Having just finished with some idoor choores and running a three hour online game (one of my other jobs) I checked the weather. Oh no!
So figured I’d throw this together for all you other parents (and me and my co-parent) who want to do something fun with their costumed littles tonight!
Local NWA forecasters call for occasional showers with temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and rain chances were expected to ease through the evening but my phone said 50% chance of rain all night.
Good news: there are still indoor ways to celebrate around Northwest Arkansas, and plenty of ways to make it fun at home.
Here are some ideas – scroll down and look for orange for stay at home ideas!
Best Indoor Bet Tonight: Halloween Ice Skating at The Jones Center
If you want a single outing that keeps costumes dry, this is it.
- Where: The Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 7–9 p.m.
- Cost: $8 for the two-hour session, plus $4 skate rental
- Halloween extras: Spooky music, treats and a costume contest
Planning tips:
- Choose a costume kids can skate in. Skip long capes, masks that block vision and anything that drags.
- Bring gloves and a warm layer under the costume.
- Call ahead before you drive to confirm the session is running and has space.
More details: NWA MotherLode’s 2026 Halloween Guide & The Jones Center
Rainy-Day Notes for Outdoor Events
Several big Oct. 31 events are outdoors. Check before you go.
- Trick Art Treat at Crystal Bridges (11 a.m.–3 p.m., free) takes place along the North Forest Trail. The museum makes weather decisions by 9 a.m. on event day. Call the Inclement Weather line at 479-657-2488.
- Goblin Candy Crawl, downtown Rogers (3:30–5:30 p.m.): Pick up a bag and map at the Rogers Historical Museum booth in Railyard Park, then visit downtown businesses. You’ll walk outside between stops, so this works for light rain, not heavy rain, and you can try driving from location to location! (NWA MotherLode).
- Tontitown Trick or Treat in the Park (5:30–7:30 p.m.) is a park event. Check the city’s channels for weather updates (NWA MotherLode).
Older Kids and Teens: Indoor Haunted House
For teens who want real scares, Warehouse of Fear in Siloam Springs (17023 Chamber Springs Rd.) is listed as indoor and climate-controlled, and open rain or shine 7–11 p.m. on Halloween. It isn’t recommended for children. Tickets are $30 per attraction before fees (NWA Today).
Staying Home? Turn Your House Into the Neighborhood
No driving, no wet costumes. These DIY ideas take almost no prep.
Indoor door-to-door trick-or-treating
Adults stand behind bedroom doors with candy. Kids knock, shout “Trick or treat!” and collect. Change hats or voices at each door. Grandparents can join by video call from a “door” too.
Flashlight candy hunt
Turn off the lights and hide treats around one or two rooms. Give little ones an easy zone and older kids written clues or a riddle trail.
Kid-built haunted hallway
Hand the kids blankets, pillows, a flashlight and a spooky playlist. Let them build the “haunt,” then lead the grown-ups through. Silly surprises beat real scares for younger kids.
Rain-rescue costume party
Text a nearby family: “Rain rescue at our house: costumes on, bring your candy bowl, no cleaning expected.” Add freeze dance, a costume parade and a living-room “runway.”
Halloween living-room picnic
Spread a blanket on the floor and serve an easy dinner. Take costume photos, then put on a favorite Halloween movie.
Candy sort and trade
Dump the haul, sort by type and set up a trading table. Older kids can graph their candy for a sneaky bit of math.
- Afternoon: HalloWings hangar trick-or-treat in Bentonville (1–4 p.m.)
- Dinner: Living-room Halloween picnic and indoor door-to-door trick-or-treating
- Evening: Halloween skate at The Jones Center (7–9 p.m.), or a flashlight candy hunt and movie at home
I’ll remind myself to breathe and relax and have a Happy Halloween with the most important person in my life! A 9 year old dressed as Ragatha from The Amazing Digital Circus!
Be the first to comment