Happy October from CTC!
Fall in Michigan is a beautiful thing, and it’s in full swing right now. Though orchards are winding down and the cool weather has turned downright chilly, there is still time to enjoy what the West Michigan harvest season has to offer.
And if you prefer to stay in, there are plenty of fantastic fall-themed crafts
and recipes to have fun with at home.
And don’t forget that we still have a pumpkin-carving contest and fundraiser going on. There are great prizes for the winner of the contest, and we’re 1/3 of the way to our goal!
Events, Crafts, and Tasty Treats
West Michigan Events for Children
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Halloween Trick or Treat Event ($1.50) (Grand Rapids): Thursday, October 24, 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Wear costumes and join GRCM for some Halloween fun!
Movies in the Park – Hocus Pocus (Free) (Grand Rapids): Friday, October 25. Movie-themed activities start at 5:30, and Hocus Pocus starts at dusk. Costumes encouraged; bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and beverages.
Pumpkin Palooza (Free) (Byron Center): Friday, October 25, 5:30-8:30pm. This is a fun, family oriented, indoor fall celebration. Enjoy free dinner, bounce houses, games, prizes, candy, photo booth, entertainment and more. Kid friendly costumes are welcome!
Hootin’ Halloween Hike ($5 – $6) (Grand Rapids): Saturday, October 26, 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Come dressed up in an awesome nature Halloween costume, and learn all about the owls that come out in the dark and make erie, sometimes creepy, sounds.
Crane Orchards Corn Maze ($5 – $7) (Fennville): Weekends through October, 12noon to 6:00pm. Family-friendly 20-acre maze, featuring a new challenge every year.
Hayrides, mazes, parties, and more are going on all month. For more information, check out GRNow’s Halloween Event Guide.
Crafts
25 Halloween Science and Sensory Activities: A great repository of ooey gooey activities and fun, such as pumpkin sensory goop, a recipe for Halloween gak, squish bag recipes, and more.
Candy Corn Story Re-Tell: Use the classic Halloween candy icon to help your child figure out the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
18 Cool Mummy Crafts: Some fun projects, including a DIY bendable mummy doll, a bowling set, origami mummies, and more.
Tasty Treats
Healthy Candy Corn Snack: Pineapple, oranges, and whip cream make a wonderful after-school snack with all the right seasonal colors.
Halloween Edible Craft Ideas: I love these ideas because they’re easy and don’t require anything but what you probably already have in your kitchen.
Spooky, Healthy Halloween: CafeMom has a fun video on preparing fun but healthy snacks for your Halloween activities.