The Woodlands, Texas, provides numerous Halloween carnivals for patrons of all ages.
The Woodlands, a residential community in Texas, lies just north of Houston in the southeast corner of the state. The area attempts to create a village atmosphere so people feel comfortable and at home. To that end, residents there may enjoy numerous Halloween carnivals to celebrate the fall season without traveling to the big city. Does this Spark an idea?
Circus Clown Catastrophe
The Haunting at Bear Branch Park includes the Circus Clown Catastrophe, an event aimed at giving a proper Halloween fright to teens and adults. The lore surrounding the event says that a fire broke out in the early 1980s at the Pinecone Circus, leaving some of the clowns who attempted to douse the flames haunting the circus. The event typically runs several weekends in October at Bear Branch Park and is recommended for those ages 10 and up.
Halloween at the Y
Those looking for carnivals more suited to younger children might enjoy the Halloween at the Y festivities in the Woodlands Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center. Staff members plan age-appropriate haunted houses as well as carnival games, safe trick-or-treating and face painting. In 2010, visitors could follow up the games, concessions and socializing with a viewing of the movie "Casper." YMCA organizations across the country put on these free activities to help families have safe fun each Halloween.
More Exclusive
The focus of the Mummy Masquerade is on children under 10. Children may partake in games, dancing and a costume contest at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center. In 2010, the town held the event on two consecutive nights just before Halloween from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Some area businesses also hold carnival events, such as the Costume Carnival at The Little Gym of The Woodlands with games and events like a cake walk for members. The Little Gym breaks down the party into times based upon age groups.
Alternative Choices
Woodlands residents looking for fun without the traditional Halloween connections may find some church carnivals to attend in the area. Calvary Chapel in the Woodlands holds a Celebrate the Light Fall Festival with games, prizes, candy and socializing, all for free. Area churches often emphasize that such carnivals are fall festivals not connected to Halloween even though participants may wear costumes and the carnival may fall on Halloween. The alternative festivals do not take place every year, but have been a semi-regular tradition in the Woodlands.
Tags: Bear Branch, Bear Branch Park, Branch Park, Circus Clown, Circus Clown Catastrophe
