Whether you are looking for something different to do instead of trick-or-treating or an additional event to complement the traditional sweets fest, a variety of organizations are planning activities. Options range from the low-key (story telling) to the active (a run/walk). Check out the sample below:

• Family Gateway Goblin Gallop – Takes place Oct. 22, at the West End Marketplace. Events include: Monster Mile Run/Walk at 7 p.m., “Freaky 5K Run/Walk” at 7:15 p.m., costume contests and prize drawings. Proceeds benefit the Family Gateway, which operates a temporary shelter for families with children and assists with job training. For fees and details, call 214-741-6515 Ext. 112. (For kids and adults.)

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• Haunted Barn and Carnival at Samuell Farm – Haunted Barn (for kids and adults) is Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-26, 30-31 and Nov. 1. Hours are dusk to midnight. Cost is $6 for adults and teens and $5 for children 11 and younger. “Children’s Halloween Carnival” for ages 12 and younger is Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Cost is $5 per child and free for adults. Each child receives 15 game tickets and a hay ride. Also: Costume contest, magician and face painting. Pony and train rides have extra fees. Samuell Farm is at 100 E. Highway 80 in Mesquite; call 214-670-7866 for details.

• Pumpkin Decorating and Fall Festival – Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Ridgewood-Belcher Recreation Center, 6818 Fisher, is 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 29 for ages 3-5 accompanied by a parent. Cost is $5. The group will go to the Farmers Market to buy pumpkins and then return and decorate them during a party. Limited seating; for reservations call 214-670-7115. Preschool Fall Festival is 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 31 for ages 3-5. Cost is $2. Songs, crafts, games, etc. Call 214-670-7115 for reservations.

• Mask Making – Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth, kids can decorate masks for use on Halloween. Free. Call 214-670-1376 for details.

• Spooky Stories – Lakewood Library’s Preschool Story Time at 11 a.m. Oct. 29 and Family Story Time at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 30 will feature Halloween tales. Call 214-670-1376 for details.

KIDS CALENDAR

The Enchanted Forest: The Enchanted Forest Books For Children, 6333 E. Mockingbird at Abrams, presents a variety of activities this month. John Erickson will be at the Forest Oct. 11 from 10:15-11:30 a.m. to sign books and tell stories. A Halloween mask-making workshop will take place Oct. 18 from 3-4:30 p.m. The workshop, geared for 7-9 year olds, is limited to seven participants at a cost of $15 per child. All supplies and a snack are included. Also on Oct. 18, Mary Brookes Casad, author of the “Bluebonnet the Armadillo” series, will read and sign copies of her work from 3-4 p.m. Author/illustrator Joan Walsh Anglund will sign copies at her work Oct. 20 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Enchanted Forest invites children ages 7-10 with strong stomachs and inquisitive minds to learn really cool & revolting facts to “share” with family and friends Oct. 25 from 3-4:15 p.m. Class size is limited to six participants. Cost is $12 per child and includes all supplies and snacks. Join the Enchanted Forest on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. for spooky stories. The program is geared for children ages 6-10 and their parents. Limited to 60 people. Cost is $7 per person; children must be accompanied by an adult. For information and reservations on any event, call 214-827-2234.

Skillman Southwestern Library: The Skillman Southwestern Branch Library, 5707 Skillman at Southwestern, holds weekly Tuesday story hours with Toddler Time at 10 a.m. and Preschool Story Fun at 10:40 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The October meeting of the Kids Fun Club for youngsters in the first grade or older will be held Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. Membership cards are available at the library information desk. Pajama Story Fun will be held Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., when children two and older can come to the library in pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal for stories, songs and rhymes. For information, call 214-670-6078.