Neighborhoods, churches, and parks are often the go-to spots for trick-or-treating, but this Halloween season, LSU’s Rural Life Museum offered a new kind of destination for festive family fun.

Every Sunday in October leading up to Halloween, the museum hosted its annual “Haunts, Haints, and Halloween”event — an old-fashioned country fair with a spooky twist.

Families were encouraged to come dressed in their cutest or scariest costumes and take part in a variety of activities, including cup stacking, arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, and hayrides. And, of course, no Halloween event would be complete without candy rewards after each game.

Organizers say the goal wasn’t just to provide a stress-free day of fun for families, but also to change how children view museums.

“A lot of kids think of museums as something boring,” said LSU Rural Life Museum employee Madison Dugger

“This is a good way to get them engaged, and get them some sugar and candy for Halloween, and it’s good for building fun and education,” said Dugger.

The event continues to build on LSU Rural Life Museum’s mission to connect community members with Louisiana’s history in creative, family-friendly ways.