Spooktacular Activities to Enjoy with the Whole Family

October 4, 2023
halloween themed marshmallows roasted over a fire. halloween activities of making smores

Halloween is one of the top holidays for kids and there are so many ways to celebrate the entire month of October. Besides, who doesn’t love getting multiple wears out of a Halloween costume? It doesn’t have to just be about ghosts, ghouls, and witches; it can also be an occasion for family bonding and creating memories that last a lifetime. If you’re looking for something more interactive and engaging than just trick or treating, the whole family is sure to love these Halloween-themed events happening in Metro Detroit…

GLENLORE TRAILS HAUNTED FOREST 

3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township

September 22 – October 29

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The Chevy Traverse seamlessly offers the space and versatility your family needs, great for everything from gear to groceries.

Although it sounds scary, the Haunted Forest at Glenlore Trails is fun for all ages. The walking trail is an immersive experience that only happens once the sun goes down. One owner, Chanel Schoeneberger, shares, “As we prepare for our 4th year at Glenlore Trails, we’re excited to launch our newest attraction this fall, CarnEvil! Glenlore Trails is a family-friendly experience with illuminated and interactive elements suitable for all ages. We hope everyone enjoys the new activations and special events we’ve been working on for the upcoming Halloween season!” The trail is over a mile long and takes approximately one hour to walk through. There are live performances and plenty of opportunities for photos along the way. Onsite concessions with light snacks, beverages, and Glenlore merchandise are available and restrooms are located along the trail. Glenlore Trails is open every Thursday through Sunday from September 22 through October 29. The special events and times depend on the day you go, so be sure to check out what might interest you. Tickets are available for purchase in advance.

glenlore trails nighttime trail halloween activities
Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails

TRICKS AND TREATS AT SEA LIFE MICHIGAN

4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills 

September 30 – October 31

Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Last Entry Is 1 Hour Before Closing)

Daily throughout the month of October, kids can enjoy Tricks and Treats at SEA LIFE Michigan in Auburn Hills at the state’s largest aquarium. Feel free to wear your costume and take pictures with creepy creatures around the decorated aquarium. Also, learn about spooky creatures like batfish, wolf eels, moon jellies, and more. If you’re brave enough, you can touch sticky sea anemones and slimy sea stars in the Interactive Touchpool, too. Tickets for admission must be purchased online in advance, but Tricks & Treats is included in the admission price. 

ZOO BOO AT THE DETROIT ZOO

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

October 7 – 8, 14 – 15, and 20 – 22

Hours: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Explore the Detroit Zoo while celebrating Halloween weekends in October with Zoo Boo. Some activities to expect are trick-or-treating stations, face painting, themed photo opportunities, education stations, and habitat chats with the animal care staff at the zoo. The animals will also be enjoying special treats and there will be Halloween-themed enrichment activities all throughout the zoo. There are themed weekends, where the park will be decorated to match a theme. Attendees are encouraged to wear a costume of their choice or that fits the theme for the weekend. Tickets are highly encouraged to be purchased in advance, as walk-up tickets are very limited at the gate on event days. 

The weekend themes are:

  • Nerd Out In Nature – October 7 – 8
  • Monster Mash – October 14 – 15
  • Movies, Books & Make Believe! – October 20 – 22

OOKY SPOOKY LIGHT SHOW AT LONGWAY PLANETARIUM

1310 East Kearsley Street, Flint

September 27 – October 31 

Tuesday – Sunday at 4 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday at 7 p.m.

Longway Planetarium is putting on a family-friendly, spooky light show from September 27 through October 31. Your favorite Halloween songs like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” are set to lights and displays inside the planetarium. This event is great for adults and kids ages 6 and older. The week before Halloween, you can enhance your visit to the Ooky Spooky Light Show with admission to the Haunted Hallway, a ten-minute stroll through a black light hallway that’s fun for all ages. There are only 129 seats in the auditorium, so reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended. 

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on September 27, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.

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