Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Columbia, SC
One of my favorites is Sleepy Hollow on the River. Held at the West Columbia River walk outdoor amphitheater this play includes live animals and spine tingling storytelling. It runs from Friday October the 13th through the 31st. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $10 for Students and $5 for Children 12 and under. Tickets and show time information can be found on their website, http://www.sleepyhollowontheriver.com.
At Saluda Shoals Park in St. Andrews the annual Blood Moon walking trail is being held each weekend from October 13th until Halloween. This trails takes you through indoor and outdoor trails and haunted house. You should be prepared for it to last about 30 minutes once on the trail. They strongly recommend that children be left at home for this one so if you’re a timid kitty then that probably means you too. It’s $10 per person to get in, pay an extra $10 and you get a free break to the front of the line deal. Visit their website before you go, http://www.sleepyhollowontheriver.com.
Located across for the Cayce town hall is the Hall of Horrors. This haunted house’s opening day is typically earlier than the others around town however this year’s dates have not been set yet. Operated by the Jaycees this operation donates it’s proceeds to charity. All the thrills and chills are setup in an indoor facility so inclement weather shouldn’t deter you. In addition to a haunted house experience they have a dark maize to disorient you. Check their website for upcoming date information, http://www.hallofhorrors.com.
Although you don’t have to wait until Halloween to do a Ghost of Carolina’s Walking Tour it sure seems like good timing. This narrated one mile walk takes you from the Capital building grounds to USC’s horseshoe. You will learn some interesting history of Columbia as well as some stories about ghost that may change the way you see the capitol city. The tour takes 90 minutes and cost $15 per adult and $8 for children. http://www.theghostsofcarolina.com/
If you are looking for a more family oriented event you may try the Halloween in 5 points festivities. Held for the past 4 years this kid friendly event includes a parade and costume contest. A 2006 date has not been set for this event. Hopefully construction won’t keep this fun event at bay this year. Keep an eye on the events calendar at http://www.fivepointscolumbia.com/ for a date.
HalloWonka at the Edventure museum will sure to please any age adolescent. Held October 25-27 from 5:30 to 8 pm. Halloween themed excitement. Costumes are encouraged and food is available. At only $6.50 a person it makes a great safe event for the whole family. For more information, www.edventure.org.
For a second year the Riverbanks Zoo is “zooing” it up for Halloween. Much like their Christmas events they have a whole hosts of activities to keep you busy with their Halloween Spooktacular. Open October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-30 from 6:00-9:00pm this is a great event for kids and parents alike. They tout it as not being scary and including a trick or treat trail, story tellers, and magic. Tickets are already on sale at $5 each. They can tell you more, www.riverbanks.org.
If you want to get out and enjoy the great fall weather then try a Haunted Hay Ride at Harmon’s tree farm. They also have pumpkin carving, a corn maize, and haunted boo house. Open Saturdays in October 10-6 Sunday-Friday 1pm-6pm. http://www.harmonschristmashouse.com.
Another great family event is the Halloween Skate held on October 31st at Iceland Irmo. The event starts at 3:30 and last until 5 pm. The cost is $6.75; 12 and younger is $5.75 plus the fee to rent your skates. For directions and contact info check here, http://www.icelandirmo.com.
Tricks & Treats at the State Museum is geared towards families with kids. Face painting, balloon art, scavenger hunts, and a kid friendly haunted gallery make up the daily events. Held on October 21st and 28th 10 am to 5 pm, get $1 off admission with a costume. http://www.museum.state.sc.us.
If you are looking for something a little more physical to get your blood pumping at Halloween? Then you may try the 2nd Annual Halloween Hustle 5k Run and Walk. Held Saturday October 28th, this event benefits the American Red Cross. Pre registration starts now and is $20 for adults. Check out this website for details, http://www.centralscredcross.org/documents/Halloween_Hustle_form.pdf .
Whatever you decide to do with your Halloween. Have a safe happy time!
