Halloween is fun — no matter your age. And, no, we’re not just referring to the joy of eating all the fun-sized chocolate bars from your kids’ Trick-or-Treating haul. In fact, here in Cleveland, the October holiday brings a ton of kid-friendly events that are fun for the whole family.
Thanks to its massive collection of roller coasters boasting superlatives like tallest, fastest and largest, Cedar Point is no stranger to being on the slightly scary side. During the fall, however, it’s no tricks and all treats when the park is transformed for HalloWeekends. Kids will love the Tricks and Treats Fall Fest, complete with kid-friendly shows, trick-or-treating, crafts, games, hay mazes and even a parade. Have a bigger kid who like a bit of a scare? Stay later on select weekend nights for Haunt at HalloWeekends, with immersive mazes, scare zones and other moonlight thrills for all the daredevils in your family. (Select dates through Oct. 31)
Image © Cleveland Metroparks/Kyle Lanzer
A Cleveland tradition, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms into something downright boo-tiful for Halloween. Trick-or-Treat Fest includes meet-and-greets with costumed characters, access to 15 trick-or-treat stations on Wayside Furniture Way, and the return of the Monster Mash Dance Party at the Zoo’s amphitheater. This add-on ticketed experience also includes unlimited rides on the carousel courtesy of MetroHealth. The first 1,000 guests each day receive a complimentary trick or treat bag courtesy of Meijer. (Weekends through Oct. 31)
Image © Greater Cleveland Aquarium/Joe Prada
Where else can you see baby sharks, comic book heroes, princesses, seahorses and more all in one place? Why, at Pumpkins & Piranhas at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, that’s where. All this aquatic, Halloween fun is available to families with the cost of admission and features extended hours, underwater pumpkin decorations, costumed divers, a take-home treat bag and even more spooky fun. Capacity is limited and entrance is timed to ensure a safe experience for all. (Oct. 27 - 29)
Image courtesy Cleveland Botanical Garden
Little boos and ghouls can get their game on at University Circle’s Cleveland Botanical Garden with a trick-or-treat trail through the Hershey Children’s Garden, hands-on crafts, dancing and more at their annual Bootanical Bash. (Oct. 16)