Sh-Ron Almeida
Anchor Staff
October is the best and most memorable month of the year in Rhode Island. Raking colorful leaves, drinking pumpkin spice lattes and apple pickings are one of many things to do during the fall. But the most celebrated time of this month is Halloween, where children get to collect candy while cosplaying as their beloved characters. With the pandemic still at large though, all sorts of events and traditions have been put on hold. That doesn’t mean Halloween is completely canceled. Here are some fun activities to consider during everyone’s favorite spooky day. Whether you want to go outside or stay safe at home, there’s something for people to enjoy.
1. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular – Roger Williams Park Zoo
Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Thanks to Citizens Bank, this popular event is now a drive through spectacular. While in the safety of your own car, marvel at the thousands of carefully carved pumpkins while enjoying the sights and sounds of Halloween. The trail starts from the Zoo’s parking lot, through the admissions plaza and a half portion of the Zoo. Make sure to spot some Jack-o-Lanterns creeping in the trees, too. Tickets are sold online only.
2. Haunted Boat Tours – Providence River Boat Company
Oct. 11 to Oct. 28. For any boat lovers out there, join Captain Peter as he introduces you to some of the city’s dead-but-not-so-dearly-departed and eerie residents while cruising throughout the candlelit waterways. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the shadows lurking in the streetlamps and take in the special views of Providence as a bonus. The tours are 60 minutes long and make sure to show up 15 minutes early for your appointed departure time.
3. Haunted Hayride at Seven Cedars Farm – Seven Cedars Farm
Oct. 2 to Oct. 31 2020 marks the seventh year of this hayride and there have been many changes to make this attraction even scarier. Thrill seekers will delight at this creepy adventure. They are also more than happy to make accessible arrangements for the handicapped. Encounter new ghoulish sites as you endure this fun little hayride of horrors. Are you brave enough?
4. Scary Good Time at Base Station VR – Base Station VR Lounge
Sept. 29 to Oct. 31. Are you a gamer looking for action and scares? Well, look no further! The Base station has plenty of games guaranteed to give you goosebumps, including The Walking Dead Onslaught and Affected: The Manor. These are the perfect games to make your friends and family squirm over as they struggle to survive the virtual terror.
5. Watch classic Halloween movies/ Specials
If none of those ideas bump in the night for you, perhaps you just so happen to be a couch potato. Well, then, how about gathering the family together to marathon those skin crawling cinema classics? And the best part is, everybody is in the safety of your own home! Throughout the years, there have been plenty of movies to get your spine tingling and blood chilling. From family friendly films like Beetlejuice, Coraline, and Addams Family, to adult oriented masterpieces like The Shining, Carrie, and The Omen. There is a little something to enjoy, and that’s not even the half of it!
6. Have a Halloween House Party…with family only!
You might not be able to invite everyone you know to a party this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy party time with your parents and siblings. This is perfect for families who prefer to stay home and not spend too much money on buying fancy costumes, since the children can find something in their own house and get creative. Remember the classic bed sheet ghost, anyone? Using the ever-reliable Zoom app, plan a fashion show of your most crafty spooky gear. For the competitive kids, they can engage in a fun dance off competition to musical classics like “Thriller” or the “Monster mash.”