Lansing Family Fun

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Glowing Pumpkin Trail Near Lansing – Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed – Adds Pumpkin Rage Room for 2025!

Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed 2025 at Ingham County Fairgrounds

Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed is back this October at the Ingham County Fairgrounds in Mason, Michigan, lighting up the nights with 5,000 hand-carved jack o’ lanterns arranged into more than 30 themed displays along a half-mile walking trail.

While you’re there, snack on fresh donuts, sip cider, roast s’mores, or try the new Dirty Soda Bar and Popcorn Bar.

Plus, there are themed nights to keep things interesting and accessible: Dog Nights on Thursdays, a chill Sensory Night, a Drive-Thru option, and even a big Trick-or-Treat bash on Halloween.

This family-friendly Lansing area Halloween tradition mixes spooky fun with fall treats and new activities you won’t want to miss.

Jacks Unleashed Photos

Activities & Entertainment

What's New & What's Coming Back

Yes, Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed is a walk through the glowing pumpkin path.

But, there’s a LOT more going on that will keep the kids and grown-ups happy.

New for 2025

  • Pumpkin Smash Rage Room

  • Train Display

  • Straw Bale Grand Prix (kids’ trike racing)

  • Dirty Soda Bar and Popcorn Bar

  • Beer Garden

  • New merch line: hoodies, crewnecks, and quarter zips

Fan Favorites

  • Glow Golf (free to play, donations appreciated)

  • Mason Rail Time Adventures bounce houses and rides (extra cost)

  • Singing Pumpkins show

  • Cozy fire pit hangout

  • Scenic walk down Jack O’ Lantern Lane

More About the Pumpkin Rage Room

It’s your chance to smash, bash, and let out some energy with pumpkins.

For $20 per person, participants get a crate of pumpkins (plus other items to break) and a timed session in the rage room. Sessions last 10 minutes for 1–2 people or 15 minutes for 3–4 people. No more than 4 people can enter at once.

Rules & Requirements:

  • Ages 10 and up only
  • Must wear closed-toe shoes
  • Each pair of participants receives one crate of pumpkins to destroy

It’s gonna be messy, loud, and a whole lot of fun.

What It's Like

It’s Family- Friendly!

Jack O’ Lanterns unleashed is appropriate for all ages.  The attraction is not scary. There are no jump scares of any kind. Plus, kids ages 12 & Under are FREE!

You’ll Be Walking

Wear comfortable shoes. The trail is 1/2 mile long.

If you have young children, feel free to bring strollers or wagons to help navigate the journey down Jack O’ Lantern Lane.

The walk is paved with the exception of the final 50 yards. The final 50 yards is grass.

 

Jacks Unleashed Photos
Firepit at Jack O'Lanterns Unleashed

Special Nights

Sensory Night & Drive-Thru Night

Sensory Night

October 15, 2025, from 7:30–8:30 PM.

This quieter, one-hour session is created for guests who benefit from a lower-stimulation environment. Lights, sounds, and crowds are adjusted to make the experience calmer and more comfortable while still enjoying the magic of 5,000 glowing pumpkins.

Music and flashing lights will not be used during this event. Some scenes include gentle twinkling lights, but no strobes. Costumes are welcome but not required.

Activities:

  • Walk the illuminated half-mile trail (mostly paved, about 500 feet unpaved)

  • Glow-in-the-dark mini golf (free, donations accepted)

  • Trike racing for young children (free)

  • S’more kits available ($5 for two s’mores)

Admission: $5 per person, cash or credit at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free.

Extras: Candy will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with free small sensory items.

Sign-Up: Please register so organizers can contact you in case of a weather cancellation.


Drive-Thru Night

October 22, 2025, from 7:30–9:00 PM

This option is perfect for visitors who may find the full walk challenging or simply prefer to enjoy the event from the comfort of their car. While not every scene can be viewed by vehicle, most of the displays are visible along the drive.

Donuts and cider will be available for purchase, and tickets are $20 online ($25 at the gate).

Full List of Special Jack 'O Lanterns Unleashed Nights

Opening Night: October 2, 2025, 7:30 PM

Dog Nights: Every Thursday, sponsored by Meijer (dogs must be well-behaved around people and other dogs)

Sensory Night: October 15, 2025, 7:30–8:30 PM

Drive-Thru Night: October 22, 2025, 7:30–9:00 PM, sponsored by Bob Maxey Ford

Trick-or-Treat Finale: October 31, 2025, 6–8 PM in the Main Arena (free trick-or-treating, followed by the final night of the event)

Jacks Unleashed Photos

If You Go

Dates & Hours & Location

Location

  • 700 E Ash St, Mason, MI – Ingham County Fairgrounds

Dates

  • Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed runs Thursdays – Sundays in October 2025.

Hours

  • Doors open between 6:30–7:30 PM depending on the night.
  • Closed Mondays–Wednesdays, except for Sensory Night (Oct 15) and Drive-Thru Night (Oct 22).
Jacks_2025_calendar_with_opening_times

Tickets

Good to Know

  • Kids ages 12 and under are always free and do not need a ticket.
  • Discount: Use code PUMPKIN20 by October 1 for 20% off tickets (not valid on merch).
  • Note: Tickets are nonrefundable in case of inclement weather.

Ticket Types

Ticket Type Price Notes
Fri

& Sat

Adult: $20
Child (13–17): $15
Military: $15
Senior: $15
Valid any Friday or Saturday the event is open
Thurs

& Sun

Adult: $15
Child (13–17): $10
Military: $10
Senior: $10
Dogs welcome on Thursdays only
Drive-Thru Night $20 online
$25 at the gate
Oct 22, 2025
7:30–9:00 PMdonuts & cider for sale, car-only option

 Website

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Melody VanderWeide

INFJ. Mom of 3. Idea chaser-People believer-Inspiration seeker. Together we make GR amazing – Let’s go!