Halloween treats abound for kids and adults

Parents who are looking for something more family-oriented for Halloween have several local events to choose from. If it’s candy you’re after, check out the trunk-or-treat tonight at Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road in Henderson, or Sunday’s Town Scary at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. There, participating businesses, police and firefighters will hand out candy to costumed kids on Halloween.

If you’re looking for more of a festival atmosphere, the Silverton Fright Fest offers something for all ages.

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve offers something that’s a little more educational than most Halloween-themed events. On Saturday, staff will share their secrets about why certain birds have spooky reputations.

The Review-Journal rounded up several events taking place over the next few days, activities that are sure to meet the Halloween needs of every family member. The list is not inclusive and the information is subject to change.

TODAY

What: Silverton Fright Fest

When: 4-10 p.m. today, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday

Where: Silverton, 3333 Blue Diamond Road

Cost: Gate entrance fee for adults is $5; $3 for children; children 48 inches or smaller get in for free. Guests can view both haunted houses for $19.99 or pick one for $13. (263-7777)

Activities include amusement rides, games, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a banana derby.

What: Candy and Corridors

When: 6-8 p.m. today

Where: Paradise Recreation Center, 4775 S. McLeod Drive

Cost: $5 for 20 tickets to be used for rides and games (455-7513)

The Clark County Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring this event for kids 13 and younger. Youngsters can follow the Trick or Treat Trail, picking up candy along the way. Once they get their fill, they can ride carnival rides or play carnival games. Tickets can be purchased at the recreation center or online at accessclarkcounty.com/parks.

What: Trunk or Treat

When: 6-8 p.m. today

Where: Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, Henderson

Cost: $2 per child, parents accompany them for free (267-4070)

Sponsored by the Henderson Department of Parks and Recreation, Trunk or Treat provides parents with the opportunity to let their kids trick or treat in a safe environment. Costumed kids can follow the trick-or-treat trail lined with decorated cars and people handing out candy. There will be a costume contest, too. All ages may attend.

What: Springs Preserve Haunted Harvest 2010

When: 5-9 p.m. today through Saturday; 4-9 p.m. Sunday (including Safe Street)

Where: Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for kids 5 to 12 years old; free for children 4 and younger; Preserve members pay half-price (822-7700)

Families can stroll the eight-acre botanical gardens decked out in Halloween style, meet spooky characters, visit trick-or-treat stations and walk through a seven-room haunted house for kids 5 and older. Food concessions will be available at additional cost. The Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will feature themed evenings with food and beverage, crafts, temporary tattoo stations and other activities for an additional $3. For more information, visit springspreserve.org.

friday

What: Halloween activities at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with Sunday activities starting at 1 p.m.

Where: 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North

Cost: Free for children in costume with one paid parent admission. General admission is $10 for adults; $8 students, seniors and military; $5 for ages 3 to 11; and free for kids 2 and younger. (384-3466)

Make slime, touch and feel creepy things and take part in a variety of other Halloween-themed activities.

Regular museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit lvnhm.org.

What: Haunted At the Ranch

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday

Where: Whitney Ranch Indoor Pool, 1575 Galleria Drive

Cost: $1-$2 (267-4000)

Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring this event for kids to play games, decorate their trick-or-treat bags, participate in a pumpkin scavenger hunt and more. Kids are encouraged to bring a plain pillowcase to decorate. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit bit.ly/bkxO2U.

What: College of Southern Nevada Fall Fun Fest

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Where: CSN Charleston campus, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd.

Cost: Admission is free, but parking is $5 per car. Food and other items are priced separately (651-7301)

The event will include arts and crafts vendors, carnival treats and other activities. All proceeds will go to fund scholarships and student activities. Dancing and music will be among the entertainment offered throughout the festival. A Kids’ Zone will feature firetrucks, balloons and face painting, bounce houses, and arts and crafts projects. On Saturday, a Halloween costume contest is scheduled. There also will be trick-or-treating.

Saturday

What: Tricks & Treats For Kids

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Acacia Demonstration Gardens, 50 Casa Del Fuego St.

Cost: Free (267-4000)

The master gardeners for the demonstration gardens will be on hand to offer treats while introducing kids to some hands-on plant projects.

What: Birds With Spooky Reputations

When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, 350 Galleria Drive

Cost: Free (267-4000)

Staff from the bird preserve will teach kids ages 6 to 12 why some birds have developed spooky reputations, including crows, ravens, owls and vultures.

What: Pumpkin Smash at the Clark County Shooting Park’s archery range

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Where: 11357 N. Decatur Blvd., about 5 miles north of Interstate 215

Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for kids ages 16 and younger (455-2000)

If you’ve always wanted to shoot an arrow through a pumpkin, now’s your chance. Archery equipment and instructors will be provided, as will paper targets and pumpkins. In addition to shooting paper targets, participants will have a shootout at oozing pumpkins.

What: Halloween Safe Village

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway

Cost: Free (455-2540)

Sponsored by Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, kids of all ages can participate in a safe event where companies and local organizations have informational booths set up. Costumed attendees can trick-or-treat, too.

What: Haunted Reef

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Cost: $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for noncostumed children ages 5-12 (free for kids 12 and younger in costumes) (632-4555)

Every year, the Shark Reef transforms into a haunted attraction featuring Halloween decorations, sound effects and spooky special effects.

sunday

What: Town Scary

When: 4-8 p.m. Sunday

Where: Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Cost: Free (269-5001)

Participating stores, University of Nevada, Las Vegas athletes and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department will hand out candy to costumed trick-or-treaters. Costume contests will be every half-hour in the entertainment court. Throughout the evening, people can take a haunted hay ride, play games or decorate pumpkins. Kids should bring their own basket or bag for trick-or-treating.

What: Safe Trick-or-Treat

When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, 7160 N. Durango Drive

Cost: Free (365-7777)

Sammy’s will host its fourth annual safe event where families can pick up a Halloween Hunt Adventure map highlighting local businesses that are handing out treats. The event starts at Sammy’s, where employees will be handing out maps.

What: Trick-or-treating, haunted house and live DJ

When: 4-9 p.m. Sunday

Where: Village Lake Las Vegas, 15 Costa di Lago, Henderson

Cost: Free (thevillagellv.com)

Shops and restaurants will hand out treats from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a costume contest with prizes from $25 to $200 in cash and hotel stays. The haunted house will be open until 9 p.m. Other events will take place, including pumpkin-carving contests and palm readings.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.