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2009 Metro Detroit Halloween Family Attractions

Things to do with the kids at Halloween in Detroit

By , About.com Guide

The true scares and frights are listed in Detroit Haunted Attractions. This list contains the Halloween Activities you can do as a family. While the attractions are appropriate for smaller kids, there is plenty to do for teenagers and adults, too.

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.

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?

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, 2009
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.

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, 2009
Where: 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, 2009
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.

Museum Mystery Tours at the DIA

When: October 17th, 24th and 31st, 2009
Where: 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, 2009
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.

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