Best Alternatives To Trick-Or-Treating In Your Neighborhood In Baltimore

If you're tired of the same old trick-or-treating routine every year, or you just don't want the kids running from door to door in unpredictable fall weather, venture away from the norm. From corn mazes to hayrides, concerts and parades, these equally fun-filled Halloween activities in Baltimore are sure to create memories the family will never forget.

Urban Pirates – Halloween Family Cruise

912 South Ann Street
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 327-8378
urbanpirates.com

Price: $20 riders ages 3 and older/$10 children ages 2 and younger
Hours: Oct. 31, 4 p.m.

For families who prefer to go ARGHH instead of AHHH this Halloween, climb aboard The Fearless and join a swashbuckling crew for the Urban Pirates' Special Halloween Cruise. Every mate will be transformed into a pirate with tattoos and even draw-on facial hair; or come dressed up in your own Halloween costume. No matter your attire, be prepared to spray down evil pirates that come near the treasure with the boat's water cannons. Pirates young and old will learn how to talk, sing, dance and play games like a true buccaneer while sailing the historic waters of Baltimore.

Rodgers' Farms – North Run Corn Maze & Hayride

1818 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, Md. 21153
(410) 241-3392
www.northrunfarm.com

Price: $8 adults 13 and older/$6 children 4 to 12 years old/free children younger than 4
Date: Sept. 22-Nov. 4

Take the family on a one-of-a-kind corn maze adventure inspired by the War of 1812, and then rest your feet on a classic country hayride down on Rodgers' Farm. Kids may pick their very own pumpkin from hundreds in the pumpkin patch, or visit the petting zoo for a chance to meet all of the traditional farm animals, including cows, pigs, chickens and sheep. For younger children, the mini maze made from hay bales is another fun option. Plus with apples, cider and local produce for purchase, everyone can take the fresh-off-the-farm taste home with them.

BARCStoberfest 2012

Patterson Park
27 S. Patterson Park Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 276-3676
pattersonpark.com
baltimoreanimalshelter.org

Price: free/donations appreciated
Hours: Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

BARCStoberfest is always an entertaining community gathering for animal lovers of all ages. Join in the annual pet costume contest, Halloween scavenger hunt and a variety of holiday-themed kid and pet games including find a bone in a haystack and dog painting. This is also a great opportunity to consider pet adoptions, or speak with an animal health and welfare expert to answer any questions or concerns about your own pet(s). Sponsored by the Baltimore Animal Rescue Care Shelter, this annual event helps raise awareness and much-needed funds for the more than 12,000 animals the organization takes in each year.

Related: Best Places To Adopt Puppies And Kittens In Baltimore

Halloween Lantern Parade

Patterson Park
27 S. Patterson Park Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 276-3676
pattersonpark.com
www.creativealliance.org

Price: free
Hours: Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m.

The Great Halloween Lantern Parade has become a not-to-be-missed event every October in Patterson Park. The festivities kick off with kids' hay rides, live music, lantern making and tasty food. The theme for this year's march is Phantasmic Creatures of Earthly Delight, which is sure to boggle the imagination as the community is invited to dress up as imaginary characters, magical beings and mythological animals. Starting and ending at the Pulaski monument at Eastern and Linwood Avenues, the parade lines up at 7 p.m. and first step off will take place at 7:30 p.m.. (For parents: Come back after the kids are in bed for the first-ever Glow Ball After-Party. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.)

The Peabody Institute Halloween Concert

Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall
1 E. Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 234-4800
www.peabody.jhu.edu

Price: free
Hours: Oct. 28, 2 p.m.

The Young People's String Program of the Peabody Preparatory will perform its annual Halloween Concert in costume with popular short works that creatively blend traditional string music with the festive holiday spirit. This melodic entertainment is both a fun and unique option for celebrating Halloween that is perfect for ages 5 and older. Plus, history buffs may enjoy that this is one of the country's oldest recital halls. This event is a great way to meet local musical talent and engage kids in the value of music arts.

Related: Best Country Music Spots In Baltimore