Kalamazoo’s Best Halloween Activities for 2023
Like many holidays, I find Halloween that much more enjoyable since we had kids.
One of our favorite fall activities is the is it too soon to decorate yet? game, where we try to hold off until October 1 before unearthing the ghosts and assorted décor from the basement.
In 2023, our kiddos already requested Halloween decorations on the first weekend of September (there’s always next year!).
Maximize Your Halloween Activities Fun this October
Whether you’re looking for trunk or treats, trick or treating times, corn mazes or any other Halloween activities, we’ve got it covered.
Whatever your plans may be, we wish you a fang-tastic and safe holiday this year.
In this Article
Halloween Displays
Christmas isn’t the only season for outdoor decorating.
Head to some local neighborhoods to see how families are decking out their houses with spooky and silly Halloween décor.
We’ve got addresses and photos of these spooky masterpieces; try visiting after dark for extra fun!
Metro Toyota SkeleTour
SkeleTour returns in 2023, with 50 decorated skeletons and Halloween activities in downtown Kalamazoo.
Skeletons will start to make an appearance in early October; see all of them plus scheduled festivities throughout the month through Halloween.
Pumpkin Patches
While you can find pumpkins at a grocery store, many consider the annual trip to the pumpkin patch a fun, family tradition.
Whether tiny and decorative or large enough to require extra hands for transport, Kalamazoo provides ample locations for locating some great jack-o-lantern candidates.
There are pumpkin picking experiences for all: some prefer a small roadside stand (short and sweet), while others prefer a day trip, complete with family activities and farm animals.
Corn Mazes
Farms and orchards have gone BIG this year with their corn mazes.
These mazes serve as a good test of your navigational skills and patience, as some can take over an hour to navigate. For extra difficulty, try one at night!
We have the best locations and some awesome photos of their maize masterpieces.
Trick-or-Treating Times
Wondering what time trick or treat is happening this year? We’ve reached out to local cities and have all of the trick-or-treating hours in one convenient spot.
We also recommend talking to your neighbors or homeowners’ associations; some neighborhoods observe their own “unofficial” candy collection times.
Trunk or Treats
Trunk or Treats are an annual tradition in SWMI, inviting visitors to collect candy from decorated car trunks.
Many families enjoy this additional opportunity to wear their costumes and visit trunk to trunk, rather than door to door for prizes and sweets.
If trick or treating is not in your plans this year, some Trunk or Treats are happening on October 31 and may serve as a good alternative for your family.
Halloween Events for Kids
Halloween is not a single-day celebration in Kalamazoo; local businesses and organizations help us celebrate Halloween activities all month long.
Whether it’s Trunk or Treats, food events or nature hikes, local spots are finding creative ways to make Halloween fun throughout October.
Halloween Parties for Adults
Local restaurants want to celebrate with adults this Halloween too! We’ve rounded up spots to find bar crawls and other events for adults in Southwest Michigan.
Indoor Halloween Events
Halloween is a gamble with Michigan’s weather. Try these Halloween activities that are guaranteed to happen, rain or shine:
Where to Buy Costumes
Ready to dress for the occasion? We’ve rounded up some favorite online and brick-and-mortar options for costume shopping.
| Amazon.com Just about anything Halloween or costume related you could think of. SHOP COSTUMES âž™ |
| HalloweenCostumes.com Baby costumes, pet costumes, yard decorations, toddler costumes, teen costumes, deluxe costumes, group costumes & more. SHOP COSTUMES âž™ |
| Party City 6805 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002 Halloween is Party City’s busiest shopping season of the year and for a good reason: they are stocked with costumes and decorations! SHOP COSTUMES âž™ |
| Spirit Halloween 4404 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 This seasonal shop is now open for the Halloween season. SHOP COSTUMES âž™ |
| Target We love all things Target, and Halloween is no exception. Check their dollar bins at the entrance for inexpensive, seasonal accessories and decor. Halloween Costumes are usually in the back of most Target locations in their seasonal section (likely replacing the school supplies area). SHOP COSTUMES âž™ |
| Resale Shops & Thrift Shops Resale shops are another good spot to score some great deals on costumes (Goodwill, Once Upon a Child, Facebook Marketplace and similar). |
Haunted Houses
Looking for a spooky good time? These events are aimed at teens and adults to offer a fun and scary experience for Halloween. We recommend purchasing tickets online.
Haunt Park
7656 RAVINE RD, KALAMAZOO, MI 49009
Tickets: start at $15.00
In business for its 19th year, Haunt Park offers four different attractions: Pyscho Ward, Nightmares, Zombie Revenge and The Mansion.
An adult must accompany visitors under 16 years.
Haunt Park opens Oct 7, 2023.
Nightmare Realm
30609 RED ARROW HWY, PAW PAW, MI 49079
Tickets: start at $25.00
Nightmare Realm is an indoor/outdoor attraction, whose location remains a secret. You park at Paw Paw High School and are shuttled (with characters) to the attraction. Unless the weather is severe, the event is not canceled (i.e., prepare to get wet if it’s raining).
An adult must accompany visitors under 16 years.
Nightmare Realm opens Oct 6, 2023.
More to Explore
