Whether you’re planning an outing with the kiddos or celebrating with friends, Halloween in Downtown Indy will be jam packed with unique events. Here are my top five family-friendly (and a few adult-only) events.
Creepy Carnival Haunted House at the Children’s Museum
This year’s Haunted House theme, Creepy Carnival, may be extra frightening for some. If you have a fear of clowns, AKA “coulrophobia (yes, the term really exists), opt for the Lights-On Hours, recommended for children who scare easily. For those who are a little more daring, TCM offers Frightening Hours. And there’s even an XTREME SCREAM late-night viewing that offers a whole new level of fright. The Haunted House runs through Oct. 31 and you can save on admission costs by purchasing tickets at Marsh Supermarkets.
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
Indiana’s beautiful fall weather sets the perfect backdrop for the Indianapolis Zoo’s annual Halloween ZooBoo. Even the animals get in the spirit with Halloween-themed Dolphin Adventure Shows, animal chats and the Elephant Pumpkin Smash. The little ones are encouraged to dress up in costume and bring a goodie bag for trick-or-treating. ZooBoo runs through Oct. 26 and is included with regular Zoo admission.
The local merchants along Mass Ave will deck their doors in the Halloween décor and will pass out treats to little visitors for their annual Monster Mash on Oct. 31 from 4 – 7 p.m. Participating shops include Silver in the City, Arts a Poppin, Mass Ave Toys, Best Chocolate in Town, Indy Reads Books and many more. Bundle up and grab a Starbucks hot chocolate along the way. Look for orange Monster Mash signs to indicate participating businesses.
Hallow’s Eve: A Night For Ability
This new event on Oct. 25 from 7 – 11 p.m. hits all the right notes of a great party: there will be treats from City Market chefs, beer, wine and an eclectic mix of entertainment. If you have always wanted to watch live fire spinners or visit with a tarot card reader, this event is for you. DJ Gabby Love will be spinning spooky beats and there will tours of the catacombs underneath the City Market. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 for VIP (includes first entry into the catacombs and a signature Sun King drink and appetizers).
Nightmare on Meridian Pub Crawl
Feeling a little rowdy? Celebrate Halloween by visiting your favorite Downtown Indy bars and watering holes on Oct. 31 – all while dressed up in costume! You will start at Tiki Bob’s, Revel and Howl at the Moon from 8 – 10 p.m. and then make your way to other Meridian Street bars including Buffalo Wild Wings and Tow Yard Brewery. Tickets include drink specials, covers and a chance to win a $1,000 costume contest prize. Guests must be 21+.
For more Halloween fun, visit our Halloween happenings page.
