Things That Go Bump in the Day?

Halloween ideally is about kids, candy, and the great pumpkin, but somewhere along the way, adults took the relatively innocent celebration of all things spooky and warped it into a sleazy opportunity to wear next to nothing. What are you supposed to be, a hobag? We implore you — put the slutty pirate costume away and think of the children! Some of Miami’s best-loved family-friendly venues are kicking off the scary celebrations earlier than normal so you have time to enjoy the tricks and the treats. Here’s a roundup of the fun you can look forward to all weekend long.

The event organizers at Miami Seaquarium (4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne) were smart this year: They’re kicking off their Monster Splash Nighttime Bash earlier than most celebrations. The party starts this Friday at 5 p.m. and ends October 31, promising four nights of Halloween-themed animal shows, haunted houses, and dudes in skeleton costumes trying to scare you en route to the candy station. Come in costume for special surprises. Visit www.miamiseaquarium.com. There are only two days of merriment at Jungle Island (1111 Parrot Jungle Tr., Miami). Spooktacular Halloween takes place this Saturday and Sunday. The weekend will be crammed full of squawking birds, an annual costume contest, and witchcraft unlike the sort that Sarah Palin’s pastor rebukes. Of course there will be animal shows, and apparently Best Buy is hosting a Nintendo Wii tournament as well. Um, boo? Visit www.jungleisland.com for details. Most locals who dwell in the northern reaches of the county don’t often make it all the way down to Miami Metrozoo (12400 SW 152nd St., Miami), but this weekend’s annual MetroBoo! will be worth the extra gas money. There will be trick-or-treating for kids under age 12, a costume contest, music, and the opportunity to watch elephants devour an edible scarecrow. Who can resist? Visit www.miamimetrozoo.com.
Fri., Oct. 24, 2008