Story By Colin Anderson | Article Provided by Coeur d’Alene Living Local
October is a favorite of many Northwesterners. A sunny day with a bit of a bite in the air but no snow on the ground makes for a lot of smiles. It’s also the last chance to get out and enjoy dry ground before the November rains and December snows start to fall. All around the region there are fall activities, many culminating around Halloween. You can sample seasonal foods and drinks, select that perfect pumpkin, enjoy carnivals and entertainment or be scared completely out of your mind. Check out some of our favorites, and enjoy the last breath of fall before winter shuts you in!
Scarywood – Athol
Continually recognized as one of the most unique Halloween experiences not just in the region but across the whole country, Silverwood Theme Park’s Scarywood tries to outdo itself every year. Now in its 10th season, the park is transformed into an intensely spooky arena with creatures and ghouls jumping out for a scare even as you simply meander through the park. There are seven different ‘Scare Zones’ such as: Clown Town, The Doll House, and The Crypts. Many of Silverwood’s signature rides are also open for your enjoyment, including a backwards roller coaster ride and a few additional surprises. If you are really looking for a terrifying experience, make your way to one of the park’s five interactive haunts. These are ranked on a scale of 3 to 5 in terms of intensity, and the 5 level means serious scares. Escape demonic mummies inside Pharaoh’s Curse and killer hillbillies lurking around the Blood Bayou. For the ultimate battle of survival, join up with fellow zombie hunters to put a stop to an epidemic. Scarywood is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in October and generally gets busier the closer you get to Halloween.
Greenbluff – Spokane County
Fall is the most popular time to visit this beloved rural area of North Spokane. People come from all over to visit the many farms and family friendly activities that make for a wonderful fall day. Many of the larger farms have large pumpkin patches where you can pick out the exact shape and size you are looking for. Kids especially enjoy the festivities at Beck’s Harvest House, which include a corn maze, food vendors, live music, hayrides and more. Walter’s Fruit Ranch is also another popular destination with pony rides, petting zoo, trampolines and apple picking. Adults can taste wine, hard cider, mead and beer, and you’ll get a more personal experience by stopping by some of the smaller local farms. Visit GreenbluffGrowers.com for a complete list of events and to see what fruits and vegetables are still in season during your visit.
Monster’s Ball – Coeur d’Alene
Guests are encouraged to dress their best, whether spooky, sexy or funny for this yearly favorite adult only Halloween Party located inside the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Held October 26, you’ll find a DJ with dancing, plenty to eat and drink, and a costume contest with prizes for several categories. Ditch the kids for the night and let your inner child out! Tickets are available by contacting the Coeur d’Alene Resort, and there are also overnight packages available that include a room and admission to all the fun.
Hickey Farms Harvest Festival – Sandpoint
What started as just a simple fun event for extended family is now one of the biggest fall activities in North Idaho. Now in its sixth season, Hickey Farms draws thousands of visitors from all over the region. The pumpkin patch is unique in that they have 20 different varieties growing, so you’ll find a wide array of colors, shapes and sizes. The more than 5,000-foot-long corn maze excites children and adults alike, and there are local vendors on hand with tasty treats and fall flavor. Live music will entertain Mom and Dad while the kids enjoy the inflatable slide and rides on the barrel train. The Harvest Festival is open Fridays in October from 3pm until dusk and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until dusk. You can also inquire about birthday parties or other special events throughout the month.
Post Falls Lions Club Haunted House – CLOSED
On a sad note, after 42 years of operation, the Post Falls Lions Club will not be opening its Haunted House on Fourth Avenue as the site is up for sale. Thousands of visitors enjoyed this unique experience over the decades, and their donations helped pay thousands upon thousands of dollars in Lion’s Club projects such as scholarships and funding for all kinds of community projects and organizations. Remember the good times!
Prairie Home Farm – Coeur d’Alene
For a laid-back and peaceful pumpkin-picking experience, try Prairie Home Farm, located on Atlas Road just south of Prairie Avenue. The small family farm specializes in pumpkins, but you’ll also find some late fall produce available such as winter squash, berries, thyme and sage. You can snip your own in the field or choose from fresh picked pumpkins available right as you arrive. Kids can feed the barn animals and parents can pick up all their fall decorations like corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds and straw bales. You’ll be hard pressed to leave without purchasing a Lil Punkin’ Pie which come in three sizes and many flavors. The farm is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in October from 10am to 5pm.
Great Pumpkin Race – Spokane
Meals on Wheels Spokane invites you to its Annual Great Pumpkin Race & Fun Run Saturday, October 26, at Greenwood Cemetery. What’s more fun than cheering for pumpkins on wheels racing to a blazing finish? Getting dressed up and joining friends and family for a 1k or 5k walk/run while you’re there of course. This is a one-of-a-kind Halloween event, with all proceeds going to Meals on Wheels Spokane. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in colorful costumes. Also, enjoy vendors and music all under the beautiful fall colors as Greenwood Memorial Terrace is transformed for the side-by-side pumpkin races.
The Billy Goat Ranch – Deer Park
For a bit of an adventure and a more rural experience, make the drive about 10 miles north of Spokane and just south of Deer Park to Billy Goat Ranch, where you can pick your own pumpkin Tuesday through Sunday until they run out. There are all kinds of varieties available with some giants reaching upward of 80 pounds! The smell of the lavender field will put you at ease, and with four ford tractors and an international, it’s a great place for fall family photos. There are corn stalks and gourds available, and you can take home special gourds that double as bird houses.
