Halloween

When we think of Halloween, many of us probably conjure up images of ghosts, goblins, witches, and other scary characters. The most popular secular association with Halloween seems to be that of simply outlandish costumes and lots and lots of candy. I have never been a particular fan of all the Halloween festivities and could care less if we celebrated the day (or better said, the evening) at all. While I can appreciate the fun in dressing in attire out of the ordinary, I find the whole concept of trick or treating repulsive for one rather large reason: the candy. … Continue reading

Halloween Fun for Kids With Special Needs

In general, Halloween can be a tricky holiday to plan for. Some kids are going to have a very low tolerance for “scary”, while others will thrive on it. Kids with sensory issues could be overwhelmed by flashing lights and background music that consists of screams and odd noises. Here are some Halloween events that are much more friendly for kids who have special needs. On September 29, 2012, there will be a Zombie Walk that is designed to accommodate kids who have special needs, and their families. It will take place in Canton, Ohio. Dress as a zombie, and … Continue reading

The Gooiest Apple Awards at Disneyland

This year Disneyland’s doing something a little different for Halloween. Sure, both parks are throwing the usual parties, but this time Disneyland has a little something special for the holiday on its website. Travel over to Disneyland’s Halloween Time and see what I mean. The main focus for Halloween Time is the Disney Villains, which makes sense. The flash animation on the site rotates between each of the most popular baddies, and users can click on them to read a tidbit about the character. Then they can vote to crown their favorite with the Gooiest Apple Award. But rather than … Continue reading

Mickey’s Halloween Parties

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the candy and I love dressing up, and Halloween also summons sweet childhood memories about trick-or-treating with my friends and having autumn sleepovers (my best friend growing up’s birthday was two days before Halloween). So of course I’m excited to share what the Disney Parks’ plans are for the 2010 spooky holiday. Disney already excels in Halloween celebrations; their 1993 film “Nightmare Before Christmas” is one of my favorite to watch during this time of year (and then again at Christmas) and contains in my opinion one of the only good Halloween … Continue reading

Spooky Halloween Adventures

These are no kiddie Zoo Boos. The following Halloween travel attractions are not for the faint of heart. Literally. Many theme parks post large signs warning guests that suffer from heart conditions NOT to partake in the gory Halloween hauntings that are a dime a dozen this time of year, for fear it may cause serious medical emergencies. If you are cool as a cucumber and creepy mazes, disorienting strobe lights, fog and fake blood don’t make your heart skip a beat or trigger panic attacks, then you might consider traveling to the following Halloween events: Busch Gardens Williamsburg in … Continue reading

Halloween Happenings for Kids

(My daughter pretending she is Sylvester the Cat attacking Tweety Bird at Six Flags Great America’s Scare-Free Fright Fest Zone.) My six-year-old is a cream puff when it comes to Halloween spooks and scares. She refuses to walk near store aisles that contain Halloween decorations, which makes trips to Wal-Mart and Target sheer horror this time of year. However, she is not alone. The world is filled with kids, who love getting candy at Halloween, but despise getting freaked out by the gory sights that are trademarks of the haunted holiday. Fortunately, there are a number of not-so spooky Halloween … Continue reading

Scream-o-ween Attractions

I parent a young child, who is petrified of all things related to Halloween, save for the candy. However, I realize there are some kids, who not only embrace the bloody zombies and grotesque gargoyles that haunt the holiday, but actively seek them out. If your child loves to get his scare on this time of year, then consider the following spooktacular events: SCREAMS HALLOWEEN THEME PARK Waxahachie, Texas is home to what is billed as “The World’s Largest Halloween Theme Park.” The Dallas-area park is open through October 31st and boasts five haunted attractions including the Maze of the … Continue reading

Kid-Friendly Halloween Happenings

My 5-year-old’s favorite theme park is Six Flags Great America. However, she won’t go near the place this time of year. Her fear of all-things ghoulish makes the amusement park’s popular Fright Fest off limits during the weeks leading up to Halloween. Fortunately, there are several scare-less Halloween events taking place through October at other parks around the nation. Some kid-friendly favorites include: HallowBoo at Idlewild in Ligonier, Pennsylvania is perfect for your littlest ghosts and goblins. The theme park’s Halloween events include trick-or-treating through Storybook Forest and meeting Ricky Raccoon and other characters. There are also Halloween-themed rides and … Continue reading

Where To Have a Haunted Halloween

It’s that time of the year again. Time to get your scream on at amusement parks nationwide. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, 81 percent of amusement parks are hosting Halloween or fall-themed events this year. Thrill-seekers can partake in a variety of hair-raising events from haunted houses complete with bloody zombies and three-eyed monsters to corn mazes featuring ax-wielding madmen. Here’s a list of some of the most spooktacular Halloween events taking place this month: “Hall of Terror” and “Haunted River Ride” at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach, Florida “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, … Continue reading

Pumpkin Seeds 101

Have you carved your pumpkins yet? If you live in a warmer climate you might have held off until today to do so. When you get around to crafting your jack-o’-lanterns don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds. Large pumpkins yield dozens of seeds that can be used in a variety of ways. GETTING THE SEEDS After you remove the top of your pumpkin carefully scoop out the pulp and seeds with a large serving spoon (or your hands) and place them in a bowl. You will need to separate the seeds from the pulp. I like to wash and … Continue reading