Halloween is not just for trick-or-treating. It’s also not just for kids. Here are our top six kid and adult-friendly things to do in Downtown Indy on Halloween. Let the countdown to the thrills and chills begin!
Children’s Museum
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a visit to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ annual Haunted House – the oldest continually operating haunted house in the nation. Opening Oct. 10 and running through the end of the month, Pirate’s Revenge Haunted House includes three levels of scare: IPL Light On (for kids who scare easily), Defender Direct Frightening (for those who dare to be scared) and EMC2 Xtreme Scream (for adults and teens). Other haunted events at TCM include:
- Black Hat Bash on Oct. 3: a “spirited” soiree with food stations, a live DJ, a costume runway show and more.
- Black Hat Dash on Oct. 10: a one mile/5k family fun run and walk.
- Friendly Feast with the Witches: Saturday Breakfast on Oct. 24, Friendly Feast with the Witches: Saturday Lunch on Oct. 17 & 24 and Friendly Feast with the Witches: Sunday Lunch on Oct. 11, 18 & 25. This event includes a breakfast/lunch with entertainment, a tour of the Haunted House during Lights-On Hours and lots of friendly witches.
Ahoy matey! Pirate’s Revenge Haunted House opens at the Children’s Museum on Oct. 10 and continues through Oct. 31.
Indianapolis Zoo
ZooBoo is back at the Indianapolis Zoo Oct. 2 -4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18 & 23 – 25 and includes decorations, photos opportunities, Halloween-themed dolphin shows, animal chats and more. Go head-to-head with other families testing trivia knowledge with Family Faceoff, go bobbing for apples, race down Broomstick Alley or hop on a ride (the carousel runs backwards during ZooBoo). Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. While ZooBoo is open from 2 – 7 p.m. on select weekends, the Zoo opens at 9 a.m., so come out early to enjoy a great fall day. ZooBoo is included with Zoo admission.
Mass Ave
Looking for free family fun? The Mass Ave Monster Mash is back on Oct. 30 from 4 – 7 p.m. Kids and their parents are invited to a night of free family friendly trick-or-treating along Mass Ave. Look for businesses displaying the orange Monster Mash signs between the 300 and 900 blocks of Mass Ave. After trick-or-treating, enjoy dinner at one of your favorite Mass Ave spots.
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Adults can join in on the Halloween fun too. On Oct. 30, dress “Masquerade Chic” and join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for Haunted Hilbert, a night of mystery, masks, music, mixed drinks and munchies to benefit ISO’s education programs. You won’t want to miss this lineup of music: ISO musician ensembles, Q Artistry and DJs Slater Hogan and John Larner.
Mystery, magic and music will rule the night during the ISO’s special masquerade event, Haunted Hilbert.
Indiana Landmarks
Looking for an eerie Halloween destination? Indiana Landmarks is hosting Frightful: A Silent Halloween on Oct. 30. Watch one of the best horror films of the silent era – the 1925 classic The Phantom of the Opera – with spooky live organ accompaniment and special lighting effects. Snacks and a cash bar will be available. Dress in Phantom or opera singer attire to compete for a cash prize during our costume contest before the main feature.
For an eerie Halloween, check out Frightful: A Silent Halloween on Oct. 30 at Indiana Landmarks Center,
City Market
The 2nd annual Hallow’s Eve: A Night for Ability on Oct. 24 includes delicious treats from City Market chefs, beer from Sun King Brewery and a signature cocktail crafted by Joshua Gonzalez of Thunderbird. Watch a professional fire spinner, magicians, tarot card readers, ghosts and acrobatics, plus enjoy music from live DJs throughout the night and tours of the historic catacombs.
Hallow’s Eve is the inaugural fundraiser for Easter Seals Crossroads. This underground party will feature local food from City Market, beer from Sun King Brewing plus live entertainment including fire-spinners, magicians, psychic readers and DJ Gabby Love.
Check out our website for all Halloween happenings in Downtown Indy.
