Downtown Indy is the perfect destination for those seeking spooky family fun or fright-filled nights. From the longest running haunted house in the nation at the Children’s Museum, to a backward spinning carousel at the Indianapolis Zoo, Halloween in Downtown Indy is sure to be a spooky good time this month.
Pirate’s Revenge Haunted House
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will bring back their annual Haunted House Oct. 10 – 31. The theme this year – Pirate’s Revenge – includes three levels of scare: IPL Lights-On (for kids who scare easily), Defender Direct Frightening (for those who dare to be scared) and EMC2 Xtreme Scream (recommended for teens and adults). Fun fact: the Children’s Museum Haunted House is the oldest continually operating haunted house in the nation. Tickets to Pirates Revenge are $8 – $10 per person. 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 1 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.
ZooBoo
ZooBoo is back at the Indianapolis Zoo Oct. 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18 & 23 – 25 and includes all the activities a kid could love: Halloween-themed dolphin shows, animal chats, an elephant pumpkin smash, bobbing for apples, backwards carousel rides and more. Children 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.
The Slightly Haunted Puppet Studio
Witch Getrude will cackle her way on to Peewinkle’s stage Oct. 10 – 30 for The Slightly Haunted Puppet Studio. With ghosts, skeletons, aliens, juggling scarecrows and more, this puppet show is sure to put you and your gremlins in the Halloween spirit. Tickets are $12 and free for children under two.
Mass Ave Monster Mash
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 family friendly trick-or-treating along Mass Ave. After trick-or-treating, enjoy dinner at one of your favorite Mass Ave spots.
This is Thriller
Always wanted to learn the Thriller dance? Now is your chance! Head to the Indiana Historical Society on Oct. 31 for This is Thriller from noon – 2 p.m. Celebrate Halloween with the best dance video ever made, plus decorate pumpkins, trick-or-treat through the exhibits and share Hoosier ghost stories. Costumes are encouraged. This event includes free admission to Indiana Experience.
