Nine Great Annual Halloween Activities in Columbus, Ohio
The Halloween Pet Parade is a wonderful event held by the Capital Area Humane Society, where owners gleefully dress up their cutest pets and parade them around as monsters, firemen, or food products. Where else can you see a dachshund dressed up like a hot-dog? For pet-owners and pet-lovers alike, this is a must-see event, and it happens every year – so mark your calendars for October 30th, and I’ll see you there!
8. The Haunted Ship.
Few people know that Columbus, Ohio has the world’s most authentic full-size replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria, floating on its beautiful Scioto River. Even fewer realize that this same ship turns into an exciting haunted house on the water in the month of October, scaring and delighting children and adults alike on a yearly basis. This is a family event, and so the fright is not extreme, but it is still a unique adventure, complete with pirates, rats, and sea monsters emerging from the deep!
7. Statehouse Ghost Tours by Lantern Light.
Surprisingly, the Ohio Statehouse is host to its own yearly fright-fest. During the last week of October, the Statehouse opens up, and regales visitors with replicas of strange items from the government’s past, and ghost tales that have been told for at least a hundred years. It is a 40 minute guided tour through the Statehouse, but if that seems too long, never fear – the Museum Shop is kept open, and it serves delightfully seasonal items like ‘spider cider’ for an affordable price.
6. Dead Acres.
Dead Acres is more of an adult-oriented haunted farm – the fear-factor may be a bit too intense for young children. This massive complex has both indoor and outdoor segments, and it was ranked 9 out of the 13 best haunted houses in the country, according to Haunted House Magazine. Unlike some other members of this list, Dead Acres starts early, at the end of September, and runs all the way through Halloween, so you have plenty of time to stop by.
5. Boo at the Zoo.
What is scarier than fierce wild animals that could rend you limb from limb? Nothing, I say! And that’s why I love this annual event held by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is held from October 21st through the 29th, and is aimed at families, particularly those with children. Children are encouraged to attend the event in costume, where they will see special animal shows, and can even enjoy seasonal rides and special holiday attractions that can’t be seen in other parts of the year.
4. Terror Park.
Just west of downtown, nestled perfectly between two spooky cemeteries, is Cooper Stadium – home of the Columbus Clippers by day, Cooper Stadium transforms into the horrific Terror Park every weekend in October. It is a rather scary attraction, and so children under the age of twelve are not allowed to attend. Terror Park is the sort of haunted structure that draws out the weirder fears in people – they feature rampaging clowns and scenes of insanity, for those that aren’t creeped out by bugs and monsters with axes.
3. The House of Nightmares.
Another haunted house, but this one is set deep in the twisting corridors of an old building in Columbus’ brewery district. Previously located in Mount Vernon, the House of Nightmares has taken a location once known as the ‘Bloody Brewery’ and all signs point toward a terrifying experience coming to us this October. Like Dead Acres, The House of Nightmares is open from the end of September until Halloween.
2. Trick or Treat.
Whether you call it ‘trick or treat,’ ‘beggar’s night,’ or something else, it is undeniable that the best part about Halloween, if you ask children, is all the free candy. There is something spooky for parents in letting their children wander house to house, accepting gifts from strangers, but that’s all part of the fun. Columbus is having official trick-or-treating hours on Monday October 31st, this year, from 6:00-8:00 PM, so make sure to get the costumes ready if you have children (or if you’re a kid at heart).
1. Haunted Hollow.
Just outside of Columbus, in Delaware, Ohio, one can find the Olentangy Indian Caverns. These great caverns, formed millions of years ago by an underwater river, were more recently used for shelter by the Wyandot Indians. The Haunted Hollow is family friendly, and includes special activities for children, like pumpkin smashing, and haunted hayrides. It is open every Friday and Saturday in the month of October, and is a worthwhile stop in anyone’s Halloween tour.
