Huntsville Halloween Scare-o-Meter

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

Event Details
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 Huntsville Botanical Garden is your setting.

Halloween Bash at Earlyworks

Event Details
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

Event Details
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.

Spooky Space Spectacular

Event Details
Scare Factor: 1 Ghost

 

This family-friendly annual Halloween event is all about spooky space and a fun, indoor option for all ages. Nothing scary here – just hands-on science and lots of candy!

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

Local Ghost Walks

Event Details
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 Masquerade Ball

Event Details
Scare Factor: 3 Ghosts

 

The Library’s annual teen masquerade ball has a magical theme this year, and is the place to be for kids ages 12-18. There will be a huge Battle for Hogwarts Nerf game, followed by live DJ, refreshments, and a cosplay contest. The costumes and effects are pretty awesome, and not for little kids, but this is a safe and not-too-mature Halloween event for teens & preteens.

Haunted House in Madison

Event Details
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. They have 14 years of scaring the pants off kids in Madison!

 

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

Huntsville Zombie Walk

Event Details
Scare Factor: 4 Ghosts

 

Younger kids could get pretty freaked out over the homemade zombie gore… but older kids should have few issues with these friendly zombies.

Lowry House Fright Nights

Event Details
Scare Factor: 4 Ghosts

 

One of Huntsville’s most beautiful historic homes gets pretty ghastly in October. Local Hauntings & Urban Legends is a unique haunted attraction featuring both talented actors and real-life ghosts. Guests will get to meet real Huntsville ghosts, and venture into their stomping grounds.

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]