Scare the Pants off your Kids Roadtrip Style
It was an easy tradition — the evening would slither in, greeting shadows and harvest stars. The streets would be transformed into supernatural temples, with pumpkin grins and black cat howls. And children would shape themselves into eager monsters, demanding sweets and laughter. Now, however, that tradition is gone. It has been replaced by dull stares.
Your little ones (who are not so little anymore) are unimpressed with Halloween and its simple scares. They earn far more excitement from the television screen, the smears of comic ink. Fear is found easily, and the hometown avenues no longer fascinate.
This saddens you, with your memories of costumes and candy and the exchange of ghostly tales. The spirit of the season is fading and you’re certain it won’t bloom again.
But it can . . . with a road-trip.
Across America are countless destinations, each famed for terrors and theatricality. And offering your October to them provides a rare opportunity — a chance to reclaim Halloween. You can summon all of the past adventures just by traveling. Consider these unique locations:
Terror Behind the Walls
No autumn day would be complete without visiting the country’s most notorious haunted house in Philadelphia. The Eastern State Penitentiary (a sprawl of stone, history, and scandal) is an 11-acre complex that leads guests through crumbling corridors and cobweb corners. Within the prison walls wait five frightening areas — including the fog-shrouded Nightwatch, the madness of the Infirmary, and even Al Capone’s infamous cell.
This is an extensive and intense tour that will terrify even the boldest. Those with young children should note, however, that the prison has several designated Family Nights. These exist to ensure those under the age of 7 are not overwhelmed by the experience. These nights must be adhered to, so scheduling is vital.
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios offers a thrill like no other. This collection of eight haunted houses celebrates cinema villains and their many victims, as well as providing live entertainment, amusement rides, mazes, and more. The event is held from late September to early November (allowing for easy scheduling) and is found at both the Orlando and Hollywood resorts.
It is highly recommended that families secure hotel coupons to ensure the best prices. This is a popular attraction and prices will rise as the weeks progress.
The Halloween Capital of the World
For an unexpected delight, families are urged to seek out Anoka, Minnesota. This small town becomes a celebration of tricks and treats throughout the entire month of October. It dedicates itself to the pleasures of parades, costume contests, ghost walks, and even a formal masquerade. Attractions are tailored for all ages, and new events are offered daily.
Afternoons will be shaped to youth-friendly activities. Evenings, however, provide adult alternatives with bonfires, medallion hunts, and more. Anoka embraces all the Halloween joys and is not to be missed.
You once relished the season. It was an exploration of ghouls and giggles. But maturity has wilted the experience. You can conquer age (and teenage wisdom), however, with a simple journey. Halloween can once again be yours!
by Jen Williams.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to