Every year the Halloween season presents plenty of opportunities to leave your troubles behind and enjoy yourself.
From a financial perspective, however, planning Halloween activities for the family can be scary for those on a limited budget. There’s no reason to fear, because Indianapolis has several events and places that are affordable, but still frightening and unforgettable.
Take a look at the options that follow and check them out, if you dare.
Just remember that you will partake in these activities at your own risk, and the Recorder is not responsible for any nightmares that may occur or therapy that may be needed as a result of attending them. Have fun!
Children’s Museum Haunted House
Once again, The Children’s Museum Guild has opened the doors of its popular haunted house, known this year as the Wicked Workshop. Open until Oct. 31, the workshop takes visitors on a wild and whimsical journey in a factory where Winny the Witch and her hard-working Witchkins make everything needed to have an awesome Halloween. Tickets are $6.50 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information, visit childrensmuseum.org or call 1-800-208-5437.
Halloween ZooBoo
From Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 The Indianapolis Zoo will host its annual ZooBoo event, which has all of the fun of Halloween in a family friendly atmosphere. This year’s theme is based on the beloved children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The family will be able to enjoy decorations and characters from the pages of this classic, with the animals as the backdrop, and participate in Halloween themed dolphin shows, animal chats, obstacle courses and various zoo rides. Free with regular zoo admission. For more information, visit indyzoo.com or call (317) 630-2001.
Hallelujah Party
Those seeking to enjoy the holiday in a safe, family friendly and positive atmosphere are invited to participate in the annual Hallelujah Party hosted by Eastern Star Church at its main campus, 5750 E. 30th St. The free event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., offering a variety of games and plenty of candy. Participants are asked to wear costumes depicting positive characters. For more information, visit easternstarchurch.org or call (317) 591-5050.
Halloween Independence Bash
Sponsored by Sound Conception Entertainment Music Group, this affair is designed to help promote talented local performers who would like to succeed as independent (“indie”) artists. Special guests will include hip-hop artists DJ Unk, best known for his hit “Walk It Out,” and Skatterman, a Kansas City based rapper who is releasing his solo album “Rise 2 Power!” featuring special guests such as Paul Wall, Too $hort and Ludacris. The event will take place on Oct. 31 at Club Tropicana, 6447 W. Washington St. For more information visit Facebook.com/Dr.Roqs, send an email to drroqs@gmail.com or call (317) 652-2981.
Corpse Manor and Sinister Woods
Located at 4700 N. Post Road near Pendleton Pike, Corpse Manor is described as an old mansion formerly owned by an English nobleman that was built on a graveyard. Current owners call the mansion “the place where the living meet the dead.” If you make it out of the mansion, you might find yourself in the nearby Sinister Woods, a menacing place where it is easy to get lost. Just be careful about who you approach to ask for help getting out. For more information, visit corpsemanor.com.
Necropolis: City of Perpetual Darkness
Located at 2525 N. Shadeland Ave., this is definitely one city you don’t want to be visiting when the sun goes down. Oh, that’s right … this place is always covered by darkness! Also, you never know what kind of interesting but terrifying creatures and people (alive or dead) you might meet. With these kind of folks you’ll feel safer running the streets with criminals. For more information, visit darkarmies.com/necropolis-haunted-house/ or call (317) 353-1987.
Safe Halloween Tips
– Trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by an adult or travel in a group.
– Children should not eat unwrapped candy or treats until they return home where their parents can see them. Feed your children dinner before hand so they won’t be motivated to snack on candy.
– Incorporate reflective tape in costumes or add bright colors to increase visibility.
– Drivers need to keep a careful eye on the road and on the sidewalk, in case anyone darts out from between parked cars.
– Children should stay on the sidewalk or if none is available, walk facing the lane of traffic, and should carry a flashlight.
– To discourage older kids from going off on their own, make it a family night.
– Never, ever go into a stranger’s house.
– For teens going out with friends, make sure you know where they are going and with whom they are going.
Top Halloween songs
What would Halloween be without good, terrifying music to groove to? Here are some of the most popular songs for Halloween:
Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1982)
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince – “Nightmare on my Street” (1988)
Ray Parker Jr – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
Kanye West – “Monster” (2010)
Bobby “Boris” Picket – “The Monster Mash” (1962)
Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me” (1984)
Dana Dane – “Nightmares” (1986)
Whodini – “Haunted House of Rock” (1983)
Geto Boys- “My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me” (1991)
