There might not be a holiday that kids love more than Halloween. Christmas, of course, is way up there, but wearing a costume, pretending to be someone else, and then getting rewarded for hours with obscene amounts of candy is a day that’s pretty hard to beat.
There is no lack of entertaining Halloween events in the area. Some are completely free and others will cost you, but all are guaranteed to be fun. Close to home, there are a couple of events in Matthews to check out. From October 27 until October 30, you can enjoy the Haunted Trail at the Matthews Community Center. The fun will be going on from 6pm until 10 and is appropriate for kids 10 and older. It’s on The Connector Trail behind the Matthews Community Center (100 McDowell Street) and costs a mere $3.
On Saturday, October 29 from 11am until 2pm, you can check out the Not-So-Spooky Halloween in Matthews at Stumptown Park. There will be carnival games, a DJ, candy, prizes, a bounce house, an obstacle course, carriage rides, face painting, and a costume parade. Kids can bring their sacks and get a head start on trick-or-treating. Plus, they are welcome to join the costume parade, so have them arrive dressed up!
If you live close to Monroe and have little girls, this one’s for you. On Halloween day, the Shops At Nottingham Plaza (2585 W Roosevelt Blvd.) is having a Halloween Princess party. They’ll have a Little Mermaid princess and a Glass Slipper princess along with a photo booth (offering free printed complimentary pictures), candy, and a costume contest which will start at 4 pm. The event is free, but let them know ahead of time if you plan to attend. Dressing up is completely encouraged.
About 15 minutes away from Mint Hill is the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat held at Cornerstone Community Outreach, LLC (5500 Executive Center Drive) on October 29 from 3pm until 6. It’s a safe, family-friendly environment for your children to trick-or-treat and enjoy a fun evening of music, candy, raffles, and more. The best part? It’s all free. And if you bring a non-perishable food item, you’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card. Be sure to wear your costumes!
If you’re willing to drive a little farther for your ghoulish fun, and you want something to entertain the little kids during the day this week, try out a free hour for the whole family at the Gymboree in Ballantyne (3419 Toringdon Way). As long as you are not currently a member, you’ll receive a free fall pass to play. All month long, they’re featuring seasonal crafts, story-times, games, and more.
If you don’t mind spending a little more money or putting some miles on your car, there are a few places that will never disappoint. From now until October 30, The Great Pumpkin Fest is going on at Carowinds (which becomes Scarowinds during the month of October). During the daytime, Planet Snoopy is transformed into the ultimate fall festival, full of frightful fun for kids and their families. Along with all of your favorite rides and attractions, you can also enjoy shows and interactive activities throughout the day.
Beginning at 7pm, however, Scarowinds caters to the 13 and older crowd, staying open until midnight (except for October 29 when they stay open until 1am). There are mazes and scare zones in addition to the rides you already know and love. Don’t wear your costume though; they’re not allowed in the park. Prices for daytime and evening activities vary so check their website for more information (carowinds.com).
On Friday, October 28, Adventure Landing (10400 Cadillac Street, Pineville) has a Halloween Family Night. It starts at 6pm and includes costume contests, games, and prizes. And they’re running a special that night – for $25 (plus tax), you get 100 arcade tokens, four fountain drinks, and a large cheese pizza.
And finally, don’t miss HALLoween at The Hall at the NASCAR Hall of Fame (400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.) in Uptown Charlotte from 5:30 until 9:30pm. On October 29, you can bring your family for an evening of trick-or-treating throughout the Hall, pumpkin decorating, and a special showing of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story of Terror at 6:30 and 7:30pm. This event is free for NASCAR Hall of Fame members and $7 for non-members (children under age 2 are free). Kids are encouraged to dress up here as well.
With so many options in the area, both scary and fun, you’ll find something for everyone in your family this week. And even if you’re not a fan of Halloween, you’re still human. Because the upside is there will be candy everywhere and, seriously, who doesn’t like candy?