Love how this skeleton has hair (drawn by 4 y.o. girl)

Honestly, your family could have all the Halloween fun it wants without your having to decorate or buy a single bag of candy. There are dozens of businesses that are eager to treat you.

Friday, October 26th

Spooky Tales on the Spooky Trail – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest 6:30 p.m. Begin at the Amphitheater and walk around the “haunted” trails. School-age and above; simultaneous program for preschoolers in Community Room.

Saturday, October 27th.

• Monster Mash Dance Party – Riverchase Galleria, Center Court 1 – 4 p.m. Win prizes in the costume party and learn how to do the “Monster Mash”

• Hoover Hayride & Family Night – Veteran’s Park off Valleydale Road 5 – 8 p.m. Hayrides around the park, candy provide by Hoover Chamber of Commerce members, face painting, magicians, balloon artists

Sunday, October 28th

• Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch,  Liberty Park, 1 – 4 p.m. Music, candy, games, family fun across the street from the Shops of Prominence (about a mile past the Statue of Liberty)

There are plenty of other events going on around town; these are just a few of the family-friendly, free ones that can keep you busy all weekend long.