The State Parks in Maricopa Co. have a few Halloween festivities for everybody to enjoy.
October 26
· Go a little batty! Forget about the cartoon and movie characters, come out to San Tan Mountain Regional Park Visitor’s Center at 7 pm & meet the real batman. Bill “Batman” Burger, Az. Game & Fish Dept., will provide a captivating presentation on the night-flying creatures that eventually came to be known as bats. As a special bonus, the Batman will bring a bat for audience members to observe.
October 27
· Arizona ghost stories. The infamous Madame Larushka will channel her energy around a blazing bonfire at Estrella Mountain Regional Park at 7 pm & entertain guests with stories of old west ghosts, mysteries, murder & mayhem! If you’re lucky, Madame Larushka will bring in a few authentic historical visitors from the other side on this magical night! Bring chairs, blankets and get ready to enjoy this family friendly, yet scary night.
· Little monster bash. Dress your little tykes in their favorite Halloween costumes & head on out to White Tank Mountain Regional Park for the annual Monster Bash beginning at 6 pm. Wear your hiking shoes, bring your flashlights & trick-or-treat along a haunted trail where you’re bound to meet up with several ghoulish creatures. This is a children’s event; however, well-behaved parents & grandparents are invited to come along & join in the fun.
· Haunted hike. San Tan Mountain Regional Park has planned a night full of fright & delight in the Sonoran Desert beginning at 6 pm. Liberty Wildlife will kick off the event with an engaging presentation on owls & birds. As a special treat, they'll release one of these feathered friends into the night sky. At 7 pm the group will set out on a 2-mile Full Moon Hike to discover the haunting sounds & strange history of the park. Don’t forget to wear your scary Halloween costumes & bring a goodie bag to collect treats along the way. Flashlights are permitted, but not necessary. Please bring plenty of water & proper hiking footwear.
· Hike by the light of the silvery moon. Experience the uniqueness of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area as it undergoes a spectacular transformation under the illumination of the silver moon. To kick off the 7 pm hike, Liberty Wildlife will release a rehabilitated Great Horned Owl. Flashlights are permitted, but not necessary. Please bring plenty of water & proper hiking footwear.
For additional info on the festivities, fees & park locations, visit: maricopa.gov/parks.