Ann Arbor Halloween Events, Activities and Information

I don't know if it's my children's incessant begging about Halloween events that we'll do or what they want to be, if it's a result of seeing all of the Halloween candy and decorations or if it's because I just sent off my latest column to the Ann Arbor Family Press but it's probably a good time to post a list of all of the Ann Arbor Halloween events families can plan!

Find and information on Halloween events, activities, haunts and more with the Ann Arbor Mom - Find What you can do with kids, toddlers and teens in and around Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County!

This list of Halloween events will be updated as events come onto my radar...

October All Month:

• Complete Guide to: Cider Mills, Apple Orchards, U-pick Places and Hay Mazes in Washtenaw County
• Greenfield Village Hallow'een
• Detroit Zoo Boo
• Little Boo at the (Toledo) Zoo 
• Haunted Halloween Houses at the Wolcott Mill Historic Center - October 15, 22 and 29
• Crazy Hilda's Camp of No Return (teens and up)
• Wiard's County Fair

Week of October 1:

• EMU Fall Concert Symphony Orchestra Concert at Pease Auditorium - October 6, 7:30 p.m.

Week of October 7:

• Run Scream Run 5K & 10K race at Wiard's Orchards - October 7
• Zombie Run - Run for the Arb, Run for Your Life! - October 13

Week of October 14:

• Monster Smash - October 14, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
• Frankentoys at AADL Downtown - October 14, noon-3:00 p.m. 
• Trick or Treat on the Trail at Hudson Mills Metropark - October 14, 4:00 p.m.
• Farm Halloween at the Wolcott Mill Farm Center - October 14, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Web of Friendship Craft $2.00 - October 14, 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Kapnik Orchard's Fall Apple Festival - October 14-15
• Spider Web Art at AADL Pittsfield - October 15, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Huron River Trick or Treat Canoe Paddle - October 15, noon-5:00 p.m.
• Pumpkins, Lanterns, & Leaves - Fall Family Event at Matthaei - October 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Week of October 21:

• Tots Halloween at Lake St. Clair Nature Center - October 21, 1:00 p.m.
• AADL Mallets Creek Craft: Bubbling Boo Bombs! - October 21, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Boo!! The History of Halloween at lake Erie Marshlands Museum - October 22, 2:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Friendship Bracelets $2.00 - October 21, 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Animal Haunts - Northern Neighbors at Leslie Science & Nature Center - October 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
• Halloween Costume Swap at AADL Downtown - October 22, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Friday, October 27:

• Halloween Downtown/Ypsi Glow at YDL-Michigan Library Plaza - 5:30-9:00 p.m.
• Free Halloween concert at Towsley Auditorium - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 28:

• Trick-or-Treat at the Farm at the Wolcott Mill Farm Center - 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Treat Bags $2.00 - 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Sugar Skulls and Jolly Rancher Roses at YDL-Superior - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Halloween at the A2 Market 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Haunted Woods at Camp Munhacke - October 28, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• Washtenaw County Parks Halloween Bash  - 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 29:

• Hoots and Haunts Halloween at Environmental Discovery Center - 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
• Family Halloween Party at the Natural History Museum - Noon – 5 p.m. Free
• 2017 AADL Costume Contest 12:30-3:00 p.m. 

Monday, October 30:

• Halloween at Ann Arbor Farmers Market - 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 31:

• Halloween Party at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:30-noon.

To add events to the Halloween event list, please contact me at tmayrend at gmail dot com or comment below.





Sources include: AnnArbor.com, individual websites, previous posts and Google.

Events Round-up: Ann Arbor Halloween & More

Sing it with me now "I want candy!" OK maybe not, but that is the general tune of my household right now. Halloween is just around the corner and there are so many great events and activities.  With so much happening throughout the week, it's worth a stand alone blog post.

Are you ready for Halloween? I'm just hoping Ann Arbor doesn't have snow, specifically because we're headed to the Greenfield Village Hallow'een, The BSA's HauntedWoods at Camp Munhacke and HalloWeekends at Cedar Point!(Want to win tickets to Halloweends?) And that's in addition to so many other activities and Ann Arbor events!

So find all of the Halloween events, activities, and haunts you desire in Ann Arbor, in addition to other fun events happening over the next few days. The Ann Arbor Mom will always have ideas whether you are in and around Ann Arbor with kids or living nearby. Want more ideas? Be sure to like the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page for local events, activities and things-to-do. There may even be a surprise or two!

Wednesday, October 15:

Create some Fuzzy Spiders & Glittery Webs at the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL - Pittsfield Branch) 4:00-5:00 p.m. Gr K-5 event.

Thursday, October 16:


Enjoy a Family Night and celebrate Halloween with inflatables, food, crafts, activities and more at Pierpont Commons on October, 16th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 18:

Make a Frankenstein mask from 10:00 a.m. - noon at Michael's crafts for just $2/child. Ages 3+

Sunday, October 19:

Kids in Gr K-5 will enjoy this free event where they will make Mini Yarn Monsters at the AADL (Mallets Creek) 2:00-3:00 p.m. Learn a few tricks to turn yarn into a fun monster you can call your own! For those outdoorsy types, consider instead going to the Trick or Treat on the Huron River program happening from noon-5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 24:

Boo at the Zoo noon-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 25:

This appears to be the "Big" Halloween event day in the area. Everything from ice skating to crafts to events around An Arbor. Start the day at the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) where the youngest family members will enjoy Boo! Happy Halloween Storytime! at the Michigan branch at 3:30 p.m. or at 11:00 a.m. hear some not-so-scary stories, sing some Halloween songs and create a simple craft at the AADL.

Want to do some fun Halloween crafts? At 1:00 p.m. create a Spooky Monster Banner at the AADL (Mallets Creek) or bring your child (Ages 3+) to drop into your local Michael's Crafts from 10:00 a.m. - noon for a $2 Halloween Make-and-take program. Teens also have a special crafting event starting at 1:00 p.m. at the AADL (Pittsfield Branch as they create unique Mini-Monster Stuffies. Teens and adults will work with local crafter Beth Battey, to make their creations during this free teen teen event, all supplies provided. This is an intricate project that will require the entire time and patience to complete. Gr 6+

Get out there and get active before eating all the sweets during the Halloween Skate at Veterans Memorial Park - Indoor ice arena at 1:00-2:30 p.m.  General admission rates apply as you skate to the spooky sounds of Halloween. Best costume prizes awarded. Fun for all ages.

There are two chances to participate in Trunk or Treat today. There is Trunk or Treat at (YDL -Superior) at 5:00 p.m. or Trunk or Treat with the Ann Arbor Jaycees, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Your wee ones will also appreciate Boo Bash at Briarwood Mall from 5:00-8:00 p.m. For the first hour, kids can trick-or-treat with participating retailers throughout the mall in a safe, climate-controlled environment. There will also be fun activities throughout the evening, including appearances from Colors the Clown and Leonard the Lion, a chocolate drop station from The Melting Pot, and an obstacle course from Gym America. Students from the University of Michigan Dental School will dress in costumes and teach kids about proper dental care. Even The Parade Company will be represented, thanks to Art Van Furniture, which is hosting Clownie and providing reflective Halloween treat bags for families. Noerr, the mall's photo provider, will also be available for those frightfully fantastic family photos this year.

If it is music you would rather enjoy, then consider instead the EMU Orchestra Halloween Concert  at 7:30 p.m. at Pease Auditorium.  For an evening of family fun, join the EMU Symphony Orchestra for their annual Halloween Concert. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear Costumes! Admission: $10 Adults $8 Students or Seniors $6 Youth under 12

Sunday, October 26:

Of course there is always the iconic Family Halloween Party at the U-M Museum of Natural History Museum noon - 5:00 p.m. My children loved this party when we went a few years ago. It is a crazy day but well worth spending time there! Discover special stations and displays full of hands-on activities, live animals, and more! This is a free party and no reservations or tickets are necessary. The party is suitable for all ages. Don't forget to bring your goody bag! For more information, call (734) 764-0480.

What about another option for Trunk or Treat at YDL? It's happening at 5:00 p.m. at the Whittaker Road Branch.

Close out the weekend by enjoying the Music of the Night during the University of Michigan Halloween Concert at 4:30 p.m.

Monday, October 27:

More Trunk or Treat at Cueter Chrysler 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 28:

The Dexter District Library is hosting a special Halloween Movie Showing of “The Mummy” at 1:00 p.m. With incredible special effects and classic suspense come follow two explorers, (Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz) as they search for long lost treasure and break a 3,000-year-old curse. Come re-discover this extraordinary classic story. Rated: PG-13, 125 minutes.

There are also several opportunities for pre-school Halloween Parties with a storytime event held at at the Saline District Library at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and a K-1 Halloween Fun at 4:15 p.m. at the  Saline Rec Center. Later in the day kids can enjoy the Harry Potter Party at the Saline District Library 4:15 p.m.

Want to help with the decorating? Teens can help out by making a Halloween Wreath at 7:00 p.m. at the AADL Pittsfield Branch. This event is intended for grade 6 to adult Get in the spooky spirit making a Halloween-themed wreath!

Wednesday, October 29:

Teens shouldn't miss out on the Teen Halloween Party with a Tarot Card Reader at YDL (Michigan) 7:00 p.m. or making Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Charms at 7:00 p.m. at AADL (Malletts Creek Branch). Both programs are free teen events.

Thursday, October 30:

Enjoy the Harry Potter Party at the Saline District Library 4:15 p.m. or head to the annual Downtown Halloween Fall Festival at Ypsilanti District Library starting at 5:00 p.m. The event (always a yearly favorite!) allows kids to wander downtown Ypsilanti for tricks or treats followed by a quick craft and free activities at the Ypsilanti District Library. Don't forget to stop by the "Boo" Mobile and get your free popcorn, candy!

Need a break and some exercise before the big day? Then the Halloween Yoga Party at Peachy Fitness 6:30 p.m. is the way to go.

Friday, October 31:

Teens can have their own party at the Teen Night Halloween Spooktacular 8:00 p.m. - midnight.

For the rest of the family, try trick or treating during the Halloween Family Bash at Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center at 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Win Tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point

Win a family 4-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point.

My family and I will be staying at Castaway Bay in two weekends when my son has a soccer tournament. This year my kids are even more excited to spends some time at Cedar Point during  HalloWeekends. I'll share some photos when we go, but I have something even better to share now.
Want to win tickets for visit Cedar Point for HalloWeekends? Thanks to the folks at Cedar Point you can.

Comment below on your favorite Cedar Point Memory for an opportunity to win a family four-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends valued at nearly $200. Please note that the tickets are only valid this year, and your lucky winner only has three (3) more weekends to use them - Friday nights (after 6 p.m.), and Saturdays and Sundays now through Nov. 2, 2014.

All comments need to be posted on the blog by midnight, October 15. A random winner will be chosen Thursday.

Trunk or Treat at Cueter

Here is another great, free event from Cueter Chrysler (2448 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti). Be sure to stop by on October 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for candy, music, food and a good time strolling down the haunted vehicle lane!

Trunk or Treat With the Ann Arbor Jaycees

My kids and I love the Trunk or Treat event held each year at our church and are sorely to be missing it AND the one at their school due to an out-of-town soccer tournament this year. What is Trunk or Treat you ask? Basically it is walking around the decorated cars in a specific location to collect candy.

The decorated cars can get crazy too. Families tend to come to compete for who has the most awesome display. For the kids of course it is all about the candy. Don't have a Trunk or Treat event at your school? The Ann Arbor Jaycees has a great family-friendly Trunk or Treat event October 25, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Elementary (4250 Central Blvd, Ann Arbor).

Join other Ann Arbor families for this safe alternative to trick-or-treating that gives kids the chance to dress up and play without going door-to-door. Participating car trunks are decorated in Halloween themes by parents, families and community members, who will be handing out candy.

This is a free event open to the public.  Parking spaces for decorated cars is limited though, so be sure reserve your Trunk or Treat spot by October 20, 2014. For more details on the Ann Ann Arbor Jaycees Trunk or Treat event, visit their website.  Prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated Trunk and Best Costumes for kids and adults!

Halloween Night Teen Event

 

Teen events are often hard to come by, that's one reason this one caught my eye.

On Halloween night from 8:00 p.m. - midnight, teens ages 13-17 are invited to join in Halloween Teen Night at the Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St., Ann Arbor). The program is just $10 and includes a night full of spooky swimming, glow sticks pizza and a movie.  To sign up for this event, call 734-794-6237 or visit www.a2gov.org/mack.

BOO at the ZOO a Great Lakes Zoological Society Event

On October 24, noon-4:00 p.m. the Great Lakes Zoological Society (6885 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor) is hosting BOO at the ZOO! This family friendly Halloween event includes a not-too-spooky trail, trick or treating, costume parade, animal activities, treats, music and more. The regular admission fee ($5.50/seniors & children 3-11, $8.00/12+) includes Boo at the Zoo activities and admittance into the Zoo.

This event is terrific and a lot of fun - Families have a wonderful time, and the venue fills up fast so please register soon!

Halloween Science Fun Day

Want to have some spooky science and math fun? Anchors Unlimited Science Fun, Inc. has a Halloween Science Fun Day planned on Saturday, October 25 at Jarvis Stone School (7991 North Territorial Road and Curtis Road, Plymouth, MI).

Kids ages 2-6 (10:30-11:30 a.m.)  and 7-10 (noon-1:00 p.m.) and their caregivers are invited to this free event. During the Halloween Science Fun Day participants will find activities, refreshments and prizes. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and those wearing costumes relating to math or science may even win a door prize!

Pre-registration is encouraged. Although this is a free event, $5 donations would be appreciated and  accepted. Space is limited.

To register, send the children's name, age, phone and address/email along with parent or caregiver attending. Everyone will participate and this event happens rain or shine so be sure to dress appropriately. Deadline to register is October 10. Feel free to send any questions and registration information to Lisa Johnson at captain@anchorsciencefun.com.

Happy Halloween

Whether you are taking your child for the first time, have an experienced toddler or preschooler, are keeping up with your grade school kid or sending your teen off with their friends, I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween tonight in and around Ann Arbor with kids!

Me after several cups of coffee today wishing all my friends in
Ann Arbor a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Don't remember the trick or treat times, the Ann Arbor Mom has you covered! Tired of hearing "When are we going out for trick or treat?" and need something to keep Jr. busy while big brother or sister are in school - Check out PBS Kids Halloween page!

Do you know of something awesome happening in the community, maybe an event, activity that needs to be highlighted? Be sure to drop me a line with the details!

Halloween Trick or Treat Times Washtenaw County

Looks like AnnArbor.com beet me to the punch this year, I had this post ready to go but wanted to verify the times before making it go live.

Need to know when is the best times to go out trick or treating? When houses are giving out candy of course! Check out the local Halloween times for trick or treat in your area.

Ann Arbor: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Chelsea: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Dexter: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Milan: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saline: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ypsilanti: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ypsilanti Township: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Weekend Events Round-up: October 21-23

Looking at the family calendar I KNOW that fall is in full-swing - Between weekend soccer games, Halloween Parties and many other events I am exhausted just thinking about plans for the weekend!  That won't stop us from getting out and about. it's nice to be blessed too with a bevvy of events and activities for the kids.

So what's happening in Ann Arbor for kids this weekend? There is certainly plenty listed on the Ann Arbor Halloween event list or simply take a look at the weekend event planner for details on some great (and often free) activities happening around town.

Friday, October 21:

• Want to introduce your toddler to arts and crafts without making a mess around your own home? Town Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is having a My First Scissor Activity 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kids as young as 4 years old can practice fine motor skills on simple paper patterns and use the glue stick and wiggly eyes to turn these clever cut-outs into abstract art or amazing animals. 
• Children and families are welcome for tea and petits fours served by real-life fairies at the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore (114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor) at 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $11 although babies 18 months and under are free. Reservations are suggested for this event.
• Halloween Hullabaloo with Saline Parks & Recreation 5:30-8:00 p.m.
• Monster Mash Bash at Ypsilanti Township Parks & Recreation 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Love to make little cakes, specifically cupcakes? Then stop by the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) from 7:00-8:30 p.m. to see if your decorating skills are good enough make the grade. Judges will pick favorites in different age categories and we all get to eat them when we're done! This free teen event is a must for your teens in 4th grade and older.

Saturday, October 22:

• Take a trip down the tracks at the Southern Michigan Railroad annual Fall Color Tour.
• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this week is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
• Sensory Sensitive Cinemas at Rave Ann Arbor (4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) at 10:00 a.m.
• Take in the beautiful fall color while enjoying a guided nature hike through Scio Woods Preserve 10:00 a.m. - Noon. This is a free event for the family.
• Head over to the Matthei Botanical Gardens for a Halloween Spooktacular for some fun with pumpkins 10:00 a.m. -noon.
• Get crafts by decorating a Halloween shirt at Michaels 10:00 a.m. - noon.
• Moms, dads and even the kids will enjoy making a mess elsewhere during the Pumpkin Painting Party at Learning Express Ann Arbor (2465 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor) - Be sure to sign-up ahead of time for 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. the cost is only $3 for materials.
• Celebrate National Teen Read Week’s Picture This by going on a photography scavenger hunt for historic architectural features in downtown Ypsilanti with the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) Pair up with other teens for the hunt but bring your own digital camera, phone and USB cable, or reserve a camera by calling the Youth Desk at 482-4110 ext. 1390.
• Dress warmly and head out for spooktacular fun during Belleville Denton Cemetary (3rd and Main St., Belleville) tour. Learn about the Belleville area's first families including Civil War heroes, revel in cemetery architecture and take home your very own gravestone rubbing. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Tickets for adults are $8, and children from the ages of 5 through 12 years old are $5. Children under the age of 5 receive free admission.  
• Transform yourself into a fierce Pirate by creating a one-of-a-kind eye patch at tree Town Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd.,  Ann Arbor) 2:00-5:00 p.m. for only $1.
• Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Fans got a sneak peek at weekend events when learning about the Toys R Us (3725 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor) Beyblade Tournament from 2:00-4:00 p.m. earlier in the week.

Sunday, October 23:

• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
• It should be nice enough to enjoy Halloween Fun at Hudson Mills at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
• Has your daughter begged for some of cool bottle cap jewelry? She can make her own at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 2:00-5:00 p.m. for only $1.

Free DSO Halloween Concert

Want to take the kids to enjoy the DSO for free? On October 29, (4) free tickets can be yours to the Halloween performance at the Max Fisher Center.

The first performance of the day at 10:00 a.m., Rock O’Ween,  featured the four Metro Detroit moms of Candy Band to bring you a spooktacular treat. Nursery rhymes will never be the same again! Come and listen as they play children’s songs with a rock twist.

At 11:00 a.m., families can enjoy the Thrills & Chills Young People’s Concert featuring Frank Oden. Bring your little ghosts and hobgoblins for some symphonic entertainment, scary tunes and traditional music for the whole family. Poet and actor Frank Olden will accompany the orchestra with poetry readings befitting Halloween as he takes the stage in his finest, scariest costumery.

During the event, the kids can even check out  a live bat display courtesy of the Organization for Bat Conservation at Cranbrook Institute of Science. All of this can be yours free!

DSO Halloween Concert
October 29, 2011
Max M. Fisher Music Center
3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit MI

To reserve your FREE ticket be sure to head to the DSO Halloween website.

Halloween Spooktacular at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Dress up in your best costume and have a scary good time at the Halloween Spooktacular at Matthaei Boatical Gardens, October 22, 10:00 a.m. - noon! Paint pumpkins and gourds, scoop out pumpkins for pumpkin seed treats, make paper masks and decorations, and finish up with cookies and roasted pumpkin seeds!

The event is $7 per child. To register call 734.647.7600 or register online.

Happy Halloween!

Wishing all families around Ann Arbor a safe and Happy Halloween celebration - From my family to yours...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Halloween Safety Tips

I found a read a very informatitive, helpful document from the City of Ann Arbor Police Services regarding Halloween that I would like to pass along. In general, trick-or-treating this year may take place in neighborhoods on Saturday, Oct. 31 between 5-8:00 p.m. we're lucky too, since this year, Halloween is on a weekend, so some families can start a little earlier than in past years!

Halloween is the children's night for tricks and treats … ghosts and goblins … haunts and horrors. Unfortunately, some of the horrors are all too real. Every year, on Halloween, many children suffer from auto accidents, fire injuries, falls, cuts, bruises or poisoned treats. Be aware and be informed so your children can have a safe, enjoyable Halloween. Supervise your children's evening, and stay in neighborhoods that are well-lit and familiar. Here are more precautions to help keep your Halloween happy.

RISKY ROADWAYS
• Children become careless from excitement and may run into the road - Watch your children closely!
• Dusk is the time of poorest visibility for drivers - Try to Trick or Treat while it is still
daylight.
• Choose a costume that is easy to walk in, easy to see out of and can be seen by car drivers.
• If the Trick or Treating lasts into the night, wear a light colored costume.
• Use reflective tape on the costume for additional visibility.

DANGEROUS DRESS
• Loose costumes, oversized bags or unsafe shoes can cause falls or accidents.
• Masks reduce vision.
• Sharp or pointed toy weapons are unsafe.
• If wearing a mask, choose one that is cool, comfortable and easy to see out of. Take off the mask before crossing the street. Better yet, wear make-up instead of a mask.

FRIGHTFUL FLAMES
• Billowing costumes are dangerous around an open flame.
• Flowing false-hair wigs are unsafe around candles.
• Wigs and costumes should be of non-flammable materials.
• Use a flashlight. It makes children more visible and lights their way.

TREACHEROUS TREATS
• It's sad, but true, that some people wish to cause harm. Treats must be checked for potential poisoning or unsafe objects.
• Unpackaged items such as popcorn or small candies should be DISCARDED.
• Candy with loose or torn wrappings should be DISCARDED.
• If you should discover anything wrong with the "TREATS" brought home, report it to law enforcement so that other parents may be warned and the people responsible caught.

Wishing all of my readers a safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Trick-Or-Treat & Crafts Too!

Hey all you Ann Arbor families, I have a new FREE alert for you. On Saturday, October 31st from 10 a.m.-Noon take your children to any local Michael's craft stores for a Halloween celebration.

Pick up your FREE trick or treat pail, plus enjoy a FREE coloring activity, FREE Crayola pencil topper demo with Crayola Model Magic Fusion and Make-it Take It Halloween frame. Children also will receive a FREE ballon and candy. Remember, these events are available while supplies last, so attend the Halloween Event early!

Michael's - 3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48104

View Location on the Map
(734) 975-6774

Michael's - 41904 Ford Rd., Canton MI 48187

View Location on the Map
(734) 981-6578

Community-wide Halloween events - Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti & Saline

There are plenty of fun, safe, and FREE family Halloween celebrations in communities throughout Washtenaw County, specifically in communities surrounding Ann Arbor. Highlighted are three local Halloween celebrations in downtown Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Saline.

Friday, October 30th:

Downtown Ann Arbor Treat Parade - 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Main Street Area Association, the Ann Arbor Treat Parade allows costumed children and their parents to stroll downtown Ann Arbor and pick up treats from businesses that display holiday balloons. The event takes place in businesses along Main, Liberty, Fourth, and Washington street areas. For more information call 734-668-7112.

Ypsilanti Halloween Festival - 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Children from around the Ann Arbor region are invited to enjoy games, prizes, contests and of course, free candy at the annual Ypsilanti Halloween Festival. This year, families have an opportunity to give as well, by bringing canned goods to the downtown Ypsilanti District Library to donate to SOS. The event takes place in the Ypsilanti District Library Park at North and South Washington Streets in downtown Ypsilanti - Michigan Avenue will not be closed this year, instead the Ypsilanti Volunteer Service Corps will be on hand to help supervised children cross Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti website.

While you’re enjoying the Downtown Ypsilanti Halloween Festival, stop into the YDL downtown library and listen to a slightly scary storytime at 4:30 p.m.!

Saturday, October 31st:

City of Saline Halloween Boo Bash - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
The streets of Downtown Saline will be crowded with witches, power rangers, princesses and fireman at the local Halloween street party, the Halloween Boo Bash in downtown Saline. It is an old fashion family celebration with tricks and treats, games, and music. The event takes place in downtown Saline in Parking Lot #1 behind the Saline Chamber of Commerce.

Great Halloween Happenings Throughout the Area!

AnnArbor.com has collected quite the list of great local Halloween Events for kids and adults of all ages - Beginning this weekend through October 31. Be sure to check out the AnnArbor.com Halloween Guide!

Events: Making Halloween Mobile

When we think of October, most of us think of cider and donuts, colorful fall leaves, hayrides and Halloween. I think of candy, kids, scary stories, activities and modes of transportation…

“Wait, what did you say," you ask, “Modes of transportation?”

“Why yes, thanks for asking!”

This Halloween enjoy family friendly events from train rides to a trick or treat journey down the Huron River - For Mummy's, Daddy's and on-the-go families these make for the perfect ghoulishly good time!

The City of Ann Arbor has come up with another fun family event. On Sunday, October 25 your family can experience the Huron River in a whole new way by trick-or-treating by canoe or kayak! Come to the Argo Canoe Livery between noon and 4 p.m. to enjoy the splendor of the Huron River in all its fall beauty while stopping along the way to collect candy and drink swamp muck given out by costumed characters on the banks of the river. The fee is $22 per boat with no pre-registration required. For details call 734.662.9319.

Not far from Ann Arbor are two trains offering family Halloween experiences - The Pumpkin Express in Blissfield and the Hobo Halloween Train in Walled Lake.

On October 24, hop on-board the rails of the Pumpkin Express with donuts, Halloween candy, apple cider and seasonal activities on board. What a unique and fun way for young families to celebrate the Halloween season, and is a perfect outing for grandparents and grandkids, too. This seasonal special train runs once yearly, so don’t miss the fun, call (888) 467-2451 for information or visit the Blissfield Railroad website.

Rail Entertainment USA offers 25th Annual Hobo Halloween Trains. Children of all ages should wear a favorite costume for great Halloween family fun with the “Wacky Witch Revue” on a one hour “Hobo Halloween Express Train”. See the “Dead Man’s Diner” and “Haunted Railcar” along with fall colors and the graceful elegance of Woodpecker Lake. Dine on traditional snacks along with season favorites including “Frankenstein Franks”, “Spider Cider”, “Caramel Apples” and “Deadly Donuts”. Reservations are highly recommended as seating is provided to guests holding confirmed reservations. Halloween Trains run various weekend days throughout October, for more information, call Rail Entertainment USA at (248) 960-9440 or visit the Rail Entertainment website.



Photo: Wachy Witch Revue courtesy of Theatre Arts Productions.