Your Guide to Family-Friendly Halloween Events from The Zuelke Team

Halloween season is here, and if there's one thing we love about calling Janesville and Rock County home, it's how our community goes all-out to celebrate! As long-time residents and real estate professionals who've spent years exploring every corner of this wonderful area, we know where to find the best family-friendly Halloween fun. Whether you've just moved to the neighborhood or you're a fellow long-timer looking for this year's must-attend events, we've got you covered with the ultimate guide to safe, exciting Halloween activities that'll have your little ghouls and goblins talking until Thanksgiving!

Rotary Botanical Gardens Halloween Walk

October 22 through October 26

This Janesville event is truly special. Our award-winning Rotary Botanical Gardens partners with the Janesville Performing Arts Center to create an enchanting Halloween Walk that's unlike anything else in the region. These beautifully landscaped gardens cover roughly 20 acres. Imagine walking down the beautiful paths illuminated by seasonal lighting as JPAC actors and community performers share Halloween tales ranging from delightfully spooky to purely fun. This hour-long guided experience takes you through themed garden areas where stories come alive in the most magical setting. It's sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy yet gentle enough that younger children won't be scared. You'll need timed tickets for this popular event, and we strongly suggest booking early because spots fill up fast. The gardens are mostly wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and an excellent fit for families with little ones in strollers or wagons.

Skelly's Farm Market Fall Fun

Through October 31, Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM2713 S. Hayner Road, Janesville

For that classic autumn experience, you can't beat Skelly's Farm Market. This is old-fashioned, wholesome family fun at its finest. Skelly's Farm Market has two corn mazes that provide just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming for younger children. There's pumpkin picking in actual pumpkin patches (not the pre-picked kind in bins!), wagon rides through the beautiful property, and an apple cannon that never fails to delight. But here's the best part – tons of activities are completely free! The kids will love the playground, jumping in the corn box (like a sandbox but better), the giant rocking animals, and playing life-size pumpkin checkers, and you'll love spending a dime. 

There's no admission fee to enter the farm, so you can wander around and soak in the fall atmosphere even if you're browsing. Corn maze wristbands are $10 per person; wagon rides are $7; and children 3 and under are free for paid activities. Maze entrances close at 5:00 PM, so plan accordingly. This is the perfect spot for taking those adorable fall photos you'll treasure for years!

The Main Event: Traditional Trick-or-Treating

Friday, October 31

Of course, Halloween itself is still the highlight of the season! In Janesville, official trick-or-treat hours run from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. 

In Beloit, kids are welcome to trick-or-treat from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Both cities ask participating homes to turn on their porch lights to welcome trick-or-treaters. These designated times help create safer conditions for families, with better visibility during the early evening hours and a clear timeframe. Hence, everyone knows when to expect visitors.

We want to share a few Zuelke Team Teick or Treat tips to keep you and your little ones safe. Remember the basics: stick to well-lit areas, travel in groups, wear reflective tape or glow sticks on costumes, test costume visibility (can they see through masks?), and check all candy before letting kids dig in. 

We've lived and worked here for a long time and can tell you that different neighborhoods in Janesville and Rock County have different trick-or-treating vibes. Some areas are known for elaborate decorations and generous candy givers, while others offer quieter experiences perfect for younger children. 

If you're new to the area and want recommendations on the best neighborhoods for your family's trick-or-treating style, don't hesitate to reach out – we've been around these blocks for years!

Why We Love Halloween in Rock County

A Janesville and Rock County Halloween highlights what makes living here so special. Think about all the options you and the family have for enjoying this season here. Our area has something for everyone to celebrate the season. There's something for toddlers experiencing their first Halloween, teenagers looking for active fun, and families wanting quality time together. Local businesses, volunteers, and municipal departments put in countless hours to create these experiences, and it shows in every detail.

What really stands out is the emphasis on safety and inclusivity in community celebrations that bring neighbors together and create lasting memories for children. These aren't commercial, over-the-top events designed to maximize profits. The fact that so many events are free or very affordable means that every family can fully participate in the Halloween season, regardless of budget.

We're also impressed by how many options work for children with varying sensitivities. Not every child loves being scared, and our community gets that. From the gentle Pumpkin Walk to the theatrical Enchanted Forest to the active Zombie Run, there are options for brave, cautious, active, and creative kids.

Planning Your Halloween Adventure

Ok, we understand that there are so many fantastic events packed into October, and that you might feel overwhelmed trying to hit them all. Here's our insider tip: prioritize! Sit down with your family and look at which events best match your children's ages and interests. Younger kids prefer the daytime downtown trick-or-treating and the Pumpkin Walk. In comparison, older elementary kids would probably love the Zombie Run and campfire ghost stories.

Finally, we all know Wisconsin's October weather can be unpredictable, so don't forget to check the weather forecast, as most events are outdoors. Wear layers, pack hand warmers, and have backup plans so that no matter what the weather, you'll create some great family memories. And please book those Rotary Gardens tickets early, it's the one event that consistently sells out.

Get Out There and Make Memories!

Halloween only comes once a year, and childhood passes even faster. These events are opportunities to step away from screens, get outside, and be present with your family in our wonderful community. Whether you're exploring the candlelit paths of the Enchanted Forest, cheering on your kids at the Zombie Run, or simply walking together through downtown collecting candy, you're building the kind of memories that define a happy childhood.

We hope this guide helps your family make the most of the Halloween season in Janesville and Rock County. These events showcase exactly why we love living and working here – strong community connections, family-friendly values, and neighbors who look out for each other. From our family to yours, have a safe, fun, and spooktacular Halloween!

Ready to Make Janesville or Rock County Your Home?

If you're reading this from outside the area and thinking, "Wow, this sounds like a great place to raise a family," you're right! As your local real estate expert with deep roots in this community, The Zuelke Team knows Janesville and Rock County inside and out. We don't just sell houses – we help families find the neighborhood that best matches their lifestyle, whether that means being walking distance from downtown events, having a big yard for your own Halloween decorations, or living in a community known for enthusiastic trick-or-treating.

Contact The Zuelke Team Today:

? Phone: (608) 295 - 9866

? Email: Jeff@ZTeam1.com

? Website: https://jeffzuelke.com/

Let us help you find your perfect home in the community we're proud to call ours. Remember, we are real estate professionals but we're also your neighbors!

Happy Halloween from The Zuelke Team – Your Local Real Estate Experts!