15 West Michigan Halloween Activities and Things to Do
West Michigan Halloween is finally here, and I’m sharing the top activities and things to do in Grand Rapids, Ludington, St. Joseph and beyond.
Halloween is the time of year for pumpkin carving, watching scary movies, trick-or-treating, and eating lots of candy. But if you’re looking for a way to spice up your Spooky Season with something other than pumpkin spice lattes, there are many fun and scary activities you can do in West Michigan.
From hayrides and corn mazes to haunted attractions and ghost tours, you’ll never run out of things to do.
I’ve put together a list of 15 Halloween activities and events going on this October in West Michigan, including things for both children and adults. So, grab your candy baskets because you’re in for a treat!
New Salem Corn Maze
Where: 4516 24th St, Dorr, MI 49323
When: Daytime activities: Saturdays and Sundays 11am to 6pm / Haunted maze: Fridays and Saturdays 6pm to 11pm
Admission: Daytime activities: $8 per person, Children under 3 free / Haunted maze: $25 per person
The New Salem Corn Maze has a lot of things to do for the whole family to enjoy. Try to find your way through the daytime corn maze, climb around on the playground, meet some farm animals, go for a hayride, or hop aboard the children’s train. There’s even cider and donuts!
But beware—ghouls and scary clowns like to come out after dusk! Feeling brave enough to venture out late into the corn maze?
As you try to find your way through confusing twists and turns and dead ends, you’ll be in for a night of fright as devilish monsters hunt you down. Come on in, if you dare…
There are also other spooks and scares to be had in the Witch’s Woods, or you can enjoy a family-friendly wagon ride as you watch lights dance to Halloween songs. Prices and hours vary, so make sure to check out the New Salem Corn Maze website for more details.
Blandford Halloween Hunt – Blandford Nature Center
Where: 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When: Saturday, October 29 – 10am to 3pm
Admission: Children with membership $7 / Children without membership $10 / Adults $3 / Children 2 and under get in free – All must register ahead of time
Come to the Blandford Nature Center for a fun and spooky scavenger hunt! All children will receive a map and clue sheet, then explore the trails while learning creepy facts and stories about Michigan’s nature.
After solving all the mysteries, turn in your completed clue sheet and win a prize! Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Prizes are available until 4pm.
Make sure to register, as unregistered children won’t receive prizes. This event will take place no matter the weather (unless severe), so come prepared. This event is recommended for children ages 5-12.
Haunted Village – Historic White Pine Village
Where: 1687 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431
When: Saturday, October 22 – 2pm to 5pm
Admission: $12 Adults / $10 Seniors / $8 Children (3-13) / Children under 3 get in free
Get some extra trick-or-treating in at the Historic White Pine Village in beautiful Ludington a week before the big holiday! Come dressed in your costumes for a spooky family afternoon in this haunted village. You can also learn some interesting history, while you’re at it.
PRO-TIP: Ludington is gorgeous in the fall, and there is a lot to do here, from the endless hiking trails at Ludington State Park to taking in the fall colors near the Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. You might also want to check out the historic Cartier Mansion, a friendly and comfortable Bed and Breakfast in downtown Ludington.
More West Michigan Halloween Activities and Things to Do
Pumpkin Painting – Sandcastles Children’s Museum
Where: 129 E Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431
When: Saturday, October 29 – 11am to 1pm
Admission: $9 per person (children under 1 get in free)
If your young ones love getting creative, the Sandcastles Children’s Museum is holding a pumpkin painting event.
Kids can choose whatever pumpkin they like and decorate it with paints and other crafting materials. And while you’re there, you can explore the museum’s three floors of fun activities and interactive displays that encourage your child to learn and play.
Jack O Lantern World – Millennium Park
Where: 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
When: Now through October 30, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings
Admission: Prices vary by day; purchase tickets on the event website
Come enjoy dazzling displays of glowing jack o’ lanterns in Millennium Park, all hand-carved by 50 artists. There are 17 different displays of thousands of jack o’ lanterns all coming together to form awesome shapes and creatures, including a dragon. This 45-minute walk is perfect for a family outing or date night.
Hurry, though! It’s recommended that you purchase your tickets as soon as possible, as time slots are limited. After buying your ticket, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Flick-or-Treat – Krasl Art Center
Where: 707 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
When: Saturday, October 8, at 7:30pm (October 9 if there’s rain)
Admission: FREE
Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph is holding the annual Flick-or-Treat, an event where you get to sit outside and watch 10 silent films projected onto the center’s south-facing wall, accompanied by a piano recording played by Dr. Larry Shanker.
Make sure to dress for the weather and bring blankets or chairs to sit on. All ages are welcome, and there is popcorn, coffee, and hot cocoa available.
If you would also like to decorate or carve a pumpkin that will be up for display in the art center, come earlier from 11am to 12:30pm and get creative!
WINDS: A Halloween Hullabaloo – Frauenthal Theater
Where: 425 W Western Ave STE 200, Muskegon, MI 49440
When: Friday, October 28, at 7pm (Doors open at 6:15pm)
Admission: Adults $12 / Children $5 / Groups of 8 or more $8
In partnership with the Shoreline Community Orchestra, the West Michigan Concert WINDS in Muskegon will hold a spooky concert that’s fun for the whole family. There will also be a costume parade for all the children to attend, led by the Pink Panther. Buy tickets before they’re gone!
Pumpkinfest 2022 – Leila Arboretum
Where: 928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037
When: Saturday, October 29 – 12pm to 8pm
Admission: FREE
Pumpkinfest is back for its second year in Battle Creek, with fun activities and attractions for all. Come join the fun with trick or treating, free carnival games, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and a haunted hayride. There will be numerous vendors, food trucks, beer, a DJ, and even a magician.
Did I mention admission is free? Don’t miss out on this spooktacular event!
Even More West Michigan Halloween Activities and Things to Do
Zoo Goes Boo – John Ball Zoo
Where: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When: October 21-23; 28-30 – 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free with membership / Adults $16 / Youths and seniors $14 / Ages 3 and under get in free
One of my favorite things to do as a child during the Halloween season was going to “the Zoo Boo” (Now called “Zoo Goes Boo”) at John Ball Zoo. I have many fond memories of those days, and I always had a blast going dressed in a scary costume, collecting candy, and seeing the animals.
Hours and regulations have changed a bit since then, but adults and children alike are sure to have a great time.
Come visit the animals while trick or treating and seeing all the cute and spooky decorations. There are also Halloween-themed foods and entertainment. Make sure to bring a reusable bag or basket, or purchase one at the gift shop, as sustainability matters at John Ball Zoo. Masks that cover the face are unfortunately no longer permitted, but this may be to prevent spooking the animals.
Halloween Needle Felting Workshop – The Salty Owl Studio
Where: 315 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI
When: Saturday, October 22 – 1pm to 3pm
Admission: $24 or $27, depending on how soon you register
Want to learn how to needle felt or hone your skills? The Salty Owl Studio is hosting a workshop in Kalamazoo, for beginners and experts alike.
Create a spooky pair of earrings or keychain as you’re guided through the craft step-by-step. It’s a great way to learn the basics of needle felting or get some fun practice! It’s easy for anyone to learn—for both advanced artists and those who aren’t artists.
Halloween Boo Bash – Pinspiration Kalamazoo
Where: 5880 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
When: Saturday, October 15 – 2pm to 4pm; Friday, October 28 – 4pm to 6pm
Admission: $40
Come dressed in costume and have a fun family afternoon at the Halloween Boo Bash. There will be pumpkin-themed arts and crafts, games, paint splattering, a customizable treat bag, and treats including Hocus Pocus punch and Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats.
There are additional drinks and food available for purchase, as well. Also, two contests will be held: one for the most creative person, and one for the most creative family costumes.
Make sure to register early, as space is limited. No outside food or drinks are permitted.
After Hours Halloween Party (Teen/Tween) – Otsego District Library
When: Friday, October 28 – 6pm to 8pm
Where: 401 Dix St, Otsego, MI 49078
Admission: FREE
Is your teen or tween looking for a scary-good time? The Otsego District Library is hosting a Halloween party exclusively for teens and tweens. There will be games, pizza and drinks, candy, music, and a costume contest. There’s no registration necessary, and admission is free!
West Michigan Halloween Activities and Things to Do with Food and Treats
Halloween Maker’s Market – Peat’s Cider Social
Where: 6201 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127
When: Saturday, October 22 – 1pm to 6pm
Admission: FREE
Join Peat’s Cider Social for the second annual Halloween Maker’s Market, featuring various food trucks and vendors, cider, and live music. Vendors are selling various crafts and treats, including stamps, jewelry, tie-dyed goods, pottery, resin art, donuts, jams and salsas, and more. No registration necessary!
Halloween Pop-Up – Cajitas de Amor LLC
Where: 1080 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
When: Sunday, October 16 – 12pm to 5pm
Admission: FREE
If you’re looking for a Halloween market event closer to Holland, there will be a Halloween Pop-up with food trucks and 15+ vendors. This is a great way to support small businesses and have family fun activities with tasty treats! If you’re interested in being a vendor, they are still accepting—send them a message to sign up.
The Haunt
Where: 1256 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
When: Hours vary according to the calendar on their website
Admission: $30 per person / $45 Fast Pass
Want to experience a night of fright you’ll never forget? The Haunt features various terrifying attractions with skin-crawling stories.
Operating for over 20 years now, The Haunt has been voted “One of America’s Top Haunted Attractions,” according to Coaster Nation’s Top Haunts. These guys definitely know what they’re doing, so enter at your own risk! (Make sure to read through their warnings and restrictions before purchasing tickets.)
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under the age of seven are not recommended. However, there is a less scary “Kid Haunt” from noon to 5pm on October 30th, with cheaper admission!
More Halloween and Fall Fun in Michigan
About the Author-
Aiden Peltier is a content writer for My Michigan Beach who is currently in their senior year studying at Grand Valley State University, with a major in Writing. They have enjoyed writing and drawing since they were a child, and they take a lot of inspiration from music and nature. They are currently exploring many opportunities in the writing field and plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2022.