In light of so many conversations about kids at HHN, I thought I would share my experience bringing my horror obsessed 10 & 6 year old kids. I’ll preface by acknowledging everyone’s experience is different and the most important thing is to know your kids and what works best for them. My kids love Killer Klownz and Fortnitemares, so I knew this would be an exciting year for them.
My nibling is a universal CM, and is the saws coordinator during HHN. I have been several times and my sister goes every year, so I was able to have a lot of great conversations and be well prepared going into it. We settled on a few ground rules.
*The first thing was no houses. I don’t think they’re ready for that experience - it wouldn’t be fair to them or the people around them.
* They had to start with a no boo necklace. If they felt like they wanted to take it off after a while, they could. But I thought we would have a gentle start into the experience
* they met my nibling’s partner who is a scare actor at Howl-O-Scream to learn all about scare acting
\* We listened to the podcasts to learn the characters back stories
* We agreed to get there early, and leave when I saw signs of getting tired (in the end we were there from 6-11)
* Finally, I had them wear ear protection.
Was it worth it? A thousand million times over - YES.
* Cindy Cain walked my 6 year old around her platform and pointed out all the easter eggs.
* Spike and Shorty went crazy over the pictures my 10 year old drew them and showed them to everyone around them.
* Delancey Dan pointed out all his hiding spots and showed where he would hang his pictures.
* Jack & Oddfellow argued over who the kids should partner with.
* The Fortnitemare crew facilitated trades (my kids brought 3D printed sprites to trade).
* The saws team were so funny and kind to them, and they loved standing off to the side and watching people get jump scared.
*Hamikuma and my 6 year old might have become BFFs. At least they did in her mind.
And the list goes on. It was a truly magical evening. We scheduled a 30 minute photoshoot with a local photographer that was beyond amazing!
All this to say - there are a ton of posts about no kids, and I get it. I couldn’t imagine seeing a kid forced to go through a house scared, or without ear protection, or overly tired. But if you’re mindful, in tune with your kids needs, and well prepared, it can be an absolutely incredible experience for your kids!
Pics in comments for tax and if you’re friends with any HHN characters - THANK YOU for such an amazing experience!!!!