Halloween Event for Younger Children in Atlanta

Let's face it. Halloween can be an incredibly exciting time of year for older children. Haunted houses wait to be discovered. Scary movies air on TV 24/7. Tales of monsters abound. However, for children age 8 and younger, Halloween can be quite daunting and scary. Ghosts, goblins and witches can cause nightmares, or jitters, at the very least. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a fun and engaging Halloween event in Atlanta geared specifically towards younger children?

Great news! There is just such a Halloween event for younger children. It is called Halloween Hikes, and it takes place annually at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. Your family-friendly event starts with a guided, well-lit hike through the forest to meet costumed woodland creatures. Each friendly animal tells an entertaining and educational story about his or her life in the woods. Hikers are encouraged to ask questions, and the answers are often hilarious. As you move from station to station, each woodland character tells a more charming story than the prior one. While the event is billed as a Halloween activity, it's really an animal science lesson in disguise. I took my 10-year old son to Halloween Hikes last year, and he is already asking to go again this year. When learning becomes fun, I'm definitely there!

At the end of the 45-minute hike, your family will be further entertained with an old fashioned, roaring bonfire, arts and crafts, face painting, musical entertainment and games. Nutritious and delicious treats are offered by Harry's Farmers Market/Whole Foods. It's good, clean fun for the entire family, and an excellent way to celebrate Halloween. Ticket sales begin each evening at 6:30, and end at 9:30 PM.

Friday and Saturday, October 17, 18, 24 and 25 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center: 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075.