Family events in Licking County, OH

Perkins Performance LLC is hosting a community Trunk or Treat where families can collect candy, view vehicles, and connect with local business owners. Local businesses are invited to bring a vehicle and hand out candy while sharing their business. Food trucks are being considered, and space for vehicles may be limited, so advance coordination is requested.

This indoor event features a candy route called Treat Street where children can gather sweets. At the end, cookies, coffee, water, and hot chocolate are available for everyone. It provides a warm, dry way to enjoy Beggar's Night.

This archaeology-themed homeschool program at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center explores how archaeologists study the past and why artifacts and sites are found beneath layers of soil. Learners will build a layered snack that traces Ohio’s history from 14,000 BCE to the present, then practice excavation concepts and model one way archaeologists estimate the age of artifacts. The program also highlights how landscapes change and develop over time. The food component requires consent from a parent or guardian. Sugar-free chocolate pudding is the primary ingredient, and the remaining ingredients will be selected to avoid allergens. Designed for ages 5 to 12. Younger children may attend, but taking part in the activity will require one-on-one assistance from a parent or guardian. The cost is $8 per learner, and parents and other adults are free.

Children can practice reading aloud with Brodie, a book-loving therapy dog. Sign up is first come, first served. Open to participants in grades K through 6.

The season wraps up with a special Market Day featuring area vendors, a trunk-or-treat activity, and a Pumpkin People contest that encourages creativity and fun. For any questions, please contact Teresa.

Experience a calmer museum visit during Sensory Hours, with dimmed lights, softer sounds, and additional accommodations throughout the space. This session features spooky sensory activities. Participation is included with admission, and members are free. Sensory friendly supplies are available on request any time you visit The Works.

A festive Halloween pop-up in Newark, Ohio features candy for children, treats for dogs, and a chance to meet the Columbus Ghostbusters with one of their cars. There will be costume contests for both humans and pets with prizes, raffles, vendors, face painting, music, and a dog food pantry. This family-friendly event is set outdoors in the Project Good Paint parking lot. Dogs must be friendly, leashed, and with an adult at all times. Dress warmly. Additional activities may be added.

Young audiences follow Tony Stradivarius on a spellbinding journey guided by an enchanted book that reveals how an orchestra comes to life. With interactive moments throughout, children get acquainted with the instruments, understand the role of the conductor, and feel the thrill of live symphonic music.

Mountain Bike Mondays feature a one-hour, cross-country-focused ride at the Denison Bio-Reserve, ending back at The Cidery with free pizza and drinks. Riders of all paces are welcome, and kids can participate. Helmets and mountain bikes are required. Strider bikes are not permitted.

This celebration of gratitude features face painting and balloon creations by Mrs. Boggs. Children will enjoy stories, share what they appreciate, and craft paper leaves to add to the giant Tree of Thanks. Participants can take a photo with their leaf, share it on the Thankful Wall, and tag @lickingcountylibrary on Facebook and Instagram. The Tree of Thanks will remain on display all month. Designed for elementary students in grades K to 5 at the downtown Newark location.