Metropark Mayhem: Hauntingly Good Fun

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks always have something educational and entertaining to offer to families and youngsters. Here's what's coming up:

• Where:
• When: 6-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22
• Pricing: $5 for children up to 16 years, $2 for adults
• Why Go: Get ready for Halloween Hauntings, where visitors can explore a mildly spooky barn, meet the miller's ghost, listen to and watch a computerized music and light show, navigate the straw tunnel, make scary crafts and indulge in cider and doughnuts around the bonfire.

• Where:
• When: 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22
• Pricing: $5 per child, $3 per adult
• Why Go: The Farm Center invites youngsters to trick-or-treat at the park. Kids will visit each of the decorated animal barns and collect goodies, and then stop in at the Boo Barn. A children's movie will be screened as well, with refreshments served. A candy scramble and craft project are also on the agenda.

• Where:
• When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23
• Pricing: $4 kids and seniors, $6 adults
• Why Go: Enjoy a day at the park, with a tractor-drawn hayride to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own. (Weather permitting.) Afterwards, sip on cider and nibble on a doughnut from a local mill. Pumpkins cost extra, depending on size.

AND A BIT FARTHER AWAY:

• at Metro Beach Metropark, where families will learn what it means when an owl hoots, if bats can get tangled in your hair, and much more. Activities are planned, too, and goodies will be handed out. The event is at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, $3 per person. Registration required. Call 586-463-4332 to sign up.

• , at , with games, crafts, a piñata to bang around, snakes and other "creepy" critters to meet, from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. Cost is $5 per child, $3 per adult, and registration is required. Call 586-781-9113.

Please remember, the Metroparks charge $5 for a daily vehicle pass, or you may purchase an annual pass for $20, or $15 for seniors. Visit for details.