Trunk or Treat

Paradise Valley Community Center is hosting its Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 24, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. It's one of the center's biggest events of the year, and it's free to attend.

The setup is exactly what the name suggests: cars park in the lot with their trunks open and decorated, and kids go from one to the other to collect candy. Along with the treats, there are inflatables and games, so it's more than just a walk through the parking lot—it's a full evening for families. If you've got little ones, it's a safe way to do the Halloween thing without driving around the neighborhood.

One of the things that makes this one different from a typical neighborhood haunt is the local involvement. PHXteens, the city's program for teenagers, volunteers at the event, helping to run the night and decorating their own trunk with a special theme. It's a nice touch to see the older kids getting in on it and helping put the whole thing together for the younger families.

This is also part of a larger citywide series. The Trunk or Treat is one of several free family Halloween events Phoenix Parks and Recreation is running as part of its 'Phoenix Parks Fall Fun' celebrations, which run from October 16 to 31 with different Trunk or Treat nights happening across the city. If you miss this one, there are others to choose from.

It's at the Paradise Valley Community Center, 17402 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85032, on Saturday, October 24, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is free.