I’m not one for jump-scares or frightening movies, but I do love an opportunity to dress up. I also look forward to all the creativity that comes out for this celebration of the ghoulish and grim. Now we all know Halloween isn’t just for kids so if you are over 21, make sure to head straight down to the end for those events that require proof of age. Enjoy!

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October 25

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To kick start that Halloween costume frenzy, the Lake Placid Public Library is offering a free “Create Your Own Costume” day for pre-K to grade 5 students on Friday. There is no school for local students so meander over to the library and start brainstorming the perfect costume.

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October 26

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(*indicates open at additional times)

Tri-Lakes Humane Society Haunted Woods at John Brown Farm is offering a family-friendly and scary version during its Haunted Woods. From 2 to 5 p.m. offers a haunted maze in addition to crafts and refreshments. From 6 to 9 p.m. the true terror begins through the haunted woods. The later “show” is not recommended for the very young. The cost is $10.

* Tuckers Farm Great Adirondack Corn Maze is getting ready for Fright Night on Saturday, Oct. 26. Look out for where ghosts and ghouls wait to chase you through rows of corn. Once you survive the corn maze, catch your breath at the bonfire if you dare. Go to tuckerstaters.com for additional hours.

* The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington is a wonderful place to visit no matter the time of year. It’s open all weekend, but on Oct. 26 is a special Halloween celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be pumpkin carving, face painting, and a spooky storytime. At 3 p.m. children can join in a costume parade around the facility. Donations accepted.

*Need some thrills or foliage views? Check out Experience Outdoors Zip Line for some ziplining fun. Check out the annual Halloween Day Trick and Zip from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with pumpkin painting, games, costume contest, and prizes. Don’t worry if you can’t make it for the festivities, book an appointment for a different zipping time. Experienceadkoutdoors.com. Oh, my!

* The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, is making it a two-day affair (Oct 25-26) with its first Haunted Forest. The Wild Center trails will be filled with ghosts and other menacing creatures, but people can catch their breath with some family-friendly inside activities like crafts, face painting, and animal encounters. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. The trail is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Yikes!

* The Lake Placid Film Festival may not seem like the venue for Halloween, but I have news for you. Besides an incredible lineup of films, Lou Costello’s daughter Chris will be introducing her father’s film “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” on Saturday. The full schedule is available at lakeplacidfilmfestival.org.

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October 31 (Halloween)

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Tupper Lake Trick-or- Treating takes place between 2:30 to 5 p.m. along Park Street as well as other areas with a “participating poster.” Park St. may be closed to traffic during that time. Make sure to stop at the free Tupper Lake Chamber Kids’ Halloween Party from 4 to 6 p.m. What a treat!

Have your children come in costume and frequent any of the downtown Saranac Lake businesses from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with photos and a costume contest (children infant to 12-years-old) at the Enterprise’s office. Layer on that Halloween fun or really get the most out of the costume by stopping by Saranac Lake’s Hyde’s Fuel Adirondack Scarousel at the Carousel for free carousel rides, snacks, balloon animals, and other entertainment. Stop by the Saranac Lake Baptist Church free Harvest Fest at Harrietstown Town Hall with a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, food, and games.

In Lake Placid, the annual Halloween costume parade begins at noon on Main Street so make sure to check out all those adorable ninjas and princesses. Area businesses open their doors for downtown Trick-or-Treaters from 3 to 5 p.m. For over 30 years, the LPPD has provided free games, food, and candy (of course) to help entertain Lake Placid school children in positive ways. All activities will happen at the Crown Plaza. Lake Placid Elementary School’s party runs from 3-5 pm with refreshments, games, and a chance to run around. After the Halloween celebration, there is a closed dance with a DJ, refreshments and photo booth for all Lake Placid students. Middle school students (6 to 8th graders) exit at 8 p.m. while High School students have the run of the place from 8 to 10 pm. Please call the police department at 518-523-3306 with any questions.

If you’re over 21 and have your costumes ready, here are just a few of the Halloween festivities for those responsible witches, ghosts, and ghouls.

On Oct. 26, Lake Placid’s The Cottage’s 35th annual Trek and Treat starts at 8 p.m. — a costumed pub crawl with prizes and raffles between The Cottage (8-10 p.m.), Zig Zags (10 p.m. to midnight) and Roomers (midnight to 2 am). There is no cost involved, but there is the chance to win over $1,000 in cash and prizes.

In Tupper Lake join Raquette River Brewing for a costume contest, live music, and prizes starting at 5 pm or check out the P2 Irish Pub for two different Halloween parties: Oct. 26 and 31 for two opportunities to win prizes, listen to fun music, and put your best costume to the test.

Stop by Saranac Lake’s Waterhole Halloween Bash ($10/advance, $12/door) or the Hotel Saranac’s Hot Sara Bash from 7 to 11 pm with live music, costume contest, light nibbles and cash bar (no entrance fee) Nov. 1. Starting at 7 p.m., Bloomingdale’s Hex and Hop is hosting a Halloween after party. Get an extra day out of your costume and wear it to Hex to keep the celebration happening.

We certainly appreciate all the community effort it takes to pull off so many fun activities. If you are looking for Halloween happenings around the rest of the Adirondacks, go to adirondackfamilytime.com Enjoy!

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Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time guidebook series. For more family-friendly activities go to AdirondackFamilyTime.com