With the temperatures becoming crisp and pumpkin treats taking over store shelves, that can only mean one thing – Halloween season is upon us. As kids of all ages shop for the perfect Halloween costume and the scary haunted houses start opening for the season, we’re looking at family-friendly Halloween activities in the Denver area.
Trick or Treat at the Firehouse
The Denver Firefighters Museum is the site of a family-friendly Halloween celebration on Oct. 30 as children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes for an evening of trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed crafts and games, as well as other activities. Trick or Treat at the Firehouse takes place at Old Station One 5-8 p.m. MT.
Enchanted Hollows at the Denver Zoo
Starting Oct. 3, families can take a walk through an eerie trail at the Denver Zoo, where they can learn about Halloween tales through stories and animals that may roam the area, possibly including the Headless Horseman and other infamous characters. Enchanted Hollows runs nightly through Oct. 25. The last two nights are known for lots of trick-or-treating at the zoo.
Glow at the Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates Halloween Oct. 21-25 with its annual Glow at the Gardens. Luminaria-lit pathways lead the way to spooky displays using real pumpkins carved in seasonal designs. Artists create life-size sculptures from pumpkins that stand beside fields of carved pumpkins sure to put a fright in your Halloween haunts. The celebration includes trick-or-treating for kids, so make sure they wear their Halloween outfits. The Gardens’ event includes arts and crafts, games, and live fire and LED performers. Watch artists create pumpkin sculptures before your very eyes. Children are also invited to take part in glow-in-the dark games.
Bugtober
How about a different take on Halloween? While we plan what or who to be for Halloween and find the perfect costume, animals and insects also wear costumes, like camouflage for protection. Bugtober is a special exhibit at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster Oct. 1-31 that looks at how insects and invertebrates manage their security through their costumes of deception. With a series of programs focusing on specific insects, such as the katydid and certain spiders, visitors can learn how they succeed at protecting themselves in the wild. Butterfly Pavilion also hosts trick-or-treating as part of Bug-a-Boo Oct. 26-27. Children are invited to wear their costumes and bring a bag or bucket for indoor trick-or-treating. The special events are included with general admission.
Haunted Trail Adventure
Lakewood’s Bear Creek Lake Park is the site of the Haunted Trail Adventure Oct. 12. The family-friendly event takes people down the darkened Owl Trail, where they learn about real life and sometimes spooky creatures, such as coyotes, mountain lions, spiders, bats and bears. Hosts will discuss the misconceptions surrounding these creatures. Afterward, take part in fun games, such as bowling with gourds, as well as enjoying a campfire and roasting marshmallows. A photo booth will also be available for fun pictures.
It’s great knowing that the area offers a lot of family-friendly events to help celebrate the season. From exploring the costumes of bugs to trick-or-treating with firefighters and roasting marshmallows in the park, the Denver Metro celebrates Halloween with style.
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