Thrills but no chills: Halloween events for those with special needs
Young goblins with special needs have plenty of safe, fun choices for Halloween festivities through the end of the month.
Organizations that serve those with disabilities are hosting fall carnivals and other events where kids can enjoy showing off their costumes, hay rides, pumpkin decorating and more without being frightened out of their gourds. Some groups that are looking to scare up some money use these events as fundraisers; others offer them for free. Here’s a sampling from across our area.
Pumpkin Patch: Nonprofit Halter Inc., which uses miniature horses for pet therapy, offers pony, minicart and hay rides, and a minihorse obstacle course in “Sensory Haven” — read, tree-covered, not under the blazing sun. Petting/ feeding zoo, duck races and more. Concessions, food trucks. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays in October Where: 17410 Clay Admission: $5 per child ages 2-16, adults free at gate (pumpkins and activities additional cost); parking $5 Information and liability release: halterinc.org/pumpkinpatch; 281-508-6501
Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym invites little ones to dress up and come decorate pumpkins, make sensory-friendly crafts, play carnival-style games and jump on a trampoline. Witches, stow those broomsticks — try flying down the zipline instead.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday Where: 1022 Wirt Admission: $20 per child with disability, $15 per sibling
Halloween Dance Party: Wear a costume for a parade and contest, and bring a bag of candy for this evening of “boogeying” and trunk-or-treating from your car afterward by Camp Journey, which serves people of all ages who have disabilities. Light snacks, awards for best costume and best “themed” family. When: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 9950 S. Mason, Richmond Admission: Free Information: suzette.coates@gmail.com; 832-913-6286
Trunk-or-Treat and Holiday Market: Sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat and fall festival will feature bounce houses, face painting, games, a “haunted classroom,” food trucks and more. Holiday market to get a jump-start on shopping; “Music for Autism” concert at 11 a.m. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 28 Where: The Westview School, 1900 Kersten Admission: Free; no RSVP required Information: 713-973-1900
Festival of Abilities: Friends of Oak Forest Park and the Houston Parks Board offer an inclusive event benefiting Playground for All Abilities. Adaptive sports, obstacle course, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, a visit with SIRE therapeutic horses, costume contest and games with prizes, art-tilepainting fundraiser. Performances by Fly Dance Company, Cookie Joe’s Dance Company and The River Performance Troupe. Food court, bake sale and refreshments. When: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 28 Where: 2115 Judiway Admission: $10 per guest in advance, $15 at the event (younger than 2 free); parking at Marek Information: houstonparksboard.org/ events/
Halloween Fashion Show & Dance: Models with disabilities and of all ages wanted to strut the catwalk in costume at the Special Education Awareness Week Fashion Show by the Student Council for Exceptional Children, which promotes inclusion. Volunteers will handle hair and makeup and accompany models down the runway, if needed. Dance for models at 7:30 p.m. When: 4 p.m. Oct. 28 Where: University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Atrium II Admission: For audience tickets and information, email scecatuhcl@gmail. Information: Model application and UHCL photo release at sites.google.com/view/ scecatuhcl/2017-scec-fashion-show
Pumpkin Patch Party: Crafts, trick-ortreating and games await children with disabilities at Easter Seals of Greater Houston. Costumes encouraged but not required. When: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: 4888 Loop Central Drive Admission: Free street parking; garage $1 per hour. Information: RSVP if attending in a group of more than five to lholton@ eastersealshouston.org “A Special World” relates programs and experiences by and for the disabled community in Greater Houston. suzanne.garofalo@chron.com