Halloween is just over a week away and the Great Falls area is not lacking for family-friendly events.
If you know of any other Halloween events not listed, please email the details to us at krtvnews@krtv.com, and include date, time, location, price, general information, and a contact name.
The following list will be updated as KRTV is notified of other festivities for families in the area:
Friday, October 26:
The Great Falls Morony Natatorium Pool is hosting its annual Pumpkin Patch Party from 4-8 p.m. Kids can swim and choose a pumpkin to take home as well as enjoy face painting and poolside games.
A spook-tacular evening of slimy sensory activities, carnival games, trick-or-treating, and more is in store for those who attend the Monster Mash Family Dance Party at the Children’s Museum of Montana on Friday, October 26. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Sparkettes of Montana continue their Trail of Terror tradition with upcoming haunted walks scheduled for October 26-27 and 29-31, starting at 7 p.m. at 4800 10th Avenue South. Are you brave enough to walk in a field and a haunted building with terror waiting around every corner?
4 1/2 Seasons Lawn Care Service invites you to be scared as you go through its haunted house for Haunt Phobia. The venue is open for scaring from 6:30-9 p.m. on October 26-27 and 30-31 at 411 Sweetgrass Court.
Saturday, October 27:
On Saturday, October 27, the Great Falls Public Library is hosting a family Halloween party and free face painting beginning at 11 a.m. Brave souls over eight-years-old are invited to scary storytelling in a separate space…if they dare. The event is free and open to the public.
Run with a pumpkin! Scheels is hosting the Great Pumpkin Run/Walk 5K/1K starting at 9 a.m. at Gibson Park. Pumpkins must be transported from start to finish and proceeds benefit Sletten Cancer Institute Circle of Hope. Register online at RunSignUp.com or stop by the store.
Sunday, October 28:
Great Falls IcePlex Halloween-themed Public Skate; 3 PM – 5 PM; located at 4001 29th Street SW. Costumes encouraged (and prizes will be awarded) but please make sure they are safe to skate in and not too scary. Regular admission and skate rental rates apply. Facebook event page.
Tuesday, October 30:
Highgate Senior Living’s annual trick-or-treat event starts at 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to dress up while residents pass out candy. Highgate Senior Living is located at 3000 11th Avenue South.
Halloween, Wednesday, October 31:
Families are invited to wear their costumes downtown for the Downtown Safe Trick or Treating. Posters will be displayed in participating businesses on Central Avenue and a few locations between 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South. The event kicks off at 3 p.m.
Scheels’ Halloween Costume Parade takes off at 4 p.m. and offers kids a fun-filled Halloween adventure. Kids are invited to wear their favorite costumes around the store and visit different candy stations.
Gardner’s RV & Trailer Center will hold its first annual Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls Halloween event at 4 p.m. Families are invited to trick-or-treat in campers at Gardner’s RV, located at 3928 Tri Hill Frontage Road. A costume contest for kids and adults, games, and prizes will also be held.
The second annual Trunk or Treat at Faith Lutheran Church begins at 6 p.m., and includes trick or treating at decorated cars in the church parking lot. The church social hall will also be open for games and crafts.
A Kid’s Funtastic Fall Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. at Montana ExpoPark. The event is Great Falls’ largest family-friendly Halloween festivity and includes carnival games, rides, bounce houses, laser tag, and more. The event is hosted by several area churches.
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list ofHalloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards.
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
- Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation
When They’re on the Prowl
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street
Safety Tips for Motorists
NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the roadduring trick-or-treat hours:
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
