7 family-friendly Halloween things to do in Naples, Bonita, Immokalee
Last year was scary and not fun for families, especially children who didn't understand why they couldn't go out and collect candy and enjoy other fun.
But 2021 is different, as plenty of Halloween events allow you to take the family out for a spooky good time. Here's seven to check out:
Boo at the Zoo
It's from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22-24 at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road. If the kids are wearing a costumer, they get in for free. Trick-or-treat trail, education station, games, costume contest, and prizes each day. 239-262-5409 or napleszoo.org/boo
Fall Fest
For something new, check out the Fall Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the newer Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N. The event includes fun activities, food trucks, inflatables, trick or treating for the kids and more. Children who come in costume receive a special gift. Register at naplesfallfest.com.
More Halloween:Your guide to haunted walks, pumpkins and more in Naples, Marco, Bonita
Fun in Lee County, too:Halloween 2021: Your guide to haunted walks, pumpkins and more in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita, Estero
More for adults:Universal's Halloween Horror Nights returns with a Netflix show themed maze: What you need to know
Pumpkin patch
Carve out some time (bad pun alert) and head to North Naples Church from now through Sunday, Oct. 31. There you will find find pumpkins of all sizes, corn stalks and gourds available for purchase. The church is at 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Visit nnchurch.org or call 239-593-7600 for more.
Haunted corn maze
If you want to escape the real world (at least for a few minutes), head to Farmer Mike’s Haunted Corn Maze and Fall Festival. Farmer Mike's gets spooked up with various monsters and ghouls for this seventh annual fest, including a haunted corn maze with zombie paintball, a family-friendly “Amazing Honeybee Corn Maze,” bounce houses, crafts, vendors, a pumpkin patch and more.
It's open every Friday through Sunday, Oct. 31. The haunted corn maze is Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 30. Tickets are available online only this year and are available in 30-minute slots. Prices vary. Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs. 239-498-4576 or farmermikesupick.com
Pumpkin Palooza
Take the youngsters to a scavenger hunt, maze and Halloween movies at the Pioneer Pumpkin Palozza. It's from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23, at Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave. W.
Children can scan the grounds for a hidden pumpkin and get one to take home. Conclude the day with a hayride throughout the grounds. colliermuseums.com
Halloween on Fifth
This annual "spooktacular" is from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, on Park Street at Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. Family fun events including live music, street dancing, costume contest, games, and more. 239.692.8436 and fifthavenuesouth.com
Halloween at Flamingo Island
Kick off Halloween weekend with a fun time during Halloween at Flamingo Island Flea Market. It's from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the flea market, 11902 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs.
There's plenty to do, with a costume contest, a pet costume contest, decorated vendor booths, decorated car trunks with trick-or-treating, and more. Also games for kids, a dunk tank, face painting, special guest: Reading to Rabbits, raffle prizes, a pumpkin patch, and a special holiday photo opportunity area. Bring your pets dressed in costume for a contest. 239-948-7799 and flamingoisland.com
Enjoy this free content Oct. 18-22. For those who already have subscriptions, we appreciate your loyalty and support of community journalism.
And for those who don't, this is an opportunity to consider subscribing after you read news you want to know — content that no one else in Southwest Florida provides.
You can subscribe at https://cm.naplesnews.com/specialoffer/ or https://cm.news-press.com/specialoffer/.
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @detroitdave88 and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn