Community Corner
Fun Halloween Day Trips for the Whole Family
Celebrate Halloween with these entertaining, spooky and all-around fun excursions.
Halloween is only a week away. Before you indulge in a night of trick-or-treating with a bevy of ghost, goblins and ghouls, make time for your family to enjoy these great Halloween-themed day trips:
Flamig Farm
7 Shingle Mill Road
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West Simsbury, CT 06092
(860) 658-5070
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Why Go
Along the way, this 45-minute hayride features terrifying skits starring ghosts, zombies, coffins, evil clowns, spiders, jack-o’-torches, flying witches and other surprises. These popular hayrides run on a schedule and sell out early, so reserve your time now. Flamig Farm asks that visitors arrive at least 10 minutes before their ride’s start time.
Insider Tip
Warning: The hayride is too scary for children ages 8 or under.
Must Do
Keep an eye peeled for “Creeps,” who turns up when you least expect her. Also, look for Bungee Spider, the mascot for the Haunted Hayrides. “You may not see him at first, but you certainly won’t forget him,” warns Flamig Farm office manager Brooke Barsalou.
The Fine Print
The Haunted Hayride finishes its run this weekend: Friday, 7 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance.
Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-0711
Why Go
Step back in time and wend your way through a spooky 19th century village. Walk through the haunted schooner and be sure not to run into the spirit of a ghostly sailor along the way. Listen to scary stories for all ages and watch as “The Curse of the Demeter” unfolds with three spine-chilling scenes inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
“Our historic village provides a great setting for a spooky Halloween experience,” says Dan McFadden, director of communications. “The old buildings heighten the mood.”
Insider Tip
Dress for the weather and be ready to do some walking on uneven ground. Also, bring a flashlight.
Must Do
Dress up in your best Halloween costume and march in the nightly parade at 7:30 p.m. You’ll have a chance to make your own masks, have your face painted or get a temporary tattoo.
The Fine Print
The celebration on Friday and Saturday is fun for the entire family. Hours are 6 to 9:30 p.m. Rather than general admission, Sights & Frights requires special tickets at $16 per person (members $12). Children ages 3 and under will be admitted for free.
275 Valley Service Road
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 239-4653
Why Go
The Only Game in Town transforms this North Haven amusement center into a seasonal nightmare. Five attractions include the half-mile Redneck Rampage walk in scary woods filled with cannibals; the CT Dedical Center, with high-energy actors performing on a frightening indoor medical set; and the Abyss Family Manor, a haunted house completely in the dark. While your brave friends enjoy the more terrifying attractions, head to the blacklight Thriller Mini Golf or ride the Gore Carts. (But watch out for the curves and body parts!)
Insider Tip
Redneck Rampage is the highlight, says owner Bob Arel, who adds, “Wear sneakers and be prepared to run!”
Must Do
Take advantage of the free photo op while you wait in line.
The Fine Print
This very scary attraction is not for the faint of heart; the suggested age is 14-plus. Hours are 7 p.m., every Thursday to Saturday through Nov. 2. Admission to each attraction is $10 or $40 for all five and $25 for the three haunted features.
CT Trolley Museum
58 North Road
East Windsor, CT 06088
(860) 627-6540
Why Go
Why is the last trolley coming back empty? What became of those riders? Hop aboard a trolley—which is on a track laid over a desecrated cemetery—and see what awaits in the dark woods.
Insider Tip
First trolley leaves at 7 p.m., but tickets are sold starting at 6:30 p.m. As long as you have tickets bought by 9:30 p.m., you will gain access to the 45-minute experience.
Must Do
A Trolley Museum volunteer, who said she doesn’t want to spoil any surprises, would only say: “You cannot run—they will find you.”
The Fine Print
“Rails to the Dark Side,” which is not recommended for young children, is open this Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for those 12 and under. No reservations are needed.
Connecticut’s Old State House
800 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 522-6766
Why Go
On Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31, hear spooky ghost tales as you learn about the rich history of this national landmark. Once upon a time, accused witches were hanged at this site. Maybe you’ll discover spirits there! The Old State House was also the scene of a sensational murder trial in the mid-1800s, spokesman Bill Bevacqua says.
Insider Tip
Connecticut’s Old State House will validate parking tickets from the State Street South Parking Garage and State House Square Garage. The cost, after validation, is $5 for the entire day.
Must Do
Stop by Steward’s Museum of Curiosities to see a two-headed calf and a mummified hand.
The Fine Print
Preregister for the tour, which starts at noon and lasts an hour. Regular admission fees apply. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 6 to 17, AAA members, and seniors ages 65 and older; free for children, ages 5 and under, and active and retired members of the U.S. military.
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