Family events in McLennan County, TX

Author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner visits the Hewitt Public Library to share how he creates stories and art for young readers. He will discuss the making of his early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels, and reflect on what he enjoys about the work. After the presentation, he will sign books and meet attendees. Copies of his books will be available for purchase on site through Fabled Bookshop & Cafe. This program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, grant number LS-260847-OLS-26.

Celebrate Halloween at an annual trunk-or-treat bash filled with family-friendly fun. Kids can enjoy face painting, pick up exclusive giveaways, color with themed sheets, and collect stickers along with other spooky surprises. Bonus Rodeo Rewards add an extra treat to the festivities. No appointment is required.

Skate Waco Bellmead celebrates 30 years of rolling fun, honoring generations of Central Texas families who learned to skate here, marked birthdays, met friends, requested favorite songs, and raced around the rink. The milestone event features a $30 Anniversary All Access Ticket that covers admission and skate rental and also includes a special 30th anniversary T-shirt, a keepsake cup with free drink refills for the evening, and a return skate pass, all wrapped into a night devoted to commemorating the rink’s history. Purchasing the All Access Ticket in advance lets guests skip the regular ticket line. A $15 Skate Pass will be offered at the door and includes admission and skate rental if needed. A big turnout is anticipated as the community reflects on three decades of birthdays, first skates, Friday nights, and memories made on eight wheels, with plenty of new memories still to come.

Lake Waco Golf Club hosts its second annual fall festival with free admission and a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. Festivities include a bounce house for kids, a golf cart trunk or treat, candy and other treats, carnival style games with prizes, festive movies, costume contests for children and adults with prizes, a family Par 3 golf tournament, and food and drink specials. Open to all, this expanded celebration offers plenty of autumn fun for every age.

Nightmare on Elm Ave transforms East Waco into a festive, family friendly block celebration, stretching along Elm Avenue from Peach Street to the East Waco Library. The street will glow from end to end, storefronts will be decorated, and a trunk or treat will be packed with candy. A DJ will keep the music going while food trucks and vendor booths line the route, and a hay maze adds to the fun. A community costume contest features awards for standout outfits, participating vendors, and the top dog costume. Car clubs rolling in include Suspects CTC, Outlaws CC, Goneghost CC, Central Texas Meets, Street Motion CC, and Waytruthlife CC, joined by a crew of bikes with stunt riders, so there is plenty to see up close. Open to the whole town, this gathering welcomes families, friends, and dogs. Walking in and trick or treating are free, and food and goods will be available for purchase from small businesses along the way. The African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, together with many local organizations and businesses, are teaming up to bring this East Waco celebration to life.

A free afternoon of family activities invites children to discover gardening and nature at Pape Gardens, presented by the McLennan County Master Gardeners in cooperation with Historic Waco. More than ten hands-on stations feature scavenger hunts, creative crafts, interactive learning, and projects to take home, all centered on the plants and wildlife of Central Texas. Families can also step into the historic kitchen of the Johnson-Taylor House and try activities in the new kitchen garden as Master Gardeners highlight the link between what grows in the garden, the food on the table, and daily life. Children of all ages are welcome, and every child must be accompanied by an adult. Activities will proceed as weather allows. Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to everyone regardless of race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin, with support from The Texas A&M University System, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas.