2008 Metro Detroit Halloween Family Attractions

Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village

When: Oct 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
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 feel as kids trick or treat at village buildings, visit the craft shop or chat with a witch. The headless horseman even makes an appearance. Dinner packages are available at the Eagle Tavern.

Zoo Boo

When: October 17-19, 24-26 and 30-31
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 "Haunted Adventure Ride" for those willing to cough up an additional $2 a piece. Tickets are limited, so book soon.

Crossroads Ghosts & Goodies

When: October 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-31
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.

Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D"

When: The weeks leading up to Halloween
Where: Various movie theaters throughout Metro Detroit

The 1993 holiday favorite, The Nightmare Before Christmas, packs a bigger punch in 3D. Yep, special glasses are still needed and provided to get the full effect, but the stop-action animation is much more visually stunning for the effort. There are a few more jolts, too, as various things pop out at you. The story and music, however, remain the same; Jack still kidnaps Santa Clause and re-discovers his enthusiasm for Halloween.

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. The seven-foot high corn stalks don't help, either.

Who knew corn stalks could qualify as an artistic medium?

Hobo Halloween Express Train Ride From Detroit

When: Weekends in October leading up to Halloween
Where: Michigan Star Clipper, Walled Lake

A non-scary, haunted train ride with Halloween snacks, movies and face painting.

Classic Horror Classic Films for Halloween

When: Weekends leading up to Halloween
Where: New Redford Theatre

Movies include House of Wax with Vincent Price, House of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man.

Halloween Decorations Drive

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.

Halloween Festival at Nankin-Mills Recreation Area

When: October 18th, 2008
Where: Nankin-Mills Recreation Area on Ann Arbor Trail in Hines Park, Westland

An afternoon of entertainment, games and hayrides for the whole family.

Downtown Halloween Fall Festival in Ypsilanti

When: October 24th, 2008
Where: Downtown Ypsilanti

Trick or treat throughout the stores in downtown Ypsilanti. There is also entertainment for the little ones.