Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and childhood wonder—a holiday built around imagination and joy. However, for kids spending the season in the hospital, those traditions can feel far away.
At the University of Texas Medical Branch, pediatric teams are always working to bring a sense of normalcy to young patients and some magic to the bedside. Through decorations, crafts, and special events, UTMB is committed to providing whole-child care by supporting not just physical health, but emotional well-being. And this October, that care comes with a few extra treats.
Galveston Campus
Halloween Parade of Costumes
UTMB Galveston will host its annual Halloween Parade of Costumes on Oct. 31, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade will start on the seventh floor of John Sealy Hospital and make its way down through the sixth, fifth, fourth and third floors before heading to Research Building No. 6 and concluding with a festive activity in the Cafe. Staff, families and visitors are all invited to join the fun and bring treats to help make the day extra special.
Leading up to the parade, children will receive festively decorated pumpkins to choose from and enjoy, along with a variety of creative artistic activities for them to engage in, creating seasonal touches that nurture a cheerful and engaging environment for patients during their hospital stay.
Clear Lake Campus
Haunted Halloween Trick-or-Treating
The pediatric team at UTMB Clear Lake is bringing a spooky celebration to their campus with the annual Haunted Halloween Trick-or-Treating event at 1 p.m. on Oct. 31, giving young patients a chance to celebrate the holiday in a fun and familiar way.
Staff from across campus are invited to decorate non-patient room doors in creative themes—past favorites have included Inside Out, Barbie, and Ghostbusters. This year, the pediatric team is embracing Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Many staff dress in costumes to match their themes, offering candy, games, and photo ops to children who are encouraged to wear their own costumes and join the fun.
Decorations go up the day before the event and remain in place for 48 hours.
Seasonal Craft-making
Leading up to this event, throughout October, patients also have the chance to participate in Halloween-themed crafts. Whether it’s painting or cutting and gluing, each activity is tailored to the child’s interests.
This season’s crafts include decorating jack-o’-lanterns and making 3D pumpkins out of paper strips—simple, hands-on fun that helps kids feel engaged and creative.