Spooktacular Jeffco: family-friendly events this Halloween - #lakewoodnews

Jefferson County communities are going all out to celebrate Halloween this year with a variety of family-family events.

One way to begin celebrating is to check out the library. All 10 of the Jefferson County Public Library branches are offering a variety of fun Halloween-themed events for people of all ages. Some events include laser tag, costume parades and parties, crafts and, of course, storytimes.

"The imagination and creativity that comes with Halloween connects to literacy skills for kids of all ages," said Lauren Reed, a patron experience associate at the Golden Library.

And the library staff, she added, has just as much fun putting on the events.

For details on the events at the various libraries, visit www.jeffcolibrary.org and select "Halloween Happenings" on the home page.

Below are some more events selected by Colorado Community Media, sure to offer Jefferson County residents a fun and safe Halloween.

The entire family is invited to attend Halloween Tales & Trails 1-6 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road in Golden.

Beginning at 1 p.m., family-friendly games, stories and crafts will be offered.

Guided hikes on the Forest Loop trail will leave every 10 minutes until 5 p.m. Those who would like to participate on a hike should check-in upon arrival and select a time slot. Hikes are limited to 25 participants per hike. The hike is 0.6 mile and lasts one hour.

Wear good walking shoes. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. However, attendees should dress appropriately for the weather, as the event will take place unless the weather becomes hazardous or unsafe.

Hot chocolate will be available for those who bring a travel mug.

Attendees should register in advance. Register by visiting http://jeffco.us/open-space/nature/nature-programs/ and select the event date on the calendar, which will link to Eventbrite. A suggested donation is $10 per family or $5 per individual. Cash or checks are preferred, and the donation can be made at the event.

The event is family-friendly, but pets are not allowed.

For more information, contact the center at 720-497-7600 or LMNC@jeffco.us.

Halloween Carnival

The Apex Center's 16th annual Halloween Carnival takes place from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave. in Arvada.

Attendees will enjoy ghoulish games, inflatables a hayride and more. Costumes are encouraged.

The carnival is most appropriate for children through 11 years of age.

Cost is $5 per child, and adults are admitted free with a paying child.

To avoid lines, pre-registration is encouraged, which can be done online at www.apexprd.org.

For more information, contact the Apex Center at 303-403-2598.

Trick or Treat Train

The Colorado Railroad Museum's annual Trick or Treat Train takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29-30 at the museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave. in Golden.

The grounds and select train cars will be decorated, including a haunted railcar, pumpkin patch cart and silly graveyard. Decorations are family-friendly and appropriate for young children --; slightly spooky but not terrifying.

Conductors and engineers will be in full costume, and attendees are also encouraged to wear costumes.

Candy will be handed out at several locations across the museum grounds.

Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children. There is no charge for museum members and children under 2 years of age. Admission is valid all day and includes unlimited rides.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org or call 303-279-5491.

El D a de los Muertos celebration

The public is invited to celebrate El D a de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Ave. in Wheat Ridge.

The event will feature Fiesta Colorado Dancers and Sol De Mi Tierra Mariachis, sugar skulls, traditional food, face painting, vendors and children's activities.

This year, an altar-building contest will be offered. It is free, but registration is required to participate. Contact Nicole Galluzzo at Nicole.galluzzo@dignitymemorial.com or 303-996-4257 for registration details.

The celebration is free and open to the public. It is a family-friendly event. Attendees are welcome to wear calaca apparel or D a de Los Muertos attire.

For more information, visit www.crownhillfuneral.com or call 303-233-4611. Questions can also be directed to Galluzzo.

Olde Town Arvada Trick or Treat Street: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28 in Olde Town Square, 57th and Olde Wadsworth in Arvada. Costume contest at 6 p.m. www.oldetownarvada.org.

Wheat Ridge Trunk or Treat: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 29, at 38th Avenue and Upham Street. Event includes a haunted house, carnival games, a costume parade, a trunk-decorating contest and "Thriller" zombie dancers. www.ci.wheatridge.co.us.

Belmar Trick or Treat Street: 2-5 p.m. Oct. 31, at 408 S. Teller St. in Lakewood.

Trick or Treat Historic Downtown Golden: 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31 on Washington Avenue in downtown Golden.

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