Halloween is nearly upon us, which means that Akron and Canton's most prepared ghouls, goblins, princes and princesses are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or-treating.
While we love a night full of traditional trick-or-treating complete with knocking on doors and begging our neighbors for sweets—there may be a more fail-safe way to get a good candy haul this year: special trick-or-treating events! All throughout the month of October, locals will be hosting family-friendly trick-or-treating events where your children can get candy in a safe, friendly environment.
We rounded up 11 trick-or-treating events happening in the area this year. From trunk-or-treats to Halloween spooktaculars, you'll find a sweet spot on this list. Happy Halloween!
Where: The Canton Museum of Art
When: October 4 | 5:30-7:30
Calling all witches and wizards, ghouls and ghosts! You're invited to a very special Halloween event at the Canton Museum of Art. Kick off the season by trick-or-treating in your favorite costume throughout the museum. Kids will also have the chance to tackle make-and-take art projects, a scavenger hunt, art demonstrations and more!
Where: The Akron Zoo
When: October 12-27 | Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
Dress up your little superheroes and princesses for this scare-free event at the Akron Zoo. Grab your candy passport and use it to hunt for treats around the zoo after hours. Between bites, make sure to give a Halloween greeting to your favorite animals!
Where: Color Our Rainbow Academy, Akron
When: October 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Color Our Rainbow Academy offers a fun alternative to trick-or-treating with Trunk-or-Treat, where community members decorate their vehicles and pass out candy to children. This event is completely free to attend!
Where: Central Park, Green
When: October 19 | 2:15 p.m.
Join the City of Green for their 23rd Annual Trick or Treat Trail & Costume Contest! Children ages 0-12 years old are encouraged to come in their best Halloween costume and compete for first place against other Green locals. There will also be plenty of candy up for grabs during trick-or-treating. Admission is one non-perishable food item or personal care item.
Where: Akron Art Museum
When: October 24 | 6-8:30 p.m.
Break out your costume and get ready for this special event at the Akron Art Museum! Meet enchanting new friends and creatures while you creep through the galleries; collect art trinkets; mix up unique concoctions in their idea laboratory; and show off your monster moves on the dance floor. The cost per nonmember child is $12 and free for members of the museum.
Where: Arbors at Minerva, Minerva
When: October 24 | 6:30-8 p.m.
Candy, costumes and dancing—this Halloween bash has it all, and you're invited! Head out to Minerva and enjoy trick-or-treating, a dance, and a costume contest hosted by Doug Dominick. For more information and updates on the event, click here.
Where: McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton
When: October 25 | 6-8:30 p.m.
The McKinley Museum invites you and your family to go trick-or-treating in the Street of Shops and Discover World! You'll also get to enjoy hayrides, a scavenger hunt, science shows, Planetarium shorts, games, stories and more. Admission is $5 and attendees are encouraged to call (330) 455-7043 to reserve a spot.
Where: Old Colony Farm, Medina
When: October 26 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
This family-friendly Halloween event is open to everyone—and they mean everyone! Not only will you and your kids have a blast exploring the Old Colony Farm and trick-or-treating throughout the property, but your dog is welcome too. If you don't have a furry friend to bring along, don't worry! They'll be providing balloon animals and a special wild animal show so you can still join in on the animal kingdom fun. Tickets will be available both online and on-site.
Where: Cuyahoga Falls City Hall
When: October 31 | 3-4:30 p.m.
For the first time ever, Cuyahoga Falls will be hosting a special trick-or-treating event! Head to Cuyahoga Falls City Hall and take your children trick-or-treating throughout the building. Because the entire event takes place indoors, there's no need to worry about the weather. So don your favorite costume and enjoy a free Halloween event the whole family will enjoy!
Where: The City of Tallmadge
When: October 31 | 5:30-7 p.m.
The city of Tallmadge does things a little differently on Halloween. Instead of a traditional trick-or-treating night, they host a Beggar's Night, where kids can go up to homes throughout the city and, quite literally, beg for candy! The celebration will be followed by the annual Halloween Street Dance in the Recreation Center's parking lot.
Where: Weis Park, Canton
When: October 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Head out to Weis Park on Halloween for this not-so-scary Halloween event! Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and go "trunk-or-treating" for candy. This family-oriented event is completely free to attend so grab your bucket or pillowcase and get to it!
Have a safe and sweet holiday!
Photo courtesy of Vintage Canton
This fun annual festival takes place in the heart of downtown Canton and features live music, art exhibits, and top-notch wine from all over the world. Taste samples from your favorite wineries, selections from local breweries in the beer garden, and bites from the best Stark County restaurants — all in one convenient location!Photo courtesy of Hartville Marketplace & Fleamarket
Hartville's Memorial Day Flea Market is one of the largest markets in Ohio, featuring more than 1,000 vendors! Peruse locally made art, baked goods, and fresh produce. There will also be food and beverages to refuel when you need a break from all your wandering!Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
Join the Akron Zoo for a breakfast buffet, crafts, activities, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt full of fun prizes. This event will be held over three weekends in April and you can get your tickets here. Don't forget to bring your own camera and basket!Photo courtesy of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Bring the entire family out to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for one of Akron's most popular Easter traditions! Children nine and under can participate in the famed egg hunt while the whole family is invited to spend the day visiting with the Easter Bunny and enjoying a beautiful spring day on the estate. Make sure to purchase your ticket before you go, as this event sells out quickly.Photo courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard
For the wine lover in your family, visit this year's Market Place Gala at Gervasi Vineyard! Enjoy tiny treats while you shop their new holiday lines, dine in the Crush House for a special holiday lunch, and get an expanded tour of the winery. They promise a memorable experience that appeals to all the senses!Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo will most definitely have the wildest light display this holiday season. Almost the entire zoo will be decorated and many animals will be on exhibit. While you're there, stop by Santa Land and tell Santa your holiday wishes, visit Holly Jolly Hillside which will feature lighted North American animals and trees synchronized to music, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train ride, and stop by Mrs. C's Sweets for a s'more!Photo courtesy of Cliff Franks Photography
Historic Canal Fulton invites you to stroll the streets of the downtown area and celebrate this holiday season. The blocked off streets will allow space for wood and ice carvers, carolers, and wagon rides. Stop by and visit Santa and meet Mrs. Oberlin for tours of the Oberlin House and Olde Canal Days Museum. Shops will be open late to offer special discounts, refreshments and entertainment. When the sun goes down, the electric lights parade and tree lighting ceremony will commence!Photo courtesy of the Canton Chamber of Commerce
This spirited festival will feature 14 city blocks of attractions, ice skating, entertainment, refreshments, sleigh rides, singers and dancers, a visit from Santa, and incredible fireworks! The best part is, this event is free and fun for all ages.Photo courtesy of The Players Guild Theatre
See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life! This classic Christmas story will surely get you into the holiday spirit.Photo courtesy of Maps Air Museum
Santa left the reindeer behind this year and is arriving in Akron and Canton a little differently — by plane! Go watch him touch down and get a photo of your loved ones with Santa. In return, you are asked to bring a food donation for the Reserves/National Guard Family Services Food Pantry that services troops stationed at the Akron Canton Airport.Photo courtesy of David Monseur via the Akron RubberDucks
Root for the home team at this patriotic ball game! The Akron RubberDucks, Akron's beloved baseball team, invites the local community to cheer them on in celebration of our country. After all, baseball is America's national pastime. Military members, veterans and their families will all receive $5 tickets.Graphic courtesy of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard! The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad invites you to join in a special patriotic wine excursion on the weekend before Independence Day. Explore the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a two-hour train ride while sipping on wine. Each passenger will be served five wine tastings and several appetizers, and additional beverages and food will be available for purchase.Looking for events going on during Memorial Day weekend 2019? Check out our latest guide: 14 Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in the Akron & Canton Area
Although our fallen soldiers and veterans deserve the utmost respect every day of the year, Memorial Day sets aside some time for Americans to honor them in style. The three-day weekend also marks the first unofficial weekend of summer, and many take the time to go camping with their families or splash around in a local swimming pool. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend is filled with festivals, heartfelt ceremonies and community gatherings — so there is no excuse to miss out! We rounded up some of the best local events in the Akron and Canton area for your convenience. Enjoy your holiday!Photo courtesy of The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
This sophisticated soiree takes place in the heart of downtown Canton and features live music, art exhibits and top-notch wine from all over the world. Enjoy samples from your favorite wineries (or craft beer in the beer garden) and taste bites from the best Stark County restaurants. Vendors this year include Gervasi Vineyard, Nauti Vine Winery, Red Head Wines and so many more!Photo courtesy of the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce
Festival Fridays take place once per month during the summer, but Memorial Day marks the first event of 2018! The event is a fabulous way to celebrate the end of the week and the beginning of a long weekend, and features local vendors, crafts, a beer garden, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a car show and a live performance from Ricky Lee!Photo courtesy of Robert George via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Kids will love this specialized train ride in which Thomas the Tank Engine will lead passengers through the Ohio countryside on a magical excursion. Enjoy magic shows, bounce houses, balloon houses, and demonstrations that will teach children everything they want to know about trains.Photo courtesy of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Brought to you by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, ShakesBEER provides a lively, quirky and fun-filled take on your favorite Shakespeare plays. On Memorial Day weekend, experience Twelfth Night as you've never experienced it before. Enjoy a pint with the crew (the actors will be drinking right along with you) and a reading of one of this iconic playwright's funniest scripts. Add a dollar to your favorite character's jar and he or she will take a sip.Photo courtesy of the Hartville MarketPlace
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market hosts one of its largest markets of the year! Shop from more than 1,000 local vendors in the indoor/outdoor venue. There will also be food and beverages to refuel when you need a break from wandering!