Waiting for Halloween can seem like forever if you’ve got little kids in the house who are ready to strut their costumed selves in search of goodies. Here are a few Halloween activities to help tide them (and you) over until trick-or-treating day arrives.

VISIT THE SCARECROWS. Checking out the Luscher Farm scarecrows is worth making an annual tradition. From frumpy to spooky to friendly, they come in all shapes and sizes thanks to the inspiration of volunteers who deck them out each year. See if you can find Sneaky Peet hiding out! Scarecrows are up through Halloween. 125 Rosemont Road, 503.534.5284.

ESCAPE ROOM AND PUMPKIN DECORATING. School’s out which can be a spooky thing if you don’t have plans. The Lake Oswego library has you covered for kids in grades six and up with an escape room and pumpkin decorating party. Friday, October 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street, 503.636.7628.

ROCKY HORROR SHOW. This musical sci-fi comedy is playing right here in town through October 13, with a Wine on Wednesday performance on the 9th. Purchase a bag of props in the lobby to help you participate in the antics! Tickets online: $39/Adults; $37/Seniors 65 and over; $20/Students 25 and under. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street, 503.635.3901.

WEST COAST GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA. Enjoy all things pumpkin including wacky races by costumed characters paddling 1,000 pound pumpkins across the Tualatin Lake of the Commons. Other festivities include a pumpkin weigh-off, pie-eating contest, kids’ costume contest, pumpkin golf and bowling and clown show. October 19. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free. 8325 SW Nyberg Road, Tualatin. 503.691.3076.

SALT & STRAW FLAVORS. This popular ice creamery is counting on the fear factor to dare you to try this month’s seasonal flavors that include: toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets in their Creepy Crawly Critters and pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA in Dracula’s Blood Pudding. 100 A Avenue, 503.305.8267.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST AND SCARY MOVIE NIGHT for grades 6-12. Get together with friends to carve pumpkins, eat food and watch a scary movie. Friday, October 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Teen Lounge, Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

HALLOWEEN LIES: AN INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY PARTY for ages 15+. What role will you play in this whodunnit mystery? Sign up early to receive your assignment. $30/person for up to 32 players. Food and beverage extra. Friday, October 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Kell’s Irish Restaurant and Pub, 112 SW 2nd Avenue. Tickets online.

LAKEWOOD’S ANNUAL COSTUME SHOP SALE. Lakewood Theatre Company needs to make room for costumes for upcoming shows so pick up some unique getups that will make you a hit at any party. Clothing is mostly adult sizes. October 25-27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 368 S. State Street. 503.635.6338

MARKET IN THE BREEZEWAY: GHOSTS, GOBLINS, AND GOODIES. Bring your costumed characters to Zupan’s for some spooky fun including Halloween-themed games, snacks and ghoulish giveaways. There will be some boo-bbly for mom and dad to enjoy as well. Saturday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Zupan’s Market,16380 Boones Ferry Road, 503.210.4190

WEST LINN PUMPKIN DISPLAY. Get inspired (and maybe a little spooked) by taking in over 200 artistically crafted pumpkins including black-lighted glow pumpkins, flaming and “dancing” ones. Vote for your favorite and win a chance to go home with one of your own. October 26, 27 and 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 2885 White Salmon Court, West Linn.

HALLOWEEN AFTERNOON. The Junior Class at Lakeridge High School is sponsoring this annual event filled with fun activities and treats for your kids. $7/per child. Sunday, October 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 1235 Overlook.

MONSTER MASH for ages 0-12. You know they’re “dying” to wear their costumes so take them over to the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department for some indoor trick-or-treating as well as ghoulish games and creepy crafts. Free. Thursday, October 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

GO TRICK-OR TREATING IN A LAKE OSWEGO NEIGHBORHOOD. Check out one of my most popular blogs on the best neighborhoods in Lake Oswego for trick-or-treating.

Don’t let buying or selling your home spook you–give me a call at 503.939.9801 and let me put my 30+ years as a Realtor in and around Lake Oswego to work for you. Check out my website and/or fill out the contact form below and I will be in touch.