October is all about Halloween! There are tons of fun Halloween activities around the City this month. We tend to prefer the family-friendly events that will be fun for a toddler. Thus, here are my October top 5 activities for kids and parents.
China Lights | Website
When: Tuesday-Sundays through October 21st, 5:30-9:00PM
Where: Boerner Botanical Gardens
What: Panda-Mania will illuminate the grounds of Boerner Botanical Gardens with 45 new lantern displays, exciting performances, cultural displays, food, beverages, and more! This is the third tour of the renowned international lantern festival in Wisconsin. Tickets sold out early last year so plan ahead and get your tickets soon!
Admission/Tickets: Varies on if you’re a Zoo Pass member and size of your family.
25th Annual Halloween Glen | Website
When: Friday, October 12th, 6-9:00PM
Where: Elegant Farmer (Miltown Moms also has an awesome Apple Picking Guide with other locations)
What: This humorous and educational outdoor adventure is a great alternative to the usual Halloween events. Actors will present interactive skits along the luminary-lighted trails of Hawthorn Glen nature center. Families can also make craft projects, watch Halloween cartoons and enjoy refreshments. The event is geared to kids ages 3-12.
Admission/Tickets: $6/person for Halloween Glen and $3/person for the Tyke Hike
Pumpkin Decorating Party | Website
When: Friday, October 19th (4:30-6:30PM) or Sunday, October 21st (1:30-3:30PM)
Where: Little Sprouts Play Cafe
What: Perfect for even the littlest of ghouls. Little Sprouts will supply a pumpkin for each child guest to decorate with paint, glitter, gemstones, and more. No sharp tools involved! In addition to pumpkin time and open play, we’ll also provide some Halloween snacks and will have a cookie decorating station. In the background, we’ll play the silly Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest movie. This event sounds like the perfect toddler-friendly Halloween celebration!
Admission/Tickets: $20 per child – which includes your pumpkin!
Halloween Spooktacular | Website
When: October 19th, 6-9PM and October 20th, 9AM-9PM
Where: Milwaukee Co. Zoo
What: Trick-or-treat through the zoo, march in the costume parade and join in ghoulishly fun activities. This year the Zoo has two different Halloween Events. Boo-at-the-Zoo is a paid event that requires tickets in advance. Halloween Spooktacular is a free family-friendly Halloween event with your paid admission to the Zoo. P.S. If you’re heading to the Zoo, make sure you stop by and meet the new baby Red Panda cub, Dr. Lily. She is ADORABLE. (Yes, the Red Panda exhibit is our favorite)
Admission/Tickets: Free event with paid admission to the Zoo
Ghosts Under Glass at The Domes | Website
When: Friday, October 26th, 6-9PM
Where: 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215
What: The Friends of the Domes is introducing a new event this year to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). While this Mexican celebration occurs around the same time of year as Halloween, it is a completely different holiday with rich symbolism and traditions that appeal to people young and old. The Desert Dome will be filled with cheerful candlelight, orange marigolds, and colorful decorations. View traditional ofrendas located throughout the Domes. Guests will enjoy a mariachi band and dancing in the Show Dome. Children will enjoy free crafts such as creating artistic marigolds, painting sugar skulls, or for a fee of $5 building a skull garden. They can interact with and have photos taken with characters in costume. The evening will be infused with educational opportunities to learn about this rich cultural event that is quickly gaining popularity all over the country.
Admission/Tickets: $8 per person (ages two and under are free) They are highly recommending advance purchase of tickets.
Have a great October!