An autumn adventure preview from Greatful Moments
The other day, David, Jospeph and I were visiting the North American Cryptid Museum. I know you’ve heard us talk about that Museum and time again this week, but we also learned about Dark Hour Haunted House while we were out exploring and the Art Studio and a Monster Museum I thought David and Charlie might like checking out.
I cannot wait to take Charlie and David to! Can you guess where it is? Nope! It’s at Scarborough Faire! Did you know that? Because I didn’t! Have you ever been to Scarborough Faire? I have, way back in the day when the dinosaurs roamed the face of the earth, as Charlie would say. Laughing Out Loud!
I would love to go back, especially in May when they have the Mother’s Day Tea. Now that sounds like my kind of outing. But I have a feeling David would rather go when all the Halloween fun is happening. As for Charlie I have no, clue when he might want to go but I bet you the day he would choose would surprise me.
And that brings me to my next question. With monsters, strange creatures, haunted houses, and all sorts of things roaming around, is Scarborough’s Hollow going to be too scary for Charlie and I. God only knows. I guess we’ll have to go and find out! But first I would put the visit in the LORDs hands before leaving home.
Before we pack the car, though, I have a few questions. What exactly is this monster museum? How much does admission cost? Is there food? Can we find something suitable for everyone to eat? What should I wear? Can I get around the grounds without wearing myself out? And how long are we going to be there?
Because I enjoy a family adventure as much as anybody, but I also like knowing what I’m getting myself into! So, while we haven’t visited Scarborough’s Hollow yet, I did some digging to find out what families can expect. If you’re thinking about visiting this fall, let’s explore it together.
What exactly is Scarborough’s Hollow?– Scarborough’s Hollow is a fall fantasy festival held at the same Waxahachie property where Scarborough Renaissance Festival takes place in the spring. If you’ve been to Scarborough Faire before, you already have an idea of the setting. But the fall festival has its own atmosphere, attractions, characters, and seasonal activities. Making it more fun for families to visit.
Instead of focusing only on the Renaissance experience, Scarborough’s Hollow invites visitors into a fantasy village filled with magical creatures, live performers, artisan shops, games, food, pumpkins, and spooky attractions. And apparently, there are monsters involved! Lord, help us all.
The festival is designed for a range of ages and interests. Some families may head straight for the haunted houses, while others may be more interested in the fairies, crafts, food, music, and fall activities. That would be me. How about you. Which part would you like to check out first?
That is one thing I like about having options. Just because Charlie and David might want to explore something scary doesn’t mean I have to follow them into every dark corner! Although, Charlie would think I need to why David would be saying leave your mom alone.
One important note: We have visited Scarborough Faire in the past, but we have not visited Scarborough’s Hollow. We discovered it while researching experiences for our interactive Halloween Gift Guide and learning more from our adventures this week.
This article is a preview based on the festival’s published information, not a firsthand review. You can explore the official festival website at Scarborough’s Hollow.
The monster museum that caught my attention– Let’s get to the attraction that started all this: Raptus and Krane’s Mythical Monster Museum. Doesn’t thaqt sound like something David would like. As for Charlie I’m not so sure and as for me I don’t know depends on how scary it is.
According to the festival’s description, this walk-through attraction features mythical creatures ranging from tiny fairies which I would like to mighty dragons David would like. Visitors can learn about the monster hunters Raptus and Krane, see equipment and weapons associated with their adventures, and discover more about the creatures they encountered. Now, tell me that doesn’t sound interesting!
I would be looking for the fairies. David would probably be looking for the dragons. And Charlie? I can already imagine him wanting to see what else is waiting around the next corner. Although knowing Charlie he might be like me and looking for the nearest exit and that’s ok.
It sounds like an opportunity to explore fantasy creatures and the stories people have created around them. If you homeschool, you might even use the experience as a starting point for conversations about mythology, folklore, storytelling, character design, and the differences between legends and real animals.
The museum does require an additional fee beyond general admission. I could not verify its separate price in the published ticket information, so I would check with the festival before setting your budget. You can find the attraction details on the official attractions and games page.
And now I have another question: if we go to see the monsters, how many of them are going to be the friendly kind, and how many will make me jump? I suppose that is part of the adventure! Someone better stay close because I might need a hand or two to hold.
Another question I found myself wondering is Scarborough’s Hollow too scary for families? They say that depends on your family, the ages of your children, and how much fright everyone enjoys. The festival has several attractions specifically designed around spooky experiences. Before buying tickets, I would read their descriptions together and decide which ones are a good fit. For Charlie and I we may pass on all of them and just go for the food and that is ok.
Blackthorn Castle Haunted House– This is one of the main haunted attractions at the Hollow. Its storyline involves dark forces and the threat facing the fantasy village. If your family enjoys haunted houses, this may be one to investigate. The online add-on price is listed at $11.69 per person, compared with $14.03 when purchased on-site.
But if your child is easily frightened, I would read the official description and talk about what to expect before deciding to enter. A haunted house can be fun for one family member and a little too much for another. Which is what Charlie and I might decide so you could find us outside waiting on David.
Trickster’s 3D Fun Hous0 This attraction features visual tricks and a mischievous fantasy setting. The experience includes special effects, and it is not simply a quiet walk through a room of decorations. The listed add-on price is $11.69 online or $14.03 on-site. I could handle a walk through and so could Charlie.
The festival specifically warns that the attraction includes strobe lighting, fog, sudden movement, and loud noises. Those effects may affect people with certain medical conditions or sensory sensitivities so my Uncle Chuck if he was here wouldn’t have been able to do this.. If someone in your family is the same way read the health advisory carefully before visiting.
Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery– This is an interactive scavenger hunt set in a spooky cemetery. Visitors search for clues and uncover secrets as they explore. The online price is listed at $8.18, or $10.52 on-site. Again, the festival warns about frightening effects, strobe lighting, fog, sudden movement, and loud noises associated with this attraction.
If anyone in your family has epilepsy, asthma, respiratory sensitivities, a heart condition, or other concerns that could be affected by these effects, check the official warnings and make an informed decision before entering. The attraction descriptions and current policies are available through the official Scarborough’s Hollow website.
And here is something worth remembering: you do not have to enter a haunted house to enjoy Scarborough’s Hollow. Families can choose the activities that suit them. You can explore the village, listen to performers, visit the shops, enjoy seasonal food, or spend time in the Pumpkin Garden instead. I might be the one standing outside saying, “Y’all go ahead. I’ll be right here!”
There is more to explore than monsters– If haunted houses are not your thing, there are plenty of other attractions listed for the festival.
The Hollow’s Dancing Lights is a walk-through tunnel featuring colorful lights, music, and changing patterns. It sounds like a place to take some pictures and enjoy the atmosphere. Do keep in mind that the festival warns about strobes and sudden loud noises. This sounds like a lot of fun doesn’t it?
The Fairy Sisters and Lucien offer a chance to meet fantasy characters. I already know which side of the fantasy world I would be looking for! I can’t wait to meet them. What about you?
The Pumpkin Garden offers pumpkins, gourds, seasonal scenery, and photo opportunities. If you like fall pictures, this is worth adding to your list. This is where you will find me.
The children’s activities include a coloring wall, a coloring corner, a maze, Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe, Pumpkin Ring Toss, and a Hollow Treasure Dig. Pumpkin painting is also listed, although it requires an additional fee. Can I be a kid just for a little while?
The Little Lantern Petting Zoo is another option. There is an extra charge, and the festival lists both cash and card as payment options. That’s okay I will have David with me and he can pay for us.
Now, I know I am not a little kid, but I can tell you right now that the petting zoo sounds like a perfectly reasonable place for me to spend part of the afternoon. I don’t need to be chased by a monster to have a good time! There are also games of skill, including archery Charlie would like, children’s games, pirate-themed games, and throwing games. These activities cost extra, and the festival’s payment guide says games are cash-only.
The Big Swings are another attraction families may want to investigate. However, I could not confirm the current price, how long each ride lasts, or all age and height requirements from the published information. I would ask the festival before promising the kids a ride or deciding how much money to bring. You can review the current attraction list at Attractions & Games and the Kids’ Activities page.
Can this be a homeschool field trip? When I was #Homeschooling Charlie we did come out for a History Lesson and even know I can see several possibilities here, depending on what your children enjoy and what you want them to learn. Which is the nice part of #Homeschooling.
The Mythical Monster Museum could lead to discussions about mythology, folklore, fantasy creatures, and storytelling. How do different cultures describe unusual creatures? How do authors invent a believable fantasy world? What makes a character frightening, funny, or friendly?
Live entertainment offers another learning opportunity. Families can watch musicians, actors, comedians, and other performers and talk about costumes, stagecraft, storytelling, and the work involved in entertaining an audience which is perfect for a #Homeschool Music Class.
The games provide opportunities for problem-solving and friendly competition. The Pumpkin Garden can lead to conversations about autumn, pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal harvests. As well as cooking, math and science. Come and learn with us and invite your friends and family.
And on November 1, the festival has a special Día de los Muertos celebration. That can provide an opportunity to learn about cultural traditions associated with remembering and honoring loved ones, especially if you prepare by discussing the tradition beforehand.
I would describe this as a potential homeschool outing, rather than an official educational program. You can choose the experiences that fit your family’s learning goals and follow up at home with books, writing, research, or art projects which is why homeschooling can be a lot of fun and doesn’t need to always be done at the kitchen table.
And please remember, a family does not have to celebrate Halloween to enjoy every activity at a fall festival. If you prefer to skip the haunted houses, you can focus on the fantasy characters, music, games, seasonal scenery, artisan shopping, and other attractions that interest you.
One thing I appreciate about an event like this is that you can enjoy more than one kind of entertainment in a single visit. The published lineup includes comedy, Celtic music and storytelling, sword fighting, theatrical performances, fire manipulation, aerial acts, acrobatics, and other musical and fantasy-themed performances.
Names listed in the 2026 lineup include 79 Ways to Die, The Bard O’Neill, Smee the Singing Executioner, The Duelists, Dume & Glume, Cirque Incendia presented by The Hell Dolls, Queen Anne’s Lace, The Singing Serpents, Troubadork! Tobias the Adequate, and other performers appearing on selected dates.
Additional performers are listed for specific days, so do not assume every act will perform every time the festival is open. Check the official daily entertainment schedule before choosing your date. But that is what makes these events more fun and exciting.
Special events still to come in 2026
As of October 23, the remaining scheduled dates include Saturday, October 24; Saturday, October 31; and Sunday, November 1.
Saturday, October 24: The published schedule lists an adult Stein Holding Competition at 4:45 p.m. at Canterbury Stage and a Kids Pumpkin Holding Competition at 5:15 p.m. in Harvest Garden. Check the daily schedule for the latest details.
Saturday, October 31 — Halloween: Children ages 12 and under can participate in trick-or-treating at participating shops. The festival advertises free trick-or-treat bags for the first 500 children. A Halloween Costume Contest is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. at Canterbury Stage.
Sunday, November 1 — Día de los Muertos: The festival advertises cultural activities including face painting, a children’s candy-skull picture activity, mariachi music by Mariachi Tequila DFW, folklórico dancers from Dunaway Elementary School, and a community ofrenda where visitors may leave mementos honoring loved ones. The published schedule also lists a Día de los Muertos Costume Contest at 4 p.m. at Crown Stage.
The ofrenda is a particularly meaningful activity to understand before visiting. The festival says mementos left there will not be returned, so only bring something you are comfortable leaving.
Schedules and performers may change. Check the official entertainment page for the latest information.
Now, the important question: Is there food? Because I know somebody is going to ask this before agreeing to go! Which in my home would be Charlie and anyone he invites as well as David. Is it this way in your home as well? Although, I must admit I like to eat to.
Yes, the festival lists food vendors, seasonal treats, drinks, and pubs. Published examples include burgers, Philly cheesesteaks Charlie would want, chicken tenders, chicken and waffles, pizza for David, nachos for me chili-cheese hot dogs, soups served in bread bowls, turkey legs, funnel cakes, churros, ice cream, caramel apples, mini beignets, and other sweets.
You may also find hot chocolate, coffee, tea, apple cider, and other beverages. That sounds like enough choices to make a meal out of it, although individual vendors and menus may change. But I have two specific questions that matter to families planning their food budget:
Are there gluten-free options, and are there vegan options? I could not verify a dedicated gluten-free or vegan menu in the published information. That does not necessarily mean suitable food is unavailable; it means I do not want to promise that it is.
If someone in your family has celiac disease, a food allergy, or a dietary restriction, contact the festival and ask which vendors can accommodate those needs. Ask about ingredients and cross-contact, too. A dish that sounds suitable by its name is not automatically safe for someone with a medical dietary requirement.
The festival generally prohibits outside food and beverages, with published exceptions for infant food and water and documented dietary or medical needs.
Each guest may bring one factory-sealed bottle of water, and empty refillable bottles may be brought in to fill at the water stations. You can check the current vendors and menus on the official Food & Drink page. My advice? Check before you go, especially if food allergies or strict dietary needs are involved, and remember to budget for food separately from admission.
What should I wear? And do I need closed-toe shoes? Scarborough’s Hollow is primarily outdoors, so the weather matters. The grounds include stone, packed gravel, grass, and other natural terrain. From the time I went I would recommenced tennis shoes.
The festival recommends comfortable shoes and clothing suited to Texas weather. My practical suggestion would be comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Open-toed shoes are not specifically prohibited in the information I reviewed, but closed-toe shoes are a sensible choice for uneven ground and a day spent walking around outdoor attractions.
Check the forecast before leaving home. A light jacket may be helpful if you plan to stay into the evening, and a rain jacket or umbrella may be useful if rain is expected. The festival operates rain or shine, and umbrellas are permitted. In Texas the weather can change at the drop of a hat.
Costumes are welcome but not required. If you decide to dress up, choose something you can comfortably walk and sit in. Here is something your family may want to take into consideration if your wanting to dress up. Costume rentals are not available at Scarborough’s Hollow.
I would also wear something suitable for a family-friendly environment. The festival’s dress guidance discourages gory or frightening costumes and reserves the right to refuse inappropriate attire. Costume weapons must meet its safety requirements, and firearms are prohibited.
Can I get around without wearing myself out? This is one of the most important questions I would ask before making plans. The festival says its grounds are generally accessible and that wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available. However, the outdoor surfaces vary, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not available to rent at Scarborough’s Hollow.
If you need a mobility device, plan to bring your own. Do not assume that scooter rentals offered at Scarborough Faire during its spring season will also be available for the fall festival; the official Hollow website specifically says they are not. I would contact the festival before visiting if you have mobility concerns. Ask about the distances between attractions, the current condition of the paths, seating, accessible parking, and any accommodations you may need.
General parking is free and first-come, first-served. Reserved premium parking is listed at $17.53 online and is located closer to the entrance, subject to availability. If you purchase reserved parking, follow the instructions for Gate 3 rather than driving to the main entrance.
The official information I reviewed did not clearly confirm the stroller policy, so families bringing a stroller should ask ahead of time about access and which paths are easiest to navigate. And one more practical detail: there is a security screening at the entrance, and bags or personal belongings may require additional inspection. Allow a little extra time to get inside. For accessibility, parking, and arrival details, visit Know Before You Go.
How much does admission cost?
Let’s talk numbers, because family outings can get expensive quickly when you add up admission, food, games, and special attractions. The official ticket page lists these 2026 prices, including taxes and fees:
| Admission | Online | At the gate |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, age 13 and older | $31.56 | $37.40 |
| Child, ages 5–12 | $17.53 | $21.04 |
| Child, age 4 and under | Free | Free |
| General parking | Free | Free |
| Reserved premium parking | $17.53 online | Online only |
If you want to visit the haunted attractions, the online add-on prices are listed as follows:
| Optional attraction | Online price | On-site price |
|---|---|---|
| Blackthorn Castle Haunted House | $11.69 | $14.03 |
| Trickster’s 3D Fun House | $11.69 | $14.03 |
| Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery | $8.18 | $10.52 |
There is also an online bundle that includes general admission, Blackthorn Castle, Trickster’s 3D Fun House, and Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery. The listed bundle price is $54.93 for adults and $43.24 for children. For my family living on a budget we might not be able to afford this package and that’s ok.
The Mythical Monster Museum, Big Swings, petting zoo, games, food, and shopping may add to your costs. Confirm individual prices before you go. Tickets are date-specific. The festival says it is open rain or shine and does not offer refunds, although its published policy allows tickets to be rescheduled before the scheduled date or up to seven days afterward. You can review all current ticket details at Scarborough’s Hollow Ticket Information.
My suggestion is to decide in advance which attractions are must-dos and set a budget for food and games. That way, you can enjoy the day without discovering halfway through that every extra activity comes with another charge. One thing I don’t know is if we can leave the park and come back in if we leave to eat so that might be something you want to ask before going.
How far is it from Fort Worth? Are there tolls? Scarborough’s Hollow is located at: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, Texas 75167.
The festival says the site is about 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas. From the Fort Worth area, the drive will depend on where you start, traffic, and the route you choose. Plan on checking a current navigation app before you leave rather than relying on a fixed travel time.
If you want to avoid toll roads, set your navigation app to avoid tolls and review the suggested route before starting your trip. The festival provides alternate-route guidance, including a route toward Fort Worth using FM 66 and I-35W.
Give yourself extra time for traffic, parking, security screening, and getting to the entrance. The parking lot is listed as open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the festival itself runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. For directions and alternate routes, use the official Know Before You Go page.
When should we visit? For the 2026 season, the remaining scheduled dates are Saturday, October 24; Saturday, October 31; and Sunday, November 1. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on those dates.
If you want Halloween activities, October 31 is the obvious date to investigate. If you would rather explore the Día de los Muertos programming, November 1 offers a different experience centered on cultural activities and remembering loved ones.
I would check the daily schedule before buying tickets, especially if there is a particular performer, contest, or attraction you do not want to miss. You can also review the festival map ahead of time. With so many things to see, it helps to identify your priorities instead of arriving and trying to figure everything out on the spot.
I still want to visit the Mythical Monster Museum. I want to see the fairies, and I want David to see the dragons. And I suspect Charlie will find plenty to explore, too. But will Scarborough’s Hollow be too scary for me? That remains to be seen! So if your coming with me be prepared I may be grabbing your hand, leg or foot ig someone scares me.
Then again maybe I will discover that I enjoy the spooky atmosphere more than I expect. Or maybe I will decide that the Pumpkin Garden and petting zoo are perfectly wonderful places to spend my afternoon while my guys go looking for monsters But if you come back I may be eating some Nachos..
Either way, I would love the chance to return to the Scarborough Faire grounds and make some new family memories. I may have visited back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, but there is something special about going back to a familiar place and discovering something new.
For now, this is one adventure I have added to our list of places to consider. And if we do make the trip, you can bet I will have plenty more questions—and hopefully some pictures and stories to share afterward!
Because sometimes the best adventures begin with a simple question: “Did you know there was a monster museum at Scarborough Faire?” I didn’t. But now I do! And I have a feeling Charlie and David are going to hear about it until we finally get there
Scarborough’s Hollow
Family Planning & Printable Checklist
Plan ahead, choose your adventures, and make room for family memories.
2511 FM 66
Waxahachie, TX 75167
1 p.m.–9 p.m.
Check the date-specific schedule.
October 24, October 31, and November 1
srfestival.com/hollow
1. Admission & Parking
- Adult admission, age 13+: $31.56 online / $37.40 at the gate.
- Child admission, ages 5–12: $17.53 online / $21.04 at the gate.
- Children age 4 and under: free.
- General parking: free, first-come, first-served.
- Reserved premium parking: $17.53 online, subject to availability.
- Tickets are date-specific. Review the rescheduling and no-refund policy.
- Budget extra for food, shopping, games, and optional attractions.
- Bring a payment card and some cash; certain games are cash-only.
Optional attraction bundle: The published online bundle includes general admission, Blackthorn Castle, Trickster’s 3D Fun House, and Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery. Listed prices are $54.93 for adults and $43.24 for children.
Ticket details: Official ticket information
2. What Should We Wear & Bring?
- Comfortable walking shoes; closed-toe shoes are a practical choice for uneven outdoor ground.
- Clothing suited to the weather and a light jacket for the evening if needed.
- Rain jacket or umbrella if rain is forecast. The festival operates rain or shine.
- One factory-sealed bottle of water per person, or an empty refillable bottle.
- Tickets saved on a phone or printed out.
- Any wheelchair or mobility scooter needed; rentals are not available at the Hollow.
- Check stroller access and ground conditions with the festival if needed.
- Costumes are welcome but not required. Costume rentals are not available.
3. Choose Our Activities
- Raptus and Krane’s Mythical Monster Museum — additional fee; confirm price.
- Blackthorn Castle Haunted House — additional fee.
- Trickster’s 3D Fun House — additional fee.
- Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery scavenger hunt — additional fee.
- The Hollow’s Dancing Lights.
- Fairy Sisters and Lucien meet-and-greet.
- Pumpkin Garden and seasonal photo opportunities.
- Children’s activities, coloring, games, and maze.
- Little Lantern Petting Zoo — additional fee.
- Games of skill — additional fees; games are cash-only.
- Big Swings — confirm price, ride duration, and height/age requirements.
- Live entertainment, roaming characters, and artisan shopping.
Attraction information: Official attractions and games
4. Food & Dietary Questions
The festival lists food vendors, snacks, desserts, and drinks. However, a dedicated gluten-free or vegan menu could not be confirmed from the published information reviewed.
- Ask which vendors have gluten-free options.
- Ask which vendors have vegan options.
- For celiac disease or food allergies, ask about ingredients and cross-contact.
- Review the current menus before leaving home.
- Set a food and drink budget for the family.
Food information: Official food and drink page
5. Comfort, Access & Safety
- Review the festival map before arrival.
- Ask about path conditions, seating, distances, and accessible parking if needed.
- Bring any mobility device required; wheelchair and scooter rentals are not available.
- Confirm stroller access directly with the festival.
- Read the warnings for attractions with strobe lights, fog, sudden movement, or loud noises.
- Decide which family members want haunted attractions and which prefer other activities.
- Check the daily schedule for performers and special events.
Planning information: Know Before You Go
6. Travel Planning
- Check your navigation app for the current drive time from home.
- Select “avoid tolls” if you want to plan a non-toll route, then review the route before leaving.
- Allow extra time for traffic, parking, security screening, and walking to the entrance.
- Check the weather and the festival’s operating updates.
Note: Travel time and tolls depend on your starting point, route, and traffic. Check current directions before departure.
7. Questions to Confirm Before We Go
- Are gluten-free and vegan meals available? Which vendors offer them?
- What are the current Big Swings price, ride duration, and height/age requirements?
- Are strollers allowed, and which paths are easiest to navigate?
- What accessibility arrangements are available for our needs?
- Are the attractions we want to visit operating on our chosen date?
- What are the current entertainment times?
Official website: srfestival.com/hollow
Our Family’s Plan
Date we want to visit:
Activities we most want to see:
Questions we still need answered:
Estimated family budget:
GratefulMoments.com
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
