Prior to the last weekend of October (Updated 2009)

PUMPKIN PATCHES
Month of October

Visit our summary of Pumpkin Patches in the Boulder/Denver region. They range from the low-key pumpkin and vegetable patch, to the carnival-style festivals. Of course, the latter have admission fees and tickets for rides.

GOLDEN: BOO TOWN
Month of October

Heritage Square. BooTown is a non scary 5,000 square foot outdoor Halloween maze with fun and exciting scenes and props especially suitable for children between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. In addition to the festive hay maze every child that goes through the attraction will receive a free child's pumpkin to paint at one of several painting stations.
http://www.heritagesquareamusementpark.com/currentevents.html (link will open new window)

MICHAELS: DECORATE A CRAFT PUMPKIN
Saturday October 10th starting at 10:00am

Purchase a craft pumpkin for $5 and decorate with the wonderful variety of supplies provided free. Larger pumpkins available at a higher cost. While supplies last. Call your store to confirm.
http://www.michaels.com (link will open new window)

Paid Promotion

 WESTMINSTER: COSTUME CONSIGNMENT SALE
Thursday October 15th from 2:30-7:00pm based on posted flyers (school website has wrong date!)

This is a fundraiser for Lukas Elementary school (the profits are split between sellers and the school) and is held in the gym at 9650 W. 97th Avenue in Westminster, CO. Great prices on gently used costumes (adult, child, infant, pet!), accessories, and decorations. During the Halloween Sale, there is an extensive Treat/Bake sale with several raffle items.
http://www.lukaspta.org/pb/wp_b3e3f657/wp_b3e3f657.html#Halloween (link will open new window)

WHOLE FOODS MARKET: PAINT A PUMPKIN
Saturday dates vary - call your local store (Superior's is 10/24 2-4pm)

Kids paint their own pumpkin to take home.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/colorado/index.php (link will open new window)

DENVER: SCREAM SCRAM
Friday October 23rd, 2009 at 5:15pm
Advance registration available

Last Saturday of October (Updated 2008)

EERIE ERIE: 1/4 MILE GOBLIN RUN
Saturday October 25th, 2008 around 9:00-10:30am (see race details)
Advance registration available

ERIE'S TRUNK OR TREAT
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 4:30-6:00pm

Free. This spooktacular event should prove to be plenty of fun with and indoor haunted house, spooky games, treats, and of course trunk or treating. Prizes will be awarded for Best Trunk! Erie Community Center. Contact Katie at 303-926-2793 for more information or to have a "Trunk" in the event.
http://www.ci.erie.co.us/ (link will open new window)

LONGMONT'S HALLOWEEN PARADE & TRICK OR TREAT STREET
Saturday October 25th, 2008 line-up at 9:40am, starts 10:00am sharp

Line-up at St.Vrain Memorial Building, 700 Longs Peak Avenue. The parade starts on time and lasts 15-30 minutes. Come in costume!

The parade participants will walk East to Main street (on Longs Peak Ave.) down Main street to 3rd Avenue, where the parade will disperse. Trick or Treat Street will follow parade by participating Downtown Merchants. Streets will remain closed during this time.
http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/halloween.htm (link will open new window)

LONGMONT: PUMPKIN DUNK
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 5:00-7:00pm

Get a head start on your halloween with our non scary halloween themed swim for all ages. We will dim the lights, but will not had out candy, you have to earn it (possibly swim for it)! Planned activities such as crafts, bobbing for apples and more. Fee $3.00 per person, or $10.00 per family. For additional information contact 303-651-8406. Centennial Swimming pool, 1201 Alpine.
http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/index.htm (link will open new window)

WESTMINSTER'S HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 4:00-7:00pm

Calling all ghosts and goblins for an evening of fun at the Halloween Carnival at City Park Recreation Center! Enjoy carnival games and prizes, a spooky castle jump, pool games, movies and much more! Admission fee includes 10 game tickets and full use of the recreation facility. Additional tickets can be purchased for 25 cents each. The carnival is appropriate for children 10 and younger. Fee: $4/child, payable at the door. Parents admitted free.
http://www.ci.westminster.co.us/scripts/evtcal/detail.asp?rdate=10/25/2008&evtid=2588all (link will open new window)

BOULDER: MAKE YOUR OWN WAND
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 1:00-3:00pm

Boulder Arts & Crafts, 1421 Pearl Street Mall, presents a special workshop for kids featuring the making of Magic Wands. Free.
http://www.boulderartsandcrafts.com/wanddemo/ (link will open new window)

GREAT BROOMFIELD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 1:00-4:00pm

Come in your costume! We’ll have carnival games, prizes, wagon rides, crafts, “Trick-or-Treat Street” and ice skating; all for the same $6 fee. The fee is for one series of carnival games, “Treat Street” and ice skating; adults skate free.

This Halloween Party is guaranteed to be a treat for kids of all ages! Please sign up for your skating shift beginning Monday, October 6th at the Broomfield Community Center.
http://www.ci.broomfield.co.us/news/newsdetail.asp?ArticleID=501 (link will open new window)

BOULDER (ON STAGE): THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Saturdays: October 25th, 2008 and November 1st, 2008 (click link for showtimes)

Location: The Magic Playhouse, 5311 Western Ave, Boulder, CO
Advance ticket reservations preferred. Prices: Kids 12 & under $10; Adults $12
Ages: 5 & up. Show Length: approx. 1 hour
http://theaterforkids.net (link will open new window)

WESTMINSTER: ORCHARD'S SPOOK-TACULAR BASH
Saturday, October 25th, 2008 from 1:00-4:00pm

DJ Jack-O-Lantern will spin Halloween tunes while a Dance Instructor teaches how to bust spooky moves. Festivities also include a Scooby Doo Bounce House, a Face Painter, goody bags for the little ghouls and goblins (while supplies last). Orchard Town Center.
http://www.theorchardtowncenter.com/go/mallEvents.cfm (link will open new window)

THORNTON: SAFE STREET HALLOWEEN
Saturday, October 25th, 2008 from 5:30-8:30pm

Thornton Multipurpose Field - parking plots. After collecting their Halloween sweets, children and their families are invited to explore the spooky sights of the Garden of the Ghouls haunted walk.
http://www.cityofthornton.net/rec/tot.asp (link will open new window)

NORTHGLENN: TRUNK OR TREAT
Saturday, October 25th, 2008 from 7:00-9:00pm

All kids are welcome at Safe Street Halloween - a safe and fun holiday event where kids can enjoy all types of free entertainment including a trick-or-treat street, plenty of candy, a haunted fishing hut, bobbing for apples, and roving entertainment. Northglenn High School
http://www.northglenn.org/index.php?module=PostCalendar (link will open new window)

CHERRY CREEK'S WHOLE FOODS MARKET: DECORATE A PUMPKIN
Saturday October 25th, 2008 from 11:00am - 1:00pm

Kids paint their own pumpkin to take home.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cherrycreek/storecalendar.php (link will open new window)
(this event is 10am-Noon on Sat 10/18 at the Boulder/Pearl store)

ENGLEWOOD: HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Saturday October 25th, 2008 at 5:00-8:30pm

Last Saturday+Sunday of October (Updated 2008)

 DENVER: FIREHOUSE GHOSTS
Weekend: October 24th, 2009 and October 25th, 2009 from 6:00pm Saturday - 8:00am Sunday
Make Advance Reservations

Bring your sleeping bag and learn why at this Fire House things still go bump in the night. This old fashioned sleep over includes a traditional firehouse spaghetti dinner, ghost stories, Halloween crafts, spooky movies and a ghost tour of haunted Old Fire Station No. 1 and a light breakfast. The evening is appropriate for ages 4 and up. Reservations required. $25.00 per person. Denver Firefighters Museum.
http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/calendar.html (link will open new window)

BOO AT THE [DENVER] ZOO
Weekend: October 25th, 2008 and October 26th, 2008 from 9:00am-5:00pm

Denver Zoo’s 24th annual “Boo at the Zoo” steadily approaches so get your costumes ready. This year’s theme encourages children to be a hero for the planet and dress up as their favorite superhero while they learn about several ways they can help the environment. Trick-or-treaters visiting more than 30 trick-or-treat stations can enjoy close encounters with the creepy kind, viewing vampire bats, reptiles, spiders and Denver Zoo’s other creatures. Activities free with admission.

Visit the web site for advance ticket purchases online and look into the shuttle bus / satellite parking!
http://denverzoo.org/visitors/events.asp#boo (link will open new window)

DENVER'S LARGEST SCI-FI GATHERING: MILE HI CON at DTC (not a kiddie event)
3-Day Weekend: October 24-26th, 2008

This event is mentioned here for parents (and their kids) who love science fiction. On Sunday THERE ARE ROBOT BATTLES!!! 10am-Noon is the Critter Crunch 2-pound division. 3-6pm is the Critter Crunch 20-pound division. (These times are for 2007, check web site to see if updates are posted.) In fact, MileHiCon's Critter Crunch is the oldest bot battle in the world, according to robotbattles.com

This convention has a wide range of activities including a full Masquerade Contest on Saturday evening. Expect costumed people representing Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and much more. Ticket prices are $20 for Sunday only, or $40 for all 3 days. Kids 5 and under free with parent (must stay next to parent). Kids 6-11 are half price (must stay in same room as parent).
http://www.milehicon.org (link will open new window)

To see video from a similar robot competition, go to robotbattles.com   Please note, if this robot competition is too pricey or too far, there is a kinder, gentler robot challenge on 11/15/08 at Monarch High in Louisville (see: FLL / FIRST Lego League).

GOLDEN: TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIN STEAM-UP
Weekend: October 25-26th, 2008 running from 10:00am-4:00pm

The train will include trick or treating, not-so-scary haunted house, storytelling, etc. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes.

DENVER: HALLOWEEN KIDS FEST AT THE AQUARIUM
Weekend: October 25th, 2008 and October 26th, 2008

Kid-friendly celebration with treats, bounce house, aquarium mascots, stage shows, crafts and refreshments.
http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com (link will open new window)

WESTMINSTER: BUG-A-BOO AT THE BUTTERFLY PAVILLION
Weekend: October 25th, 2008 and October 26th, 2008 from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Activities include: Bounce castle, “Douse the Witch”, “Flying Monkey” toss, “Glinda the Good Witch” bubble factory, “Kansas Tornado” cash cube, Cockroach races, Story Time and more! (Regular admission prices apply.)
http://www.butterflies.org (link will open new window)

Last Sunday of October (Updated 2008)

 DENVER/LOWRY: HAUNTINGS AT THE HANGAR
The Largest annual STAR WARS-related gathering in Denver
Sunday October 31st, 2009 from 10:00am-3:00pm

Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Bring all your little ghosts, goblins, Stormtroopers or Jedi, to the Wings Saturday, Oct. 31st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a family friendly Halloween event featuring all your favorite characters from Star Wars, Star Trek or even your favorite comic book. You never know who (or what!) will turn up! With candy, games, Star Wars mini golf and science galore, this promises to be the best Hauntings yet!
http://www.wingsmuseum.org/calendareventdetails.asp?eventnumber=13 (link will open new window)

Jill: This is absolutely one of my favorite events of the year. The photo of my son with R2-D2 from 2 years ago is still on my desk. You're not likely to find a museum run by a nicer group of people who are so interested in sharing their passion with kids. The Star Wars Pilots, Jedi, & Stormtroopers are all wonderful. These folks come out in costume to see each other, but they really enjoy the attention from the kids. Be sure to visit the "how to find us page" before trying to wing it! :)

LAFAYETTE'S GREAT PUMPKIN RACE
Sunday October 26th, 2008 at 5:30pm

Pumpkin races? You heard right! The “Great Pumpkin Race” will be held at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Purchase your pumpkins for $2 at the front desk, launch them into the Lazy River and watch to see whose holiday gourd crosses the finish line first. All ages. Win prizes, passes to the Recreation Center, and more!
Bob Burger Recreation Center. 111 W. Baseline Rd Lafayette, CO 303-665-0469
http://cityoflafayette.com/Calendar.asp?View=EVENT&EventID=1204&Date=10/26/2008&SectionID=-1 (link will open new window)

BOULDER LIBRARY: HALLOWEEN KID'S CONCERT and COSTUME PARADE
Sunday October 26th, 2008 at 4:00pm

We’re stirrin’ in the pot, a witch’s brew, Halloween with Cari and Mary Sue.
Songs and scary stories, we’ll sing for you, Wear your special costume, we’ll all say "BOO!"
Get ready to cackle like a witch, spin like a spider, howl like a ghost and, of course, sing, with Mary Sue Rogers and Cari Minor in this action-packed Halloween concert. Mary Sue and Cari captivate kids and parents alike with their fun puppets play, silly antics, clear harmonies and spontaneity with the audience. Free.
http://www.boulderlibrary.org/youth/events/kids_events.html (link will open new window)

BOULDER: KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN HOUSE
Sunday October 26th, 2008 from 2-5pm

Family-friendly Halloween House with trick-or-treating, games, cupcalk walk, crafts, face painting, story telling, Creepy Science Room and more! Benefits BoulderReads. $5 per person or $20 per family.
http://associations.kappakappagamma.org/boulder/media/KKG_haunted_house2008-rev.pdf

Weekdays before Halloween (Updated 2008)

LAFAYETTE YMCA'S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Monday October 27th, 2008 from 5:30-8:00pm

It's Nutty, Spooky and Safe- Halloween Party at Arapahoe For a safe, exciting Halloween fun, the YMCA of Boulder Valley is again offering an imaginative experience – an evening for little goblins and their families to enjoy Halloween in an environment that’s both caring and safe.

This year’s fun will include: kooky carnival games, enchanted cookie forest, scary haunted house, bone chilling ice skating, hay rides, and face painting! For more information call 303-664-5455.
http://www.ymcabv.org/pdfs/programguides/fall/Family.pdf (link will open new window)

 BE PHOTOGRAPHED TO APPEAR IN NEWSPAPER (Lsvl, Laf, Sup, Erie)
Monday: October 27th, 2008 photos taken from 10:00am-5:00pm

Join us on the "Treat or Treat Beat". This year, we invite readers to visit our offices and have photos taken with their festively dressed pets or children. Staffers will offer their impromptu critiques of all costumes headed our way. Finally, don't forget to help us spell your names and share your costume descriptions for inclusion in that week's Louisville Times, Lafayette News, Erie Review, and Superior Observer.
1285 Centaur Village Drive in Lafayette (just off South Boulder Rd) (303) 666-6576
http://www.coloradohometownnews.com/contacts.asp (link will open new window)

DENVER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: TRICK OR TREAT STREET
Wed/Thur/Fri: October 29th-31st, 2008 from 9:00am-8:00pm (Extended Hours!)

The sweetest fall festival in town is just around the corner! Trick or Treat Street is packed with Halloween excitement and yummy fun. Bring your superheroes and little critters for a trick or treating adventure, indoor and outdoor activities, a monster themed carnival, glow in the dark spin art, costumes galore and much more!

BOULDER'S WHOLE FOODS MARKET: TRICK OR TREAT & COSTUME CONTEST
Thursday October 30th, 2008 at 4:00pm

Trick-or-treating for delicious treats and Costume Contest! Check in at our Concierge Desk right next to customer service. You’ll receive a Whole Foods trick or treat bag before we parade through the store trick or treating in each department. We’ll finish the event in the pumpkin patch where we’ll have a contest for the following awards: Cutest Costume, Scariest Costume and Most Creative. If it’s too cold, our costume contest will be in front of the store near the main exit.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/boulder/storecalendar.php (link will open new window)

 WHEAT RIDGE: COMMUNITY PUMPKIN GLOW
Friday, October 30th, 2009 from 6:30-8:00pm

This event will showcase ordinary pumpkins turned into crafty jack-o-lanterns at the hands of area residents. You will not want to miss the much talked about Jack-O-Lantern Walk, which is one of the main events of the evening. People wanting to share their jack-olanterns with others during the Pumpkin Glow may bring them to the day ahead. Wheat Ridge Senior/Community Center. Free.
http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=540 (link will open new window)

 DENVER CSO'S CLASSIC HALLOWEEN CONCERT
Thursday October 29th, 2009 at 6:30pm
Advance tickets recommended

ARVADA: HALLOWEEN AT APEX
Friday October 30th, 2009 from 4:00-7:00pm

Halloween Carnival for ages 10 and under. $3.75; adults free with paying child. Hayrides, carnival games, ghost stories and more!
http://www.apexprd.org/news-and-events/category/upcoming_events/ (link will open new window)

Day of Halloween (Updated 2008)

DOWNTOWN BOULDER'S MUNCHKIN MASQUERADE
Friday October 31st, 2008 from 2:00-5:00pm

Trick or Treat in Downtown Boulder!

Start at the Daily Camera for a complimentary photo, goodie bag and treat stop map. Then trick or treat several Downtown Boulder businesses with additional stops from Boulder Police and Fire departments, the HOP bunny, Open Space Mountain Parks, The Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza, and much more.
http://www.boulderdowntown.com/events/go/1140/10oct2008-7nov2008/kidfriendly (link will open new window)

LONGMONT: TRUNK OR TREAT
Friday October 31st, 2008

Children and parents will gather in the YMCA parking lot – be sure to wear your costumes – at 5:00 pm. You’ll park in the designated tailgate area, open your trunk, decorate it and pass out treats to the children as they trick or treat from car to car. “Trunk or Treating” will begin at 5:30pm. This is a safe, low cost and fun way to start your trick or treating activities. For more information, contact Giselle Lehmann at 720-652-4731.
http://www.longmontymca.org/special_events.asp (link will open new window)

ARVADA: HALLOWEEN EVENT
Friday October 31st, 2008 from 11:30am-1:00pm and 4:00-6:00pm

Ralston Road: Free haunted house for young children. Obstacle course, trick or treat stations and refreshments included.
http://apexprd.org/ (link will open new window)

LAFAYETTE: HALLOWEEN FUN AT WOW!
Friday October 31st, 2008

Fun and spooky Halloween crafts, activities, and pumpkin decorating (while supplies last) during business hours on Wednesday, October 31st! Come to the Museum dressed up in costume and receive a special Halloween treat! All included with admission to the Museum!
http://www.wowmuseum.com/ (link will open new window)

WESTMINSTER: BOOLING AT SPLITZ
Friday October 31st, 2008 from Noon-5:00pm

One game including shoes for $8.50 per person. Free Child ID Kits too.
http://www.splitzhappen.com (link will open new window)

ARVADA: TRICK OF TREAT STREET
Friday, October 31st, 2008 from 5:00-8:00pm

On the spookiest night of the year, bring the family and friends to Olde Town for a safe and friendly night of trick or treating. Local merchants welcome the little ghosts and goblins.
http://www.historicarvada.org/news/news_now.html (link will open new window)

DENVER/HIGHLAND: KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY AT CHAPULTEPEC TOO
Friday October 31st, 2008 from 1:00-3:00pm
    Games — Crunch & Find :: Pumpkin Toss :: Pin a Jack-o-Lantern
    Crafts — Decorate a Prize Bag :: Make a Silly Ghost
    Costume Contests — Best Boy :: Best Girl :: Best Parent
    Dance Party — Monster Mash :: Hokey-Ghostly :: Spider-Hop
Let's get the kiddies together in a safe, warm room to dance, play games, make crafts and proudly parade around in their adorable costumes. In lieu of the giant bags of candy they are already bound to get we will not be handing out candy, instead we have prizes for the games and fun gifts for the costume contests. $5 per child; adults free. Chapultepec Too is at 38th and Highland in Denver.
http://www.myspace.com/pecjazz (link will open new window)

LAKEWOOD: MILLS MONSTER MASH
Friday, October 31st, 2008 from 5:30-7:00pm

Join the Simon Kidgits Club and Radio Disney for a fun and spooktacular event at Colorado Mills Mall. Listen to music, dance, play games and have your face painted. Join the costume parade and fashion show and take your picture in the Pumpkin Patch. The first 600 attendees will receive a free Halloween goody bag. Click for location and event schedule.
http://www.simon.com/mall/event_details.aspx?ID=1237&EID=86470 (link will open new window)

LONGMONT: SAFE HALLOWEEN
Friday October 31st, 2008

Free admission - come enjoy a fun filled evening at the center on Halloween night. Wear your costume and enjoy carnival games, cake walk, dancing and more safe fun activities for all ages The gym becomes a carnival midway with games prizes, bouncers, petting zoo. The pool offers glow in the dark boat rides and games with a trip down the decorated slide. (Bags of donated candy are greatly appreciated). For additional information contact 303-774-4800. Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Road.
http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/index.htm (link will open new window)

Post Halloween (Updated 2008)

 LONGMONT'S DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) FESTIVAL
Saturday: November 1st, 2008

Longmont's Day of the Dead Festival is huge. There are smaller events leading up to the big one on Saturday. Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd., 303-651-8374
http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/museum/education/day_of_dead.htm (link will open new window)

BOULDER (ON STAGE): THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Saturdays: October 25th, 2008 and November 1st, 2008 (click link for showtimes)

Location: The Magic Playhouse, 5311 Western Ave, Boulder, CO
Advance ticket reservations preferred. Prices: Kids 12 & under $10; Adults $12
Ages: 5 & up. Show Length: approx. 1 hour
http://theaterforkids.net (link will open new window)

DENVER: NOT-SO-HAUNTED HOUSE AT THE DOLL/MINIS/TOY MUSEUM
Sunday: November 2nd, 2008 from Noon-5:00pm

Slightly spooky decorations, crafts, and games. Costumes encouraged at the >Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys 303-261-2164 (link will open new window)
http://www.dmmdt.org (link will open new window)

TOO MUCH CANDY?

 BOULDER COUNTY CASH-FOR-CANDY!
Friday: November 7th, 2008 from 3:30-5:00pm (time unconfirmed for 2008)

Receive $1 per pound of candy. Will be shipped to overseas troops!

Dr. Marc Alber (family dentist in Boulder) and Dr. Gordon West (family dentist in Lafayette) will buy back all of the excess candy our kids have after they have indulged on Halloween night and the day after. Yes, it is okay to squirrel away a few pieces ... just not the pounds of candy that most kids will collect.

Their offices will collect the excess candy and will pay the child $1/pound of candy plus a Firefly toothbrush. Most kids will have about 10 pounds of candy after a serious evening of Trick or Treating.

The candy will be shipped overseas to the courageous troops who will appreciate a treat or two. If you would like to write a letter or draw a picture, they will be included in the boxes to the troops. This offer is open to all kids, not just Dr. Alber's or Dr. West's patients.

Dr. Alber's Office: 303-449-3132 for more information. 2919 Valmont Road, Suite 106, Boulder.

Dr. West's Office: 303-665-5335 for more information. 1140 W. South Boulder Rd, Suite 201, Lafayette.