Fun Halloween Activities for Children in Saginaw County, Michigan

Crisp autumn days beg for outdoor activity with the kids. For spooky, family-friendly fun in Saginaw County, check out a harvest carnival, haunted house, corn maze, zoo events, a train ride through a haunted forest, or a hayride.

Carnival/Haunted House
While the "Village of the Living Dead" in St. Charles is considered the best haunted house in the area, if not the state, it's way too frightening for children.

Instead, check out the Great Jack-O-Lantern Carnivale and Haunted House at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds in Chesaning, where both adults and children can enjoy themselves. The Carnivale offers a full carnival with rides, games, and contests. Diversions for the adults include a refreshment tent and arts and crafts.

2007 Dates:
Carnival Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 6-7
Haunted House Oct. 6, 13, 20, 26, 27
Admission: Carnival $3 / Haunted House TBA
Location: Saginaw County Fairgrounds, 11300 Peet Rd., Chesaning
More information: 989-845-3055

Corn Maze
Corn mazes have sprung up seemingly everywhere over the past fifteen years or so. Usually covering up to five acres and boasting a few miles worth of paths, they're designed to be challenging, but not frustrating. One corn maze in Saginaw County is at the Newton Elk Farm in Oakley. In addition to navigating the corn maze, visitors are encouraged to view the elks.

2007 Dates: Until dark each Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 28
Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for children ages five to eleven
Location: Newton Elk Farm, 16710 S. Brennan, Oakley

Boo at the Zoo
The Saginaw Children's Zoo underwent a renaissance several years ago and it just keeps getting better. New and interesting exhibits are added every year, and the Zoo has so many events and goings-on that it prints a seasonal calendar.

Halloween is no exception. The Children's Zoo hosts the child-friendly "Halloween Harvest Zoo Boo!" Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the zoo. Admission includes rides on the old-fashioned carousel as well as the train, visits to goody booths, and some special entertainment.

2007 Dates: Oct. 26 & 27, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and Oct 28 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Admission: $8, $6 for Zoo members. Advance purchase required
Location: Saginaw Children's Zoo, 1730 S Washington Avenue, Saginaw
More information: 989-759-1408

Spooky Train Ride
The Junction Valley Railroad in Bridgeport boasts being the largest quarter-size railroad in the world. That's one-quarter normal size, folks, not the size of a quarter. The kids may not appreciate Junction Valley Railroad's uniqueness, but they'll have a ball riding the Halloween Spook Train Ride. Live spooks haunt the rails, 250 jack-o-lanterns light the way, and over 80 different spooky scenes bring shivers to the journey. Young children can still enjoy the ride: the scenes are humorous as well as scary.

2007 Dates: October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-31, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $7.50
Location: Junction Valley Railroad, 7065 Dixie Hwy., Bridgeport
More information: 777-3480

Hayrides
If you're lucky enough to be attending a Halloween party on a farm, you might just get a hayride as part of the deal. For those of us who are less privileged, your best bet is at Montrose Orchards, located in Genesee County just a smidge southeast of Saginaw County.

An orchard is an ideal spot for a hayride, riding amongst the various crops. The air is crisp and fresh, and filled with the scent of apples. At Montrose Orchards, you can go early and pick your own apples, or if you prefer you can buy apples, pumpkins, cider, or baked goods.

Dates and Admission: 810-639-6971 for more information
Location: 12473 Seymour Road, Montrose

While trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are fun for the kids, parents often find themselves relegated to the role of chauffeur and chaperone. Move beyond the kid-only activities with these five suggestions for Halloween outings that both adults and kids can enjoy. Let everyone join in the fun!