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A Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Check Out These Local Halloween Events--And Win a Prize!

Article by Linda Ditch

Photography by Provided by Locations (Zombie Walk-Haley Fleisner)

Originally published in Lawrence City Lifestyle

Life is about to get eerie in Lawrence. Throughout October, there are numerous Halloween-themed activities going on for a whole family of ghouls and goblins, and Lawrence City Lifestyle wants to make the season even more fun! We're hosting a Spooky Scavenger Hunt this month, with a prize drawing for one lucky reader!

Just go to one of the events on this list to pick up your scavenger hunt card. Then visit the others and get your card stamped. Once you get at least six stamps, send your card to the address listed on the card. Then, on November 5th, we'll draw one winner for a special prize package of goodies.

Here are the places where you can get your screams and stamps!

Halloween at the Watkins

Watkins Museum of History

1047 Massachusetts St.

October 31st from 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Halloween, the ghost of J. B. Watkins haunts the museum, and kids must track him throughout the building using a sheet with clues! When they hand the sheet in, they get a prize. 

The Eldridge Hotel

701 Massachusetts Street

Known as the most haunted building in Lawrence, The Eldridge Hotel has a notebook full of ghostly sightings by employees and guests. Elevators open and close on their own, perhaps thanks to the original owner, Col. Eldridge, roaming the halls. The fifth floor is said to have the most paranormal activity, and people have seen four ladies in 1800s clothing playing cards in room 506.

This Halloween, stop in for a Halloween-themed cocktail at the Jayhawker Bar and let the kids add to their candy hall while trick-or-treating downtown.

Ghosting Lawrence: A Theatrical Tour of Downtown Haunts

October 25th-30th, 7 and 9 p.m.

Lawrence Arts Center

940 New Hampshire Street

Join Ric Averill on a tour of haunted Downtown Lawrence locations, assisted by spirits dancing, playing and singing their way through the city's eerie history. Both walking ($40) and trolley ($50) tours are available.

For more details, visit lawrenceartscenter.org/event/ghosting-lawrence-a-theatrical-tour-of-downtown-haunts-4/

Pendleton's Pumpkin Patch

Open all of October

1446 E. 1850 Road

Go on a family pumpkin hunt at Pendleton's. They grow several varieties of specialty pumpkins to go with their jack-o-lantern pumpkins. To learn more, visit Pendletons.com. 

Garrett's Haunted Farm

1387 E. 1650 Road

September 28th through O16ctober 31st

Garrett's Haunted Farm offers the full autumn experience for all ages. Youngsters can pick out a pumpkin from the patch, jump in the bounce house, get their faces painted, explore mazes, and swim in a huge corn pool. Everyone else can go on a zombie paintball hunt at night, trying to shoot the walking dead before they get you!

More information and ticket sales can be found at GarrettsHauntedFarm.com.

16th Annual Lawrence Zombie Walk

South Park Gazebo

October 19th at 6 p.m.

Join the walking dead at this free long-time city tradition presented by The Granada and 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Activities this year include make-up and blood bath stations, professional photo opportunities, and a costume contest. Donations and proceeds will benefit the Lawrence Humane Society. The walk will start at sundown. https://www.facebook.com/events/672747554735691

Halloween Paint-In

Downtown Lawrence

October 14th, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation and the Lawrence Breakfast Optimists Club will host the 50th annual Halloween Paint-In, when anyone in third grade and older can decorate Downtown Lawrence with their original artwork. You will need to register and submit your design ahead of time. Go to lawrenceks.org for more details.

Lawrence Humane Society Dogtoberfest

Venue 1235

1235 N. Third Street

October 21st

Dress your dog in their best costume for Dogtoberfest—you might win a prize! The dog-friendly evening will feature tasty drinks, food trucks, raffle prizes and more. Lawrencehumane.org.

Library Trick-or-Treating

Lawrence Public Library

October 31st, 4-6 p.m.

Bring your costumed youngsters to the library, where they'll follow the friendly ghosts to find special treats. Lplks.org