I think back to the days of my own childhood trick-or-treating and can’t believe my mom pretty much just opened the door and told us when to be home. Those days are pretty much gone, and kind of scary to think about now that I’m a mom, too.
I’m not a big fan of going door to door at night due to my years of watching horror movies, and would rather my child not do it, not to mention that she should be in bed by then! I’d rather take her to daytime Halloween events. Luckily, many towns in our area support day-time trick-or treating events.
There are also many businesses, museums and the like that have Halloween events for kids of all ages. The following is a list of some of the day and night time trick or treat alternatives in Fairfield County this month:
Bridgeport
October 17, 23-24, 30-31; Beardsley Zoo’s Howl-O-Ween: This family-oriented event features activities and attractions geared towards older children (8-15) but younger children may also find it fun. For the brave, there are haunted attractions like the The Haunted Hayride, Farmer Beardsley’s Farmstead, and the Ghastly Greenhouse. For the weaker of heart there are activities such as face painting, fortune tellers, dancers and more. 6:30-10 PM, $12 zoo members, $15 non-members.
October 25; Beardsley Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo: Take a harvest hayride while enjoying the Halloween decorations, and then participate in seasonal activities and games – geared towards younger children and not so scary as Howl-O-Ween. Children under 12 and accompanied by an adult get in free, 12–3pm.
Brookfield
October 24 or 25; Tot Town Halloween Party: Bring the kids in their costumes for some play time, a costume parade, pizza, dessert, juice and a Halloween treat. Reservations and payment required for the event ($20 for the 1st child and $18 for siblings), 10am-12:30pm,
Danbury
October 2-31; Stew Leonard’s Halloween Hayride Spooktacular: Take a not-so-spooky, family-friendly hayride featuring holiday decorations, a light show and movie boards showing familiar Halloween-themed movie and television scenes.
October 3, 9,16 & 23; Stew Leonard’s Halloween Hay Bale Theater: A free children’s Halloween-themed movie paired with complimentary drinks and snacks. The movies begin at 7pm with seating opening at 6:30pm.
October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25; Danbury Railway Museum Pumpkin Patch: Wear your costume and ride a vintage train from a restored 1903 station to the pumpkin patch! Every child receives a free pumpkin. Inside the railway museum enjoy free cider and cookies, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, exhibits, operating layouts with working models, and displays.
October 11; Stew Leonard’s Pumpkin Carving Demo: Watch pumpkin carver Lenny Calvin in action!
October 12; Stew Leonard’s Halloween Breakfast with the Characters: Attend a Halloween breakfast with Stew’s characters. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and their will be many photo opportunities. The first breakfast seating is at 9am and the second seating is at 10am. $7.95/each for children 11 & under and $9.95/each for children over the age of 12 and adults. Reserve your spot in advance at Customer Service.
October 29; Trick-or-Treat with the Stew Leonard’s Characters: Trick or treat throughout the store – candy will be given out at different stations along the way – while stopping for photos with some of Stew Leonard’s most famous characters. Bring your own candy bag or use one provided by Stew Leonard’s; 5-6pm
Fairfield
October 25; Fairfield County Mom’s Blog’s A Spooktacular Halloween Costume Party: This event will be great fun for the whole family including music and dancing, Halloween crafts, a spooky mystery station, photo opts, treats for both children and adults. Make sure to purchase tickets today.
October 24-31; The Enchanted Castle: This storybook adventure features a tour of seven fanciful rooms for kids of all ages. $5/person, times vary per day.
New Canaan
October 30; New Canaan Nature Center Halloween Spooktacular: Children and adults can have fun while learning about the creepy, crawlies that remind us of Halloween (spiders, bats, snakes, & more). Be part of a Halloween project, and enjoy smores. Costumes are encouraged. Reservations are suggested; members: $7 per person / Non-Members: $10 per person.
Newtown
October 30-31; Halloween Activities at the Everwonder Museum: Fun, science and learning activities are planned for these days.
Norwalk
October 2, 9,18 & 24; Stew Leonard’s Halloween Hay Bale Theater: A free children’s Halloween-themed movie served with complimentary drinks and snacks. The movies begin at 7pm with seating opening at 6:30pm.
October 2-31; Stew Leonard’s Halloween Hayride Spooktacular: Aka a not-so-spooky, family-friendly hayride featuring holiday decorations, a light show and movie boards.
October 18; Stew Leonard’s Pumpkin Carving Demo: Watch pumpkin carver Lenny Calvin and all of his crazy tools in action from 11am – 4pm! Pumpkin picking is also available.
October 22; Trick-or-Treat with the Stew Leonard’s Characters: Trick or treat throughout the store. Candy will be given out at different stations along the way – while stopping for photo with some of Stew Leonard’s most famous characters. Bring your own candy bag or use one provided by Stew Leonard’s; 5-6pm.
October 31; Aqua-Scarium on Halloween Day at the Maritime Aquarium: Get one free child’s admission (in costume) with each paying adult. Trick-or-treat throughout the decorated galleries of the AquaScarium, participate in activity stations; 11am-3pm.
Rowayton
October 25; Rowayton’s Community Center’s RCA Halloween Celebration: This is an annual event with animals, a corn maze, parade, and trunk-or-treat; 1-4pm.
Stamford
October 25; Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s Trick or Treat on Heckscher Farm: Trick or treat in costume with your favorite farm friends from 1-3pm. Complete a scavenger hunt along the way by following the clues to find the five “trick or treat” stations, stop by the slime table, and create Halloween crafts. Don’t forget your treat bag!
October 31; Halloween Party at Mill River Family Nature Club: From 12-3pm, the park will be transformed into a Halloween Fun Zone with trick-or-treating along the West River Path leading to a party in the playground. Don’t miss the spooky costumed performers, music, and a craft station. Don’t forget your costume!
What other Trick or Treat alternative events are you looking forward to attending this year?
