It’s that bewitching time of year; people have started making ghost cookies, monster truffles, and jelly worms, while kids have pulled out their boo buckets to grab all these tasty treats. After all, what’s Halloween without a sugar rush?
If your little one has mobility issues, you might be worried about them navigating steep stairs and unpaved walkways and missing out on all the fun. Luckily, Western Michigan hosts different wheelchair-friendly events offering eerie but accessible craft corners, ghostly parades, themed games, and fang-tastic treats, so everyone can join in the fun and create spook-tacular memories.
Featured Wheelchair-friendly Trick-or-Treat Events in Western Michigan
Below are some of the most inclusive and wheelchair-friendly trick-or-treat events that are bound to give you a scarily good time:
Clock Mobility’s Truck or Treat Event (Clay Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI)
This year, Clock Mobility has gone all out with its Trunk or Treat event happening on October 25th. Between 6 and 8 p.m., you can pull up to a parking lot filled with decked-out car trunks, each offering delicious candies and treats. When all that trick-or-treating works up an appetite, head straight for the fluffy donuts and hot cider stands to munch on something sugary and warm while trading scary stories.
Clock Mobility isn’t just about the sweets; there will be plenty of sensory-friendly toys, so everyone can have fun without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Before leaving, stop by the photo booth to take a picture in your spooky or silly costume – because if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen?
Zoo Goes Boo (John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI)
If you thought John Ball Zoo was wild before, just wait until you see it during the Zoo Goes Boo event, when there are bewitching decorations, twisted treat stations, and gory attractions scattered throughout the grounds.
Running from October 11 to 27, Zoo Goes Boo brings in magicians, fire performers, and jugglers to entertain everyone. There are thirteen twisted treat stations serving up a variety of Halloween goodies, so don’t forget to bring a big bag for candy! If you or your little ghouls have specific food allergies, look for booths with teal pumpkins to find allergy-friendly treats.
Since John Ball Zoo is located on naturally hilly terrain, you must bring an all-terrain wheelchair or an electric scooter to enjoy it fully. If you don’t own one, you can rent it at the zoo at no extra cost. Besides that, drinking fountains are located throughout the facility, and all public restrooms are wheelchair-friendly and easy to access.
Mall-O-Ween at Woodland Mall (Kentwood, MI)
Happening on 25th October, Mall-O-Ween promises a frightfully fun night. At this event, you’ll enjoy spooky yet delightful crafts and exhilarating games and get the chance to create your one-of-a-kind trick-or-treat bag.
We all know monsters are a huge part of Halloween – but guess what? The event gets even better with a special screening of the beloved “Monsters, Inc.”, so get ready for an evening full of Mike Wazowski and Sulley action.
Regarding accessibility, the mall features elevators between its east and west wings, making it a breeze to navigate. There are manual and electric wheelchairs available for rent; just call the security office to reserve them in advance.
Downtown Holland Trick-or-Treating (Holland, MI)
On October 29, you can dress up your tiny tot as a mischievous pumpkin or a bumbling witch and take them off to the Downtown Holland Trick-or-Treating event. From sweet candy corn to Dutch stroopwafels, this wheelchair-friendly extravaganza offers all sorts of ghoulish delights to make your Halloween unforgettable!
While there, don’t forget to take your kids to Nelis’ Dutch Village to enjoy mini-ride adventures, pet the friendliest goats, and check out traditional wooden shoe carving. The Big Red Lighthouse offers serene views of Lake Michigan, making it the perfect backdrop for spooky family photos.
Additional Accessible Halloween Events in Michigan
Besides the above-mentioned trick-or-treat events, you should check out Allendale’s Trunk-or-Treat event, Michigan’s Adventure Tricks and Treats, Oddities & Delights exhibition at Muskegon Museum of Arts, or Halloween Puzzle Party at The Perry Hotel.
Similarly, you can take your little ones to trunk-or-treat events such as MOOnster Mash at Barn Sanctuary, Thrivin’ Trunk or Treat at Long Lake Road, Pumpkin Palooza at Mt Hope Congregational Church, Trunk or Treat 2024 at Encounter Church, or Trunk or Treat at Muskegon County Fairgrounds.
During these events, children collect treats from decorated car trunks instead of the front door. This eliminates the hassle of navigating steep stairs, narrow sidewalks, uneven walkways, or dimly lit porches.
Planning Tips for Trick-or-Treat Events
Keep the following points in mind before getting tickets to any accessible Trick-or-Treat event or visiting an accessible haunted attraction:
- Check the event’s website or contact the organizers directly to confirm which accessibility features are available, such as ramps, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms.
- You don’t want to be circling around the parking lot endlessly, looking for a spot that can accommodate a wheelchair van with side ramp clearance. To avoid this hassle, make sure the venue has accessible parking spaces close to the entrance or a designated drop-off zone.
- Most haunted attractions or events usually involve sudden loud screams, fog machines, bright strobing lights, and characters popping out of nowhere. This can be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Check if the event offers specific sensory-friendly hours with reduced noise and lighting so they can enjoy the experience without getting frustrated.
- You should also inquire about adaptive games and activities such as pumpkin carving with adaptive tools, accessible corn mazes, or seated scavenger hunts.
- Trick-or-treating is all about the candy, but high tables and uneven pathways can act as barriers. Ensure treat stations are set at a height accessible to wheelchair users and paths are smooth and clear of obstacles like gravel or grass.
Enjoy Halloween Extravaganza with Clock Mobility
Whether you plan on heading to a costume parade, a local pumpkin patch, or any haunted house in Michigan, Clock Mobility has you covered this spooky season. Our wheelchair-accessible vans are equipped with hand controls, lifts and ramps, a wheelchair restraint system, climate control, advanced navigation systems, and an entertainment system so you can enjoy and stay comfortable during your ride.
We also offer flexible rental options to fit your needs, whether it’s for a day of Halloween fun, a weekend getaway, or even long-term use. With our Try-Before-You-Buy offer, you can purchase the same rental vehicle if it meets your needs perfectly.
As the seasons change, we also provide a range of maintenance and car services to keep your vehicle in top condition. From tune-ups to tire changes and battery checks, we ensure that your van is ready for whatever adventure lies ahead. To avail our services or book our rental vehicle, contact us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of the four convenient locations in Michigan.