Break out the costumes and the glow-in-the-dark candy buckets. It’s time to help your kids score big this Halloween. Metro Detroit has a lot of Halloween events going on, and we’ve picked some of the best family-friendly ones out there.
From trick-or-treating to movies to crafts, these events offer something different for everyone, so mark your calendars for Halloween fun.
1. Halloween Trick or Treat, Grosse Pointe
If you’re close to Grosse Pointe, head over to the Village on October 31 for a spooky good time. Halloween Trick or Treat runs from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. along Kercheval Avenue between Cadieux and Neff. Bring your kids, dressed in their Halloween costumes for an afternoon of fun.
Local businesses will hand out candy and treats to youngsters. The event is free and open to the public. It’s hosted by the City of Grosse Pointe Parks and Recreation Department and the Downtown Development Authority.
2. Downtown Trick or Treat, Belleville
Western Wayne County residents can head to Belleville on October 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for some family-friendly trick-or-treating. Businesses along Main Street will pass out candy to eager trick-or-treaters. There will also be a costume contest at the 4th Street Square.
The event is free and is hosted by the businesses of downtown Belleville and the City of Belleville.
3. Pumpkin Palooza, Plymouth
Picturesque downtown Plymouth is hosting its annual Pumpkin Palooza on Sunday, October 23 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will be games and prizes, costume contests for pets and kids, live entertainment, and lots of candy. All ages are welcome at this free event, and attendees are encouraged to wear their costumes.
4. Spooktacular, Royal Oak
Downtown Royal Oak is once again hosting Spooktacular, now in its 33rd year. The event is sponsored by the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority and will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 30. Between 4,000 and 5,000 people are expected to join the Halloween fun.
Main Street will close between Second and Fourth streets to provide a safe place for kids to trick-or-treat from more than 60 local businesses. In addition to trick-or-treating, the event will feature a giant inflatable slide, an obstacle course, and free arts and crafts.
Live music performed by Popsicle Plus, the Dave Hamilton Band, and students from The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music.
5. Halloween Fun, Downtown Rochester
On Saturday, October 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rochester will host a variety of fun events for families. First up is trick-or-treating from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ghouls and goblins are invited to trick-or-treat at some of Rochester’s spookiest merchants.
A costume parade will start at 5:15 p.m. at the corner of water Street and University. Kids will march down Water Street to the Fire Department with the help of some spooky Halloween songs.
From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Firehouse Fun takes the stage. The Rochester Fire Department will host kids craft, a movie, and a spaghetti dinner to help area youth. Tickets for the dinner will be on sale at the event. The price is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For more information, click here.
6. Zoo Boo, Detroit Zoo
Zoo Boo is the Detroit Zoo’s “merry-not-scary” Halloween celebration. The event will be held on October 14-16 and October 21-23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Time slots for the event are marked at every half hour. Advance tickets are $9 per person, ages two and older. Tickets at the gate are $13 and will only be sold from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Parking is $6 per car. You can purchase tickets online here.
Zoo Boo includes live entertainment, jugglers, extreme pumpkin carving demonstrations, and a trick-or-treat trail. You’ll need to bring your own bag for candy. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to see the animals at this event. Many of the habitats are closed after dark. Zoo Boo is a rain or shine event, so head out even if it’s raining.
7. Hallowe’en, Greenfield Village
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village promises to be a spooky fun event. It takes place from October 20-23 and 27-30. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 8: p.m., depending on the day. Over 1,000 carved jack-o’-lanterns will haunt the village. You’ll follow this trail of glowing pumpkins and meet classic costumed characters like the Headless Horseman. Dancing skeletons, witches, and wizards will also happen along your path.
Vaudeville acts like sword-swallowing and fire-breathing will also be featured. There will be treat stations, live music, snacks, and dramatic performances.
Tickets for non-members are $16 for adults and children. Kids under two are free. Parking is $6 per vehicle for non-members. Members may attend the event for $13.75 and park for free. Time slots for the event are every half hour. Purchase your tickets online here.
8. Haunted Halloween Family Party, Arab American Museum
If you’re looking for another “merry-not-scary” event for the family, check out the Haunted Halloween Family Party at the Arab American Museum. The party is on Saturday, October 29, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per child for museum members and $7 per child for the general public. Adults receive free admission to the party. Purchase your tickets to the party here.
Party events include seasonal craft activists, games, a meal, and trick-or-treating in the galleries. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their costumes. Adults are welcomed to join in the holiday spirit by wearing their costumes.
9. Spooky Saturday, North Rosedale Park Civic Center
On Saturday, October 29, the North Rosedale Community House Parking Lot will become a trick-or-treat paradise for families. Trunk or Treat will run from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot. Admission is free, so bring your costumes and bags for some fun.
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. attendees will move inside to watch Hotel Transylvania. Admission to the movie is free, though concessions will be available to purchase. The suggested age for this movie is babies to 12 years old.
At 8:45 p.m., things will get a little scarier. A second movie, Lights Out, will play until 10 p.m. Admission to this movie is free, and the suggested age of viewers is 13 years and older.
10. Treats in the Streets
Join the Detroit Historical Museum on Sunday, October 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for some trick-or-treat fun. Children 12 years old and younger can trick-or-treat in the Streets of Old Detroit, enjoy free refreshments, and make a Halloween craft to take home.
During the event, there will be magic performances by The Amazing Clark as well as a comedy Halloween show. Families can also test their detective skills by joining in the ghoulish history hunt for the chance to win a fun prize.
Both parents and kids are encouraged to come in costume. Admission to the museum and the event is free. However, parking fees will apply.
