If you mark the time by the seasonal decorations available at Home Depot, we’re several weeks into the spooky part of the calendar. Things are really starting to ramp up, though, as new ways to spend your Halloween get announced almost daily.
Today brings the impending return of Milwaukee Recreation’s decidedly not-so-scary option: Halloween Glen, which will take over Hawthorn Glen on Oct. 5 and 6.
This will be the 31st time that Milwaukee Rec’s 23-acre nature center at 1130 N. 60th St. has gotten its fall makeover as a family-friendly alternative to haunted houses and other activities that might be too intense for the little ones (and some adults, to be honest). Visitors to Halloween Glen will have multiple opportunities to learn about nature as they traverse a trail with the theme “Myths & Mysteries.”
Along that path, actors will have interactive and educational skits set up at eight decorated stations as visitors “help furry friends with fuzzy logic, share space with out-of-this-world superstars who know the history of our mysteries, and visit some characters who are just unreal.” When visitors are done with their travels, they’ll find a variety of fall-themed activities and concessions waiting for them.
“Halloween Glen is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” Milwaukee Rec manager Nicole Sponholtz said in a release. “This event is extremely special to us and we’re excited to welcome the community to Hawthorn Glen for two nights of family-friendly Halloween fun.”
Costumes are most certainly encouraged both days, with Friday’s events running from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. There are a few things to know before you go, starting with required online registration that closes at noon Oct. 5 and 6. Spots are $6 per person ($3 for the Tyke Hike that takes place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday) and tend to fill up quickly, so it’s better to click that link sooner rather than later.
After you register, keep in mind that going straight to Hawthorn Glen the day of your reserved spot is a no-no. Check-in will take place only at Milwaukee Public Schools Central Services located at 5225 W. Vliet St., where a shuttle bus will take you to Hawthorn Glen for the evening’s activities.
For more information about this year’s Halloween Glen, visit the event page on Milwaukee Recreation’s website.
