Why not squeeze more mileage out of those children’s costumes?
Numerous retail stores nationwide are organizing kid-friendly happenings for the spookiest season. These are complimentary activities for little ones, which makes them a win for both parents and children.
1. Disney Store
Saturdays in October just became even more enchanting. The Disney Store is putting on its Haunted Halloween Party for youngsters ages 3 to 12. Attendees will receive free light-up Mickey Mouse pumpkin wristbands to take home.
When: Oct. 20 and 27 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Be sure to: Sign up ahead of time. Attendance is capped at the first 20 children who RSVP for each time slot. Call your local store to secure a spot. Outlet locations will not be hosting the Halloween parties.
2. Bass Pro Shops
This outdoor recreation chain will offer eight days of complimentary Halloween entertainment starting Oct. 20. Kids can make crafts, play games, march in costume parades, pose with the Peanuts characters and go trick-or-treating.
When: Oct. 20 and 21 from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., Oct. 27 and 28 from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 29 and 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Be sure to:Read this post for the event schedule details.
3. Michaels
The arts-and-crafts retailer will run several Halloween-themed workshops this month, but the true treats are the no-cost events. Kids can craft gooey slime on Oct. 21 and 27. Also on Oct. 27, young makers can complete three holiday-inspired art projects — and get face painting.
When: Ultimate Slime Party Oct. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m., Monster Bash Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon and Monster Slime Party Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Be sure to: Register in advance online or by contacting your local Michaels store.
4. Target
Target — a go-to retailer for many parents — will host a “PAW Patrol”-themed Halloween celebration where kids can meet their favorite pups from Adventure Bay. Enjoy the activities and stay for a showing of a special PAW Patrol episode.
When: Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Be sure to: Bring your child in costume for trick-or-treating. There will be additional giveaways while supplies last.
5. Simon Malls and Premium Outlets
Mall trick-or-treating is the family-friendly, kid-focused analogue of a night out for adults — except with candy instead of drinks and everything is free.
Simon Property Group owns more than 200 malls and outlet centers across 37 states and Puerto Rico. Many of these sites will host Halloween activities for children this year.
Tyrone Square Mall, my local shopping center in St. Petersburg, Florida, will offer crafts and trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. Some venues celebrate before Halloween; for instance, Norfolk Premium Outlets in Norfolk, Virginia, will hold trick-or-treating on Oct. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.
When: Dates and times differ by location.
Be sure to: Contact your nearest Simon property for specifics.
Bonus: PetSmart
Owners of furry companions can stop by PetSmart on Oct. 20 and 21 for the store’s “Who’s Your Boo?” costume parade and Halloween celebration.
Stores will hand out free pet treats and coupons to help you save during your visit. The first seven guests who arrive at each location’s event will receive a complimentary pet collar safety light.
When: Oct. 20 and 21 from noon to 3 p.m.
Be sure to: Dress your pet in costume for a chance to win a prize.
Rebecca Lane is a senior writer at Savinly. She enjoys finding free kids’ activities. Her child has gone trick-or-treating at Bass Pro Shops and Tyrone Square Mall.
