While your little monsters might sometimes confuse costumes with clothing, there’s still something special about getting all gussied up for Halloween. Here are our favorite spots for the small set to sport their costumes, get crafty, and scare up some serious fun this year.
Boo at the Zoo
Your kids won’t be the only characters at the Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., October 18, 19, 25, and 26. During the Zoo’s annual family Halloween festival, favorite kid characters, including Lily Mouse, the Berenstein Bears, Stellaluna, and Zhu Zhu the giant panda will be on hand for pictures, in between the special Halloween games, crafts, costume contests, and DJ dance party. Oh, and there are animals. Thousands of them!
Details: Boo at the Zoo, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30315, 404.624.5600, Admission is free for Zoo Members and children under 3, $22 for adults, $17 for kids ages 3-17
Historic Halloween at Atlanta History Center
Head to the History Center for Magic Monday on October 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a guided tour of the grounds, participate in arts and crafts, and catch a seasonal story during story time. Don’t forget the costumes, and rest assured, there will be parading, games and contests, and trick or treating throughout the museum.
Details: Historic Halloween at Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, 404.814.4110, Members are admitted for free, admission is $6.50 adults and $5.50 children
Fernbank BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat
As if the giant dinosaur skeletons aren’t spooky enough, on Saturday, October 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fernbank will turn into Halloween Central, replete with spooky jams, face painting, games, crafts, and treats for costumed kiddos.
Details: Fernbank BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat, 767 Clifton Rd., NE, Members are admitted for free, admission is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12, and free for children ages 2 and under adults, $13 for kids ages 3-12
Georgia A-Scary-Um
Nothing says Halloween like spider crabs and bat fish. On October 31st from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and November 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., deck the kiddos out in their scariest costumes and head to the Aquarium, where they’ll enjoy trick-or-treating, crafts, story-telling, photo stations, and general aquatic spookiness. Best of all? The Aquarium will be open late, until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, and all kids ages 12 and under in costume get in free with a paid adult or annual pass holder.
Details: Georgia A-Scary-Um, 225 Baker St NW, 404-581-4000, Free for members, $32 for adults, $26 for children ages 3-12
Halloween Storytime and Parade, Little Shop of Stories
On Sunday, October 26th at 3:00 p.m., Little Shop of Stories in Decatur brings characters to life during their annual Halloween Storytime. The littles will enjoy treats, delightful (not too frightful) Halloween stories, and a front-of-the-sidewalk view of the Homegrown Decatur Halloween Parade.
Details: Halloween Storytime and Parade, Little Shop of Stories, 133A East Court Square, Decatur, 404-373-6300, Admission is free
Goblins in the Garden
Are your littles especially proud of their costumes this year? Head to the Garden on Sunday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to let them strut their stuff on a Goblin Runway! While you’re there, catch a spooky story told by Battina the Friendly Witch, ride a pony, cruise around on the Halloween train, and participate in fall-themed crafts. Don’t miss the current Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit while you’re there!
Details: Goblins in the Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, 404-876-5859, Admission is free for members, $18.95 for adults, $12.95 for children (3 to 12), free for members and children under 3
Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain
Here’s a recipe for a spectacularly spooky family Halloween (October 31st, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.): take one mansion decked out in Halloween finery, add one organist cranking out tunes from Phantom, and sprinkle in LEGO building tables, a carved pumpkin contest, and door-to-door trick or treating. Top with a cash bar, garnish with food trucks, and enjoy!
Details: Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain, $4 per person online, $5 per person at the door, 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, 404-872-5338
Where will you and your little monsters scare up some fun this Halloween? Share with us in the comments section below!
—Shelley Massey
Photos courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta via Facebook and zarzoso and Lance McCord on Creawtive Commons via Flickr
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