Halloween is almost upon us, and I for one couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for something a little out-of-the-ordinary to do with the family this year, why not check out one of these great programs at a local museum?
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village
You’ll visit the Village in all its Halloween finery — with 800 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns, colorful characters, and all the sights and sounds of a turn of the (20th) century Halloween. Feel free to come in costume, and be sure to bring your camera. There will be 11 themed treat stations for the little ones. Remember, it’s a big village, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing, dress warmly, and bring a flashlight.
Prices for non-members are $15 adult or youth, and $12.75 for members. Children 2 and younger are free. Parking costs $5. Greenfield Village is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn. Call 313-982-6001 or see their website for further information. Time slots are available every half hour from 6:30 pm to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Sunday. You can buy tickets online at www. hfmgv.org.
10th Annual Treats in the Streets at the Detroit Historical Museum
Children aged 3 through 12 are invited to wear their costumes and go trick-or-treating through the Streets of Old Detroit, the permanent exhibit of 19th and 20th century shop settings that is a memorable part of any visit to the Detroit Historical Museum.
Children 5 through 12 are also invited to participate in the “Get That Ghoul” scavenger hunt and enjoy the “Ha Ha Halloween” show with ventriloquist Richard Paul.
The event takes place on Sunday, October 30 from noon to 3 pm. The museum is located at 5401 Woodward, Detroit. Admission to the museum is $6 for adults, and $4 for children 5 through 17 and for seniors. For this event, children 12 and younger, in costume, will be admitted free. Detroit Historical Society members always receive free admission. Call 313-833-1805 for more information, or see their website, www.detroithistorical.org.
Halloween Science at Cranbrook Institute of Science
This annual one-day event is simply not to be missed. You’ll see Dr. Kelp present his Zombie research, explore science demo stations (glowing rocks, dry ice, liquid nitro stations), participate in a scavenger hunt, and even go trick-or-treating. Be sure to visit the vampire bats at Cranbrook’s Bat Station while you’re there, and be certain not to miss the trebuchet!
Pre-Registration ends at noon on Friday, so don’t delay if you want to catch this event. Pre-registration prices are $16 per child and $5 for accompanying adult. (Or $13 and $2 if you’re a member.) Tickets will cost you an additional $3 if you pay at the door, and you won’t be guaranteed a goodie bag. The museum is located at 39221 N. Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. The event takes place from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, October 29. Further information at 248-645-3200 or at www.science.cranbrook.edu.
The Zoo Boo
The Detroit Zoo is always a fun trip, and Halloween is no exception. The theme of the Zoo Boo is “merry-not-scary” so you can feel safe taking even your littlest ones. There will be a half mile treat trail, with 12 treat stations with goodies for the kids. The Zoo Boo Revue Tent features live entertainment, and there’s also a Ghouly Games tent. You may want to visit the Haunted Reptile House, but the entire zoo isn’t open. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The Zoo has a new carousel this year, which will be available during the Zoo Boo for an additional charge of $2. It has 33 hand-carved, hand-painted creatures, including mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles, and they’re all dressed up for Halloween.
You can also (for an additional $4 charge) attend the screening of the “4D” pirate adventure, The Curse of Skull Rock. (I think 4D means the seats shimmy and such.)
The Zoo Boo is being held Friday through Sunday. Tickets are available for half-hour time slots at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30. Tickets are $7 for ages 2 and up. If a particular time slot has not sold out, tickets may be available at the gate for $10. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak. You can get additional information by calling 248-541-5717 or on their website, www.detroitzoo.org.
The Museum Mystery Tour at the Detroit Institute of Arts
This is not a special exhibit, but a self-guided tour through the museum, and they have decorated the museum a little with eerie lighting and spooky sounds. Costumes are encouraged. The event is recommended for ages 6 and older and is free with museum admission. The Mystery Tours take place on Friday from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 pm.
The Detroit institute of Arts is located at 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Admission is $8 adult, $6 for senior citizens, $5 for college students with ID, and $4 for youth aged 6 to 17. Children aged 5 and younger are free, as are Members. Detroit residents are admitted free on Fridays, with proof of residency. More information is available at 313-833-7900 or on the website, www.dia.org.