The Halloween season is here. That means trips to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a fun festival -- or three. But if you're looking for something different for the family this year, try one of these 10 unique, kid-friendly Halloween events around Atlanta.
Pack up the kids and head to the serenity of Serenbe for a day of nature hikes and farm tours. After the sun goes down, get your fright on with what American Theatre Magazine calls "one of the top 5 Halloween experiences in the nation" with the Sleepy Hollow Experience. This interactive show has you walking, watching and maybe even getting in on the murderous action as Washington Irving's classic tale of a headless horseman's blood revenge comes to life before your eyes. Tickets are $25 for those ages 10 and over.
Scarecrows in the Garden -- Atlanta Botanical Garden
Whatever the season, you can always count on extraordinary beauty at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Fall is no exception. Enjoy the cooler weather while walking through the nearly 100 one-of-a-kind scarecrows handcrafted by local businesses, schools and families. Cost included in price of admission.
Fright Fest (by day ) -- Six Flags Over Georgia
Bring your little ghost or goblin to Six Flags' "Fright Fest" every weekend throughout October. Kids can paint pumpkins, listen to stories, create spooky arts and crafts, strut their stuff in the costume contest and enjoy treats in Bugs Bunny's "Spooky Town." Ages 12 and under. No masks, scary or gory costumes allowed. Tickets start at $43.
Brick-or-Treat -- Legoland Atlanta
Are your kids LEGO fanatics? Bring them to Legoland Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza every weekend throughout October. Deck them out in their Halloween finest for trick-or-treating, building competitions and costume contests that could win your little LEGO master an annual pass. Tickets start at $15.
A-Scary-Um: Graveyard Smash -- Georgia Aquarium
Every weekend starting Oct. 10, don your costume, grab the family and head downtown to the aquarium where Dracula, Igor and Frankenstein await, not to scare, but to sing and dance in a monstrous spook-tacular. On Halloween, join the longfin "bat fish" and Japanese "spider" crabs for trick-or-treating and fun and games at the aquarium. Graveyard Smash included in price of admission. Kids in costume on Halloween day admitted free with each paid adult.
Trick-or-Treat Trot -- The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Help your kids burn off a little energy while wearing their costumes at Gwinnett's Halloween-themed 5K run/walk. Get fit, let the kids play games, win a few prizes and trick-or-treat while doing some good for Easter Seals. 5K begins at 9 a.m. Fun run begins at 9:45 a.m. Registration fee starts at $15.
Every weekend starting Oct. 17, join the nearly 1,500 animals at Zoo Atlanta for fun-filled days of crafts, games, live music, costume contests and an inflatable corn maze. Cost included in price of admission.
BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat -- Fernbank Museum
Once a year, the Fernbank Museum transforms its hallowed halls into a spooky spectacle filled with games, music and treats for costumed kids, who can roam among prehistoric creatures. Cost included in price of admission. Treats available while supplies last.
Halloween Hijinks -- Atlanta Symphony
Before you take your kids out for a night of trick-or-treating, watch the ASO as it performs Halloween-inspired music from "Harry Potter," "Fantasia" and "Night on Bald Mountain." Make sure your little ghouls wear their costumes to compete in the contest and, if they dare, try their hand at an instrument at the instrument "petting zoo." Tickets $15-$20.
Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain -- Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
What could be spookier than Halloween night at an old mansion? Bring the whole family and see how the folks at Callanwolde transform this beautiful estate into a haunted paradise for all ages. There will be LEGO building tables where you can meet Bertie the LEGO mascot, 15 different door-to-door trick-or-treat locations, a family-friendly costume contest, live music, storytelling and a cash bar for those frayed parental nerves. Tickets $5 per person.
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