Up North Halloween Happenings: Big Fun for Your Little Ones

Northern Wisconsin is the perfect place to get in the Halloween spirit. If you are spending time Up North this October, you know there are so many wonderful fall festivals and haunted houses that it’s hard to pick just one to attend. Are you looking for the perfect Halloween event for your family that won’t be too scary for your young children? Here are six upcoming Halloween events that offer big fun for your little ones.

Zoo Boo Bash – Wildwood Wildlife Park – Minocqua – October 12

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to “trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town” at the 13th Annual Zoo Boo Bash at the Wildwood Wildlife Park on October 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. That’s right: you get to trick-or-treat at a zoo! There also will be a family-friendly (nonscary) Halloween party with games, music, food, arts and crafts, haunted habitats, a costume contest, and candy! Tickets at the door are $10 for ages 12 and older, but kids 11 and under are free with the donation of a nonperishable food item to benefit a local food pantry. The event will go on rain (or snow!) or shine.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Trail – YMCA of the Northwoods – Rhinelander – October 25

Put on your costume and come trick-or-treat at the YMCA of the Northwoods’ Stoney Pines Trail, which will be brought to life with more than 20 not-so-scary trick-or-treat sites. Refreshments, including yummy soup, will be served in the YMCA gymnasium after you’ve had your fill of trick-or-treating. This is a free event, but please consider bringing a nonperishable food item to “fill the wagon” for the Rhinelander Food Pantry.

ArtyParty: Pumpkin Painting – ArtStart – Rhinelander – October 25

Create your own unique Halloween decorations in this family-friendly event that packs fun for all ages. Join the celebration at ArtStart on Friday, October 25, from 5 to 7 p.m., and paint your own pumpkin to take home with you.

Hallowfest – Downtown Eagle River – October 26

This event, designed for kids up to 15 years old, starts with a treasure hunt throughout the stores of downtown Eagle River from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. What a perfect opportunity to show off your creative Halloween costumes around town! Then costume judging takes place at the Vilas Cinema starting at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the best costume in three different age groups. After the winners have been announced, stick around to enjoy popcorn and a soda while watching a great Halloween movie, starting at 2 p.m.

Halloween Happenings Activity Afternoon – Water E. Olson Memorial Library – Eagle River – October 26

This is another great option for a fun Halloween activity after the treasure hunt on the same day! From 1 to 3 p.m. in the library’s Community Room, kids of all ages are invited to come and make Halloween crafts, hear spooky tales and poems, paint pumpkins, make Franken-Stuffies, decorate Halloween treat bags and shirts, and make and eat Halloween treats.

Halloween Carnival – Phelps School – Phelps – October 27

After trick-or-treating around Phelps or at the trunk-or-treat event in the school parking lot from 2 to 5 p.m., head inside Phelps School from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to enjoy indoor games, foods, and other treats.