The Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Houses, and other Halloween Fun in Abilene

Each year, the Abilene Zoo treats kids of all ages to a safe and fun trick or treat experience with Boo at the Zoo. The annual event has trick or treat stations, costume contests, and more. This year, Boo at the Zoo is on October 27th from 1 to 7pm. Tickets are $2.50 in advance, $3 the day of the event. The Zoo will be closed that morning for set up and open at 1 pm. Costume contests every 30 minutes beginning at 2 pm for all costumed kids 12 and under. For more information about Boo at the Zoo or the Abilene Zoo, call 695-1204 or check out the links below.

Haunted houses can be one of the coolest things to check out during Halloween - or the scariest. In the Abilene area, you'll usually be able to find several haunted houses to get your scare on.

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Haunted Abilene: 1726 Swenson Street. Visit the Haunted Mansion, the Garden of Good and Evil and the Dead and Breakfast. Watch a classic horror movie on the south lawn of the Swenson House!

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Tye Volunteer Fire Department 'Haunted Hangar': Located near the intersection of Air Base Rd. and Morgan St. in Tye, behind the cemetery. Open October 19, 20, 26, 27 and Halloween night. Each night starts at 7:30pm

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'Crypt Keepers Graveyard': Abilene Mixed Martial Arts at North 10th and Judge Ely. Haunted house with 3 levels of scare. Open October 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 30th, and 31st at dark.

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Frater Sodalis Haunted Island: be located on Loop 322/Hwy 80 on the East side of the Loop (northbound lane). The island will be in operation from October 25-28th, and on Halloween. Admission is $10 a person.

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Check out the links below for more info on haunted houses in the Abilene area.

Most, if not all, bars in Abilene have some sort of Halloween party and/or costume contests. Usually, you'll find that bars and clubs will do their party the weekend before, or the day of.

Each year, the historic Paramount Theater shows some sort of creepy movie for Halloween. For a long time, it was the movie 'The Changeling', but starting last year, they changed it up a bit and showed 'Carrie' in 2011. This year, the movie they will show 'Insidious'. The movie is about couple who's son slips into a coma and starts attracting evils spirits. You'll be able to check out the movie on Halloween night at 7:30. Tickets are $6. For more information on the Paramount Theater or to order tickets online, check out the links below. Here's the trailer for 'Insidious'.

Every year, area churches put on Fall Festivals or Trunk or Treat events. If you are looking for an opportunity to get your kiddo's bag filled with candy, this is definitely a safe way to do it.

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Oakridge Church of Christ 'Trunk or Treat': 3250 Beltway South in Abilene. Open October 27 from 6:00 to 8:30pm

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Trinity Baptist Church Fall Festival: 871 Woodlawn Drive. Games, prizes, jump houses, food and more Halloween night from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

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Aldersgate United Methodist Church: 1741 Sayles. Wednesday, October 31, from 5:30-7 pm

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New Hope's Fall Fest: 3122 South Clack. Open October 31st from 6 to 8pm. It is FREE! There will be many games, Air castles, Pony Rides, Photo Booth, and more.

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For more info on Fall Festivals or Trunk or Treat events, check out the links below. Once again, keep checking back as we'll update this list as we get the info.

Each year, the Mall of Abilene hosts the 'Mall Fall Festival'. The family friendly event games, prizes, candy, and a costume contest. This year, 'Mall Fall Festival' will be on October 25th from 6-8pm at the Women's Dillard's Courtyard. The contest begins at 7pm. Pre-registration begins at 6pm. Open to children ages 0-12. Prizes awarded in three age categories (0-3 yrs; 4-7 yrs, 8-12 yrs.) For more info about Mall Fall Festival, or the Mall of Abilene, check out the links below.

The 6th annual 'Pumpkin Patch', benefiting Disability Resources Inc., will start on September 29th and run thru October 31st. The fundraiser is held at DRI and is decorated with props, swings, hay bales and, of course, pumpkins. There is also a free hayride, tons of fun, and the best part, is being able to help out people with disabilities. The Pumpkins Patch will be open Monday-Saturday from 10am until dusk, and Sundays from 1pm until dusk. For more information, and to reserve your time, check out the links below.