This post contains information from a previous year and does not reflect current schedules. Please click here to see the 2012 OAAM Halloween Guide.
Last year was Boo’s first Halloween. He wasn’t even three months old, but we were so excited to get him all dressed up in his very first itty bitty costume.
So we got him decked out, snapped some pictures with the pumpkins we’d arranged in our yard, took a walk around the block, and then, well, packed away the lion suit. This year, we thought, why not try to find some fun, family-friendly events where we could get a bit more mileage out of his costume? With that goal in mind, we started searching for haunted happenings around our state that would make great alternatives to that stroll around the block. We were not disappointed! Here, we’ve researched and carefully edited down the long list of Halloween events to highlight a few that we think will be most fun for your youngest little hobgoblins.
Before we proceed, I should mention that this post is a little different than our other reviews because we have not actually attended all these events. We’ll try to make it to a few (research for next year), but two moms can only be in so many places! Therefore, we would love it if you, our readers, would report back on any Halloween events that you attend (listed here or otherwise). We’d love to hear all about your favorite Halloween outing!
Happy Halloween!
OUR PICKS
Moms and More Annual Halloween Stroll, Blue Back Square, West Hartford: Saturday, October 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Moms and More
Start off at 9:30 at the Pumpkin Carnival with live entertainment, activities, and giveaways from Whole Foods, My Fit Mommy, XL Center and more (event takes place at Whole Foods; 50 Raymond Road). Then, at 10:30 parade with your hobgoblins through the square to collect sweets and treats from participating merchants. There’s even a photo spot! In the event of rain, the Pumpkin Carnival will be held under the parking garage at Whole Foods. For more information call the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce at (860) 521-2300. Convenient parking is available in the Memorial and Isham garages. Visit the Moms and More website for more information on the event. You can also visit the Blue Back Square website for additional parking information, driving directions and a map of the area.
Evergreen Walk, South Windsor: Monday October 31st from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Looking for a Halloween day alternative to going door-to-door? Get the wee ones gussied up and head on over to Evergreen Walk for some age-appropriate trick-or-treating, or just a lovely stroll with your favorite little imp. Participating retailers will be identified with a “Stop Here” sign. Click here for more information, including a list of participating stores.
Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, Wethersfield: October 28th, 29th, & 30th.
Source: hauntedhabitat.org
For a family-friendly haunted house, visit this “Mad Science Lab.” The event is held inside the Nature Center’s rooms, which this year have been transformed into a series of science-related laboratories complete with costumed actors and hand-on activities. And you can rest assured that all decorations and activities are festively spooky but never scary. Reasonably priced admission (only $4 per person) and games (just 50 cents) too. Plus, proceeds benefit the Nature Center. Costumes are not required, but they are encouraged! Click here for more information.
A Hallowed Halloween, Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Hartford: Sunday, October 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Games, refreshments, a costume contest. Celebrate Halloween with this family-friendly alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. For more information call the WPC office at (860) 521-6240.
Stew Leonard’s, Newington: Runs through 10/31. On Friday, 10/28 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. kids are invited to don their costumes and trick-or-treat in the store along with Stew’s famous crew, including mascot Wow the Cow. Find treats in every department, take photos with the costumed characters, even stay for a free family movie at 7:00 in the Hay Bale Theater. There’s also a free Hay Maze every day, and free face painting on the weekend. Bring your costumed kiddos into the store on Halloween day and each child will receive a free small ice cream. For event details, visit this page. Click here for directions. For more information, contact the store at (860) 760-8100.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Children’s Museum, West Hartford: October 28th, 29th, & 30th @ 4:30 p.m.
Source: thechildrensmuseumct.org
Here’s a Halloween treat with heart and souls. A special planetarium show features Spookley and his new spider friends, Edgar, Allan, and Poe, in this comic cartoon that proves it’s hip to be square. Advance reservations required no later than 1:00 p.m. on the day of the show. Click here to register online or call (860) 231-2830 ext 44.
Roaring Brook Nature Center Hobgoblin Fair, Canton: Saturday, October 29th. Take the “Track or Treat” walk to discover all kinds of costumed “critters.” Then enjoy children’s crafts, cupcake decorating, face painting, and a homemade meal. Suitable for children ages 3-8. Click here for more information. SPECIAL NOTE: This event requires preregistration, which at this late date must be done in person at the Nature Center. Registrations will be accepted through Friday, 10/28.
Connecticut Trolly Museum, East Windsor: October 28th, 29th, & 30th. Take a trolly ride through the CT countryside, hop off to pick a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, then head back for some pumpkin decorating activities, games, and contests. Have the kids wear their costumes this Sunday, October 30th for a 50% discount on their museum tickets. Click here for more information.
Farmington Haunted Mini-Golf, Farmington: October 27th-30th. Bring the whole family out to scare up some fun on these ghoulish greens. Older siblings can practice their putting, while the wee ones enjoy a treat at the ice cream parlor. Other goodies and surprises too. Click here for more information.
Mystic Seaport Sights and Frights, Mystic: Remaining dates are October 28th & 29th. Looking for a festive family excursion? Sights and Frights at Mystic Seaport promises haunted fun for everyone, from delightful roving characters to a ghoulish haunted ship. Carefully separated attractions (the really creepy stuff is all inside) ensure that wee ones (and their grown ups) won’t mistakenly wander into the scary sections of the event. There’s also music, face painting, crafts, and a nightly costume parade in which children of all ages are encouraged to participate. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
Photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport
MORE IDEAS
For more ideas from around the state, you can visit these sites:
http://www.damnedct.com/connecticut-halloween-events
http://www.courant.com/entertainment/holiday/halloween/
http://www.visitconnecticut.com/events_halloween.html
http://fairfieldcounty.kidsoutandabout.com/s/all/32
COMING UP:
Check in next week when we’ll report back on some Halloween happenings. We’ll also be sharing a few tricks for using up your leftover treats. Plus, it’s time to walk off all those extra candy calories, and we’ve got just the place.