Oct. 10, 2013

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring and hosting a series of free or low-cost fun family events to celebrate Halloween and the arrival of fall. Many of the Halloween event locations* also are drop off sites for Emily’s Toys 4 Joy (online: emilystoys4joy.com), a local nonprofit that collects toys to distribute to hospitalized children.

Enchanted Trail, Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Ave.
Friday ?nbsp;Sunday, Oct. 18-20, 5:30 to 8 p.m. each day
This free family event is produced by the Audubon Center at Phoenix’s Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. It features trick or treating, a scary bat cave, crafts, guided night hikes, nature by night exhibits, live Arizona animals and more. Information is available by phone at 602-468-6470.

Haunted Hayride at South Mountain Park/Preserve, 10919 S. Central Ave.
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 25-27, 6 to 9 p.m. each night.
Sponsored by South Mountain/Laveen Festivals, Inc., this event features a ?mile horse-drawn wagon ride in South Mountain抯 Box Canyon area. Each wagon will feature a story teller. Kids 14 and under are $3, adults are $5. It also features a Witch Walk. Snacks will be available for purchase. This event is not recommended for children ages 3 and under. More information is available by phone at 602-438-2928.

Boo Fest, Beuf Community Center/Paseo Highlands Park, 3425 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
Boo Fest is a free, family event that features horse drawn hayrides, a pumpkin patch (for kids 15 and under), inflatable bouncers, climbing wall, carnival games, live entertainment and a costume parade with judging. Each child 15 and under gets a goodie bag. All activities are free. *This year’s event is being produced in partnership with Emily’s Toys for Joy; everyone who donates a new toy at the event will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes. More information: 602-534-4754. No registration is required.

Halloween & Zombie Walk, Heritage & Science Park, 115 N. 6th St.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 to 11 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event features live music, a Rose & Crown Beer garden, makeup artists, Bookmans?nbsp;Little Zombie Zone, vendors, a canned food drive and a march of over 10,000 zombies through the streets of Downtown (actual zombie walk takes place at approx. 6pm). Don’t know how to become a zombie? No problem! There will be makeup artists on hand to make you beautiful. All they ask in exchange is that you bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation to benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank in exchange for a ghoulish makeover. The historic Rosson House Museum will also be open for special ticketed tours during the festival. Information on tours is available by phone at 602-262-5070 or by phone at www.rossonhousemuseum.org. Event information is available from event sponsor Downtown Phoenix Partnership by phone at 602-254-8696 or online at http://www.downtownphoenix.com/zombie/.