Despite ongoing restrictions and safety precautions, many of Indianapolis’ cultural institutions have come up with unique ways to celebrate the Halloween season. Here is a sampling of how to experience it:
ZooBoo
Details: Opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday Oct. 7 through Nov. 1; activities run 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and from 2 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.; indianapoliszoo.com
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
What: ZooBoo has been an Indianapolis tradition for the past 39 years, and this year, the magic returns under a canopy of pumpkins in the Bicentennial Pavilion.
Meet Professor Pumpkin and take part in cool science demonstrations at Pumpkin School. Jack’s Barn is home to a variety of spooky creatures, such as rats, snakes and insects. Witness a witch’s carnivorous plant collection in the Bewitching Bites building. Near the center of town, the giant pumpkin provides a perfect family photo op, plus visitors can try to guess the weight for a chance to win an Animal Art Adventure.
But the fun extends beyond Pumpkin Town. Kids can wander through the Mystery Maze, or ride the Round-Go-Merry — a carousel that moves in reverse.
Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a reusable bag to collect goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Attendance will be monitored to allow for social distancing. Plus, new décor and hands-free activities let visitors enjoy the festivities from a distance.
Monster MASKarade
Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays throughout October, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.; $25 per person, $23 for members; childrensmuseum.org
What: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Halloween haunts are typically one of the most popular attractions of the season. But in an unusual year, organizers have come up with a new, outdoor, distanced experience for families.
The museum’s Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience will be decked out with Halloween-themed decorations, and visitors can take part in a number of spooky activities while staying safe. Grab a broomstick and battle family and friends in Broom Ball, or show off your moves in Mummies in Motion. The Monster Mash Candy Dash is like musical chairs, only with ghosts, pretend candy and haunts. Enter the virtual mask or costume contest, and take part in the Monster MASKarade Parade at the end of each event.
Costumes are strongly encouraged. Face coverings are required for everyone age 2 and over. Halloween masks with mouth and/or nose holes are not sufficient by themselves. Temperature checks will be taken upon entry per Marion County Public Health Department order. This experience has limited capacity.
Headless Horseman
Details: 6 to 9:30 p.m. today through Sunday, Oct. 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-30, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers; $17 Thursday and Sunday, $21 Friday and Saturday; connerprairie.org.
What: On the 200th anniversary of Washington Irving’s classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” get spooked during this annual Conner Prairie celebration of the Headless Horseman. The centerpiece of the event is the Headless Horseman wagon ride, an atmospheric activity that may bring you face to … not face with the titular terror.
But even for those who don’t have the stomach for the scary stuff, organizers have put together a wide variety of seasonal activities for the whole family. Ride the barrel train ride, go down the tubing hill or play games in the midway. Corn mazes, one haunted, the other more wholesome, are cut into the swaying fields behind Conner Prairie. Live “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with a marionette show, or a theatrical version of the story.
Organizers will be abiding by all CDC recommendations, including the mandatory wearing of masks by staff and guests in all areas. Guests may remove their masks while drinking and eating. Advance tickets are required.
