Unique Halloween events in Indianapolis you should know
I'm all for the traditional Halloween fun: The costumes, the candy, the door-to-door'ness of trick or treating. But as my kids have gotten older, they're searching for something a little different. A little unique if you will. And figuring other CityMoms may be in the same boat, I've been keeping a running list this year and thought it high-time to share.
Here's an interesting list of unique Halloween-ish events in Indianapolis you just might not know about:
1. Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
Date{s}: October 17-20, and 24-27, 6-10pmLocation: Conner Prairie Interactive Historic Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, FishersA long-standing favorite activity of ours each season, I'm always pleasantly surprised to introduce the Conner Prairie Headless Horseman experience to new visitors or friends who come in town. This isn't set up as your typical Halloween activity: CP puts on all the bells and whistles with an expansive green of activities from scare-e-oke to pumpkin bowling, interactive potions tents, puppet shows and more. Warm food, spooky storytelling and an incredible, 12-acre corn maze only accent the main star of the show - the Headless Horseman who may or may not haunt the event's signature hayride. Read more coverage on theCityMoms blog here!
Tickets are free for Conner Prairie members on select dates; $17+ admission for non-members.
2. The Rangeline Crossing Trick or Treat
Date: October 24, 5:30-7:30pmLocation: Rangeline Crossing shopping center, located at 116th and Westfield RoadsJoin the Rangeline Crossing shopping center for a fun and safe Halloween Celebration! Kids 10 and under can enjoy Trick-or-Treating at Rangeline Crossing shops and restaurants. Activities include a balloon artist and face painting by Abracadabra, magician from Funnie & Friends: Absolutely Fantastic Parties for Kids, live music from Hit Locker, and a free photo booth by DeFabis Photography. Free to attend!
3. Halloween Moonlight Egg Hunt at Broad Ripple Park
Date: October 25, 7-8:30pmLocation: Broad Ripple Park, 1500 Broad Ripple Avenue, IndianapolisThis Indy Parks and Recreation event is sold out {and sells out every year} but it doesn't hurt to have on your radar in case you see extra tickets pop up. Dare to venture out into the moonlight for a monster egg hunt - search for plastic eggs with candy and prizes inside - games, crafts, refreshments, and a howling great time! Be sure you bring a flashlight and dress appropriately. Cost: $10 per child.
ANOTHER DON'T MISS HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY:
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis "Hotel of Spells" Haunted House is a go, go, go
4. Boo Bash, presented by Fishers Parks
Date: October 26, 10am-1pmLocation: Central Green, downtown FishersAfter making a recent move to daytime hours, this year's event includes even more trick or treating at over 60 local business and City of Fishers department booths. Boo Bash also plays host to: Teal Pumpkin Project booths providing non-food items for children with food allergies and special needs; a digital scavenger hunt on the free Play Fishers mobile app with great prizes; a spooky display of jack-o-lanterns carved by the community at our Boo Bash Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza; fun inflatables including a corn maze; a Sensory Area inside the Pavilion between City Hall and the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater for children and families with special needs. Cost: Free.
5. The Indianapolis Colts Kids' Horseshoe Halloween Party
Date: October 23, 4:30-8pmLocation: Lucas Oil Stadium, downtown IndianapolisCome celebrate the spookiest time of the year at the Horseshoe Halloween Party! All Colts kids and their families are invited to Lucas Oil Stadium for trick-or-treating, costume contests, player and cheerleader autographs, inflatables, Halloween games, and more. While online General Admission tickets are sold out, the Colts will release a limited number of walk up tickets available at the Will Call windows at the SE Gate of Lucas Oil Stadium beginning 3:30 PM, Wednesday, October 23. Cost: Free.
6. Irvington Ghost Tours
Date: October weekends, 7pmLocation: Irvington Theater, Irvington neighborhood, IndianapolisOooh child, from theCityMoms who have partaken in these, we've heard nothing but how spooky and fitting-for-the-Halloween-season they are. Billed as the 'most haunted community,' attendees are invited for a spirited walking tour through Irvington of more than 10 sites, and to hear all the ghostly stories and tales. This is recommended for adults only or mature teens. Best part? These are offered as an enhancement to the larger Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. Cost: $20/pp.
7. Safe Night Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Date: October 31, 5-7pmLocation: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., IndianapolisNot much info is available online about this 24th annual event, but from theCityMoms who have attended, they rave about the organization and support of this midtown event. More than 20 community partners will be on site to give families a safe place to Trick or Treat, at the backdrop of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Cost: Free to attend.
8. Carmel Clay Parks Sensory-Friendly Trick-Or-Treat Walk
Date: October 19, 1-3pmLocation: Central Park - East Groves Building, CarmelIf trick-or-treat is difficult for your kiddo, Carmel Clay Parks have a great solution: A Sensory Friendly Trick-or-Treat Walk where friendly volunteers will be dressed-up without scary or frightening masks or costumes along Central Park Trails. Go as fast or as leisurely as you need while you enjoy this festive fall experience. Only trick or treaters need to be registered, but pre-registration is required. $5/child.And a non-traditional, not-quite-Halloween, but so in-the-'spirit' event we have to shout because you. need. to. go:
Eiteljorg Museum's Day of the Dead Celebration
Date:October 26, 10am-5pmLocation: Eiteljorg Museum, downtown IndianapolisCelebrate Dia de Muertos {Day of the Dead} at the Eiteljorg Museum with partner Nopal Cultural (an Indianapolis Latino arts and culture organization) and enjoy FREE admission! Watch musical and dance performances, create art, shop at the Mercado (marketplace), meet artists-in-residence Richard Gabriel Jr. and Ricardo Serment, take a selfie with a Catrina and so much more. This annual celebration is fun for the entire family!
K tell us, what other unique Halloween activities are on your list this year? Spill to us on Twitter!
