Feeling haunted by the sugar surges of Halloweens past? Why not gather up your little brood of goblins for a sweet movie marathon sure to get you in the family mood—no candy required.

These not-too-spooky flicks are a festive way to build up to a big night of “Trick or Treat!” without terrifying anyone in the family. The films range in appropriateness from toddler to teen, with age recommendations that should satisfy even the most cinema-selective parents.

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a big bowl of your favorite popcorn, grab some 100% fruit juice, and cuddle up close on the couch for a night of lightweight Halloween chills:

 

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown 

(Not Rated, For ages 4 and up)

For Linus, it’s not Halloween without the Great Pumpkin. For some of the rest of us, it’s not Halloween without an animated 1966 Charles Schultz cartoon accompanied by Vince Guaraldi piano music. Share the annual tradition with your kids so they can meet Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Pigpen, Violet, Schroeder and the whole gang. Remember, never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker. And never miss an opportunity to introduce your kids to Peanuts.

 

Sleeping Beauty

(Not Rated, ages 5 and up)

While we are introducing our kids to things, why not also introduce them to a classic 1959 Walt Disney film? This artfully created adaptation of the fairytale, “La Belle au bois dormant” by Charles Perrault with music by the Berlin Symphony Orchestra will have you all humming “Once Upon A Dream,” for days afterwards. But brace yourselves for the entrances of the Maleficent, she may strike a few poses more wicked than you recollect. Luckily, her evil plans will be met by the efforts of three hilarious good fairies, Flora, Fauna & Merryweather, who help Aurora realize her dreams by the tale’s end.

 

Beauty and the Beast 

(Rated G, ages 6 and up)

This 1991 Disney tale as old as time is also based on a fairy tale—this time La Belle et la Bête by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. Belle is a bookish girl, who is not satisfied with life in her provincial French town, nor the advances of Gaston, her conceited suitor. She adores her eccentric inventor father, though, and unwittingly follows him into the clutches of a hideous beast, who teaches her, with a little help from his enchanted servants, how appearances can be deceiving.

 

Shrek 

(Rated PG, ages 7 and up)

This film combines the ogre from William Steig’s original book with storylines borrowed from many well-known fairy tales to create a buddy adventure meets romance with a twist. The all-star voices of Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and John Lithgow up the funny factor for Dreamwork’s first animated hit. Heavy on the laughs and light on the scary, this 2001 film is sure to amuse the whole family.

 

The Wizard of Oz 

(Not rated, ages 8 and up)

This masterful 1939 film may be scarier than you remember, making it the perfect Halloween family fare. When I was a kid, it was mean old Miss Gulch and what she was going to do to Toto, not to mention the sight of Dorothy’s house twirling in the tornado that frightened me. Forget, lions and tigers and bears. Remember, flying monkeys and witches and Winkies? Fortunately, the darker aspects of the story are balanced out by lighter characters like Dorothy, Glinda, and the Munchkins making this a one-of-a-kind heroine’s journey your family will want to watch again and again.

 

Escape to Witch Mountain 

(Rated G, ages 7 and up)

They just don’t make Disney movies like this any longer. A brother and sister with curious psychic powers and a “star box” are the central focus of unraveling this 1975 sci-fi mystery. Tia and Tony don’t know whom they can trust beyond each other, but thanks to an unlikely ally played by Eddie Albert, the orphans eventually reunite with their kin.

 

Pinocchio 

(Rated G, ages 8 and up)

Based on the The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, this 1940 animated film won two academy awards for it’s inspiring music. But don’t worry, Pinocchio, gets himself into plenty of tight spots to merit the need for all of this musical genius. In fact, he gets himself into so many tricky situations—skipping school, becoming part donkey, landing in the belly of a whale—that this film can serve as a kind of cautionary tale for kids who fond of telling tall tales of their own. Some great lessons about the perils of peer pressure in this timeless movie, as well.

 

ET 

(Rated PG, ages 8 and up)

Science fiction is a mysterious genre to many of us already, and the addition of a strange but sweet alien may up the fear factor in young children. Literal-minded thinkers may also need some coaching to appreciate this artful 1982 blockbuster film from Steven Spielberg. Compelling performances by movie siblings Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton may even convince you to break out some Reese’s Pieces before the 31st. A heartfelt film every family should see together.

 

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
(Rated PG, ages 9 and up)

I don’t know too many kids who would mind being selected to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unfortunately for Harry Potter a mortal enemy comes part and parcel with his invitation. But Harry has got plenty of pals to help him make it through not just this movie, released in 2001, but also the next seven in the series. Why not urge your kids to finish reading the first book before viewing the movie? You might set a precedent that will have them reading all seven books as fast as they can just to get to each movie reward.

 

The Corpse Bride 

(Rated PG, ages 9 and up) 2005

This film is stop-motion animation at it’s best. If your kids can handle the corpse bride’s eyeball popping out a few times, they will likely enjoy Tim Burton’s Goth gambol between two worlds. Johnny Depp is Victor, the indecisive bridegroom, trying to navigate the chasm between true love and good manners. A film that just might teach kids to commit more decisively to who and what they adore.

 

Star Wars 

(Rated PG, ages 9 and up) 1977

Long ago in a galaxy far, far away, generations of kids have revered this blockbuster George Lucas sci-fi buddy adventure. Though the film can hardly be classified as horror, there a several scenes with the potential to rattle the psyches of sensitive souls. Consider the trash compactor drama, the alien bar episode, and the introduction of one of the most terrifying half-man, half-machine villains of all time. Try some heavy breathing in advance of the film to prepare the kids for the Lord Vader’s entrance, and they will probably do just fine. They will likely even be quoting the movie for days afterward.

 

Ghostbusters 

(Rated PG, ages 10 and up) 1984

Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis are not afraid of ghosts and your kids won’t be either after watching this silly, slimy 1984 comedy caper. A trio of unemployed university professors start their own ghost-busting business and become the guys everyone calls to solve their pesky poltergeist problems. Your kids will be singing the theme song as they pretend to use your vacuum to rid the world of ghosts. Don’t miss this all-in-good-fun opportunity to introduce your kids to Bill Murray and a giant, supernatural Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

 

Beetlejuice 

(Rated PG, ages 10 and up) 1988

Sometimes ghosts need a little help from their friends. Adam and Barbara are not very good at haunting the home they once owned, which has recently been infiltrated by new owners. So they call in a sketchy mortal-buster named Beetlejuice to get their house exterminated, only to realize too late whose side they would rather be on. Michael Keaton is unforgettable as “the ghost with the most” in this boisterously creepy Tim Burton film.

Happy Halloween movie season, everyone!

Author and freelance journalist Christina Katz loves Halloween movie marathons that don’t keep her up at night.
Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself, A Collection of Advice for Moms. 

This Halloween, try some of the most horrifyingly fun family events happening in the Toledo area, with or without costumes! 

 

OPEN EVERY DAY THROUGH OCTOBER

Pumpkin Picking

10am-7pm

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
7133 Seaman Rd., Oregon
419-836-7613 | www.fleitzpumpkinfarm.com

Go through a free mini corn maze, feed goats and chickens, see the craft barn, and enjoy the snack shack with homemade doughnuts, apple cider, hot dogs and hot sandwiches. There are 1 and 5-acre mazes and $1 hayrides.

 

Pumpkin Picking & Petting Farm

9am-7pm

Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm
13639 Mulberry Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI
517-486-2237 | www.gustbrothers.com

Gust Brothers offers fall refreshments and decorating items, u-pick pumpkins, vegetables and cut flowers, hayrides Saturday and Sunday, and petting of farm animals. Free.

 

Weekends in October

Panic in the Pines Haunted Hayride & Trail

11-6pm

Country Lane Tree Farm
3523 Balander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298 | www.countrylanetreefarm.com

Enjoy cow milking, farm animal feeding, a petting zoo, a corn cannon shoot, a playground, corn maze, pony rides and barrel train rides. Admissions: 3-12/$10, under 2/free, adults/$5. Visit the you-pick pumpkin patch and choose your own to carve. Then if you’re ready for a scare, enjoy the haunted hayride and trail on October 17, 24, and 31 from 8-10pm. Tickets are $12 per person.

 

Corn Maze

Friday 5pm-midnight 
Saturday noon-midnight 
Sunday noon-8pm

Wheeler Farms
11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse OH
419-877-2733 | www.wheelerfarms.com/corn-maze 

Nothing says autumn like a corn maze. With a new creative design each year, this is one maze you don’t want to miss. Great for kids of all ages, and kids under 5 are free!

 

October 1-31

Spooky Science

10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday
Noon-5pm Sunday

Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674 | www.imaginationstation.org

Bring a little haunting fun to science. Learn about the myths of Halloween and the science behind some of the spooky effects. Slime, edible blood, and boo bubble creation are just some of the highlighted experiments.

 

October 3 & 4 

Apple Stir Festival

9am-8pm

MacQueen Orchards
7605 Garden Road, Holland
419-865-2916 | www.macqueenorchards.com 

Since 1982 this festival has been a great way to bring in the autumn season. Fun events include picking your own apples, arts and crafts show, horse drawn wagon rides, camel rides, live entertainment, baked goods, children’s performances, pony rides, kid rides, and an apple pie baking contest.

 

October 4 

Family Fall Festival

Noon-4pm

Wolcott Heritage Center
1035 River Rd., Maumee
419-893-9602 | www.wolcotthouse.org

This free fall themed event is great for an afternoon out with the family. Enjoy live music and a story at the log house. Kids are invited to make a craft to take home.

 

October 9-11, 15-18, & 22-25 

Halloween in Greenfield Village

6:30-9pm on Friday and Saturday
6:30-8pm on Sunday

Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI
www.thehenryford.org

Spend your Halloween amongst history at Greenfield Village. Enjoy a mile-long path decorated with lanterns, and meet costumed characters including the Headless Horseman. Great for the entire family!

 

October 10 & 11 

Hoen’s Fall Festival

11am-5pm

Hoen’s Greenhouse
1710 Perrysburg-Holland Rd., Holland
419-865-6566 | www.hoensgreenhouse.com

An autumn inspired weekend with a you-pick pumpkin patch, and many autumn-inspired decorations including cornstalks, Indian corn, and gourds.

 

Tecumseh’s 22nd Annual Appleumpkin Festival

Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-5pm

Downtown Tecumseh, MI
www.downtowntecumseh.com

A true fall festival with kid rides, carnival games, and inflatables. Kids also have the opportunity to make a take home craft and participate in a straw maze. For adults, you can enjoy live entertainment, scarecrow building, and an antique street fair. The weekend includes free admission, free parking, and a free shuttle.

 

October 10, 17, 24, 30, & 31 

Paranormal Tours

6pm-11:15pm

Wolcott House
1035 River Rd., Maumee
419-893-9602 | www.wolcotthouse.org

This 45 minute candlelit night tour of the historical and possibly haunted Wolcott House is sure to scare. It is advised that those participating be over 12 years old. Guests will watch a short film about the house and get to tour the home. Admission is $15, registration required. New this year, on October 31, the ORBS paranormal group will lead two investigative tours at three buildings at the Wolcott Heritage Center.

 

October 11 

Applebutter Fest

10am-5pm

Grand Rapids, OH
www.applebutterfest.org

This annual festival is the perfect way to spend an autumn Sunday. Taking place in downtown Grand Rapids, the festival features the making of apple butter, juried crafts, pioneer demonstrations, live entertainment, and a children’s area which will include magic shows, comedy, and storytelling.

 

October 15 

Pumpkin Carving Contest

6:30-8:00pm

Adam Phillips Shelter at Wood County Historical Center
13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
419-661-1697 | www.woodcountyhistory.org

Take your pumpkin carving skills to the next level with this fun contest. Enjoy an evening of cider and snacks while carving your creation. Registration is required for this free event.

 

October 16-17 & 23-24 

Garrison Ghost Walk

Fort Meigs
29100 W River Rd, Perrysburg              
419-874-4121 | www.fortmeigs.org/ghostwalk

The Garrison Ghost Walk is fun for the whole family! Tour the fort at night and enjoy hearing some ghost stories about the past. Proceeds go to the Old Northwest Military History Association. Reservations are required.

 

October 16 & 17 

Fall Family Fun Nights

6pm-9pm

Sauder Village
22611 St. Rt. 2, Archbold
419-446-2541 | www.saudervillage.com

Visit the Village after hours with the sixth annual Fall Family Fun Nights. Take a hayride, learn about Native American Life, make a fall themed craft, decorate pumpkins and cookies, and of course hot cocoa always makes a night extra special. Be sure to pre-register! Tickets for adults are $13 and children 4-16 is $7. 3 years and under is free.  

 

October 17 

25th Annual Halloween 

Folklore & Funfest

4pm-9pm

Wood County Historical Center & Museum
13660 County Home Rd, Bowling Green
www.woodcountyhistory.org

This free fun family event has horse-drawn wagon rides, kids’ games, a tour of the museum, and an apple cider press. Costumes are welcome and treats are provided.

 

Family Haunted Bike Ride

11am

Oak Openings Preserve
Register at www.MVAdventurers.org

Designed for families with children 12 years old or younger, this fun bike ride follows a 3 to 5 mile trail in Oak Openings. Be sure to wear your “bike safe costume” and of course your helmet!

 

Trick or Trot 5K Run and Zombie Walk

9am

The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St. Maumee
419-740-7080 | www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com

A morning 5K race or 1 mile walk with prizes for top finishers. Race participants and walkers will receive a t-shirt and Halloween goodies. Costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest!

 

October 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, & 28 

Count Wakula’s Funny Fest

6:30-7:30pm

Andrew Martin’s Halloween Spooktacular!

Sponsored by The Toledo Public Library and takes place at the various branches
419-259-5200 | www.toledolibrary.org

Kick off the Halloween season with a little bit of magic! Local magician, Andrew Martin is sure to amaze adults and children alike with his Halloween Spooktacular. Performances will be held at six of the Toledo area branches.

 

October 22 

Halloween Parade and Paddle

2pm-4pm

Wiregrass Lake
Park Entrance 201 N. Eber Rd
www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro

This unique Halloween event gives adults and children an opportunity to spend the afternoon on the lake in canoes. A costume parade, treats, and fall-themed games will also take place. Registration is required, and the cost is $8.

  

October 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, & 29 

Sandpiper Boo Cruise

Located at the foot of Jefferson Ave. in Promenade Park in downtown Toledo
419-537-1212 | www.sandpiperboat.com

This 30-minute, non-scary Halloween boat ride will provide Halloween treats for all ages. Admission is $5 for everyone and costumes are encouraged! Departures at 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15pm on weekdays and Saturday departures at noon, 12:45, 1:30 and 2:15pm.

 

October 22 & 23

Little Boo at the Zoo

10am-3pm

The Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040 | [email protected]

A party for preschoolers! The event allows the youngest children to dress up in the spirit of Halloween and go to trick-or-treat stations. This is a great event for children who are too young for the Pumpkin Path event at the zoo.

 

October 24 

Ghosts of Providence Lantern Walk

7pm-9pm

Providence Park
www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro
Register online for a time slot

The annual Halloween tradition has returned. Take the Canal Experience and walk through the ghost town where you’ll run into characters from the past. Take in some history while in the Halloween spirit! This is not recommended for children under 5. Registration is required and available online.

 

OctoBOOfest

Downtown Perrysburg
419-872-6246 | www.downtownperrysburg.org

Hundreds of pumpkins will be carved, entered into competitions, and put on display for the community’s enjoyment. This street fair will also include hay rides, live music, face painting, crafts, snacks, and of course a costume parade.

 

18th Annual Halloween Hike

6pm

Olander Park
6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-8313 | www.olanderpark.com

Superheroes and Minions will bound all around Lake Olander at the annual Halloween Hike, The Olander Park System’s most popular family event! Kids 12 & under collect treats at 20 stations as storytellers tell friendly tales of the Enchanted Evening! Treats provided by TOPS with the help of Kroger. All admissions are donated to Sylvania Area Family Services. $1/donation for ages 3 to 12; 2 & under free.

 

October 24 & 25

Pumpkin Path

10am -4pm

The Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040 | [email protected]

Trick-or -treating and a day at the zoo, a perfect combination for any kid! No age restrictions for this daytime trick-or-treat event. Candy stations are set up throughout the zoo.

 

October 25 

Halloween Spooktacular

Pre-concert activities at 2pm; concert at 3pm

The Toledo Symphony
Valentine Theatre 410 Adams St, Toledo
419-246-8000 | [email protected]

Enjoy some fun Halloween classics presented by the Toledo Symphony. Come early for some pre-concert activities. They will be held in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre and include the instrument petting zoo and annual costume parade.

 

October 26 

Halloween Bash for Teens

7pm-8pm

Sylvania Branch Library
6749 Monroe St, Sylvania
419-882-2089 | www.toledolibrary.org

A Halloween party for teens! Enjoy creepy foods, fun treats, and creepy crafts. Be sure to dress in costume for the chance to win prizes! Registration is required.

 

October 28 

Halloween Bash

6:30-8:30pm

Monclova Community Center
8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova.
419-861-1336 | www.monclovacommunitycenter.com

In addition to costume contests, en-joy a fire pit to roast marshmallows, dancing to scary music, kids Halloween crafts, scary story time, candy, fall foods to eat and more.

 

October 29 

Zombie Survival Kit

4-5pm

Waterville Branch Library
800 Michigan Ave, Waterville
419-878-3055 | www.toledolibrary.org

Are you prepared for a zombie attack? If not, you better come enjoy this survival kit constructing class. Lots of zombie related fun activities. Open to 5-12 grade students. Registration is required.

 

October 31 

Kid’s Day and Trick or Treat

9am-1pm

Toledo Farmer’s Market
525 Market St., Toledo
419-255-6765 | www.toledofarmersmarket.com

Start trick-or-treating a little early on Halloween at the Toledo Farmer’s Market. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat along the Market. Free face-painting will be available too!