Weekend Outlook: Halloween Edition!

Unless you've been hiding behind a tombstone, over the past two weeks you've been bombarded with lists of the most creative costumes, the yummiest Halloween-inspired recipes, and unique ways to decorate your house for the spookiest time of year.

But this weekend, the planning and preparation are over ... IT'S FINALLY HERE! It's Halloween Weekend!

So how are you and your family going to celebrate? Surprisingly, there's plenty to do besides traditional trick-or-treating through the neighborhood on Sunday evening. While we wouldn't miss that for the world, consider these other budget-conscious options that will fill the entire weekend with ghoulish fun!

EAT SOMETHING OTHER THAN CANDY!

Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP: Kids 12 and under can create their own Frankensteins and Draculas in pancake form! Friday, Oct. 29, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. FREE!

Kids Eat Free at Applebee's: In honor of Halloween, Applebee's is serving up its smallest customers for FREE on Sunday, Oct. 31. Two free kids' meals per adult entree purchased.

TGIFriday's Halloween Treats: Wear a costume to TGIFriday's this weekend and you'll be treated, not tricked! On Friday and Saturday, a costume scores you your choice of FREE mozzarella sticks, crispy green beans, or pot stickers. On Sunday, pop in for lunch with the kiddos in costume, and they'll eat for FREE! One free kids' meal per adult entree purchased.

SCURRY TO A SPOOKTACULAR SHINDIG!

These not-so-scary events are perfect for kids of all ages:

B&O Halloween Bash: Join the B&O Railroad Museum for a costume party under the pavilion, including games, crafts, music and refreshments. Recommended for little monsters, aged 4-12. Saturday, Oct. 30, 12-2 p.m. $5 per child with museum admission.

Family Falloween Festival at Port Discovery: The PD web site describes this event as "the fun of Halloween combined with engaging visual arts programs and musical performances designed to rouse your imagination and inspire your inner creative spirit!" Performers include Commotion Mania and Mr. Norman. Create your own skeleton and jump away in the bounce house! Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE with museum admission.

Halloween Lantern Parade at Patterson Park: A Baltimore one-of-a-kind! Introduce your children to this magical event in which thousands of costumed locals carry homemade, illuminated lanterns through Patterson Park to Pagoda Hill. At the end of the parade be enchanted by a wordless shadow puppet show. Saturday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. for those who want to participate in the parade, 7:30 p.m. for spectators. FREE

Family Afternoon at Boordy: Visit the vineyard on Sunday for special Halloween and fall activities, like pumpkin painting, hayrides, and a signing of children's book, Gilda Joyce - Psychic Investigator, by author Jennifer Allison. Everyone under 21 wearing a costume will be admitted for FREE! Sunday, Oct. 31, 1-5 p.m.

THROW SOME LEARNING INTO THE (TREAT) MIX!

Ghosts of Miners Past Hike at Oregon Ridge: Oregon Ridge was once an active mining town. On this spooky hike you will encounter unsettled souls who still roam the Ridge 150 years later! Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30-9 p.m. Since the tour takes place after dark and could get a little creppy, this hike is recommended for ages 8 and up only. $2 per person.

Creepy Crawly Hunt at Irvine Nature Center: Take part in this hands-on exploration of the different habitats that some of the creepiest yet most fascinating insects and animals live in. Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. Ages 5 and up. FREE for members, $10 for non-members.

ZooBOOOO! 2010: The Baltimore Zoo has more than 25 activities planned Friday through Sunday in celebration of Halloween! Catch a performance by Silly Goose and Val's Musical Zoo or the Shazam Magic Show with Peter Wood. On Friday at 10 a.m. the zoo's resident elephants will kick off the festivities with a giant pumpkin smash! Now there's something to brag about having experienced!! Click for date and time details. FREE with admission.

Spooky Forest Fact Frolic at Oregon Ridge: Hit up the Ridge on Saturday or Sunday to participate in a scavenger hunt that will take you over the hills and through the woods. Pick up your clue book at the main center and correctly follow the clues to claim prizes throughout the search! All day both days. FREE

Hallowings and Things at the Aquarium: Enter the "Harbor Spooky Nook" at your own risk to discover some of the National Aquarium at Baltimore's creepiest and crawliest creatures, like toads, and cockroaches, and snakes, OH MY! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon. FREE with aquarium admission.

Ukazoo's "Trick-or-Book": For all kids or kids at heart! Visit Ukazoo in costume Saturday or Sunday and trick-or-treat for one used, non-collectible book. Halloween-themed books aplenty!

Spooky Science at the Science Center: Did you know infamous Dr. Frankenstein's experiments first began  with testing on pumpkins? Learn about this and more at two live demos offered by the Maryland Science Center this weekend. You can also explore "Mystery Boxes"-- Is that an eyeball!? AHH! Or make your own Raven puppet. CA-CAWW! Saturday, Oct. 30, 1:20 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. FREE with admission.

Haunted History Tour of Baltimore: See Economoms' post from last week for four places to visit in downtown Baltimore that are both spooky AND educational!

DOUBLE DIP ON TRICK-OR-TREATING!

Thanks to several local retailers, trick-or-treating doesn't have to be relegated to your neighborhood this Sunday evening. Check out these alternatives:

Hunt Valley Towne Center: Participating retailers, Friday, Oct. 29, 4-6 p.m.

The Mall in Columbia: Halloween-themed magic show at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30 immediately followed by trick-or-treating throughout the mall with participating retailers.

Arundel Mills: Participating retailers, Saturday, Oct. 30, 3-4 p.m.

The Avenue at White Marsh: Participating retailers, Saturday, Oct. 30, 3 p.m. Dogs are also invited to participate with free treats provided by Spoiled Rotten K-9. Musical performance and sing-a-long at 4 p.m. with David Zee.

The Shops at Kenilworth: Costume parade and trick-or-treating at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30 with participating retailers. From 1-7 p.m. capture a photo with your favorite witch, ghost or goblin in the mall's creepy Halloween setting! Click on the link for a $1 off coupon!

The Avenue at Hampden: Sunday, Oct. 31, 5-6 p.m. on the Avenue, Chestnut and Falls Road. Participating retailers will display a flier in their window. Costume contest at 6:30 p.m. in front of Ma Petite Shoe (Psst ... hey moms! Grab some gourmet chocolate for yourself while you're there!)

Historic Ellicott City's Main Street: Participating retailers, Sunday, Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m.

AND FINALLY ... A GIVEAWAY!

Post a picture or two in our Facebook Fan Photos section displaying you, your kiddos, or both in your Halloween garb between Thursday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Nov. 2 to be entered to win a half-hour massage!! After all, Economoms knows that while holidays are fun, they can also be exhausting!

Happy Haunting!