Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer a number of fun and exciting things to do around Halloween, from the perennial favorite, "Boo at the Zoo" to the Enchanted Forest at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.
Boo at the Zoo
(courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)
Always a sell-out, "Boo at the Zoo," offers families a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Designed for children ages 3-11 and their parents, this event at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, is set up with different candy stations throughout the park. Guests are encouraged to wear fun (not scary) costumes and there will be refreshments and live entertainment. The event is October 16-19 and 23 - 26 (2008)from 530pm - 830pm. Visit the zoo website to reserve tickets.
Great Pumpkin Express
(Courtesy of Ohio Dept of Travel and Tourism)
Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to get into the Halloween spirit. The train departs October 25 and 26(2008) at 1030am from Akron's Northside Station or at 1225pm from the Rockside Road Station and features a costume contest, treats and mini-pumpkins for kids, and a maze and scavenger hunt in the park. Adults are $25; Seniors $20; and Children 3-12 $12. Children under 3 are free. Call 800 468-4070 or 330 657-2000 for reservations.
Haunted Tours
(© 2005; Courtesy of Franklin Castle Club)
Cleveland has a wealth of eerie and interesting (haunted?) sites, from cemeteries to Gothic houses to classic theaters. The city also offers a variety of guided tours to share with you the stories of the sites. Follow the link for a list of Northeast Ohio's most interesting "haunted" tours.
Halloweekends at Cedar Point
(Courtesy of Cedar Point)
Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from September 12 to November 2 (2008), Cedar Point transforms itself into a eerie, haunted park. Attractions during Halloweekends include spooky characters and fun monsters roaming the grounds, Spooktacular live entertainment, the all-new Fear Faire, Camp Spooky, and more for guests of all ages. There's also the "Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade" each Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. Halloweekend hours are Fridays from 6pm - midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from 11am - 8pm. Admission is $25.95 for adults on Fridays and $43.99 for adults on Saturdays and Sundays, and $19.99 for juniors and seniors.
Hayride and Harvest Moonlight Tours at Malabar Farm
(© istockphoto; Licensed to About, Inc.)
Enjoy 30-minute hayride tours of this sprawling farm and estate, once the home of Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Louis Bromfield. The hayride events are scheduled for October 4, 11, 18, and 25 (2008) from noon to 8pm. The cost is $3 per person.
Northeast Ohio Haunted Houses and Parties
(courtesy of the Toledo CVB)
Northeast Ohio corn mazes, haunted houses, parties, and more. Take a look, if you dare.
Halloween Campouts at the Ohio State Parks
Ohio State Parks in Northeast Ohio are hosting a series of Halloween campouts, with activities such as scary movies, games, trick or treating, live music, and more. Campout dates and locations are listed below:- Mohican State Park - October 17-18; October 24-25
- Beaver Creek State Park - October 4-5 and 17-18
- Kelleys Island State Park - October 11
- Portage Lakes - October 10-12
- Punderson State Park - October 11
