Halloween 2012 Activities Abound in Ankeny

Be on the lookout – goblins, ghosts and ghouls will overtake the streets of Ankeny in the coming days.

Many local organizations are planning Halloween activities for Ankeny children. Events will kick off tonight and continue through Oct. 30.

Trick or treat? Take your pick.

Oct. 16: Teen Zombie Program

Kirkendall Public Library will host a "Teen Zombie Program" tonight from 4-5:30 p.m. This 90-minute program hosted by disaster readiness and emergency management trainer Eddy Weiss takes a look at the history of the zombie legend and how the zombie craze has swept the country. 

Participants will also learn how to protect themselves from a zombie attack in this fun-filled (and a little creepy) program and then learn how to apply "zombie readiness" to every day attacks like severe weather, earthquakes, pandemics and winter storms.

Oct. 25: Halloween in Uptown Ankeny

The Uptown Ankeny Association will host its annual trick-or-treating event from 5 to 7 p.m.

Kids can visit participating businesses in Uptown Ankeny for treats. Just look for the lit pumpkins in business windows. When you're out and about, don't forget to stop by Jamison Studios to have free pictures of your kids taken in their costumes.

Oct. 25: Trick or Read

Also at the library, kids are encouraged to come in full costume from an evening of stories, crafts, tattoos, a movie and more. The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25: Creepy Capers

Kids ages 2-7 can join the fun at the Lakeside Center for a Halloween costume party. All animals, creatures, superheroes, princesses and more are all invited. Kids will participate in games, collecting goodies, decorating cookies and roasting marshmallows.

The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Although the date to pre-register by was Oct. 12, there are still spots available. Cost to register is $7 for residents and $8.50 for non-residents.

Oct. 28: Trick-or-Treat Mini Golf

The Ankeny Optimist Club is sponsoring its seventh annual Trick-or-Treat Mini Golf on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. The event will be held at Putt Masters, located at 2977 N.W. 66th Ave. southwest of Ankeny.

Kids and families can play a few holes of mini golf and trick-or-treat as they play. Don't hesitate to dress up because costumes are welcome.

The event is free and is weather permitting.

Oct. 30: Ankeny Beggar's Night

The City of Ankeny's Beggar's Night is Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6-8 p.m. For residents who will be distributing goodies, please light up your front door area indicating "beggars" are welcome.

Check out the city's website for some helpful safety tips.