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 18-21 and 25-28 (2007)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 from the Rockside Road Station. The train departs October 20, 21, 27, and 28 (2007) at 1015am 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.
Giant Corn Maze at Lake Farmpark
(© Flickr user Ariel Amanda/cc license)
The Giant corn maze sets up at Lake Farmpark on weekends from October 12th to the 27th (2007). In addition to the maze, the festivities include hayrides, live entertainment, and food. The event is open from 6pm to 9pm and costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children 3-12. Children under 3 are free and Lake County residents receive $1 off admission prices. Call 440 256-2158 for tickets and details. New in 2007, a 1/2 mile haunted trail.
Halloweekends at Cedar Point
(Courtesy of Cedar Point)
Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from September 14 to October 28 (2007), 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. New for 2007 is the "Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade" each Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. Halloweekend hours are Fridays from 6pm - 11pm, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from 10am - 8pm. Admission is $24.95 for adults on Fridays and $41.95 for adults on Saturdays and Sundays, and $11.95 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 6 and 13 (2007) from noon to 8pm. The cost is $2 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:- West Branch State Park - October 12 and 13
- Mohican State Park - October 12 and 13; October 19 and 20
- Beaver Creek State Park - October 19
- Kelleys Island State Park - October 19
