Looking for Some Safe, Fun Halloween Events for the Whole Family?

Halloween 2021 is on the way, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, says children should be able to trick-or-treat if handled safely — outdoors and with limited crowds. Even so, many parents and families will seek alternate ways to celebrate. With the COVID-19 pandemic still part of our lives, staying healthy is on everyone’s minds.

The good news for Western New Yorkers is that there are a wide variety of safe Halloween activities available. Here are some to consider.

4th Annual Haunted Woods Walk

7 p.m. on Oct. 15-16, 22-23, 29-30
1660 Orchard Park Rd., West Seneca
One-hour guided tour and bonfire (weather-permitting) to benefit the SPCA Serving Erie County. Presale tickets are $5; call 716-826-4133 to reserve a space.

Celebrate Halloween! at the Buffalo Zoo

10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 16-17, 23-24
300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
Activities include a trick-or-treat trail (open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a corn maze, and a costume parade. Tickets are $12 for Zoo members, $29.95 for adult non-members, and $25.95 for child non-members.

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village Halloween Trick-or-Treat

2-9 p.m. on Oct. 22-23
3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Amherst
An outdoor trick-or-treat event through the historic village; $10 per child, $8 per adult.

Halloween Spooktacular at Explore & More — The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Oct. 24-25, 27, 29-30
130 Main St., Buffalo
Children are invited to dress up for a scavenger hunt throughout the museum. Museum tickets are $11 for ages 1 and up.

Trick-or-Treat Bags in the Central Library Kids’ Space

Oct. 25-30; check buffalolib.org for times
Buffalo and Erie County Central Library, 1 Lafayette Sq., Buffalo
Pick up a bag of goodies from the library’s Kids’ Space and then go on a scavenger hunt around the library for a chance to win prizes.

PUSH Buffalo Trunk-or-Treat

4-7 p.m. on Oct. 28
429 Plymouth Ave., Buffalo
A drive-through Halloween event with music and treats.

Spooktacular Night at The Vegan Center

5-8 p.m. on Oct. 30
60 Broad St., Tonawanda
An all-vegan Halloween bash featuring costume contest and kids activities. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids, and free for ages 5 and under.

Snyder Fire Truck-or-Treat

9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Oct. 31
4531 Main St., Snyder
Children are invited to wear costumes and enjoy candy, cider, and donuts, all while learning about fire safety and prevention.