Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation will host three free Halloween events in Apollo Beach and Ruskin on Oct. 30 and 31, featuring trick-or-treating, a haunted trail, a costumed-dog contest and a skateboarding competition.

The events are part of the county's monthlong Halloween celebration, which includes activities for children, families, pet owners and adults with disabilities, according to an Oct. 7 county announcement.

Ruskin hosts Trunk-or-Treat and haunted trail Oct. 30

The first event is a Trunk-or-Treat at Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 901 Sixth St. SE, on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Families can enjoy a decorated-trunk contest, costume contest and free treats. A Haunted Trail opens at 8 p.m.

No registration is required, and admission is free. The county encourages participants to wear costumes and bring containers for collecting candy.

Additional information is available on the county's Trunk-or-Treat event page.

Costumed dogs take center stage in Apollo Beach

On Saturday, Oct. 31, Apollo Beach Dog Park, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., will host Spooktacular Pooches on Parade from 10 a.m. to noon.

Dog owners can dress their pets in Halloween costumes for photos and a contest awarding prizes to the top three entries. Informational vendors will also be on-site.

Dogs must be kept on nonretractable leashes no longer than 6 feet, and participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The county advises that weather-related cancellations are possible and that no rain dates will be offered.

More information is available on the county's Paws in the Park event page.

Halloween Skate Jam brings tricks and costumes to skate park

The annual Halloween Skate Jam will take place Saturday evening at Apollo Beach Skate Park.

Event-day contest registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by activities from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Skaters are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in a Best Tricks competition, with prizes awarded to the top three competitors. Free food and drinks will also be available.

County skateboarding safety guidelines require helmets for skaters 17 and younger, along with elbow and knee pads for those 12 and younger. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Additional information is available on the Halloween Jam event page.

Event contacts and additional activities

All three events are free and open to the public.

For information about the Ruskin Trunk-or-Treat, contact Joy M. Robinson at 813-734-4853.

For the Apollo Beach dog parade or Halloween Skate Jam, contact Darlene Nelson at 813-981-4201.

Hillsborough County's broader Halloween lineup also includes skate jams at Carrollwood Village and Providence parks, additional trunk-or-treat events and Halloween dances for adults with disabilities.

A complete schedule is available on the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation website.