There’s more than enough going on for Halloween around Houston to keep the entire city’s monsters entertained. We’ve rounded up a few of the best Halloween events in Houston to help you decide where to cast your own special brand of mayhem:

Houston Zoo Boo

There are all kinds of Boo events for Halloween at the Houston Zoo this year, with fun for kids and their parents. Among the ghoulish delights on offer are the opportunity to contribute to the ‘monster mural’, unleashing your coloring skills, a scary Mystery Box activity (dare you put your hand inside?), and lots of non-scary carnival games.

The event runs all through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus Halloween Monday, with events at various times of the day. Dressing up is encouraged, whether you come as a monster or prefer something prettier. You can buy tickets in advance too, beating any lines at the gate. Alternatively, become a Zoo member and get into Zoo Boo free, plus all year round too.

Scream on the Green

This is the ninth citywide costume contest, proving just how popular it is. It’s presented by UnitedHealthcare, and admission is free. Just dress up, turn up, and have a spooky good time. There are contests and prizes, DJ Astra providing the music, a Halloween spectacle, and a movie. This year the Contest Categories include prizes for the top three in each one, featuring under 8s, 9 – 17 years, best male and female over 18, best family, and even best dog, so get your furry friend in on the act. You’ll need to register at the Anheuser-Busch stage before each contest.

The event runs on Friday, October 28 from 6 – 10pm at Discovery Green, and there’s garage and street parking for those driving.

Texas Renaissance Festival All Hallows Eve

Actually running over two nights on Halloween Weekend, October 29 and October 30, the Texas Renaissance Festival promises a scary good time for everyone who dares take part. As well as trick or treating through the village, with many of the shoppes giving out candy to the littlest monsters, there are costume contests and a fun Kettle Corn Eating contest for adults.

On Sunday, kids under 12 go free for a second trick or treat outing and another excuse to get dressed up and behave monstrously. It’s all happening at Todd Mission, Texas, which is about 50 miles northwest of Houston.

Monsters Museum of Houston for Halloween

The Children’s Museum of Houston undergoes its annual transformation into a haven for monsters and mayhem between October 10 and 30, and Monster Mash Bash and Monster Drive in on October 31. There’s a whole host of scary goings on to get your fangs into over three weeks, with some of the highlights including a monster hunt for trick or treating. This event runs every day between 4 and 6pm, it stays open until 8pm on Thursdays and you can hunt happily all day over the weekends.

If howling is your thing, you can learn the monster language and learn some new monster calls, and budding scientists can examine the collection of squishy monster eyeballs. DJ Zin keeps the music going at the Monster Mash Bash till 8pm on October 31, and there’s also the chance to learn how to make Glow in the Dark Slime. Who could resist? The Children’s Museum is at 1500 Binz, Houston.

Staying Safe

Even monsters need to keep an eye out for danger as they’re going about their monster business. Keep tooth and claw sharp with these helpful tips:

On the Street Safety Tips

• Don’t forget to look left and right before crossing the street, and look where you’re going, not at your cell phone.
• Keep to sidewalks wherever possible, but walk facing the traffic as far to the left as possible where there are no sidewalks.
• Keep a monster eye out for reversing or turning cars, and don’t cross between parked cars.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them so you know they’ve seen you.

Trick or Treat Tips

There’s safety in monster numbers, so over 12s out on their own should hunt down treats in packs, not alone. Small monsters under 12 should hunt with their parents or responsible adults.

Costume Safety Tips

• Make the most of reflective strips or stickers by adding them to costumes where possible. They’re fun, and keep kids visible after dark.
• Face paint is better than a mask. Masks can obscure vision.
• If you’re buying or hiring a costume, make sure it’s the right size. Oversized ones can cause trip and fall hazards.
• Glow sticks and flashlights are fun after dark, and another chance to be seen by drivers.

Whatever you’re doing this Halloween, have a ghoulish good time and stay safe to haunt again next year.

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