Let’s face it, the weeks leading up to Halloween can be tough on young families. If you’re a parent, you can sympathize with that statement. It always seems like there’s something too scary for the kids just lurking around the corner. Trick-or-treating can become difficult as even the sight of older monsters and zombies may terrify your little jack-o-lantern. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of options out there.
To help you decide, here are my top three kid-friendly activities around Boulder during the Halloween season.
Munchkin Masquerade
The Munchkin Masquerade is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to dress up like their favorite super heroes, animals, and imaginary creatures in a family-friendly environment. Everything during this October 31st bonanza is geared toward kids, making it an awesome way to build some great early memories. The event, which is basically a mid-afternoon trick-or-treating celebration along Pearl Street, attracts hundreds of families every year. You’ll love the feelings of safety and inclusivity that come with attending the masquerade, and doing it before the sun goes down can certainly make things easier on the youngest members of your family.
Kappa Halloween House
Another wonderful kid-friendly Halloween event is the 10th Annual Kappa Halloween House, hosted by the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Colorado Boulder. This get together goes from noon to 4pm, and takes place the week before Halloween, on October 25th. It’s a great way to get a taste of Halloween with the kiddos, and test how they’ll behave surrounded by other costumed children before larger celebrations kick off on the 31st. With a full slate of activities specially planned for young kids, your tykes will be endlessly entertained. Storytelling, face painting, and Halloween crafts start off the occasion, and the day ends with a cupcake walk and group trick-or-treating. On top of all of the family fun, the event is also for a very good cause. A portion of the proceeds will go to Boulder Reads!, a literacy support program that helps members of all ages improve their reading skills. This Halloween, dress up your little ones in their favorite costumes and head over to KKG.
Trick or Treat Train
Just a short drive away in Golden, the Colorado Railroad Museum’s Railroad Halloween Town on October 31st is going to be an instant hit with your kids. Families get to ride in authentic railway cars as they make stops throughout the town to collect candy and have some laughs with the conductors and other characters dressed up in full costume. Both educational and entertaining, this event is an unforgettable way to spend Halloween as a young family, and the 10am – 4pm schedule is great for younger kids. Photo opportunities in front of adorable backgrounds like their pumpkin patch only sweeten the deal. For some added fun, try their “Not-So-Spooky Haunted Railcar,” or the “Olde Railroaders Silly Graveyard.” All in all, the Trick or Treat Train is a can’t-miss Halloween event for any family with young kids.
This Halloween, plan out the perfect adventure for your littles. From its large events to its smaller settings, one thing’s for sure: the Boulder area has some great kid-friendly activities.