Get Spooked! Sassy Mama’s Halloween Dining and Activities Guide 2016

Trick or treat, give me something good to eat…

This year, we’ve got tricks and treats that’ll keep everyone in your gang happy! From sweet treats for the kiddos to fabulous cocktails for mamas and papas. We’ve even got some home DIY activities for the little ones and spooky haunted attractions for your teens. Plan for a frightfully fun Halloween this year with our guide!

Creepy Places to Dine

Sweet Secrets
Hosting your own spooky Halloween party for the little goblins this year? Besides decking your home with cobwebs and spiders, check out these almost (just almost!) too cute to eat cupcakes that will be a sure hit for all your trick or treaters. From the spooky cookies to Frankenstein topped cupcakes to the creepy crawly Itsy Bisty Spider cakes, there’ll be no shortage of keepin’ things sweet this Halloween. What’s great is that they also offer the yummiest gluten free options too! There’s a special early bird price for this range of Halloween treats so make sure you order before Thursday, 20 October!

Sweet Secrets, G/F, 35 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong; 2545 8886
[email protected], www.sweetsecrets.com.hk

Burger Circus
With promises of no tricks and just treats, head over to Burger Circus on Halloween Day with your gang and get ready for some deelicious good ol’ American dining. On October 31st only, treat your taste buds to the Candy Milkshake ($68) whipped up by their awesome soda-jerks. We’re talking about the restaurant’s house churned vanilla ice cream whipped up with a selection of favourite candies, topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a whimsical lollipop for an extra sweet finish.

Burger Circus, 22 Hollywood Road, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
; 2878 7787, www.burgercircus.com.hk

The Optimist
Inspired by the Disney classic, Aladdin, this blood curling cocktail is for mamas and papas only! Created by Bar Manager Isabella Vannoni, the red cocktail, aptly named Arabian Nights ($120) is served in a smoking magic lamp which is certainly a treat for grown ups only! Featuring Yzaguirre red vermouth, burnt rosemary, peppered syrup, lemon juice and a dash of tabasco, you can enjoy this magical concoction after your family Halloween festivities from 24 to 31 October.

The Optimist, G/F-2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; 2433 3324, www.theoptimist.hk

Hyatt Regency – Patisserie
Did somebody say doughnut? This is a treat we can all get behind! Crafted by Hyatt Regency’s Pastry Chef Kelvin Lai, he’s created four delectable Halloween themed doughnuts that’ll make you scream for more. From the gloomy spider chocolate doughnut (a chocolate lovers dream!) to the creepy button eye raspberry doughnut (an ode to the original jelly doughnut) to an original swirly eye yuzu custard doughnut and finally the classic cinnamon doughnut (a traditional treat that’ll take you back to your childhood!). These treats are offered throughout the month of October at $36 each.

Hyatt Regency – Patisserie, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong; 3723 1234, www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

Pirata
Double, double, toil and trouble… is what you’ll be repeating after you check out Pirata’s spooktacular Witch’s Brew ($110) cocktail this Halloween. This concoction of gingerbread syrup, Wild Turkey whiskey, Yzaguirre red vermouth and orange bitter is chilled in a bubbling orb where you can drink from the vials or throw one back… this one is definitely for you and your girlfriends, mama! The Witches Brew is available from the 24 to 31 October, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this smooth cocktail after your kids are in bed!

Pirata, 30/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; 2887 0270, www.pirata.hk

Spooky Activities for the Family

Spooktacular Halloween Playgroup with Stamford American School
If you’re not sure what to do with the little ones for this costume-and-candy-celebration, the Stamford American School Spooktacular Halloween Playgroup is just the solution. The playgroup provides a more meaningful Halloween experience than just eating candy. Oh, and did we mention that we’ll be there to make sure that there’s more than enough for the mamas too? While the kids are kept busy, you’ll get to meet and mingle with fellow mamas over Halloween treats, and be inspired by fun and educational activities.

When: Wednesday, 19 October, 9:30 to 11am. Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration.
Where: BabySteps, 25/F, 2501-02 Universal Trade Centre, 3-5A Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry for one parent and kiddo! Simply fill your details in the form below to RSVP before places fill up!

Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2016
Halloween Fest at Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s most anticipated events of the season. This family theme park offers kids of all ages varying degrees of scary, and plenty to keep us parents on our toes too! Between scream-inducing Haunted Houses, the new thrilling 360° video of Halloween Fest, adrenaline-pumping journey with Helena Law, the Ghostbusters there is plenty to fear at this fun fair! Challenge yourself and older teens at the “School of Shadows” or  enjoy the trick-or-treat Pumpkin Trail with the little ones!

When: Sunday 2 October, till Monday 31 October (selected dates)
Where: Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong
How much: From $385 for adults and $193 for kids aged 3-11

Mickey’s Halloween Time at Disneyland Hong Kong
Disney is a sure way to entertain every member of the family. Head over to their fun-filled streets and let Mickey, Minnie and Goofy get you in the Halloween spirit with an all-new theme song! As the tune kicks off, the stars of the show appear atop three GIANT Jack-o-lantern whirlies! With infamous Disney Villains turning the park upside down and create wicked fun for everyone. Come now for an extraordinary day and night of wicked fun!Come dressed up with the whole clan for extra bonus points!

When: Throughout October
Where: Disneyland Hong Kong, Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island Hong Kong
How much: $539

Hong Kong International School Pumpkin Festival
HKIS is back again this year with another fun filled day packed at their annual Pumpkin Festival! From 11am to 3pm, you and your family will be entertained by student led activities, there’ll be a giant slide and bouncy castle, carnival games, used book sale, delicious food stalls, prizes and the best bit, pumpkins galore for you to choose from! There will be complimentary bus transport to and from the school that day as no parking is available on campus. More details on their site!

When: Saturday, 22 October, 11am – 3pm
Where: Hong Kong International School – Middle School Campus
How much: Free admission!

Howl-O-Ween Waggy Walk
Grab your pooch and don your spookiest, matching mama-kiddo outfit (#familygoals) and join other proud pup-owners in a Halloween-themed hike! Choose from a family-friendly 4km Waggy Walk, or take it up a notch at the 8km Tails on Trails, with tons of prizes, goodie bags, pies and drinks for all. Tire out your furry friends and raise funds for Kirsten’s Zoo!

When: Sunday, 30 October, 1.30-3.30pm
Where: Aberdeen Country Park, Hong Kong
How much: $350 which includes your entrance t-shirt and donation! Click here to grab yours!

Halloween Southside Market
Though this one may not be for the little ones, it’s definitely mama-approved. Combining Brothers Grimm fairytales with free-flowing booze and great bites, The Butcher’s Club’s Southside Market is setting the bench mark for the spooky season!

When: Sunday, 30 October, 12-4pm
Where: The Butchers Club, Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
How much: $450, including free-flowing wine, beer, soft drinks and food. Grab your tickets here!

The Loft Sessions Presents “The Halloween Spooktacular”
Head over to one of our fave party venues, The White Loft for an awesome family friendly event! With kiddie entertainment provided by the fun-filled Rumple and Friends, and decor and food from Sweet Soirees, we know this is one to pop in the calendar, mamas! Prepare yourself for a disco, face-painting, apple-bobbing evening!

When: Sunday, 30 October
Where: The White Loft, 10th Floor, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
How much: $300 for adults, $100 for children, and littles under 3 go free!

October Halloween Fun with ActivityBox
If you’re looking for a little home time during this busy season, fear not, mamas! ActivityBox is bringing out special Halloween themed activity boxes to keep the kiddos entertained. Their “Happy Halloween!” set includes three fun projects, plus instructions and supplies! From “My Monster”, where you can make your own colourful monster friends, to “Jack-o’lantern” where your budding artist can design their own 3D Halloween decoration, there is plenty to keep the whole family’s hands full!

Check out their website here

Happy Halloween, mamas!