From a Haunted House and Dracula exhibit to a Halloween Car Show and Dia de los Muertos celebration… families will have a spooktacular time!
Halloween in Houston wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the National Museum of Funeral History. This year, the museum is celebrating everyone’s favorite spooky holiday during the full month of October (and into the beginning of November). Families have the chance to explore a variety of Halloween happenings – from the Museum’s annual Haunted House and Dracula Cemetery exhibit to the 6th Annual Halloween Car Show (one day only!). The fun continues into early November with the two-day Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Celebration, complete with storytelling, costumes, ceramic skull painting, candy and more. Please note – all events require paid admission to the museum.
2nd Annual Haunted House: All month long you can get into the Halloween spirit and be “scared to death” at this family-friendly haunted house. Explore different scenes designed to give goose bumps to young and old alike while taking a light-hearted view of a usually very serious subject. The house is rated PG-13 and is recommended for children ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the haunted house is half off when you purchase admission to the museum. Bring the whole family and make a day of it! Dracula Cemetery Exhibition Did you know that Dracula really existed? During a visit to the National Museum of Funeral History in October you can learn about Vlad “The Impaler” Tepes who was the basis of the story Dracula. His fame and notoriety came from his insatiable cruelty and his penchant for consuming parts of his victims, namely, drinking their blood. View the original Dracula book on display and learn about phrases and terms used today that were coined in the 15th and 16th centuries, like “graveyard shift,” “dead ringer” and “saved by the bell.” Plus, visitors can don a cape and fangs and have their photo taken in a coffin!
6th Annual Halloween Car Show: One day only! Come out and see more than 100 cars from classic to contemporary, from motorized to hoof, while helping to support local charities. Enjoy the fall festival atmosphere with face painting and arts and crafts for the kids, great food including BBQ and cupcakes from local vendors, a live DJ, silent auction and more. And – for those who want to enter their car in the show, pre-registration is recommended. Remember – anyone can enter! Consider “dressing up” your car for Halloween and entering it into the contest for the best decorated car. Blast from the Past Street Machines of Texas will be judging the car show from 11 am to 2 pm in a variety of categories and issuing a plethora of awards at 3pm. Proceeds go to Star of Hope, DePelchin Children’s Center, The Shriner’s Burn Hospital, Houston Food Bank and The USO. Admission is $3 per individuals or $5 for couples and families. Admission to the museum is separate and is not included. Free parking is available throughout the area.
Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Visit the National Museum of Funeral History on November 1 and 2 to learn more about the Latin customs surrounding the Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos and celebrations held for deceased loved ones. Explore authentic altars made by local artists, commemorate your loved one by leaving them a message in the Book of the Dead and bring mementos of the dearly departed to help build the museum’s community altar (please note – contributed items should be picked up December 1 – 15; contributed items remaining after December 15 will be discarded). On Friday, November 1, the museum, which is open late until 8 pm, will host a late night story time for the kids from 6:30 – 7:30 pm with special costumed characters. On Saturday, November 2, a visit to the museum includes ceramic skull painting, sweet treats and other fun activities.
About the National Museum of Funeral History: The National Museum of Funeral History houses the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts and features renowned exhibits on one of man’s oldest cultural customs. Visitors can discover the mourning rituals of ancient civilizations, see up-close the authentic items used in the funerals of U.S. Presidents and Popes and explore the rich heritage of the industry which cares for the dead. The museum is located at 415 Barren Springs Dr., Houston, TX 77090 and is open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 5 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and children age 12 and older, $9 for seniors and veterans; $7 for children 3 – 11 years old; and free for children age 2 and younger. For more information, visit www.nmfh.org, like them on Facebook or call 281.876.3063.