From eerie challenge courses to costume dodgeball tournaments, campus recreation departments nationwide are keeping students engaged with frightfully fun fall programming.
With Halloween creeping closer and fall in full swing, many campus recreation departments are embracing the spirit of the season. Whether it’s a haunted bike tour or a festive movie at the pool, these creative programs get students active and engaged while celebrating fall fun.
Explore some of the innovative ideas from universities across the U.S. below — and see what inspiration you can take back to your rec center.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University Campus Recreation is going all out for fall with the Fall Fest — a night full of spooky activities. The event will include the 16th Annual Costume Dodgeball Tournament, a themed climbing challenge, a haunted house and a wellness event celebrating the Day of the Dead. Find out the full details of the night here.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, students are invited to float into the season with a Halloween Dive-In movie held at the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center pool. The campus rec department will project Hocus Pocus by the water — providing students with inflatables, free t-shirts and a spooky atmosphere. Click here to read more about this event.
Miami University
At Miami University, outdoor adventure means mystery with the Ghosts and Gears Haunted Bike Ride. Students will be guided through a nighttime route through some of the most haunted spots on campus and hear spooky stories, local legends and unsolved mysteries. See the event details here.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University transforms its challenge course into a thrilling experience with the Haunted Trail Challenge Course. Students will put their skills to the test in eight distinct immersive zones — with themes like Abandoned Carnival and Witch’s Hollow — as they navigate the wooded course in this spooky adventure full of fun and fright. Find out more information here on their website.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University (WSU) has something for every thrill and activity level this Halloween.
Fright Night will give students a mix of fear and fun, featuring a haunted maze, Halloween movies and a glow-in-the-dark yoga class. For those looking for something more active, WSU will host their annual Pumpkin Run 5K for students and community members on October 18 — along with a Little Pumpkin Run 1K for younger runners. Learn more about Fright Night here and click here for the race details.
SUNY Oswego
Students at SUNY Oswego have plenty of ways to celebrate this season, whether it’s on land, water or ice. On October 18, the Great Pumpkin 5K will get runners and walkers moving while the Splash-In Movie on October 17 encourages students to relax in the pool while watching Hocus Pocus. At the Halloween Open Skate on October 30, students are invited to dress in their best costume and enjoy a night of skating. Learn more about all the fall events SUNY Oswego is offering here.
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida (UFL) is offering an entire lineup of Halloween-themed outdoor activities for the fall.
Spooky Paddle will take participants on a night trip through Lake Oneida with haunted decor and scary surprises. Students can also test their courage and balance during the Scary Skypark event at the Osprey Challenge Course adorned with Halloween decorations — all while dressed in their best costume. Lastly, during Swoopocalypse, students brave a three-mile course full of jump scares and creepy characters played by student volunteers lurking along the trail.
Explore all the campus rec events at UFL this fall here.
Georgia Tech University
Runners can lace up and put on their costume for the Halloween Holla 5K at Georgia Tech University — one of the events during Campus Recreation’s Helluva Haunted Week. Other activities will include a Halloween movie at the pool, a pumpkin decorating contest and themed group fitness classes. See all of the details for a week of fun here.
Utah State University
The Pumpkin Plunge at Utah State University lets students show off their creativity and diving skills. Whether they do a belly flop or a front flip, participants can wear their best costume and give their best dive for the chance to win a gift basket full of Halloween treats. Find out more here.
The Thrilling Takeaways
Whether it’s in the woods, on a bike or in the pool, campus rec departments are proving there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season while promoting wellness and community. These programs bring students together for a bit of Halloween fun while supporting active lifestyles and a sense of belonging.
