Save the Date for these SPOOKY Family-friendly Events (if you dare)!

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Many sources cite the roots of Halloween are linked to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”). It was a Pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to keep the ghosts at bay. Celts (many from Ireland) that found their way to America brought their traditions with them, including carving out turnips (now using pumpkins) and placing candles in them to ward off evil.  Trick-or-treating grew from medieval England traditions, when people would go door to door offering a song or prayer in exchange for food. Known as Souling, it took place on All Saint’s Day, when Christians would pray for their loved ones.

History aside, here are some family-friendly upcoming events.

Cincinnati Art Museum. Games in the Gallery: Ghost Stories. Designed for multigenerational families—spanning ages 8 through 88—this monthly gallery walk includes a twist of fun! Family members play an art-based game together, taking them on an impromptu adventure through the galleries. Registration required. Free for members. General public $5. October 9, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo. Free with Zoo Admission. Guests will be treated to a day of fun at the Cincinnati Zoo! Help the Zoo go green, please bring your own treat bag! October 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26.  12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Costume Parade and Playdate. Fun activities for kids and their pets! Madeira’s Sellman Park. October 26, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Indian Hill and Madeira Trick-or-Treat will be held on Halloween day, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat at Findlay Market!  Merchants dress up and pass out candy to any kiddo in costume.  All families, school groups, and neighbors are welcome to join in on the Halloween fun and trick-or-treat from our Market Merchants and partners. October 31, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Pictured: Many of our Halloween traditions come from Ireland. Pictured is Monasterboice in Ireland’s Boyne Valley. Photo by Mary Casey-Sturk