“Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement,” a Halloween-themed museum night for children and families, returns with a scary good time on Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26, from 6 to 9 p.m.

As the sun goes down, Jamestown Settlement's outdoor areas transform for one special weekend into friendly and frightful settings with trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and games, festive music, face painting, decorated houses and ships.

Ghosts and graveyards will greet families from the main entrance into a "Sleepy Hollow" themed lobby to the outdoor areas, where they will pass by opportunities for facepainting, and on to "Alice in Wonderland" for fun and games.

Smoke, lanterns and sound effects create a spooky setting in the re-created fort, where families can escape into the "gold rush." They can mosey into a western saloon to meet goldminers showing their gold finds, but they'll need to watch out for thieves! In the candlelit church, hear spooky sounds on the theremin, performed by Carolyn Scruggs. And, as favorites from years' past, guests will catch glimpses of their favorite classic movie monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein, Werewolf and the Creature from the Black Lagoon... and maybe even Bigfoot.

The riverfront will be transformed into elements of Greek mythology, costume-clad guests will encounter Poseidon, Athena and other gods and goddesses. Haunted tales and sing-along sounds from the Cigar Box String Band also will captivate guests on the waterfront.

At the 1607 ships’ pier, trick-or-treaters can meet some of their favorite characters. Power-up with the “Mario Brothers” by climbing aboard the Godspeed or discover “Thing 1” or “Thing 2” with “Dr. Seuss” on board the Discovery. Families can enjoy a maze at the end of the pier, along with more fun games and activities.

An "enchanted pathway" offers encounters with faeries, elves, gnomes and other magical creatures.

Admission is $10 per child, ages 4-12, and $7 per adult (ages 12 and older). Children ages 3 and under are free. Each party must include at least one adult over age 18.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Tickets are not available on site or at the door. Annual passes and other discounts do not apply. A rain date is planned for Sunday, October 27.

Important event information

Parking
Please park in the main visitor parking lot at Jamestown Settlement.

Weather
Family Frights will be held as planned. Please arrive prepared for the forecasted weather conditions. Stay tuned to our social media channels @jyfmuseums and website for any additional updates. In case of cancellation, a rain date is planned for October 27.

Mobility
The museum’s motorized scooters will not be available during this event, and guests are encouraged to bring their own if needed. Personal strollers and wheelchairs also are welcome.

Display ticket receipt at check-in
Ticketholders are asked to display their order confirmation on their mobile devices or bring a printed copy.

Follow the Family Frights rules
We rely on you and your family’s cooperation and support to follow event protocols to ensure that it’s a fun, spooky – and safe – event for everyone. Each party must include at least one adult over age 18.

Explore other activities and events happening throughout the year.

About Jamestown Settlement

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The museum features expansive exhibition galleries and films that connect visitors with the lives of the Powhatan, English and West Central African cultures that converged at 17th-century Jamestown. Outdoor living-history areas feature historical interpretation in re-creations of Paspahegh Town, 1607 English ships and a colonial fort.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.