Family Halloween traditions can be the foundation of many childhood memories. Check out what’s happening in and around Weber County this Halloween season:
Frightmares
Oct. 24 through Oct. 30 are the remaining dates for Lagoon Amusement Park’s annual Frightmares. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. on all other days. Regular admission is $49.95 plus tax.
Each year the Lagoon Amusement Park transforms into a spooky utopia for all scary and thrill-seeking enthusiasts. Parents do not have to worry too much, as fun can be had by all ages using Lagoon’s scare ratings.
Lagoon season ticket holder Alison Wright said she takes her young children to Frightmares every year. Wright loves the Halloween theme and has found plenty of age-appropriate things to do at the park.
“We’ve never done any of the scary stuff,” Wright said. “The kids love walking around in their costumes and they like all the decorations. At night they have all the fun lighting and the kids like the shows.” The park also offers trick-or-treating but discourages costume wearing during Frightmares.
Halloween Carnivore Carnival
On Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park will once again play host to its Halloween Carnivore Carnival. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for children, $3 for adults and 50 percent off for all members of the park.
Spanning over eight acres of prehistoric land, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is one of the most popular attractions in Ogden. Every year the park holds a non-scary Carnivore Carnival complete with lighted decorations, trick-or-treating and carnival-style games. Costumes are encouraged and showcased in the nightly costume parade.
Creatures of the Night
On Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 the Ogden Nature Center will host its annual Creatures of the Night event. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $5 for Ogden Nature Center members and $6 for non-members. Showcasing a unique experience, Creatures of the Night features a live meet-and-greet with owls, snakes and spiders. The kid-friendly event also features spooky campfire tales, face painting and carnival games.
Mother Heidi Bitton said, “The kids liked it because they have the bats and owls there. Plus being out in the woods made it more spooky and fun.” Patrons attending Creatures of the Night are encouraged to bring a flashlight. Costumes are welcome.
Trunk-or-Treat
As for the holiday itself, Bitton suggests local trunk-or-treating events in lieu of traditional door-to-door goodie grabs. Many churches and organizations offer trunk-or-treating on Halloween as a safer alternative for kids.
Some trunk-or-treating events are held for specific reasons. F.A.A.S.T., a local charity for people with autism, recently partnered with the Weber County Fire District and Sheriff’s Office to hold a trunk-or-treat geared specifically toward the needs of children with autism. According to F.A.A.S.T. organization founder and Weber State alumni James Vaughan, around 75 to 80 families attended an event earlier this month. Vaughan considers that number a huge success.
“The program offers individuals on the autism spectrum an opportunity to engage our first responders in a fun and non-threatening environment,” Vaughan said. “It makes a win/win situation for everyone involved. Awareness for both sides is the key.”
