Guide to Annual Halloween Activities

Arkansans all over the state will be donning their costumes and taking to the streets on October 31st. Store bought and homemade costumes will flood neighborhoods and local businesses. I will give you some insight on how we do Halloween in the Natural State.

Boo at the Zoo. Little Rock Zoo has a trick-or-treat night at the zoo that's safe, and fun. Halloween costumes are worn and children go to all the exhibits trick-or-treating. There is a zoo staff member handing out candy at each one. The exhibits are decorated and lighted. There is also security nearby no matter where you are in the zoo. 

Party at home. Some families prefer to invite children from the neighborhood and have a costume party. If the weather permits, parties with a lot of guests tend to take place outside. Parents all bring something different for snacks and the kids have a blast. An inexpensive tub found at any discount store can be filled with water and apples tossed in for good old fashioned Bobbing for Apples.

Bonfire, anyone? In rural Arkansas, older kids and adults tend to sway toward having a Halloween bonfire. It's a fantastic opportunity to get together with friends and neighbors in a family-oriented environment. Kids and parents dress up in Halloween costumes and celebrate in the great outdoors.

Visit Arkansas' Haunted Houses. Many cities in Arkansas set up Haunted Houses for Halloween. There is usually a well trained staff watching out for the visitors, and families can do this together. A lot of haunted house staff hand out candy to the children. Halloween costumes are worn, and the admission fee for the Haunted Houses is usually anywhere from $5 to $10. 

Trick-Or-Treat the local shopping centers. Most local Arkansas retail chains have in-store trick-or-treating for children. The staff will have buckets of candy to pass out at various departments throughout the store.  Trick-or-treating in well lighted retail stores offers safety and added candy to the loot bag.