Treat or Treats: Trick or Treating Alternatives
My family loves Halloween! After October ends, Aria and Drew asks about plans for the next Halloween. Also, one-year Aria asked for a Halloween party for her birthday that is at the end of NOVEMBER! Although we do not trick or treat in the traditional sense, there are many activities/events that we participate in all month long.
We personally do not trick or treat because of trust and the social/political climate that is present. The trust I was reserved for Trick or Treating is lost; it’s not the same. Trick or Treating isn’t what it used to be sums up my sentiments exactly about the tradition. I am sad for my children that they have not experienced trick or treating as I had, but we have found many great alternatives to trick or treating and just celebrating Halloween in general.
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Trunk or Treat
Very similar to that of trick or treating but this is where a select group open their candy filled trunks and children receive their treats. This is common with schools, churches, and even neighborhoods. Aria and Drew’s school PTO holds a Trunk or Treat and it is a big hit because children get to celebrate with their school friends. Admission is usually free.
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Memphis Zoo Boo
We have been to this event twice and each time they loved it. It usually takes place the last few weekends in October and Halloween night. There are candy stations set up across the zoo and the Nocturnal animal exhibits and aquarium are open. There are also magic shows, hayrides, mazes, etc. Admission is $13 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
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Kayak Memphis
Costumes are encouraged and candy is provided at the boat ramp for the Kayak Memphis Halloween Sunset Tour on October 30! Everyone will paddle down to the southern point of Mud Island for the best view of the sunset over the Mississippi River. For kids under 13, call before making a reservation.
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Crosstown Concourse Day of the Dead
Happening this weekend, October 16, this event will have music, altars, dancers, crafts and folklore. Admission is free. The event is from 5-8, but at 2 there is a FREE matinee screening of Coco in the Crosstown Theater (you must register for the movie in advance).
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Halloween Hike at the Garden
This not-so-spooky half-mile walk, taking place on Saturday, October 30, takes attendees through the Garden with special treat and activity stations along the way. Families will enjoy pumpkin storytime, bat crafts, a bone dig, pansy planting, dissecting owl pellets, and more. Costumes are encouraged!
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Children’s Museum of Memphis
In celebration of Day of the Dead, crafters will make sugar skulls in Doodlebug Studio on October 30 and 31. This activity is free with admission.
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Halloween Weekend at Jellystone Park
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp is a camp park catered to children nestled in Horn Lake, MS. Halloween Weekends are October 15-16, October 22-23, and October 29-30. Activities include hay rides, arts & crafts, costume and site decorating contests, a Haunted House, Frankenstein bowling, mummy wraps, and so much more! Admission vary depending on your cabin, RV, or tent site rental.
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Fun for the Pets Too!
Head to Muddy Paws in Collierville for their Howling Halloween Extravaganza on October 30th, with psychic Dee Dee. She really talks to animals. Do you ever wonder what your pet is thinking or wish you could better communicate or better understand certain behaviors? Bring your BFF to Muddy Paws and meet DeeDee. She is a talented psychic, spiritual energy teacher, and Reiki Master. She’ll be offering introductory readings all day. Find out what your best friend really wants you to know, and while you’re there enjoy all the other activities from face painting to trunk or treating, plus their pet adoption event.
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Boooo Books and Friends
Your nearest library also gets in on the Halloween fun. Show up dressed in your costumes for spooky storytimes, book giveaways, take-home activities, and treats. Activities are usually separated by age groups. Admission is free.
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Agricenter Corn Maze
The Mid-South Maze at the Agricenter celebrates its 20th anniversary by recreating the maze design from its Inaugural season in 2001. Featuring the skyline of Memphis and the “New Bridge,” this 10-acre maze carved into a field of corn has kept visitors coming back year after year by providing a safe outdoor environment for families looking for a fun Fall activity. Every Friday and Saturday night, the corn maze is haunted!
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Family Party
Stay in for a night of family fun. Decorate your home in the spookiest Halloween décor, turn up the Halloween tunes, and dance it out in your costumes. Make some fun spooky treats. If a dance party is a bit too much for your family, turn the volume down by watching movies, eating pizza, and baking Halloween cookies.
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Dia de los Muertos Reverse Parade
Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art hold this annual event on October 23, where families are invited to honor ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death. To ensure everyone stays safe, they are hosting a “reverse parade” again this year. There will be floats and altars in Overton Park, and visitors will drive through the park to enjoy the celebration.
An audio tour will be featured, and special hands-on art kits for families to do at home will also be available. Admission is free for the whole community!
After participating in many of these events, the thought of trick or treating will seem basic. If you and your family do not celebrate Halloween for personal or religious reasons, there are plenty of family friendly Fall activities to give your family a chance to make fun-filled memories. 100 Things to do in Memphis in October is a great family bucket list to tackle this Fall season.
