Kids
HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN
Spend some quality time creating the perfect costume.
What’s better than playing make-believe while collecting candy from neighbors? In your kids’ opinions, probably nothing. This year, rather than buying the prepackaged Cinderella gown or Transformer getup, why not use Halloween as an excuse to get creative with the family? The fun will start long before it’s time to trick-or-treat.
While making DIY costumes, kids should be encouraged to add their two cents. Just the process of coming up with the idea can be loads of fun. Robin McClure, child-care writer for About.com, says, “Have fun choosing a costume by letting your child look at pictures of various characters from books, off the internet, and even at party stores and costume shops.”
When it comes to creating the actual costume, it’s important to keep the kids involved—except when you’re using the sewing machine. Gluing and painting are a few things that the younger children can do. “Even toddlers can help with decorations, and they will feel pride in wearing it on Halloween when involved,” says McClure, whose newest book, The Playskool Guide to Baby Play, comes out this month.
For a final touch, head to the kitchen, where the pantry is filled with potential costume add-ons. Those transforming into Dracula may want some faux blood, a simple mixture of clear corn syrup, water, sifted flour and food coloring.
When Halloween finally comes, the kids will be excited to show off their original designs as they travel door-to-door, collecting the sweetest treats of all. —Alexandra P. Karplus
SPOOKTACULAR EVENTS
BOO AT THE ZOO
Bronx Zoo, New York • October 20-21, 27-28 See live bats, snakes and spiders at the zoo—as well as listen to spooky stories and watch magicians put on a show. Costumed children younger than 12 are admitted free.
GREAT HALLOWEEN LANTERN PARADE
Patterson Park, Baltimore • October 27 Join in the snake-like parade that winds through the park and finishes off with a shadow-puppet show on a 40-foot-tall screen.
GOBLINS IN THE GARDEN
Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta • October 28 This costume party by the Aquatic Plant Pond invites young goblins to show off their costumes and enjoy treats and fun.
www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
MORE SPOOKY SOUNDS AND SCARY TALES
The John F. Kennedy Center, Washington, DC • October 28 No one will feel silly showing up to this family concert in costume—the National Symphony Orchestra will be wearing their own trick-or-treat outfits.
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Glessner House Museum, Chicago • October 31 This not-so-scary party is recommended for the smaller ghosts. They can enjoy the petting zoo, along with games, prizes and music.