In general, Halloween can be a tricky holiday to plan for. Some kids are going to have a very low tolerance for “scary”, while others will thrive on it. Kids with sensory issues could be overwhelmed by flashing lights and background music that consists of screams and odd noises. Here are some Halloween events that are much more friendly for kids who have special needs.
On September 29, 2012, there will be a Zombie Walk that is designed to accommodate kids who have special needs, and their families. It will take place in Canton, Ohio. Dress as a zombie, and join the rest of the “parade”. There will be Zombie Dancing at the end!
The Legoland Discovery Center in Illinois will be having three Merlin’s Magic Wand Days. They happen from 10:00 in the morning through noon. One will be on October 4, 2012, another will happen on November 1, 2012, and the third will be on December 6, 2012. The Merlin’s Magic Wand Days are exclusively for children with special needs, disabilities, and serious illnesses.
Events at Merlin’s Magic Wand Day include a viewing of an 11 minute 4D movie called “Clutch Powers”. It will be a “lights on” viewing. There will be Lego soft brick and Duplo building activities. There will be a Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, and a designated quiet room for guests to rest while between Lego adventures.
Legoland Discovery Center in Illinois will also have several “Brick-or-Treat” events. The events will happen every weekend between October 5, 2012, and October 31, 2012. Kids can “trick-or-treat” for lego bricks that will create a special Halloween themed model when put together. They can create their own Lego monster in the spooky graveyard. Bring a pumpkin and receive $5.00 off general admission.
The Lowry Park Zoo, in Tampa, Florida, is having a ZooBoo. These are family-friendly Halloween events. They are using a “Skull” rating system that lets parents know how scary something is before they enter it with their children. There are specific areas for younger children.
Rides include a “Scary-Go-Round” (which is a carousel), a Pony Trek, and a kiddie train called a Pumpkin Patch Express. Children ages 11 and younger are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes. The zoo animals will be sleeping while ZooBoo is happening.
Walt Disney World Resort will be having Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween. Kids can do some trick-or-treating at the Magic Kingdom. Costumed characters will be wearing special Halloween costumes. There will be a fireworks show “where Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky”.
Image by Ednaar on Flickr