I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers

Anne of Green Gables said “I’m so glad I live in Ia world where there are Octobers,” and many of us share her sentiment. In our area, the beautiful color of the changing leaves is at its peak and fall is officially in full swing. There is so much to choose from this month that your whole family should be well entertained through Halloween!

Along with the Ghost walks in Downtown Huntsville on Friday and Saturday nights in October, Madison is joining in the fun with their own ghost walk starting at Bandito Burrito downtown every Friday in October.  Make this a family affair or a fun date night and find out what makes Madison spooky!

On Sunday October 18^th time travel through history at the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll. This free, family friendly event will include traditional music, special exhibits, and over 65 costumed characters giving living history presentations. Listen to fascinating stories brought to life and learn interesting facts about Huntsville’s history while you walk the beautiful grounds of the oldest and largest municipal cemetery in continuous operation in the south.

For some kooky family fun check out Dr. Osborn’s Magical Laboratory. This show at Huntsville’s Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater is full of comedy, magic, juggling and even a mind reading raccoon. Reserve seats for October 23^rd, 24^th, or 25^th and wear your Halloween costume if like.

There’s fun to be found for kids and teens alike on October 24^th. Bootanica is happening at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens from 10am to 1pm and includes a costume parade, face painting, and a pumpkin for the kids. Or, your teens can get in on the Halloween fun at the 2015 Teen Masquerade Ball at the Huntsville Library from 8pm to midnight. This year’s theme is cosplay. Your teen can dress as their favorite fictional character and head out for a festive night of food, music, and dancing, with a DJ and an award for best costume. Tickets are $10 in advance at all library branches or $15 at the door.

Also happening on October 24^th is the International Heritage Festival at Burritt on the Mountain which will highlight cultures of different countries, Native Americans, and early settlers. This festival will feature ethnic dancers, musicians, crafts, artifacts, and displays. International foods will be sold for lunch from 12-2. Explore all that Burritt on the Mountain has to offer just in time to enjoy the fall foliage along with the cultural diversity and history of the International Heritage Festival.

On Halloween weekend there are a few different fun family options. Visit the Alabama Constitution Village on October 30^th for their Halloween Bash. Come in costume and trick or treat around the village, go on a scavenger hunt, and play Halloween themed games. On Saturday October 31^st Sci-Quest is hosting a Spooktacular Science Halloween Glow Party. Play with glowing gear, twist your way through a black light maze, and even drink luminescent liquids. Costumed guests receive a 3D printed glowing gift and all activities are included with general admission. If you’re looking for something more low-key, North Alabama Railroad Museum is embarking on a Fall Color Special train ride on Saturday October 31^st at 10am. Bring your camera to capture all the colors of fall through the large train windows as you travel through five miles of beautiful scenery.

And of course, all month long you can partake in what has become a favorite fall family tradition around here – a trip to a local pumpkin patch! Lyon Family Farm and Tate Farms both offer hayrides to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, along with a farm animal petting zoo, hay bale or corn mazes, play areas, a giant pillow bounce, and more. So get out there and make the most of your October!