cancelled if conditions become unsafe, including high winds or thunderstorms.
A fun way to celebrate Halloween outdoors
For Eastern Suburbs families, this is a great alternative to traditional neighbourhood trick-or-treating – particularly for younger kids who want the excitement of Halloween without anything too frightening.
There are costumes and treats, but there’s also plenty of climbing, exploring and discovering what really does hide in the shadows of Centennial Park.
And after meeting bats, frogs and some of the park’s other nighttime residents, the kids might discover that some of Halloween’s supposedly spooky creatures are actually friends rather than foes.
Halloween: Friend or Foe?
Saturday 31 October 2026
Wild Play Discovery Centre, Centennial Park
For children aged 4–8 years
Bookings are essential. https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/halloween-friend-or-foe
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