September 2009 Strategy File Shocktober Getaways Resorts dial up the spook factor Courtesy, Six Flags Great Escape Plan a getaway at a family resort in October, and the chances are excellent that you’ll run across more than a few goblins, ghouls, and ghosts. Here’s a sampling of hotels and resorts that are hosting special Halloween events in October: Nickelodeon Family Suites Where: Orlando, FL Why: Because October is “Nick or Treat” month at the Nick Hotel (see our review). The hotel’s daily activities range from making chocolate-covered spiders and paint-your-own-pumpkins to trick-or-treating with favorite Nick stars. In the evenings, there are poolside barbecues and special “dive-in” screenings of Halloween-themed Nick shows. Family suites start at $208. Great Wolf Lodge Where: Twelve locations in the US and Canada, including Williamsburg, VA Why: Back again this year, “Howl-O-ween at the Wolf” at this popular indoor waterpark resort (see our review) features a trick-or-treat trail, spooktacular story time, hayrides, Halloween-themed arts and crafts, and more. Available October 9 to 31, Sunday to Thursday, starting at $189. John Carver Inn & Spa Where: Plymouth, MA Why: The one-night “Haunted Stays and Corn Maize Package” save up to 30% on lodging, plus you get two tickets to a local corn maze, where there are hay rides, a cow train ride, and a corn cannon. The package also includes two tickets to a 90-minute “Ghosts & Legends” walking tour, which shares local history and points out the most haunted spots in Plymouth. Available through October 31, starting at $149 a night. Woodloch Pines Resort Where: Hawley, PA Why: Fun-filled weekends at this all-inclusive family-run resort (see our review) include a haunted hayride, scavenger hunt, costume party, pumpkin hunt, and many other fall activities. Available October 16 to November 1, all-inclusive three-day weekends starting at $350 per adult and $110 for kids under 7. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Where: Lake George, NY Why: The “Fright Fest Spooktacular” package at this indoor waterpark resort (see our review) includes unlimited admission to the waterpark, and 50 free arcade tokens. Available September 25 to October 30, Friday and Saturday nights only, from $269. Have you ever taken a Halloween-themed vacation? Please tell us. More Halloween with Kids: Halloween at Theme Parks Halloween at Zoos