Create Costume-Themed Memories with Your Family This October

A superhero, a dinosaur, a firefighter, a fairy tale character, a favorite profession—what to be this year? Costume choices are endless, but once you’ve chosen the perfect costume, it’s fun to enjoy the experience all month long.

You’ll find great costume-themed events all through October on KCParent.com’s calendar. For added fun, consider a themed family outing with your chosen costumes in mind.

Superheroes, Star Wars and Villains

Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Captain America and Star Wars characters have always been popular, but they’ve experienced a resurgence in recent years. This year promises to be especially popular for favorite superheroes. Make more memories with these ideas:

• Star Wars: Star Wars Reads Day, Oct. 14, 2:00-3:30, Liberty Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library (MyMCPL.org). A celebration of literacy with Jedi, Sith, Wookiees and all things Star Wars is coming to the library. Patrons are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters and enjoy two hours of reading, activities, trivia, raffles and more. Also, catch your favorite Star Wars characters at Hoots and Howls at the Zoo, Oct. 21-22. Hoots and Howls is packed with fun. Enjoy pedal tractors, hay maze, sing-alongs, hayrides, crafts and animal pumpkin smashing. Hoots and Howls is the first three weekends in October, with Mesner puppets the first weekend, Minions on the second weekend, and Star Wars during the third weekend.
• Favorite Characters: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org) features exhibits on miniature dollhouses and toys enjoyed for years. Some of the favorite toys to discover in the museum include beloved superheroes and modern movie characters. Wonder Woman was a favorite to find during August’s farewell to summer day.
• Villains: BOO-TASTIC FUN!, Oct. 28-29, Crown Center (CrownCenter.com). Have your photo taken with the Wicked Queen from noon to 4:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Also, enjoy Halloween puppet shows at noon and 2:00.

Storybook Characters

Favorite characters from classic books are a popular costume choice. Enjoy your favorite characters at these attractions:

• The Wizard of Oz: From Dorothy to the good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West, the characters from Oz have been local kid favorites for generations. Make a family day trip to Wamego, approximately 90 minutes from Kansas City, for a visit to the Oz Museum (511 Lincoln, Wamego, KS, OzMuseum.com). The museum is a veritable collection of all things Oz, from costumes and props from the film, to collectible items straight from the books. The magic of the museum is enthralling for every Oz fan, young and old. The best time to visit Wamego is during OZtoberFest, Oct. 6-8. Oztoberfest is an annual event drawing Oz-lovers from around the world to come enjoy live music, costume contests, food, arts and crafts and exclusive vendors.
• Whimsical Woods: On Oct. 7, head to Ernie Miller Nature Center (ErnieMiller.com) for this annual enchanted forest event for young children. Costumed storybook characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Meet with the good fairy and forest friends. Live animals, stories and surprises will highlight childhood favorites. Reservations are required.

Halloween Classics

Scary characters are Halloween classics. From mummies to zombies, these are just a few spooky character events to experience this October. You’ll find more on KCParent.com.

• Boo at the Zoo: Oct. 28-29, Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org). Children will trick-or-treat the zoo while enjoying Halloween-themed activities and entertainment. Wear your costume and join the animals for a day of not-so-spooky activities.
• The Peanuts Gang: It isn’t October without a viewing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!. This October, celebrate Snoopy and the Gang at Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com). Every weekend in October, families enjoy the Great Pumpkin Fest. With special Halloween-themed fun for kids, courtesy of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang in Planet Snoopy, the entire family will have a great time. Fun includes Linus’ pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, a costume contest, crafts, trick-or-treating and more. Read our Review of The Great Pumpkin Fest.
• Haunted Kansas: Oct. 21, Ernie Miller Nature Center (ErnieMiller.com). Register in advance for a legendary event for ages 8 and up. Characters from the past will share legends around the campfire. Expect a shiver down the spine and a mild case of goose bumps for those who dare enter the forest on this autumn evening.
• Mummies: Mummies of the World is the current special exhibit at Union Station (UnionStation.org). The exhibit allows visitors a unique opportunity to come face to face with the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. Peer into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world, including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt and enjoy unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.
• Frankenstein: Several Mid-Continent Public Library locations are hosting Frankenstein LIVE events in October. Register at MyMCPL.org. Dr. Frankenstein recounts his story, revealing the truth behind his creation and the irreversible horrors he unleashed in this unique adaptation by Hampstead Stage. You will ask, "Who is the real monster?"
• Zombies: Savvy teens are prepared for a zombie apocalypse. This October, guests ages 10 and up are invited to the Zombie Haunted Attractions at Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com). It’s a zombie apocalypse at Paradise Park, and guests are asked to come to the rescue. The adventure begins as visitors take on the role of soldier in two laser tag game options. Explore the zombies’ secret hiding places and make your way down some creepy paths. Use laser weapons to put a final stop to these crazy zombies where they lurk.

Kristina Light loves October most of all. She’ll be blogging about autumn fun on KCParent.com all season long