by Elean Gersack

Ghosts and goblins will be looking for tricks and treats. Here are some fun alternatives or additions to traditional Halloween trick-or-treating:

Trick or Treat Street in Castle Pines North -

Castle Pines North Business District
Monday, October 29

Little ghosts and goblins are invited to Trick or Treat Street on October 29. Business in the Pines will sponsor this new children’s event in the Castle Pines North (CPN) Business District from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kids will enjoy decorating Halloween cookies, tractor pulled wagon rides, souvenir photos and a chance to win a $100 gift card to Toys “R” Us. Black bats will hang in the doorways of all businesses offering trick or treat goodies. For more information, please visit www.businessinthepines.com.

Boo at the Zoo -

The Denver Zoo
Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Denver Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” offers trick-or-treaters close encounters of the creepy kind - viewing vampire bats, reptiles, spiders, and other Denver Zoo creatures – all free with admission. Call 303-376-4800 or visit www.denverzoo.org for more information.

Castle of Terror -

Castle Rock Fire Training Tower,
333 Malibu Court
October 26, 27 and 31
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Take a tour of this haunted castle. Children younger than 13 are not admitted without an adult (not recommended for young children). $10 tickets will be sold at the gate and all proceeds benefit the Castle Rock Police and Fire Explorers Program. For more information, visit
www.CRgov.com.

Spooktacular Festival -

Castle Rock Recreation Center
Saturday, October 27
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Spooky fun for children of all ages! Enjoy games, face painting, jumping castles, contests, crafts and more. Snacks, treats and prizes will be on hand. Dress in costume for this free event. For more information, visit, www.CRgov.com.

Garden of the Goodies -

Hudson Gardens
Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27

Kids can enjoy a safe trick-or-treat around the lighted and decorated Oval Garden. This event is free for everyone. For more information, visit www.hudsongardens.org.

Pumpkin Festival -

The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield’s 10-acre pumpkin patch will be full of pumpkins on October 13 and 14. Come out and find the perfect one. Also enjoy hayrides, barrel train rides, crafts and concessions. The amazing Corn Maze is located right next door. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children and free for children ages 3-15 in costume (tickets to the Corn Maze are sold separately). For more information, visit
www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/pumpkinfestival.cfm.

Trick or Treat OFF the Street -

The Wildlife Experience
Wednesday, October 31
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Wildlife Experience will host Trick-or-Treat OFF the Street on Wednesday, October 31. This safe and fun Halloween celebration is for children of all ages and features games, scary stories, creepy crawly crafts, and a haunted graveyard. Candy booths will line the museum’s hallways so children can fill bags with candy and spooky toys. Admission is free for children younger than two, $4.95 for children ages two to twelve, $7.95 for adults and $6.95 for seniors. Members of The Wildlife Experience receive free admission. For more information, visit
www.thewildlifeexperience.com.