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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up for the scream of your life at Creepy Carnival - The Children’s Museum Guild’s 51st Annual Haunted House! From the midway to the sideshows, this carnival of characters will have you squealing with fright and delight.
Barker Bones is the ringmaster under this year’s haunted house big top. He will lead you through a tangled and a terrorizing maze of mirrors, midway madness, fearful funhouses, spine chilling sideshows, and "dead"licious delicatessens, among many other fantastically frightening displays. You’ll be invited to take a spin around the Scare-ousel, meet Miss Fortune, tuck into a tent of terror, and see a serpent surprise. Whatever you do – don’t close your eyes. You’ll never know the next surprise.
“Creepy Carnival is the perfect combination of creepy and colorful. We are excited about staying true to an ‘old time’ authentic carnival and offering a thrilling and chilling experience for children of all ages,” said Haunted House Head Witch Kristin Crisp.
A wonderful addition to Creepy Carnival events this year are young performers from the Peru Amateur Circus. “We are so pleased to showcase the dedication and hard work of the talented children of Miami County who comprise the Peru Amateur Circus. We are grateful that these inspiring young people will participate in both the Black Hat Bash and the Black Hat Dash. You won’t believe your eyes!” said Head Witch Gracie Whitlock. You will see these performers at the Black Hat Dash and Black Hat Bash.
“We want to make sure there is as much frightening fun for children as there is for adults and that is why we are offering IPL’s Lights-On Hours for children who scare easily and Defender Direct’s Frightening Hours with the lights off for children who dare to be scared,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “William’s Comfort Air’s Xtreme Scream late nights really take fright to the next level on select Friday and Saturday nights for those who are super-brave.” All tickets are available at The Children’s Museum Box Office ($7 for lights-on and frightening hours and $12 for Xtreme Scream). For additional ticket information, please visit www.childrensmuseum.org/hauntedhouse.
Black Hat Bash (Friday, October 10, 2014)
Black Hat Bash is back, bigger and “creepier” than ever. Join us for frightful family fun at Indy's biggest and best Halloween Party! Wandering carnival-themed acts from the Peru Circus will dazzle the ghoulish guests as they enjoy fa-BOO-lous food stations and spooktacular spirits and beverages. The crazy costume parade and competition and ghostly games and activities are always a hit. Dance to tunes played by a Devilish DJ and don’t forget the event price includes a ticket to Creepy Carnival Haunted House, which can be used the evening of the party (limited capacity) or any day through the run of the house. The advance ticket price is $25 for member adults and $30 for non-member adults. Youth members are $15 and $20 for youth non-members.
Black Hat Dash (Saturday, October 11, 2014) NEW this year!
Grab your brooms and put on your hats, NEW this year is the Black Hat Dash! Creepy costumes and spooky shoes are encouraged; but, so are princess and pumpkin costumes, or regular running gear (which some may find frightening in itself). It all takes place Saturday, October 11 at 9 a.m. The officially timed and sanctioned 5K and 2K races begin and end at The Children’s Museum with the roads along the route closed off and supervised by police. Peru Circus performers and Halloween surprises pop up along the route (see below for route details) along with ghostly giveaways and kid-friendly entertainment. For rules and recommendations, please see registration form.
According to Head Witch Gracie Whitlcock, “We hope a family focused fitness event will bring balance and even more fun to our already exciting and eventful October calendar! We can’t wait to see families in costume encouraging each other along, as well as serious running enthusiasts, since the 5K is a timed and sanctioned event.”
Friendly Feast with the Witches (dates vary)
Enjoy a breakfast or lunch “BOO-fet” with the friendliest of witches! This event includes fab“BOO”lous Halloween entertainment by Ruditoonz, a tour of Creepy Carnival during IPL’s Lights-On Hours (for children who scare easily), and LOTS of happy, friendly witches! $20 per person (discount for members).
Bat Encounter
Also in October, The Children’s Museum invites you to encounter a variety of live bats from around the world, at the Bat Encounter beginning October 9th at various times. Observe their behaviors, and hear their high-pitched echolocation with a bat detector. This show is included with the cost of museum admission and features live rescued bats.
For more information on all of The Children’s Museum’s Halloween activities, please visit www.childrensmuseum.org/hauntedhouse and use the event hashtag #TCMCreepyCarnival and museum hashtag #atTCM. Organized by The Children’s Museum Guild, the 51st Annual Haunted House, Creepy Carnival, is presented by PNC Bank. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families.
