KIDS

Halloween events for Arizona kids

Wendy Killeen, The Republic | azcentral.com
Balloon Spooktacular at Salt River Fields lights up the night sky.

Looking for the perfect family Halloween event? Here's our roundup of the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes and trick-or-treat opportunities in the Valley.

Through 11/6: Fall Festival and Corn Maze

Vertuccio Farms in Mesa hosts its annual fall festival. Admission includes a 7-acre corn maze, giant jumping pad, tube slides, a miniature hay maze, hop-along ponies, a spider-web climb, duck races, a petting zoo and a barrel train and tractor train ride.

Details: Through Nov. 6. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. $9; free for age 2 or younger. 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-882-1482, vertucciofarms.com.

Through 10/30: Pumpkin and Chili Parties 

From a forest zip line, dog shows and pig races, to hayrides and carnival fun, there is plenty to enjoy at this Southeast Valley destination. Enjoy a bowl of fresh chili or succotash, pick a pumpkin to decorate or get lost in the 4 acre corn maze. 

Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 30. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $18 tickets plus tax at the gate, $15 if purchased at all Fry’s Food Stores; some activities extra. 480-987-3100, schnepffarms.com

Through 11/6: Tolmachoff Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days

Pick out a pumpkin (prices vary) and weave through a 6-acre corn maze. Admission includes the mini-maze, petting zoo, jumping pillow, play areas and bounce house. Also available for additional cost are food vendors and weekend train rides. 

Details: Through Nov. 6. Hours vary. 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. $10 for age 2 or older; $2 for train rides. 602-999-3276, tolmachoff-farms.com.

Through 10/31: Mother Nature's Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch

All month, Mother Nature’s Farm hosts a family-friendly pumpkin-patch event. Admission includes a pumpkin, a bag of stickers, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, a hayride and Alexander’s Adventure Maze. Mother Nature’s Farm has tables and shade trees for a picnic lunch. Snacks and drinks are available at Maneau’s Munchies.

Details: Through Oct. 31. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. $3; $10 for age 1 or older. 480-892-5874, mothernaturesfarm.com

"My pumpkins had a great time at Mother Nature's Farm pumpkin patch in Gilbert."

Through 12/3: Zombie Warz Paintball

Show off your shooting skills while hunting zombies with paint. Zombie Warz Paintball brings participants into the middle of a zombie apocalypse where the only way to fight off the real-life zombies is with paintball guns. The interactive experience is a hit for fans of the video games Call of Duty and Gears of War. Recommended for adults and teenagers. 

Details: Through Dec. 3. 7-11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays. Maricopa Wells at Wild Horse Pass, 4055 W. Queen Creek Road, Gila River Reservation. $29.95. 480-502-5600, zombiewarzaz.com

Through 10/31: Pumpkin Patch Train

Grand Canyon Railway typically takes passengers from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and back. But the train offers special seasonal rides, including the Pumpkin Patch Train. Kids and parents are encouraged to don their favorite Halloween costumes for a trip to a “secret” pumpkin patch.

Details: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. $25; $20 for children. 928-635-4010, thetrain.com

Through 10/30: ‘Little Bunny’s Halloween’

This puppet show is all about the cute and not-so-scary side of Halloween and includes sing-alongs with Little Bunny and his mom. It’s recommended for ages 3-7. Arrive early to make your own paper-sack puppet in the craft area and peruse the puppet-filled gift shop.

Details: Through Oct. 30. 10 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10, $7 for ages 13 and younger. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.

10/22, 29: 'Monster Party: A Halloween Tale’

Watch these puppet friends set out on a fun-filled Halloween adventure full of spooky shenanigans. Performed in the black-light style of puppetry, the puppets, scenery and audience members all will glow in the dark.

Details: 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturdays, Oct. 22 and 29. Gyder Theater, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 W. Peoria Ave. $8. 623-815-7930, theaterworks.org

10/28-29: Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular

In addition to the usual trick-or-treating, candy will fall from the sky from more than 20 colorful hot-air balloons. Enjoy live music and kid-friendly activities along with a haunted house and fireworks display. Tethered balloon rides will be available for an additional fee.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road, Salt River Reservation, 7555 N. Pima Road. $15; $10 for ages 3-12. 480-270-5000, srfballooonfestivals.com

10/28-29: Howl-O-Ween and Boo at the Zoo

This year, the Phoenix Zoo is combining its Boo at the Zoo and Howl-O-Ween events into one. All activities will be categorized as “merry” or “scary” — the latter for children 8 or older who like a good fright. Non-scary events include camel rides, character meet-and-greets, magic show and carnival games. Scarier events include the Clown Asylum funhouse, the Walking Dead Way pathway, zombies and vampire encounters and talks by the Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society.

Details: 6:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29. 455 N. Galvin Parkway. $12; $10 for members; free for age 2 or younger. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.

RELATED:  1 million LEGOs bring Phoenix Zoo's newest residents to life

10/21-23: The Great Pumpkin Festival 

You can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where kids 12 or younger can select their own great pumpkin to take home. There will also be a hay-bale maze, farm animals and country music for the perfect harvest hoedown.

Details: Oct. 21-23. 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Events Plaza, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $22; $20 for age 60 or older; $12 for ages 13-18; $10 for age 3-12; free for museum members. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.

10/22: Firehouse Fun Day

Celebrate Halloween and National Fire Prevention Month at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix. The 17th annual event includes fire-truck rides, food, face painting, balloons, bucket brigades and other water activities, goody bags (while they last) and an appearance by Smokey the Bear. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Details: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. 6101 E. Van Buren, Phoenix. Free. 602-275-3473, hallofflame.org.

10/22: Boo Bash

Scottsdale Gymnastics & Trampoline is hosting a kids Halloween party that includes a haunted house, costume contest, games, food and drinks and more. Reservations are required. The event is aimed at age 5 or older.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. 9321 N. 94th St. $35 per child, $30 for members; free for parents. 480-951-0496, scottsdalegymnastics.com.

10/23: Desert Corvette Spooktacular 

Show off your classic or modern Vette as the Desert Corvette Association hosts its second annual Halloween show. Stock, modified and custom Corvettes will be on display, and there will be plenty of food and entertainment for the whole family.

Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium parking lot, 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix. Free for spectators; $25 registration; $20 in advance. 623-703-1325, vette.org.

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10/29: Zombie Walk 8

Thousands of "zombies" will dress up, put on makeup and practice their best groans to shuffle around downtown Phoenix in support of the Arizona Hemophilia Association. 

Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 (preparation starts at 4 p.m.). Downtown Phoenix; Fourth and Jackson Streets, Phoenix. Free, but a $5 donation to the Arizona Hemophilia Association is requested of all "zombies." zombiewalkphx.org

10/29: Tempe’s Halloween Carnival

The event features carnival games, live entertainment, face painting, food, train rides and more. Little goblins can play in the toddler-friendly play area while older ghouls bounce on the inflatables. The event includes a costume contest and prizes. Admission is free, but tickets for games and booths cost 25 cents apiece.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Free. 480-350-5200, tempe.gov/halloween.

10/22: Pumpkin Walk & Fall Fest at the Arboretum

Dress up in your best Halloween costume, bring a flashlight and stroll through the gardens of the Arboretum at Flagstaff along a path illuminated by creatively carved pumpkins. Then sit around a fire pit, sip hot cider and listen to spooky stories.

Details: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road. $5-$10. 928-774-1442, thearb.org

10/22-23: Anthem Autumn Fest 

Anthem residents don’t need to brave the traffic on Interstate 17 to get to a fun fall festival. Just head to the ACC Community Park and enjoy hayrides, live music, make-and-take crafts and pumpkin decorating. Events are free, but pumpkins are $5 apiece while they last.

Details: Oct. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. ACC Community Park, 41703 Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. Free. 623-742-6050, onlineatanthem.com/autumnfest

10/22-23: Autumnfest | It's all about fall at Anthem Community Council's annual festival. Start with a visit to the pumpkin patch, then decorate your pumpkin. There will also be carnival rides and live entertainment. Head over to the kids’ zone for free hayrides and family photos. Vendors will sell food, arts and crafts. | Details: Hours TBA. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22-23. ACC Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. Free admission and parking; $5 to decorate a pumpkin. 623-742-6050, onlineatanthem.com/autumnfest.

10/22-23: Dia de los Muertos Festival

The Day of the Dead festival features live entertainment, food and a mercado (market) where guests can browse an assortment of arts, crafts and jewelry. Visitors can register early to participate in an Altar Contest presented by the Mesa Arts Center in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix and the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens. 

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Free. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

DAY OF THE DEAD:  Landing page | 2016 events | Where to shop for Dia de los Muertos | History | Crafts | Recipes

10/23: Dia de Los Muertos Phoenix Festival

Relax on the grass while enjoying music, performances and a market featuring local artists. Along with food and hands-on activities, the festival includes a candlelight procession and a moment of silence for the departed. 

Details: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. 480-834-5731, diadelosmuertosphx.com

10/28: Chandler’s Halloween Spooktacular

Activities include pumpkin bowling, cupcake walks and carnival games. The Halloween-themed evening invites ghouls and goblins of all ages to take part in trunk-or-treating, pumpkin painting, costume contests and a haunted house. 

Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, Stage Plaza, 3 S. Arizona Ave. Free. 480-782-2735, chandleraz.gov

10/28: Pumpkins at the Peak

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak resort hosts its 20th annual family-friendly spooky poolside party with live entertainment, games, crafts, face painting and fortune telling. Families can trick-or-treat through different activities and craft booths. Halloween costumes are encouraged. 

Details: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. River Ranch at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Admission free with canned food or cash donation for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. squawpeakhilton.com.

10/29: Halloween Monster Bash 

Get a jump on the trick-or-treating in a family-friendly setting at this annual celebration, which will benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Kids can trick-or-treat, enjoy carnival games, inflatables, live music and craft activities. 

Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave. Free admission with canned-food donation. 623-773-7137, peoriasportscomplex.com.

10/29: Sonoran Spook-tacular Howl-o-ween Fest 

Take a stroll along the luminaria-lighted trick-or-treat trail, stopping along the way to learn about some of the creepiest critters in the desert, enjoy a cup of apple cider and listen to scary stories around the campfire. 

Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. White Tank Mountains Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. 623-935-2505, maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank.

10/29: Halloween Comicfest

The Phoenix Public Library and Samurai Comics have teamed up to get kids interested in reading by giving away two free comic books from a selection of titles. Kids who come in costume can pick out an additional comic for free. There will be a costume contest, special effects and makeup tutorials at 2 p.m. and face and arm painting. 

Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. 1051 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-265-8886, facebook.com/samuraicomics

10/29: Scottsdale Fall Festival

Play carnival games and watch fireworks at this family-friendly Halloween event, which includes live entertainment, more than 10 bounce houses and an area for tots. Billed as “a safe and fun alternative to trick-or-treating,” it’s hosted by Scottsdale.

Details: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. Free. 480-312-0217, scottsdaleaz.gov

The family friendly event at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center features live entertainment, carnival games, bounce houses and fireworks.

10/29: Malloween

Celebrate Halloween at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Families can trick-or-treat from store-to-store, with music, prizes and fun.

Details: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Desert Ridge Marketplace, Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix. 480-513-7586, shopdesertridge.com/malloween.

10/26: Perry Puppet Playhouse Spooktacular

Bring the kids to Perry Branch Library for a puppet show based on Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman. Afterwards, there will be a mini trick-or-treating session. Costumes are welcome.

Details: 10:15-11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26. Perry Branch Library, 1965 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. Free. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org

10/22: Queen Creek Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat in Queen Creek's Town Center provides a safe and fun environment for your family take part in Halloween festivities, including carnival games, trick-or-treating, food vendors and a zombie film festival.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Town Center, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek. Free. queencreek.org/trunkortreat.

10/25: Halloween Costume Storytime

This library is hosting a reading and trick-or-treating session indoors, featuring spooky stories for ages 2-6. 

Details: 10:15-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 25. Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Free. 623-333-2665, avondalelibrary.org.

10/31: Harry Potter 'Trick-or-Treat' event

Join in on a special Harry Potter trick-or-treat event at the Barnes & Noble bookstore, to the world of Harry Potter. Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character, enjoy crafts and trick-or-treat around the store.

Details: 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Barnes & Noble, 1758 South Val Vista Drive, Mesa. 480-545-8507, stores.barnesandnoble.com/events.

10/22: Halloween Storytime

Come to this Barnes & Nobles bookstore in Scottsdale for a fun Halloween reading session for children including the stories "Little Blue Truck's Halloween" and "I Need My Monster."

Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Barnes & Noble, 10500 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. 480-545-8507. stores.barnesandnoble.com/events.

10/30: Trunk or Treat 2016

Grab your costume and join in on this tailgate event hosted by the McDowell Mountain Community Church, including safe trick-or-treating, carnival games, inflatables and other kids' activities.

Details: 5-8 p.m. Sunday Oct. 30. McDowell Mountain Community Church, 10700 N 124th St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-314-2400, mcdowell.church/event/trunk-treat-2016.

Even horses can be a part of the fun at Cave Creek Wicked, a daytime family-friendly Halloween celebration and nighttime bar crawl.

10/29: Cave Creek Wicked

Cave Creek is getting into the Halloween spirit with a plethora of fun for all ages. Bring the kids out during the day for trick-or-treating, costume contests, live entertainment and psychic readings. 

Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 29. Various venues along Cave Creek Road. Free. 602-400-3330, facebook.com/cavecreekwicked.