Halloween fun to be had in Waukesha this fall

Christopher Kuhagen
Ann Marie Gavinski stands outside Morgan Manor, one of Wisconsin Feargrounds' three haunted houses on the Waukesha County Expo Center Grounds.
Published on: 10/15/2013

It's time to let the little ghouls out for some trick-or-treating and Halloween fun. Here are trick-or-treat times for the Waukesha communities and events planned in the area.

Town of Waukesha: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31

City of Waukesha: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31

Village of Pewaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31

City of Pewaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31

Programs

Retzer Nature Center's Howl-O-Ween: S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Entrance fee is $15 per carload and includes all activities. This "unhaunted" event is recommended for families with children 10 and younger. Retzer Nature Center will host guided trails and tales with a Waukesha County Park naturalist, campfire stories, mini monster mash where costumes are encouraged, concessions and children's activities.

Night at the Museum: Waukesha County Museum hosts several "Wild West Showdown" night tours, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct.18, 19, 25, 26. Cost is $5 per person (children younger than 2 are free). This a a family-friendly tour appropriate for all ages. For additional information, call (262) 521-2859 Ext. 224.

Minooka Mash: The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry (WPRF) and Waukesha County Park System are hosting Minooka Mash from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Minooka Park, 1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha. This family-friendly event is recommended for ages 10 and younger. The entrance fee is $15 per carload, which includes all activities, such as a barn dance, Night Prowl with a park naturalist, campfire story and guided night hike. Each group of 25 people will have a guide lead them safely on a lighted trail, stopping at scenes along the way. Each child will also be able to make crafts and bring home prizes. Concessions will be available for purchase. Most activities are held outside, so dress for the weather, rain or shine.

Haunted HAWS: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 18, Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Waukesha. Fundraising Halloween bash for the Humane Animal Welfare Society includes dinner and dessert buffets, silent auction, costume contest, trick or treat, pet parade and animal meet and greet, DJ music and staff booths. $50 (262) 542-8851, Ext. 112 http://www.countryspringshotel.com.

Pewaukee Trick-or-Treat Path: Join some of your favorite storybook and Disney characters on Friday, Oct. 26, at Wagner Park, N31 W23320 Green Road, Pewaukee. Children ages 1-10 can visit houses along the path for treats. Afterward, stay for a spooky story by the fire and a craft. Dress warm to be outside and don't forget your costume. Arrival time slots are filling quickly, and preregistration is required. Fee: $2 per child resident/$12 per child nonresident. More information at www.cityofpewaukee.us.

UFOs and the Government in Pewaukee: Pewaukee Public Library hosts Richard Thieme, co-author of "UFO's and the Government: A Historical Inquiry" at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Community Room. He will speak about the phenomenon of UFOs and how governments have dealt with sightings, speculation and controversy. Free registration is appreciated by calling the Reference Desk at (262) 691-5670 Ext. 25 or emailing pwlib@pewaukee.lib.wi.us.

Scary stuff

Zombie Survival: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18; 6 p.m. Oct. 19; 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25; 6 p.m. Oct. 26; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1; 6 p.m. Nov. 2, iCOMBAT Waukesha, 1023 Spring City Drive, Waukesha. Fight to survive at iCombat, a new tactical laser tag facility that offers immersive special effects on a Hollywood style set with a zombie theme through Nov. 2.

Catholic Memorial Haunted House: Formerly known as Maniac Manor, the house resides at 601 E College Ave., Waukesha, and is home to the sixth annual service CMH Haunted House. The "old convent" is transformed into three floors of fear. Funds raised from this year's event will benefit Honor Flight. The house is open 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Admission: $7.

Wisconsin Feargrounds Haunted Houses: 6:45-11:30 p.m. Oct. 11-12, 18-19, 24-27, 31-Nov. 2, Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha. Morgan Manor Haunt $13, Speed Pass $25. www.waukeshacountyexpo.com.