Halloween Scare-O-Meter in Huntsville

Being a parent at Halloween can be tricky. We want our kids to get caught up in all the fun we had when we were kids, but sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what our kids are ready for when it comes to the Scare Factor.

We’ve even written about why you should scare your kids this Halloween in the past.

Below we’ve rated several spooky events happening around Huntsville on a scale of 1-5 (1 being lowest, 5 being highest) when it comes to their level of scariness. Of course, each kid is different, and you know best about what they are ready to experience. NOTE: If we don’t list a “scary” event here, we DO NOT recommend it for kids of any age.

Best for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who like their Halloween friendly and happy!

Bootanica at the Garden

Scare Factor: 1 Ghost

The mildest of the mild when it comes to Halloween fun! Bootanica is appropriate for all ages, and so are all the activities included: face painting, dancing with Steve the DJ, and a costume parade is tons of fun for the littlest ones. Not to mention the cute factor is huge here, and you can get tons of gorgeous Fall photos when the Garden is your setting.

Halloween Bash at the Depot

Scare Factor: 1 Ghost

Another great option for preschoolers and lower elementary kids! The annual Halloween Bash is full of wholesome costumed fun, complete with games, crafts, and of course safe Trick or Treating! No scares here, and that makes it a safe bet for tinier scaredy cats.

Library Puppet Shows

Scare Factor: 1 Ghost

Nothing says Fall like a good old-fashioned puppet show, and our friends at HMCPL know how to do them RIGHT. Wild Things, cuddly monsters, pumpkins, and hoot-owls are about as scary as these shows get. They’re usually partnered with your favorite storybooks and other activities at your local library branch.

For kids that can handle a medium amount of scary, or targeted at upper elementary age and beyond.

Local Ghost Walks

Scare Factor: 2-3 Ghosts, depending on your Guide

A great way to combine Alabama history with a dose of creepy, the Huntsville Ghost Walks can be just the ticket for kids who like to be just a little bit scared. Nothing jumps out, and there is no gore, but the skilled tour guides are great at telling spine-tingling stories about real local historical places & characters.

Teen Zombie Prom

Scare Factor: 3 Ghosts

 

The Library’s annual teen masquerade ball has a zombie theme this year, and Zombie Prom is the place to be for kids ages 12-18. There will be a huge Humans vs. Zombies game, followed by the Zombie prom. Bring your own labeled Nerf gun and darts for kicking some zombie tail. The makeup and zombie effects are pretty awesome, and not for little kids, but this is a safe not-too-mature Halloween event for teens & preteens.

Haunted House in Madison

Scare Factor: 3-4 Ghosts

 

For the jump-scare factor alone, this gets an extra ghost. But brave upper-elementary and middle schoolers can manage this mild Haunted House hosted by the Venture Scouts Troop 007. After it’s on it’s lucky 13th year of scaring the pants off kids in Madison!

Not for the faint of heart, these events are recommended for mature teens only, and THEY might even be scared!

Lowry House Fright Nights

Scare Factor: 5+ Ghosts

One of Huntsville’s most beautiful historic homes gets pretty ghastly in October. Theater Du Vampire is a unique haunted attraction featuring both talented actors and real-life ghosts. Guests will get to meet Bram Stoker, and venture into the refuge he has created for his beloved creatures of the night.

Most Haunted Halloween Party at Lowe Mill

Scare Factor: 5 Ghosts

NOT for kids, this party will be scattered, like so many remains, throughout the historically haunting hundred year old halls of Huntsville’s premiere arts facility. Festivities to include: A good ole’ fashioned Tent Revival hosted by the Caducean Church of the Resurrectionist Revivaler. Come witness the unthinkable as Pastor Pervell Price attempts to collude with the dead and offer them life everlasting. Romero’s Wake: Join us as we remember the man. Includes a screening of the late, great George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” on the East Dock. End the night with the Dance Hall of the Dead. Recommended for ages 18+

We’ve heard great things about the variety of scare levels at the Haunted Hill Graveyard & Campground, but we’re too big of weenies to go check it out. Apparently they off everything from a 1-Ghost scare to a 10-Ghost scare! If anyone cares to go and report back we’d love to add it to this list for next year!

Did we miss any of your favorites? Share your ideas with other parents in the comments below!

[themify_box style=”lavender rounded” ]There’s even more Fall and Halloween fun in our annual Fall Activity Guide! [/themify_box]