The true scares and frights are listed in Detroit Haunted Attractions. This list contains the Halloween Things to Do with the Family. Some of the attractions listed are for smaller kids, but there are also plenty for teenagers and adults, too.
Across the Metro Area:
Community Trick-or-Treat Events
When: In the weeks leading up to Halloween
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area
Local cities, parks and townships celebrate the Halloween holiday in their own unique way. In addition to trick-or-treat events for the kids, communities sponsor costume parades, zombie nights and cemetery walks.
Houses Decorated for Halloween
When: Anytime through Halloween
Where: You tell me
It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas...at least in terms of decorations. Orange and black lights, air-filled goblins and hanging ghosts adorn many a house this time of year. Frankly, Halloween has the potential to be a lot more interesting and creative than that other holiday.
Family Friendly Plays and Movies
When: In the weeks leading up to Halloween
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area
- The Marquis Theatre in Northville hosts a Halloween-inspired kids play: Anabella Broom.
- The Matrix Theatre in Detroit hosts a play in honor of Halloween each year.
- The New Redford Theatre celebrates Halloween on the weekends leading up to holiday with several classic films, including Monster Go Home and Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- The Penn in downtown Plymouth shows a different horror classic on Thursday evenings leading up to Halloween (and throughout the Halloween weekend) as part of its Shock-tober Classic Series. Movies include The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer.
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
When: In the weeks leading up to Halloween
Where: Various areas in and around Metro Detroit
Some corn mazes are square and typical of those found in a puzzle magazine, but others are designed by professionals and create a picture when viewed from the sky. From a bird's eye view, the paths through the maze form the lines of the picture. Of course, this plays havoc with your directional sense as you trudge along the paths, trying to find your way out of the seven-foot-high corn stalks.
Who knew corn stalks could qualify as an artistic medium?
Family-Friendly Events by Location:
Zoo Boo
When: October 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 (evenings), 2011
Where: Detroit Zoo
The annual Zoo Boo provides a great attraction for kids. The zoo is a different place when explored at night, especially when some exhibits, like the renown reptile house, boost the boo with roaming ghosts and goblins. Activities include a trick-or-treat trail filled with activities, a Zombie Zone with themed games, a Ghouly Games tent, and live entertainment via the Zoo BooRevue tent. Tickets are limited, so book soon.
Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village
When: October 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, 2011
Where: Dearborn, Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village is transformed for the holiday with over 800 jack-o-lanterns, spooks, fog and dressed-up characters. It still retains its turn-of-the-century charm as kids trick or treat at village buildings, visit the craft shop or chat with a witch. The headless horseman also makes an appearance. Dinner packages are available at the Eagle Tavern.
Crossroads Ghosts & Goodies
When: October 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 26-31, 2011
Where: Flint, Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad
The entire village is given over to the season. In addition to trick or treating through the village, the family can ride a ghost train (Huckleberry Railroad transformed), see a magic show, find their way through a straw maze, marvel their way through an enchanted forest and boost the sugar load with cider and donuts. On the weekends, a cruise on a river boat is also available.
Brandywine Cemetery
When: October 30th and 31st, 2011
Where: 2727 Brandywine Street, Ann Arbor
Brandywine Cemetery is a simulated graveyard with a collection of art work, sculptures and animatronics, including gargoyles and Hollywood props. The experience may be okay for older kids because the experience is specifically designed to avoid gore.
Ghost Circus / Museum Mystery Tours at the DIA
When: October 28th (7 & 8:30 p.m.); October 29th (1 to 4:30 p.m.) and 30th (1 to 4:30 p.m.), 2011
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
In honor of Halloween, the DIA hosts a Ghost Circus by The Aerial Angels as part of its Friday Night Live program. (10/28)
The museum also hosts Museum Mystery Tours in honor of the holiday. The tours are led by costumed characters through the American wing. Dim lighting, sound effects and scary tales help set the mood, but the experience is kept family friendly. (10/29-30)
Family Halloween Party at the Exhibit Museum
When: Sunday afternoon, October 30th, 2011
Where: The Exhibit Museum of the University of Michigan
Kids can come in costume to the special Halloween event at the museum. There will be treats and hands-on activities.
