Looking for something fun, safe and festive for the kids this Halloween? There are a number of activities and events going on in and around The Woodlands. Everything from FREE events to those that are nominally priced, you're sure to find a spooktacular way to pass the time until going trick-or-treating on All Hallows Eve!

A Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Forest of Fear

Come out to the Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park and experience the Forest of Fear for yourself - where your nightmares come to life! Recommended for ages 9 and older, parental discretion is advised. FEE: $8 per person. Recieve $1 off per canned food item donation (max $3 discount). Fridays, October 21, 28, 2011 and Saturdays, October 15, 22, 29, 2011, from 8:00 - 10:00 PM.

For more information, call The Woodlands Township, Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3900.

The Ghostly Get-Together

Calling all ghosts and goblins! Enjoy spooky games and yummy treats at the Ghostly Get-Together Family Carnival. Recommended for children ages nine and younger, come out to the Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park for games, candy and other activities, including a costume contest! Bring a camera!

FEE: $7 per person, children under six months admitted free. Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

For more information, call The Woodlands Township, Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3900.

Jack-O-Lantern Challenge

Join the fun and enjoy the music when you enter your jack-o-lanterns in the second annual jack-o-lantern challenge! Make sure you arrive in plenty of time; the pumpkin-guts start flyin' at 5:30 PM. Pumpkins will be judged at dusk.

A fun event for all ages, cost is only $8 and includes carving supplies and pumpkins while supplies last! It all going on at Northshore Park along with Concert In The Park (October 16).

Trick or Treat Trail

A FREE event for all ages; Trick or treat at Town Green Park for festive fun and special treats! This free event will have fun for the entire family and attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best and "Trick or Treat" from booth to booth. This festive event is expected to draw over a thousand attendees and is produced by The Woodlands CVB and The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department. The Trick or Treat Trail will be held Saturday, October 30 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM.

Halloween Story Time

Bring your ghosts and goblins to the library for story time this Halloween season!

On Wednesday, October 26 at 5:00 PM at the Mitchell Branch (8125 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands 77382 - 936 442-7728) there will be a Young Adult Halloween Party (ages 13-17) - Enjoy games, prizes, pizza and refreshments!

On Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 PM at the South Branch (2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands 77380 - 936 442-7727) Linda Befeld, professional storyteller, will be the presenter of this all-ages storytime. Costumes are welcome; punch and cookies will be served. Also, a fire truck from the local station will be at the library beginning at 5:00 PM!

Admission to either event is limited to fire code restrictions; be sure to get there early! Call them at the numbers above for more information.

Halloween Candy Land

Be sure to bring the whole family to the Outlets at Conroe for some fun, sweets, face painting and activities at their 2nd Annual Halloween Candy Land Festivities on Monday, October 31st from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Bring the kids out in costume for trick or treating and fun, fun, fun!

The Outlets at Conroe are located at 1111 League Line Road, Conroe 77303; for more information, contact customer service at 936 756-0904.

The Woodlands Children's Museum Annual Spook-tacular

Kids ages 7 and under can have the best fun at The Woodlands Children's Museum Halloween Spook-tacular! Kids will enjoy games, face painting, music, magic tricks, treats and so much more.

Held on Monday, October 31 between 4:00 - 8:00 PM, this event is open to members and non-members. Cost is only $7 for members and $9 for non-members.

The Woodlands Children's Museum is located in the Panther Creek Shopping Center at 4775 West Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands 77381. Call them at 281 465-0955 for more information.

Pumpkin Patch and Family Fall Festival

The Woodlands United Methodist Church is hosting a Pumpkin Patch open to the public all month long! The 2011 Pumpkin Patch opens Saturday, October 8 at 9:00 AM and closes Sunday, October 30 at 4:00 PM. Hours are Saturdays, 9:00 - 4:00, Sundays, 10:00 - 4:00, Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, 1:00 - 6:00 and Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00 – 6:00.

New this year to the Pumpkin Patch, on Saturday, October 22 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, enjoy fun for the entire family! The Fall Family Festival will have trackless trains, a petting zoo, inflatables for the kids, carnival rides, obstacle courses, a rock wall and some yummy carnival type food! Join TWUMC for their 1st annual Fall Festival and enjoy the season!

The Woodlands United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Lake Woodlands Drive and Grogan's Mill Road, at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands 77380. For more information, call 281 297-5900.

Halloween at the YMCA
Free Frightful Fun for the Family!

The annual "Halloween at the Y" in The Woodlands, a popular community event, will be held outdoors at the new Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center! Outdoor adventure activities will include Trick or Treating on the Trails, age appropriate haunted tree houses and tipis, traditional carnival games and activities on the trails, face painting, a moon walk, a photo booth, campfire and s'mores, haunting karaoke and more. Plus, enjoy a haunting turn on the giant swing at dusk. Everyone is encouraged to wear a friendly costume; and parents, bring your cameras! Fun for all ages, rain or shine!

Following the event, families are encouraged to stay for a Halloween Movie Under the Stars featuring the 1995 classic, "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken". YMCA membership is not required, so bring your family and friends! Admission is FREE, but families are asked to bring one non-perishable food item per person for the local food pantry. Concessions will be available to purchase including hot dogs, pizza, kettle corn, snow cones and beverages.

The Creekside YMCA is located at 6464 Creekside Forest Drive in the Village of Creekside Park. Don't Miss Halloween at the Y on October 29 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken starting at 7:15!