Halloween can be an especially exciting time for young children. There’s the thoughtful planning stage regarding which costume to choose, and then the moment when it is purchased or, if homemade, finally finished. Getting to dress up on Halloween itself is a thrill that, for many, is only rivaled by the giddy bounty of presents over the holiday season.
When it comes to adults and older kids, Halloween’s entertainment factor shifts gears, but the fun still reigns supreme, and for anyone planning a trip to the Niagara region on or around Halloween, it’s a great place to be. Here is a look at just some of what you can do to enjoy All Hallow’s Eve in Niagara.
Haunt Manor
For lovers of haunted houses and other destinations that try to scare you out of your wits, Haunt Manor is tough to beat. A multiple-themed attraction, it’s both a destination and an event. Choose between haunted hay rides, terrifying trails, haunted houses, and even terrifying corn mazes all staffed with exuberant and frightening actors playing roles that range from monsters to psychopathic killers.
They also have some pretty impressive special effects throughout. If you have smaller children, be sure to stop by during the day for an old-time hay ride that won’t will loads of fun and not scary at all.
Halloween Ghost Tours at Fort George
If you think you’d enjoy a combination of fear and history, you’ll want to get tickets to this two-hour walking tour of Fort George. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort George is a beautiful, restored, historic military fort that already offers ghost tours throughout the summer months.
When Halloween rolls around, however, the tour guides really up the ante, telling stories too dark and frightening for the regular tour and even letting guests into a building that is off-limits the rest of the time. Tickets for the Halloween tours must be made in advance.
The Halloween 7K and 1K
If you and your family enjoy running or walking — especially for charity — you’ll definitely want to take in the Halloween 7K or 1K held the week before Halloween in Stone Creek, just a 30 to 45-minute drive from Niagara Falls. Participants can make donations or gather pledges for the run, and all the proceeds go to Autism Ontario. In the 7K, awards are given to the top three in five different age groups, and everyone who runs or walks in the 1K gets a medal.
The Rocky Horror Show
Take in an evening at one of Niagara Falls most famous theatres. The good folks who are behind the dinner theatre production of “Oh, Canada, Eh?” are bringing in yet another live production of The Rocky Horror Show this Halloween season to raise money for Positive Living Niagara. While the show isn’t suitable for most children under 16, grown-ups have loved this cult classic ever since the movie first came out in 1975. A rock-and-roll musical with threads of horror and camp, it’s a fun way to both do good and have an unforgettable evening.
So come to Niagara for Halloween. Whether you want to feel the fear, take in a run, or get a little history under your belt, it’s a great place to enjoy the holiday.
