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.
Family Friendly Plays and Movies
When: In the weeks leading up to Halloween
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area
- The Matrix Theatre in Detroit: Each year the Matrix Teen Company writes and performs a new play in honor of Halloween as part of its Haunted Theatre.
- The Marquis Theatre in Northville: Halloween Hocus Pocus (10/7-8, 10/13-14, 10/19-21, 10/26-28)
- The Penn Theatre in Plymouth: Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (10/25)
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:
Ann Arbor: Brandywine Cemetery
When: October 30th and 31st at 7 PM
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.
Ann Arbor: Family Halloween Party at the Exhibit Museum
When: Sunday afternoon, October 28th
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, live animals and hands-on activities.
Dearborn: Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village
When: October 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28
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.
Flint: Crossroads Ghosts & Goodies
When: October 6-7, 12-14, 19-21, 24-28, 29-31, opens at noon on weekend days, 5 PM on week nights
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 donuts. On the weekends, a cruise on a river boat is also available.
Royal Oak: Zoo Boo
When: October 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28 (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. 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.
