Community Trick-or-Treat Events
When: In the weeks leading up to HalloweenWhere: 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 HalloweenWhere: 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.
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
When: In the weeks leading up to HalloweenWhere: 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?
Zoo Boo
When: October 16-18, 23-25 and 29-31 (evenings)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. A trick-or-treat trail filled with activities, themed games and a mini-musical complete the entertainment. Even the simulation ride goes with the theme, showing "Dracula's Haunted Castle" for those willing to cough up an additional $2 a piece. Tickets are limited, so book soon.
Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village
When: October 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25, 2009Where: 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.
Horror Films for Halloween
- The New Redford Theatre
When: Weekends leading up to Halloween
Where: Redford
Classic horror films include The Blob, Kronos, Werewolf of London, House of Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde (starring Stan Laurel), and a Three Stooges Halloween Festival.
- The Penn
When: Thursday evenings leading up to Halloween
Where: Downtown Plymouth
The Penn Theatre's Shocktober Series includes The Mummy (1932), The War of the Worlds (1953), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.
- Zombie Night / The Main Art Theatre
When: 11/3/09
Where: Royal Oak
In its third year, Zombie night is presented by The Mitten Movie Project and showcases all things zombie, including independent and experimental films.
Crossroads Ghosts & Goodies
When: October 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-31, 2009Where: Flint, Crossroad 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.
Hobo Halloween Express Train Ride
When: October 4th, 11th, 18th, 24th, 25th and 31st (evenings)Where: Walled Lake Scenic Railway
A non-scary, haunted train ride great for costumed families, the experience features costumed characters, Halloween snacks, movies and face painting.
Brandywine Cemetery
When: October 30th and 31st, 2009Where: 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.
Museum Mystery Tours at the DIA
When: October 17th, 24th and 31st, 2009Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
In honor of Halloween, costumed guides lead tours through the museum's American wing. Dim lighting, sound effects and scary tales help set the mood, but the experience is kept family friendly. The museum also offers a self-guided tour to the museum's scarier images, as well as a drop-in, make-your-own-mask workshop.
Family Halloween Party at the Exhibit Museum
When: Sunday afternoon, October 25th, 2009Where: 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.
