Halloween Activities for the Kids in West Michigan

As Halloween approaches, the adults like to head off to haunted houses and hayrides. There are also some local events geared for children who don't want to frightened by ghouls and goblins.

Zoo Goes Boo

John Ball Zoo is once again presenting Zoo Goes Boo. Tickets are now available for this Halloween favorite.

"The Zoo will again transform into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, costumes, candy, and, of course, the Zoo’s amazing animals. Tradition returns this year with spooky treat stations ready for trick-or-treating located throughout the Zoo," according to the John Ball Zoo website.

Strolling entertainment is also returning and there may be some villains stopping by to stir up some trouble!

John Ball Zoo is reminding everyone that Zoo Goes Boo is a children's event. They want to make sure that no masks cover faces and that adults in costume dress appropriately for the younger age group.

Zoo Goes Boo will be October 15th-17th and again on the 22nd-24th from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. (Zoo Members get in starting at 9:00 am each day.) Tickets are $13 for Adults, $11 for ages 3-12, Children under 2 are free. Seniors 62 or older are $11 and Zoo Members get Free Admission to this event.

For additional information and to order tickets, visit the John Ball Zoo website.

John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 West Fulton Street on Grand Rapids' west side.

Whooos and Boos

Blandford Nature Center has several events scheduled in the coming weeks, including Whoos and Boos on Saturday, October 16th. There will be two sessions -- one at 12:00 Noon and another at 1:30 pm.

Enjoy cider and donuts while getting a close up introduction to our feathered friends in Blandford’s Schoolyard.

Tickets are $8 for Adult/Child Members, $11 for Adult/Child Non-Members, Children 2 and Under are free (Registration is required.) This program is intended for all ages including adults and families with children.

Trick or Treat with Wildlife

Bring your toddlers and preschoolers to Blandford Nature Center on Tuesday, October 26th at 1:30 pm for this Nature Buds program. Each session will feature a story, outdoor discovery, and a hands-on activity in a program that is designed for children ages 1-5 and their caregivers. (Children must be accompanied by an adult. Older children are welcome but should be prepared for the slower pace of this program. Registration is required for all participants, including children under 12 months.)

For this special Halloween edition, they will be doing pumpkin crafts in the Schoolyard (weather permitting) and visiting Blandford’s wildlife with special treats! Halloween costumes encouraged!

Tickets are $5 for Caregivers and Child Members, $8 for Caregivers and Child Non-Members, Infants Under 12 months: Free (Registration still required)

For the older children (ages 5-12), there will be another Trick or Treat with Wildlife on Saturday, October 30th at 11 am.

Wildlife Education Specialist Sarah will be offering some fall treats to the wildlife while collecting candy along the way! Costumes and candy buckets are encouraged but not required!

Tickets are $7 for Child Members, $10 for Child Non-Member, $3 for Adult Member/Non-Member, Children 2 and Under: Free (registration still required.) An adult chaperone is required to register and attend this program.

The Blandford Halloween Hunt

This event is a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt! Children will pick up a map and clues and then hit the trails to explore Blandford while picking up spooky facts and creepy tales of Michigan nature along the way. Once they have solved all of the mysteries, they turn in their clue sheet and receive a sweet prize. Costumes are encouraged for this event!

This program will be held on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th from 10 am to 3 pm. (Prizes must be picked up by 4 pm.) Only registered children will receive a prize. Tickets are $7 for Child Members, $10 for Child Non-Members, and $3 for Adult Member/Non-Members. This program is recommended for families with children aged 5-12.

Additional information on all of these events at Blandford Nature center can be found on their website.

Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Avenue NW in Grand Rapids.