Family Friendly Halloween Activities in the Salt Lake Valley - 2008

Are you looking for a fun Halloween activity in the Salt Lake area - one that won't scare your kids to death? Here are some of the best family friendly events around the Salt Lake Valley.

Utah's Hogle Zoo: Boo at the Zoo. On October 25^th, take your little ones trick-or-treating at the Hogle Zoo. Wear your costumes and check out the animals while you visit trick-or-treating booths around the zoo. This activity is free with zoo admission ($8 for adults, $6 for children, 2 and under free) or a zoo membership. Hours are 9-3.

This is the Place Heritage Park: Little Haunts. From October 16-18th, bring your kids to This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City for costumed fun. Games, trick-or-treating in the Pioneer Village and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 3-11.

The Crazy Corn Maze. This giant corn maze in West Jordan opens September 18^th. The maze is not haunted on Mondays and Thursdays, and the haunting doesn't begin until dusk on the other days, so you don't need to worry about young children getting scared. Unless you get lost in the maze! Prices are $7 for everyone 11 and older and $4 for kids 5-10. Children 4 and under are free. You can print a coupon from their website.

Gardner Village. As usual, Gardner Village in West Jordan is hosting an array of family friendly Halloween-themed events during the month of October. The Village is free to visit, so go check out the witches who will be decked out and displayed all over throughout the month. For $2 each you can take your family on a wagon ride with a witch. Rides are available on October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 20 and 27 and are held from 5-8 pm. There is also face painting on Fridays and Saturdays ($3-$5), Wee Witches Weekend, a fun event just for kids on October 16-18^th, and High Witchy Tea the 16-18^th for $20/person. There are other events for adults as well. Be sure to make time to visit Gardner Village during this fun time of year.

Thanksgiving Point. While not technically in the Salt Lake Valley, Thanksgiving Point is close enough and offers such an impressive array of family-friendly Halloween events that I have to mention them. First, is Cornbelly's Corn Maze, opening September 26^th. The maze and all other attractions (bounce houses, hay rides, corn cannons and more) are $10 for everyone 3 and up and is not haunted Tuesdays through Thursdays. There is a kid's maze, pumpkin patch, and a play area for the littlest of kids as well. Coupons are available on the Cornbelly's website.

Other Halloween adventures at Thanksgiving Point include Spooky Saturdays at the Museum, from 10 am-2 pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children 3-12 and activities include crafts, a spooky scavenger hunt and face painting.

October 16-20^th is the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Admission is $5 for adults and $10 for children 2-17. There will be entertainment and activities for all ages, including teenagers.

Finally, the Thanksgiving Point farm offers Barnyard Boo on October 16-18, 20, 24-25, 27. This activity is $6 and is perfect for younger children. Activities include face painting, cookie decorating, pony rides and more.

For more information, please visit these websites:
Boo at the Zoo

This is the Place Little Haunts

Crazy Corn Maze

Gardner Village

CornBelly's Corn Maze

Thanksgiving Point