Fun and spooky events to celebrate HalloweenDate: 10/15/2019 GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Halloween is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to get out with the family to enjoy the very last of warm(ish) weather. Lucky for Western Massachusetts residents, the area offers many seasonal attractions for both adults who want to be scared out of their pants and families looking for a safe place to trick-or-treat. Here are some of what Western Massachusetts has to offer in the way of Halloween activities.
Fright Fest
Fright Fest at Six Flags in Agawam offers a variety of activities including haunted mazes, live performances, rides, and several scare zones. The park is open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Fright Fest is offered every weekend until Oct. 27. You can buy tickets for $52.99 at https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/special-events/fright-fest.
DementedFX
DementedFX in Holyoke has been rated the number one haunted attraction in Massachusetts. It offers guests the chance to go through 20,000 square feet filled with set designs, props, and monsters. As if that wasn’t enough, it also features videos and sound effects. It’s open every Friday to Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with the last weekend being Oct. 27. Two Thursday dates are also offered for those who want a little extra scare right before Halloween on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 during the same timeframe. Tickets are $25 and can be bought in person or online at https://www.dementedfx.com/buy-tickets.
Sweet and Spooky Halloween
The Springfield Museums are offering families both tricks and treats on Halloween. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26, the museums is hosting their Sweet and Spooky Halloween event. The family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, up-close animal encounters, crafts, a book giveaway, a Grinch meet and greet, and more. The museum's Candyland-inspired exhibit will also be on display. Activities are free with museum admission. For non-Springfield residents admission costs $25 for adults, $13 for those three to 17-years of age, and is free to children under three. Springfield residents get in free with a valid ID.
Spooky Safari
The Zoo at Forest Park is once again offering their Spooky Safari to those who want to experience the zoo at night. On Oct. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. children can trick-or-treat down Candy Lane, decorate a pumpkin, play games, and even participate in a costume contest. Raffle prizes, close-up encounters with some of the animals, and crafts will also be offered. Tickets can be bought at the gate the day of the event, no advance tickets are being sold. Adult tickets are $10, tickets for children ages one to 12-years-old cost $5, and senior tickets $7.
Eastfield Mall-O-Ween
The Eastfield Mall-O-Ween is a free, family friendly event that takes place each year at the Eastfield Mall. The event offers parents a safe, fun way to take their kids trick-or-treating inside the mall. The event is also great for those who may be worried about the possibility of cold or rainy weather. Trick or treating goes from 5 to 8 p.m. with a costume contest at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in three different age groups, zero to three-years-old, four to eight-years-old, and nine to 14-years-old.
Chicopee Halloween Spooktacular
The Mayor’s Office in Chicopee is once again hosting the Chicopee Halloween Spooktacular. On Oct. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Chicopee, the event will offer a DJ, free concessions, cookie decorating, the chance for children to get candy from trick-or-treat Lane, and even hosts a costume parade. The Spooktacular is free and open to all!
Mall-O-ween
Another way to ensure the weather cooperates and your kids stay safe is to take them trick-or-treating at the Holyoke Mall. Mall-O-Ween will take place on Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. The night will also feature fun activities for the kids. Trick-or-treating at the mall is free and open to all.
Monster Dash 5K
If you’re not interested in candy, the East Longmeadow Recreation Department is offering a Monster Dash 5K road race on Oct. 26. For $20 you can run, or walk, 3.5 miles in your costume for the chance to win a contest. You can also take photos at the photo area and participate in many more fun activities. The event begins at 8 a.m. at the East Longmeadow High School, with the race stepping off at 9 a.m. Race registration can be done online at https://elrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1441&fbclid=IwAR1G_QxT2qz3q4CdAg1oj8MsJcB-zoF1yTZlb0jyBOlRPRxIyWdY5C2XxZI.
Westfield Pumpkin Fest
The Westfield Pumpkin Fest will take place on Oct. 19 at Park Square. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and will have a variety of family-friendly activities including free pumpkins for kids to carve, live music, face painting, trick-or-treat boulevard, and local vendors. The event is free and open to all.
Escape the Pumpkin Patch
Also in Westfield at the Athenaeum, kids of all ages can participate in a pumpkin escape room on Oct. 19. From 1 to 3 p.m. the library is offering four, 30-minute time frames for children and adults to try to solve a variety of puzzles and riddles and escape from the pumpkin patch on time. While anyone can participate in the event, children under 10 must have an adult with them. The escape room may not be best for children under six-years-old due to small objects and the difficulty of the puzzles. There are a limited number of spots for Escape the Pumpkin Patch. You can select your time and register online at http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/W/WESTFLDA/ekpmonth.cfm?curOrg=WESTFLDA&curHelp=arl&setRef=new.
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