Contrary to what the profusion of harrowing haunted houses dotting the metro area and frightful horror movies commanding multiplex screens may suggest, not everyone is seeking to have the heck scared out of them for Halloween. Here's a list of kinder, gentler, family-friendlier doings available this weekend:
- Meet real animals and costumed characters during this literal walk on the wild side at, 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. After strolling the riverside woods, there will be snacks for sale, a bonfire and music. $8 (free for age 2 and under). 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, www.chattnaturecenter.org.
- A hay maze, costumed characters, sweets samples, a spooky safari outpost and rides on the Candy Express Zoo Train are among the special treats at Zoo Atlanta, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Costume-wearing encouraged. Included in regular admission. 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org.
- Transformed into the "Georgia A-Scary-Um" on Saturday and Sunday, the attraction will have trick-or-treat stations offering eco-friendly and animal-friendly candy, costume contests, spooky arts and crafts, Halloween music and more. Free admission for up to two children 12 and under dressed in costume accompanied by a paying adult. 225 Baker St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org.
- Museum of Natural History10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the "BOO-seum" offers entertainment from Little Beat Music, face painting, games, crafts, hands-on activities and special treats for kids in costumes. Included in regular admission. 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6300, www.fernbankmuseum.org.
- Train or Treat Festival: With costume contests, fall crafts and more. 10 a.m. Saturday. Free with admission, $5-$8. Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Highway N.W., Duluth. 770- 476-2013, www.srmduluth.org.
- "Scary Ride": Hear some spooky organ music from Timothy Albrecht (aka "Count Dracula") and enjoy a post-recital candy reception. 8 p.m. Saturday. Free. Emory University's Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Atlanta. 404- 727-5050, www.arts.emory.edu.
- Halloween on the Green: 3-8 p.m. Saturday. Free. Duluth Town Green, 3142 Hill St., Duluth. www.duluthga.net.
- "Scary (but fun!) Music": Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta family concert includes performances of Saint-Saens' "Danse Macabre" and Liszt and Schumann pieces by members of the Vega String Quartet, pianist William Ransom and high-school pianists Sitan Chen and Alois Cerbu. Costumes encouraged. 4 p.m. Sunday, $4. Michael C. Carlos Museum, 571 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. 404-727-5050, www.arts.emory.edu/ecmsa.
- HomeGrown Halloween Parade and Monsters' Ball: Events Sunday in downtown Decatur include story time at Little Shop of Stories at 3 p.m., all-ages costume parade at 4 p.m. (starting at bandstand) and music by the Dammages at 5 p.m. Free. Decatur Square, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. www.homegrowndecatur.com.
- Third Annual Fall Fling: Halloween Edition. A family-friendly benefit for the Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy. 3-7 p.m. Sunday. $10. The Masquerade, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-590-7275, www.h4wpc.com.
