If your family is like most, there’s at least one huge Halloween fan among you. It’s a child — or an adult — who just can’t get enough of this sweet and spooky fall holiday. There’s no reason to compromise or limit your celebration to just one day, especially where there’s Halloween at the YMCA to enjoy!
“We approach Halloween at the YMCA in a way that means you don’t have to make a decision between trick-or-treating in grandma’s neighborhood or doing school events and celebrating with us at the Y. Most of our events are happening the weekend prior to Halloween,” says Jackie Kippen, Director of Youth and Family Programs at YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.
Halloween at the YMCA is open to the entire community, so you don’t have to be a member to join in the fun at all seven metro Detroit locations. And each offers a fun, safe and free event where the whole family can enjoy crafts, games, dancing, music and “overall spooky family fun,” Kippen says.
Each event is unique. At the Carls Family YMCA in Milford, you can board the spooky bus and at the South Oakland Family YMCA in Royal Oak you can explore the spooky locker room — if you dare! Costumes are encouraged, so dress as your favorite fun or spooky character.
But don’t be afraid because all the spookiness is designed for not-so-spooky family fun, Kippen says. “Halloween at the YMCA is a safe place with age-appropriate activities where everyone can have fun together,” she says. “You don’t have to worry about the haunted bus because it’s appropriate for kids. You can have fun and it takes the pressure off parents because our events are designed to be fun for the whole family.”
Halloween at the YMCA: What to expect
Each YMCA is celebrating a little differently — and on different days and times, so be sure to have a look at this schedule and make your plans.
No matter where you choose to celebrate Halloween at the YMCA, you can look forward to fun activities, including games and crafts plus everyone’s favorite “snacktivities,” which rolls together make-your-own Halloween-themed snacks and physical activities, plus the chance to eat what you make.
“We try to center around more healthy options and some physical activities,” Kippen says. But yes, you’ll probably see some cookies that turn into spiders and grapes that become eyeballs, and don’t forget the traditional Halloween spooky glove with candy corn fingernails and popcorn stuffing!
In addition to Halloween at the YMCA, each Y is hosting a separate October Halloween-themed event. Enjoy Family Halloween Art Workshops, Theater Games Workshops — even a fun Swim With the Pumpkins event. Some are designed just for members, so be sure to find out more.
Become a member and join the Y community
Participating in Halloween at the YMCA isn’t just a lot of fun — it’s a great way to get a taste of what family membership at the Y is all about.
“You’ll be able to see most of the facility and get information about fall programming and see if it’s a place that fits in with your family. You can learn about the events we have throughout the years and discover the benefits of being a member,” Kippen says.
One of the most family-friendly aspects of the Y is program timing. “We work hard to align program calendars so that when you come to take a Pilates class, there’s something happening that your child can do while you are working out,” Kippen explains. “In addition to Child Watch, there are often sports clinics and samplers, arts workshops, fun crafts or swim lessons.”
“The great thing about the Y,” Kippen says, “is you can bring everyone in the family and there’s something for everyone to do. If it’s not free, it’s very affordable for our families.”
Plan to join in the fun at Halloween at the YMCA. Learn more and get to know your local Y at ymcadetroit.org.
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