Third Annual Halloween with a Heart Haunts

When one thinks of Halloween they usually don't equate it to giving. In the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan area many attractions this year have partnered with local charities. Some Halloween haunts are collecting items for their local food banks and others are donating a portion of their proceeds to a designated charity. Some area nonprofits are even getting into the Halloween spirit by offering spooky attractions. Still looking for that perfect pumpkin? A few area churches are also selling pumpkins this year for what organizers are calling "Pumpkins for a Cause." Proceeds go to missionary work and operating costs for these area churches.

Here's a list of what a couple population-we™ staffers are calling "Halloween with a Heart." Visit often for updates:

Now through Halloween

- Mystery Manor, 716 N 18th St., Omaha, NE

Mystery Manor, Omaha's oldest haunted house. Built in 1887, it has been widely rumored that the ghost of William Hall still wanders these halls every October waiting for strangers to come so that he might resume his terrible vengeance upon any soul who enters Hall Manor. To this day, the murder of John Martin remains a mystery – hence the name "Mystery Manor." Supports Matt's Dream Foundation.
Details: General admission is $12 and Fast Manor Pass is $20. Every Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9 and 16th is buy one and get one free admission. Dates and times vary check website.
More info: www.mysterymanoromaha.org and coupons available at: http://www.mysterymanoromaha.org/coupons.php.

- Big Red Barn and Pumpkin Farm, 132nd Street and Bennington Road, Bennington, NE
Activities include pumpkin patch, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, pony rides, face-painting, music, petting zoo, snacks and refreshment stand.
Details: For a nominal donation, stop by the patch and pick out your favorite pumpkin. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
More info: 402.238.2696 or redbarnlady@hotmail.com.

- Cobweb Castle: The Omaha Children's Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE 

Cobweb Castle: The Not-So-Scary-Haunted-House, Omaha Children's Museum G-Rated Haunted House, offers a maze of the Ghostly Graveyard; creepy trees in the Twisted Tombstone Maze; the Castle's Pirates Parlor, Kooky Kitchen, Knight's Dining Room and Vampire's Batty Bedroom. 
Details: Admission is free with regular museum admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
More info: www.ocm.org.

Every weekend throughout Nov. 3:

- Corn Maze: Camp Fontanelle, 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE

Come get lost in a nine-acre giant corn maze, which is in its seventh year of operation. Plan at one-hour in the maze, then stay for other attractions: petting animals, pony rides, lawn games and camp fires. Pumpkins available with donations.
Details: 12 years of age and older $6; Kids three to 11 years of age $4. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
More info: www.campfontanelle.com.

Oct. 6-30:

- Pumpkins for a Cause, First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., Omaha, NE
The pumpkin patch is open to the public on the front lawn of First United Methodist Church.
Details: Admission $7 per person. Children ages two and younger are free. Funds go towards First United Methodist Church youth programs. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m.
More info: www.fumcomaha.org or 402.238.2696.

Oct. 17-24:
- Healthy Trick-Or-Treat Nights: The Omaha Children's Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE 

Omaha Children's Museum annual G-Rated Haunted House will offer "Healthy Trick-Or-Treat Nights." Enjoy this healthy spin on the classic trick-or-treating tradition with yummy things to eat provided by Whole Foods Market and fun goodies from Oriental Trading Company. Help the museum be green, bring your own trick-or-treating basket or bag. This event is free with admission to Cobweb Castle: The Not-So-Scary-Haunted-House.
Details: Admission is free with regular museum admission. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
More info: www.ocm.org.

Oct. 11-12:

- Haunted Safari: Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, 16406 292 St., Ashland, NE (located off Nebraska’s I-80, Exit 426) 

Participants are invited to wear costumes. All evening outdoor activities will include a meal, roasted marshmallows, a haunted hike, ghostly games and  a spooky ride.

Details: Reservations are required. Admission is $15 for Wildlife Safari Park and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and $20 for non-members. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
More info: www.OmahaZoo.com or 402.738.2092.

Oct. 18-20 & 26-27:
- Spooktacular: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 

Find out what happens at the zoo after hours? The evening includes admission to Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium when the sun goes down. Activities include Boo Bowling, trick-or-treating and Penguin-Pickin-Apples. Get up close and personal with animals used for educating visitors and the zoo's Animal Ambassadors. 
Details: Admission is $7 for Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium members and $8 for non-members (children two and under are free). 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
More info: www.OmahaZoo.com or 402.738.2038.

Oct. 19, 25 & 26:

- Haunted Maze: Camp Fontanelle, 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE

Come get lost in a haunted nine-acre giant corn maze in the dark. Plan at one-hour in the maze, and stay for campfires afterwards. Pumpkins available with donations.
Details: 12 years of age and older $6; Kids three to 11 years of age $4. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
More info: www.campfontanelle.com.

Oct. 23-26:

- The Haunted Trail: Glenn Cunningham Lake, Campground Entrance No. 10, 96th and State St., Omaha, NE 

Take an escorted tour and learn about the strange happenings that have taken place by the lake. All while along the trail hikers will encounter frightful scenes and characters. 
Details: Admission: $13 for adults ($10 with three can food donations); $8 for kids six to 12 years old ($5 with three can food donations). Free for children under five years old.  5 p.m. to 10:20 p.m.
More info: www.hauntedtrailomaha.com/.

Oct. 26:
- Trick-or-Treat-Trail: Glenn Cunningham Lake, Campground Entrance No. 10, 96th and State St., Omaha, NE 

All day activities for kids and families such as costume contest, face painting, candy scare-stations and rock wall.
Details: Admission: $8 for adults ($5 with three can food donations); $5 for kids six to 12 years old ($3 with three can food donations). Free for children under five years old. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: http://www.hauntedtrailomaha.com/.

Oct. 26

- Omaha's Great Pumpkin: Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17151 Davenport St., Omaha, NE

Join Lutheran Family Services where hundreds of pumpkins will be carved making up Nebraska’s largest pumpkin display -- Omaha's Great Pumpkin. Each pumpkin will represent a foster care children waiting for a good home in Nebraska. 
Details: Free. 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Shining the light” celebration at 7 p.m.
More info: www.villagepointeshopping.com.

Oct. 26

- Halloween Fun Day: Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17151 Davenport St., Omaha, NE

Children put on your costumes and join us for fun Halloween games, face painting and candy. It’s about safe, friendly Halloween trick or treating at the stores and restaurants of Village Point. 
Details: Free. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: www.villagepointeshopping.com.

Oct. 26-30:
- Boo at the Zoo: Lincoln Children's Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 

Lincoln's largest trick-or-treat event and annual fundraiser for the zoo, which offers more than 40 kid-friendly trick-or-treating booths. 
Details: Admission is free for members and $6 for non-members (free for children under 2); $3 extra for trick-or-treat bags; $2 for a train ride and $5 for Raising Canes meal (proceeds going to the zoo). 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More info: Buy tickets in at advance at www.lincolnzoo.org or 402.475.6741.

Oct. 27

- Pet Costume Contest: McKenna's Blues Booze & BBQ, 7425 Pacific St., Omaha, NE

Pet Costume Contest fundraiser for the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS). Pets must be in costume; however, costumes for humans are optional. Participants can win the following McKenna's gift cards: $25 - Best in Show; $20 - Cutest Costume; $20 - Most Creative Costume and $20 - Best Matching Owner & Pet Costumes. Dogs must be controlled by a standard leash (not retractable or flexible) and owners must clean up after pets (bags will be provided).
Details: The entry fee is $5. All proceeds go to the NHS. 1 to 4 p.m.
More info: 402.393.RIBS (7427).

Oct. 27

- Annual Enchanted Forest: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa

Costumes welcome! Meet one of your favorite Eric Carle characters in the forest. After the hike, visitors can enjoy refreshments, apple bobbing, pumpkin painting and carving (while supplies last).
Details: The cost is $10 per family. 1 to 3 p.m.
More info: www.traveliowa.com or 712.328.5834.

*If we missed your organization we apologize. This an annual list, contact either of the population-we™ Bloggers below this time next year to be included.

So, this Halloween pint size ghouls and goblins will not be the only one's receiving gifts this Halloween season. The gift of giving has infiltrated this hauntingly fun time of the year, which is definitely population-we™ news worth reporting about. Whether you're looking for that perfect pumpkin to carve, a place for date night or to take the kids--why not patronize one of these "Halloween with a Heart" haunts.

- population-we™ blog post by *Brian Brown and *Becky Bohan Brown
© 2013 population-we, LLC

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