The world is a scary place and getting scarier every day. This is unfortunate for today’s kids that can’t go wander around trick or treating for hours that one night of the year.

Most of us spent Halloween’s walking all over town with a friend, getting as much candy as humanly possible before we had to get home, which was usually well after dark. This is not the world we live in today.

Zoos all over the country have stepped up and filled a need for a fun, safe alternative on Halloween. Zoos are drawing huge crowds of families for Halloween events that offer rides, hayrides, the animals and, of course, lots of candy. Often the zoo offers costume contests and special displays like letting the animals smash pumpkins.

Special zoo sleepovers are becoming popular also. The haunted houses are quite child friendly as well and not filled with lots of blood and gore.

This year’s annual Halloween Fun Run will have a record number of participants—and the event promises to be fun and freakish.

The 5-kilometer race is so popular, and this is attributed to its costume component. Individual creativity rules the day here, but prizes are also awarded to teams.

Race director Lance Dlouhy says: “There are just so many creative costumes that it’s great to come to the event just to watch.”

Some colorful examples from years past included one male participant who ran dressed as a nerd—pocket protector, checkered shirt and of course the requisite black-rimmed glasses taped down the middle. Another more outlandish costume was a man garbed head-to-toe Raggedy Ann paraphernalia.

An entire team, one year, came to the competition as a pack of zombies, covered in eerie pale makeup and black attire.

Dloouhy has noticed attendance at the race spike 144 percent since the event’s inception five years ago.

If you are in the St. Peter’s area, be sure to check it out. It promises to be fun for the entire family.

Show your wild, funny, or truly absurd side and take home that Best Costume prize you’ve had your eye on! After all, Halloween is all about becoming an entirely different person for one night. The more creative you can be the better.

Arrive at the party dressed as your favorite sports star, as your favorite animal, or as your jerk of a boss. Any of these subjects could result in good ideas for Halloween costumes – even GREAT ideas! Hate your job? Love animals?

Do you enjoy sports? You just have to be observant. Good ideas for Halloween costumes are everywhere. Ask around; maybe your cousin dressed up as something or someone really spectacular three years ago and would be happy to loan you her costume.

Craft magazines and catalogs are also a great resource, as are your friends and family. Some flowing fabric and strands of bells could be used to craft an exotic gypsy costume. A cheap art set could be transformed into a Parisian artist’s costume. By browsing the aisles you’ll discover an array of make-your-own costume supplies from angel wings to bridal veils. Many people succeed in finding good ideas for Halloween costumes by visiting party supply or craft stores.

All you need is a little imagination! Good ideas for Halloween costumes are as easy to find as you make them. In fact the cast of any TV show or movie is a great way to get all of your friends or co-workers in on the fun. Adult groups of friends will love dressing up as Charlie’s Angels, the Dukes of Hazard (complete with Daisy and Boss Hog!), Three Amigos, or characters from Gilligan’s Island.

How about Alvin and the Chipmunks or a trio of Superheros? Have three kids? Dress up your two children as Raggedy Ann and Andy, Sonny and Cher, or Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The entertainment industry is especially ripe with good ideas for Halloween costumes for groups of adults or children. Even items found around your home can spark great ideas – have you ever considered going to your next Halloween party dressed as a box of cereal, a toaster, or a bagel?

Dora the Explorer and Kim Possible are popular with girls now, and what boy will turn down the chance to be Spider Man for a night? Look no further than the local toy store or your child’s favorite Saturday morning cartoon. Looking for good ideas for Halloween costumes for kids? Actors, TV characters, famous faces from the news, even characters from books can be great fodder for Halloween night.

Good ideas for Halloween costumes can come from a variety of sources, whether it’s the Internet, TV, movies or even your hobbies.

Group Costumes Available for Purchase:

Gilligan’s Island Costumes

Superhero Costumes

Wizard of Oz Costumes

Well, as you know Halloween is not just for teens, it can be a family event for all ages a great place for families in Michigan is the Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mills. They have numerous activities that can keep anyone entertained. These activities includes a petting farm, hay rides cider, pumpkin craving, and story telling, or you can visit their store which contains a variety of products such as jellies, jams, honey, spices, and other specialty food made in Michigan. There is also the possibility of purchasing homemade pies or cider to enjoy outdoor or in an indoor lounge. On specific days live music is played by local artists.

The hayrides are pretty entertaining for everyone including teens. The wagon is pulled through the beautiful orchards. The scenic route that is viewed on this ride leaves you relaxed and amazed. The sight of the gorgeous autumn colors is joyous to those nature lovers. The U- Pick Pumpkin is great for the younger kids. It allows them to ride the wagon to the personally grown pumpkin patch. So, they are able to choose the perfect pumpkin for them to crave. Pumpkins are available for sale if you enjoyed the carving and would like to do some more at home.

The true kid’s favorite is the petting farm. Located on the petting farm are several animals including pigs, horses, chickens, goats, calves, ducks and the beautifully colored peacocks. You can attend the petting farm free of charge. In general, the activities at the Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mills are wonderful for a family to spend quality time together while celebrating the occasion. The hours of operation are convenient so that even the busiest person could find an opening in there schedule for this lovely change of scenery.