You and your magic-loving tykes aren’t Hogwart’s Alum? No worries, because with a little practice, and a lot of illusion, the kids will be amazing audiences (probably you) in no time. We’ve got seven easy magic tricks, and don’t forget the “Alakazam!”
photo: Gabby Cullen
Paperclip Magic Trick
For our first trick, we chose a simple one with a major WOW factor. A dollar bill and two paperclips are all your magician will need to get “oohs” and “ahhs” from audience members of all ages. Make the magic happen by jumping over to Kids Activity Blog for the how-to.
Color Coded Cards
Card counting isn’t a necessary skill when performing the color card trick, which makes it perfect for tiny magicians’ assistants. Simply separate a deck into black and red stacks (without showing anyone), then ask an audience member to pick, look at, and reinsert a card; after cutting the stack, “magically” select the right card (it should be the only wrong card in a colored stack). If you’re curious about the fine print, Funology has the details.
photo: Shelley Massey
Awesome Illusions
Your older brainiacs may know the secret behind plastic and polymers, so this “magic” trick is a great way to have your science pros impress any younger siblings. We’ve got the scoop for any sorcerers’ assistants right here.
Disappearing Coin Magic Trick
Beginning illusionists will really need to get their hocus pocus working if they want to make a coin disappear. From sweeping the coin under the table to saying the magic words, kids trying this trick will learn that practice makes perfect, and a lot of hand waving helps. You can get the whole tutorial over at Kid Spot.
photo: Gabby Cullen
Floating Toothpick Magic Trick
This trick gives liquid soap a little mojo (we aren’t talking dirty dishes). Getting the five toothpicks to stay in the right place while floating in the water will be your little magician’s hardest challenge. This trick is all about the science of water and surface tension, so kids will be learning a little something, too! You can find out how to master this gimmick over at Kid Zone.
photo: Gabby Cullen
Magnetic Pencil Magic Trick
From levitating, and rubber-esque scribblers, to sticking a #2 through your head; there is more than one way to perform a magic pencil trick. The one we like for beginning magicians will defy the laws of magnetic forces—the pencil will seem to be stuck to the performer’s hand. Magneto would approve! Find out how to perfect this trick here.
photo: Gabby Cullen
Coin-in-Matchbox Magic Trick
Presto! The classic coin-in-matchbox not only looks super cool, but after a few practice rounds, it’s a trick even a muggle can manage. You don’t need anything but the box, a coin, and a few views of this awesome tutorial from Instructables.
Love and free things to do in Portland is what February is all about
We’ve almost made it through the rainy months, parents. If your kids are like ours, we know they’ve spent plenty of time at indoor playgrounds trying to kick cabin fever and along the trails on a scenic winter hike with the fam. Maybe you’ve even made a day trip to find sun in the mountains and some amazing ski runs too. As we wait for the sun and the bulbs to start up in March, we’ve got tons of ways you and the kids can make it through until they do. From making Valentine’s Day crafts to experiencing winter lights Portland-style, there’s no shortage of fun and free (or very, very cheap) things to do in Portland this February.
The Best Free Things to Do in February for Families
8th Annual Winter Light Festival
See the city in a whole new light during the 8th Annual Winter Light Festival. This year’s event will feature dynamic anchor art sites in the City Center and pop-up art installations throughout Portland. So bundle up, grab the hot cocoa, and see Portland shine during this must-see event. Feb. 3-11. Event details.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
There’s still time to visit Lan Su Chinese Garden to catch the tail end of its 16-day Lunar New Year celebration. The festival features cultural performances, festival decorations, craft activities, audio tours, Year of the Rabbit scavenger hunts, and more daily. Be sure to also check out the Lunar New Year lanterns during your visit. Through Feb. 5. Event details.
iStockiStock
Valentine’s Day Activities
Make a child’s Valentine’s Day by joining the Ronald McDonald House Charities Send Love challenge. Help them reach their goal of sending 10,000 homemade Valentine’s to sick kids by decorating cards together as a family. Mail your cards by Feb. 10 so families can enjoy them for the holiday.
Need some inspiration for your Valentine’s Day cards? Head to Scrap Creative Reuse for all your heart day craft needs.
Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Market at Helvetia Farms in Hillsboro on Feb. 11. Browse local vendors, snuggle up around the bonfire, and make free Valentine’s Day mailboxes at their craft table. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.
Ready to rock out? Head down to Hammer + Jacks REC Room to watch a rotating marquee of some of Portland’s most popular kid entertainers every Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. Explore music with Zazzy Zoe every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Concerts are on sliding donation scale ($5-$15).
Mr. Ben, Mr. Hoo, and Red Yarn also play various shows around town throughout the week, at family-friendly spots like community centers and pizza joints. If your kiddo loves to dance it out, be sure to follow these tiny tyke superstars on socials to see where they’ll pop up next.
Drop-In Crafts
Stop by the Craft Factory every Saturday morning for Open Studio time. Watch your little one’s imagination run wild as they browse barrels and bins of fun crafting materials. An added bonus? There’s also story time with the Literacy Lady. Be sure to check out other fun (and affordable) weekly events here.
What better way to start your day than with coffee and crafts? Head over to Awake Coffee & Art on S.E. Milwaukie for drop-in art and a cup of Joe. They also hold weekly story and art sessions for little ones on Monday and Wednesday mornings (limited spots, $8), after school classes, and more.
Your little one will burn some energy, make new friends, and (most importantly) stay warm at Sellwood Community House’s Indoor Play Park. Come up to the gym every Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. to noon and play with balls, make forts, and ride around on scooters, wagons, and other fun toys for free.
Free Storytimes
Storytime is back and more popular than ever at your neighborhood library. Space is limited at most locations and attendees are admitted on a first-come basis. Times vary depending on location so make sure to plan ahead.
The Literacy Lady loves spreading her love of books all around town. You’ll find her at Playforest in Sellwood every Monday at 10:45 a.m., Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at Hammer + Jacks (suggested donation $5), and every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Craft Factory.
Green Bean Books on Alberta Street hosts weekly story times on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. on their outdoor covered deck. This independent bookstore also hosts a variety of monthly events for free so be sure to check in to see what’s coming up.
Get ready to go on a wild ride with Portland’s favorite literary clowns, Olive and Dingo. Expect sing-alongs, stories, and balloon art at their donation-based story time on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Sunrise Books on N.E. Fremont hosts free baby storytimes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and toddler storytimes on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Slots fill up fast so be sure to sign up early.
Did you know the Washington Park free shuttle is now operating daily? The shuttle gets you within walking distance of all major attractions in the park including the Oregon Zoo.
Head over to Hoyt Arboretum on Mondays at 10 a.m. year round for a story and guided walk on the nearby trails. Tree Time! Preschool Walk is a safe and fun way to get outside with your little one and learn about the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. These walks are geared toward kids ages 2 to 6 years old and pre-registration is required.
Learn all about Oregon’s diverse animal population, climb aboard a Timberjack Harvester, and get a deeper understanding of why it’s important to protect our forests at the World Forestry Museum. Admission is only $5 per person and kids 2 and under are free.
As part of their commitment to uplift and support the community, Airway Science for Kids is proud to offer free after school programming for kids ages 11-14. The Aerospace Training Center (ATC) offers drop-in after school programs for students Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year. Flight simulators, Kerbal Space Program, STEAM activities, and homework help are available.
From the tiniest tots to grandparents, and every age in-between, there’s something fascinating for everyone at the hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Explore the Physics Lab and the Science Playground, or hop aboard the USS Blueback Submarine. On the first Sunday of every month, admission at OMSI is just $2, and Submarine tours, Planetarium shows and the theater are also discounted.
Kids 17 and younger are always free at the Portland Art Museum, where families can get inspired in the enormous galleries full of art. Let kids take the lead by chatting about the colors and shapes they see, or which pieces they particularly like. The museum also participates in the Blue Star Museums Program, which offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families.
If you’ve got little train lovers, be sure to make a stop at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Railroad enthusiasts can check out historic trains and browse the latest exhibit. Admission is always free, although donations are accepted and appreciated. The center is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
At the Historic Belmont Firehouse, families can explore hands-on exhibits, stories and history while learning fire and safety education. Kids will love checking out the fire pole and the emergency response simulator, as well as all of the firefighting tools and equipment. Every Wednesday is Open House, and families are welcome to come and visit free from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The firehouse also offers Safety Saturdays on the second Saturday of each month.
For history buffs, the Oregon Historical Society awaits you. Located downtown, and always free for Multnomah County residents (with proof of residency), the museum houses a variety of exhibits designed to bring Oregon’s history to life. The permanent History Hub exhibit delves into the topic of diversity, with hands-on activities and displays.
Ready to unwind with popcorn and a movie? At Kennedy School, families can enjoy second-run movies while relaxing on comfy couches and snacking on pizza, burgers and salads from the menu, along with wine, beer and ciders for those over 21. Movie tickets are $5 for adults, and just $3 for kids age 11 and younger.
The “Skeleton House” started during the pandemic and is back by popular demand
The Dinote family has been busy this October. Steven, Danielle, A.J. and Anthony have not only been celebrating the spooky season like everyone else, but they are keeping their San Antonio neighborhood entertained with their “The Skeleton House.”
“It started as a joke in October 2020 when everyone was home during the pandemic,” Steven told TODAY Parents. A trip to the Halloween store was all it took to stock up on skeletons that they then took home to use as decorations.
After the initial set up, the family started joking around about displaying the skeletons in new and hilarious scenes. Once the neighborhood got a look, they were off and running.
There has been no limits to what the family has come up with when it comes to daily themes––yes, daily. The family spends about 30 to 60 minutes re-positioning their gang every day to conjure up hilarious new scenes. Sometimes, even the neighbors help!
“People said it was the highlight of their day,” Danielle told TODAY Parents. This year, the Dinote’s have come up with tons of fun scenarios, including a wrestling match, vet and groomer, game day with the Eagles vs. the Cowboys, a game of Twister, Hocus Pocus, a Texas style BBQ (bone appetite!) and more.
According to TODAY, Steven and Danielle are known to scrounge through their kids rooms to find accessories that will help complete the scenes they envision. Sometimes, even neighbors will help contribute pieces to bring their ideas to life.
At the end of the day, it’s all about embracing themselves and bringing joy to the neighborhood. “We’re silly people who like to have fun,” says Steven. “We’re a house full of goofballs.”
Heading out on the town this Halloween? We’ve got the 6 top neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Dallas
Are you looking forward to some Halloween fun with your kids in Dallas? Although we can’t ever guarantee Texas will be having crisp fall weather on Halloween night, these fun and spooky (but, you know, not too spooky) activities and places to trick or treat will help you have a great time celebrating with your little ghouls and goblins!
The following Dallas neighborhoods are known for great decorations, great candy, and welcoming hordes of Halloween fans. If you’d rather take your kids to an organized event versus door-to-door trick or treating in a neighborhood, we’ve listed some fun options for that, too. Or, go all out and combine one or more of the timed festivities with regular trick-or-treating. (Read: All. The. Candy.) Halloween only comes once a year, after all.
Highland Park is one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This walkable family-friendly community has historic homes sitting on wide streets and this neighborhood really does it up for Halloween.
2. Oak Cliff
Winnetka Heights is one of the largest historic districts and has a fun, welcoming Halloween vibe. The Kessler Park neighborhood is also known to be welcoming to trick-or-treaters. The Dallas Zoo, which is also located in Oak Cliff, has historically hosted fun, family-focused Halloween activities. Although there's nothing on their calendar for this Halloween yet, this could be a fun add-on or Halloween weekend activity if it is nice outdoors.
The streets near White Rock Lake that parallel Lakewood Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard itself are known for epic decorations and a great candy haul. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is about three miles from this neighborhood. Halloweekend, scheduled for Oct. 29-30, includes trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, live music, and even a visit from Miss Texas! Halloween events are included with regular admission.
Dallas’ original historic district has a variety of architectural styles done up for Halloween. The kids will only care about the goodies, but adults might enjoy taking in the Georgian and Craftsman-style homes. It's also worth hitting up Klyde Warren Park, which is three miles Southwest of Swiss Avenue. On Sat., Oct. 29 from 5-9 p.m., the park has free trick-or-treating, costume contests, and a showing of the Halloween cult classic, Hocus Pocus. But if you're angling to fill your candy bucket, come early. Trick-or-treating takes place from 5-7 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Note: Swiss Avenue and Munger Place are within walking distance of each other so if you’re up for it, it’s doable to hit both neighborhoods on Halloween night.
The residents of Munger Place go all out with decorations and candy. Check out Munger Place Church's Mungerfest event that’s held right before Halloween. Less than three miles from Munger Place is the AT&T Discovery District, where free Halloween fun is happening on Oct. 29 from 4-7 p.m. There will be more than 20 vendors handing out candy and other goodies.
Both Plano and Frisco are increasingly popular with families moving to the area or moving from outside Dallas. Deerfield and Singletree Trail in Plano and Panther Creek Estates in Frisco are neighborhoods outside the city limits worth checking out.
These mess-free kits are perfect for a no clean-up craft
Pumpkin everything time is here, and that doesn’t only mean the all-important PSL is making a comeback––it’s also pumpkin carving time! This year, Target has a sweet selection of no-carve pumpkin decorating kits for your kiddos that will make your life so much easier.
The kits are already available at Target.com and in stores, and include characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Minions, Disney and Hocus Pocus. Not only do they come in at just $10, they are a great option for avoiding goopy pumpkin seeds and can be used for your decor year after year.
Decorate your own Grogu before season three of "The Mandalorian" returns! This adorable kit comes with the perfect sweater-colored paint, two arms and a head.
Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Sally Pumpkin Push-In Halloween Decorating Kit
You've wanted to change a pumpkin into a carriage since your were a kid––here's your chance! This whimsical kit comes with gold paint, two weeks and door sashes, one crown and one door with Cinderella exiting your carriage.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
With moving tentacles and that iconic smirk, six-foot tall Ursula is here to spice up your lawn. She is super easy to set up and take down and comes with both the stakes and tethers.
Mean green Oogie Boogie stands tall in any fun Halloween scene. Bright white LED lights illuminate the creepy creature and his minions in this inflatable that is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. He inflates in seconds and comes with tethers and stakes so he stays put.
This five-foot long inflatable skeleton puppy is carrying a sweet pumpkin candy basket with matching floppy ears. With super bright LED lights built inside, this pooch is sure to be seen.
We found the perfect counterpart to your Oogie Boogie inflatable: Jack Skellington! The seven-foot tall blow up is dressed to the nines and works for both indoor and outdoor use.
This six-foot tall Coco Miguel and Dante Halloween Inflatable is available at Home Depot. This inflatable easily self-inflates in seconds for easy setup. With energy-efficient LEDs, it provides lasting, season-long illumination. Simply plug it in and stake in the ground.
Guess what? These Halloween events Seattle families love are the perfect excuse to dress one up more time
Halloween is right around the corner and we know that means your kiddo is itching to put on that totally adorable Halloween costume and take it for a spin as many times as possible, before heading out to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood on the big night. Help ’em out when you take your sidekick to one of these Halloween events in Seattle that doesn’t skimp on fun (or candy). Let’s get “boo” it!
Our favorite Seattle Halloween events for babies & toddlers
The zoo's Halloween event Seattle families clamor for is back for 2022. So grab your costumes to enjoy this weekend of Halloween festivities, and all kinds of pumpkin eatin' at the zoo's Pumpkin Bash. Watch as hippos, otters, bears, penguins, and other animals gobble, smash, and play with pumpkins and other autumn-themed treats, part of the zoo’s excellent animal enrichment care program. It's also a chance for your costumed kiddos to trick-or-treat around the zoo, going from one station to the next.
Insider Tip: During Pumpkin Bash, one child 12 years and under in costume is admitted to the zoo free with a paid adult admission.
Put on your Halloween costume and head over to Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue for this fun mini event. Kids ages 2-10 will get to go trick-or-treating with the farm animals and see what costumes they're wearing. Plus they'll have a ghoulishly good time decorating a trick-or-treating bag, making a paper plate jack-o'-lantern, and visiting the real pumpkin patch. Come dressed for the weather because this Eastside favorite takes place rain or shine.
This Halloween, a costumed train ride is in order for your little ghouls and goblins. It's all aboard for a fun-filled two-hour train excursion that puts the changing colors of the scenic upper Snoqualmie Valley on display. The train will be decked for fall, bringing the sights outside in. The journey begins as you go west to the top of Snoqualmie Falls, stopping at the top to enjoy the view. Then it's time to return east to the Railway History Center for a 30-minute stopover that includes seasonal activities and a visit the Train Shed Exhibit Hall. Costumes are encouraged, and all children arriving in costume will receive a small prize! Tickets are required.
Although families can always expect a wild time at Northwest Trek, things are getting spooky on the weekends in October. So dust off your Halloween garb and prepare to wander past magical lights, eerie spider webs, and pumpkins everywhere as you work to solve the mystery of the forest. Is it ghosts? Goblins? Bigfoot? It’s up to you to figure it out during this park-wide scavenger hunt. Remember to end your exciting adventure with time at Kids’ Trek where your little ghoulies can slide, climb, jump, and explore until they’re boo-ed out.
Explore the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park at night—safely! Walk the animal paths, lit with spooky lights and visit multiple trick-or-treat stations along the way. Remember, nocturnal animals are wide-awake for Hoot 'n' Howl and the Kids' Trek Nature Playground will be lit up for the occasion, too.
If you're looking to add something a little wild to your Halloween adventures, bring the kids to Northwest Trek for the annual Pumpkin Chomp & Stomp. A Halloween event Seattle kids love, you'll find the park’s many trails will be adorned with picturesque pumpkins and the many animals that call the park home will get in on the pumpkin love, too. Watch them chomp, stomp and roll all day as they get fed pumpkin treats.
Halloween might be the perfect time to head down to the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia. Parents can always count on this Halloween event to be light on scary but heavy on fun. The hay bale maze, scavenger hunt, ghost puppet making, and pumpkin decorating are just the right speed for the mini set. And everyone will enjoy science demos on weekends by Dr. Science himself, as well as the costume dance party. You get all this plus over 150 other hands-on exhibits to explore.
We know you and the kids will have a happy howl-o-ween at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Halloween-themed weekend. Get ready for ghostly games that'll have you guessing which skull belongs to which animal, who makes that sound, and what does that oversized pumpkin actually weigh? Playing at the Kids' Zone is a great way to round out the day after you've seen the costume parade at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater (it starts at noon). Costumes are encouraged for everyone, that means you too, parents!
All the spook-tacular Halloween events Seattle has for big kids
KidsQuest Children's Museum
Spooktacular: Potions, Poisons, and Pumpkins
Costumed kiddos will squeal with delight during this Halloween-themed science-based event at KidsQuest Children's Museum. It's a chance for budding scientists to make their own swirly potion, discover poisonous plants and venomous snakes, and then learn their medicinal properties, smash pumpkins with a hammer, plus much more. Registration is required.
It’s creepy. It’s kooky. Mysterious and spooky. It’s time to get your goo on at this fam-fave Halloween KidsQuest Museum event that's returning this year. Kids ages 4 and older (alongside their caregivers) get to play mad scientist for the afternoon as they experiment with things that stretch, glow, and float. Registration is required.
How many squash and pumpkins can you spot at Bloedel Reserve? Woodland owls will lead you on an all-ages scavenger hunt through the gardens in search of gourds, squash and pumpkins. Guess the weight of this year’s largest pumpkin and win prizes at the Shop at the Gatehouse when you complete the scavenger hunt.
Highline MaST Aquarium’s annual Halloween festival will be full of hands-on activities, skeletons, and creepy crawlies of the sea. Come learn about different bones and help put together real marine mammal skeletons, learn about cool specimens, and enjoy many other activities. Admission is free and come in costume to receive a spooktacular treat.
Dress up and have fun with the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra at the annual Halloween Children's Concert. It's great for all ages but especially for young children and anyone who has any sensory sensitivities. Take this opportunity to introduce live, orchestral music, and teach children how to be audience members in a light-hearted, casual environment.
Seattle Chocolate's Haunted Factory Tour is big on not-too-spooky fun for kids and families. During the 20-minute tour, brave guests are led through the eerie halls and passages of the Seattle Chocolate Factory. Here's the backstory—troublesome spirits from the jungles of Peru have escaped and messed up the chocolate making machines. Can your crew help fix them? Using clues and your noggin you'll solve puzzles to help save the factory...with an opportunity to collect a delicious reward when you do. Tickets are required.
It’s that time of year again, when the Museum of Flight transforms into the Museum of Fright for their annual Halloween celebration. Dress in your best space suit, pilot's costume or any other Halloween get-up then head on down for safe, Halloween-themed games and activities that will spark imagination and innovation and get everyone in the Halloween spirit.
Gather up your little ghosts and goblins and head to Wild Waves Theme & Water Park near Seattle for their annual Fright Fest. One of our favorite Halloween events on weekends, the park transforms into a scream park with amusement rides and family-friendly activities your little monsters will love. You can count on family-friendly fun Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. But beware, the park transitions to Fright by Night between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., so keep that in mind as you make your plans.
Good to Know: None of the decorations around the theme park are scary. However, Extreme Screams, Voodoo Swamp and the two haunted mazes are not recommended for kids under 13. Reservations required.
Calling all witches to one of the best Halloween events in Seattle—a Witches High Tea! It’s a chance to practice your craft and perfect your spells, and costumes are most certainly encouraged. Expect to be welcomed into the 112-year old coven with an ethereal tea service: enjoy savory tea sandwiches, alluring treats and cakes. Witches of all ages are welcome, and for the more seasoned sorcerers, otherworldly libations will be available. Seatings are every half hour between 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Tickets available with or without alcohol.
Earn your candy this Halloween at the 14th annual Run Scared race benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Whether you're signed up for the 10K, 5K or the 2-mile walk/run, you'll want to don your spooky best so you look the part. A treasure hunt and costume contest are all part of the fun, and categories will include best SciFi character, best scariest, funniest and team costumes, and best kids and dogs costumes. The Kids' Dash starts at 8:45 a.m. and although it's free, registration is still required.
Discover all the kid-friendly spots to get lost (and found) thanks to these San Diego corn mazes that are designed for fun
‘Tis the season to get lost in a corn maze or two! These cool, sometimes creepy, life-sized puzzles are a spooktacular good time when these farm-fueled fun spots pops up all over the city. Little ghouls and goblins can try their luck at winding their way through corn mazes near San Diego that range from simple to ones that are downright corn-fusing. Of course, if you’re looking to explore all the fall activities around San Diego, don’t miss our insider’s guide to fall foliage guide around SD, our fall festival guide to San Diego, and where to pick up a pumpkin (or two) nearby.
Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm
This eight-foot-tall farm-fresh corn maze is perfect for little farmers as it only takes about ten minutes to wind through. You'll spot this maze planted between the sunflower field and the pumpkin patch. Have your littles grab a partner and work through this labyrinth that has a few dead-ends. When done, take a tractor-hay wagon ride, pick a pumpkin and meet furry friends at the petting zoo. You can even cut your own bouquet of sunflowers.
This giant, four-acre corn maze is good for older kids, as there are plenty of dead ends among the twisting, winding trails. Only one trial and good decision-making will lead you out of the maze. This year's corn maze theme is Hocus Pocus!
Afterward, celebrate your maze achievements with pumpkin picking, target paintball shooting, a sunflower labyrinth, carnival games, and more.
Good to Know: There's a haunted corn maze on Thurs.-Sun. evenings for those who want a fright.
You'll be out of your gourd winding through this cool corn maze that boasts miles of trails. Mom and Dad will want to go in with little runners. The corn stalks are tall, but you'll find hints to help out. When done, you and your little kernels can get a giant Cinderella pumpkin, go for a tractor ride and head to the bounce land to exert some extra energy.
Weaving through this sweet hay maze at Bates Nut Farm is perfect for little pumpkins. Then continue to get a little nutty on a tractor hayride and enjoy the farm zoo and pumpkin picking (from Bic Macs to Jack O’ Lanterns).
Little farmhands may get a little corn-fused before finding the right path in this 2.5-acre cornfield. A marvelous maze (about 15 minutes worth of fun) for giggling, running and discovering your way. When done, dig into these farm-friendly festivities: pumpkin picking, corn cannon shots, hayrides, pony rides and a petting zoo. Free parking, but bring some cash for other activities.
This pretty little corn maze is perfect for young ones to navigate. There's also a fun hay fort for tiny explorers to play in while you sit and admire the beauty that surrounds you at this idyllic farm. Stroll the grounds and find the chickens and make a stop at the on-site store for freshly made soaps and pick your pumpkin too. Your little fairies are sure to love this spot.
You can bet the farm that this corn maze will require little farmhands to put on their thinking caps. In-and-out in about ten minutes, yet it can be tricky. We recommend Mom or Dad go too! After finding your way, cover more ground with the tractor-hay wagon ride, train ride and pumpkin patch to finish-up an awesome day of fall fun.
Did somebody say family fall road trip? Sure, it's a three hour drive, but it's tons of fun. Admission to their annual Fall Harvest on the Farm includes everything from a corn trail ride through and hay pyramid to the pumpkin house and wagon rides.
Don’t leave your furry (or feathery) family members out of all the Halloween fun! We’ve got all the best pet costumes right here.
We made sure the kiddos’ Halloween costumes covered, and have parents taken care of, too. Now we’re onto furbabies! We can’t forget our precious pets, especially since all they want is to be included (even though they didn’t technically ask to be dressed up). These Halloween pet costumes are some of the best we’ve seen this year, and we’ve seen a bunch (maybe we look them up in our spare time just for a mood-booster…).
It’s Lick-or-Treat Season and we’re celebrating! (We definitely don’t recommend costumes for pets who get upset, anxious, or uncomfortable. We want them to be as happy as they make us! If you’ve made sure your furry friend is comfy dressing up, keep reading!)
Elephant Booty Suit
As if their tails could get any cuter, this hilarious take on an elephant also means they don't have anything over their heads or faces. This one is a tusk have.
We weren't fully prepared for this level of majesty, but the wing and horn unicorn set can also double as dog toys (not that they weren't going to, anyway)!
If you'd rather skip a full costume, these pumpkin pet johns from Hanna Anderson's matching family pajamas collection are such an adorable alternative!
Even if they're not puppuccino fiends, this barkrista (sorry, we couldn't resist) apron is one of our favorites. As a bonus, it goes really well with family costume themes.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
The network’s annual event starts Oct. 1 and includes lots of kid-friendly picks as well as scarier options for when the kids are in bed (we see you, A Quiet Place).
Check out the full “31 Nights of Halloween” schedule from Freeform below. With at least two movies a day there are plenty of ways to get your Halloween spirit on all month long! (Note: All times Eastern, unless otherwise noted.)
Week of Oct. 1
Disney
Saturday, Oct. 1
7:00a/6:00c - Edward ScissorHands
9:10a/8:10c - The Witches (1990)
11:20a/10:20c - The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:25p/10:20c - Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
