Tykes can hear spooky stories and trick or treat downtown in the daylight and a variety of organizations host "haunted houses" for the young, as well as the heartiest of hearts, as Halloween activities hit full stride today around Casper.

Here is a summary, as provided to the newspaper:

Kids can come in costume to Spooky Storytime at 10:30 a.m., in the Crawford Room at the Natrona County Public Library. Spooky and not-so-spooky stories will be told, just right for little ghosts and goblins. Spooky stories and other books will be available for checkout after the program. Call 577-READ for more information.

Safe trick or treating in the downtown Casper business district takes place from today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for the signs in the windows.

Haunted Hollywood in the old Wine Rack/Sonny's building in the parking lot of the Eastridge Mall opens for little ones and the faint of heart from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is $1 and a can of food.

Tonight, it reopens from 5 to 10 p.m., with an admission fee of $6.

The event is planned by Poverty Resistance, which helps to feed families and give them a fresh start.

In Your Nightmares, a Haunted House downtown at 136 S. Wolcott in the Odd Fellows Building has two venues, one for ages 13 and older and one for under 13. Hours today are 6 to 10 p.m. Admission for 13 and older is $5 with nonperishable food item; under 13 is $3 with nonperishable food item. All proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit agencies. For more information, call 315-0247.

The 28th annual free Fall Carnival takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E. Fourth St. It features a wide variety of fall-themed games, treats, and events throughout the evening.�This year, there will be a costume parade beginning at 7 p.m. to showcase all costumes worn to the event.

The Carnival is designed for children ages 12 and under and their parents.�All participants will receive treats and game prizes, and also be able to taste the mysterious "Witches' Brew." Participants can make pumpkin or ghost crafts, and there will be a room featuring Halloween movies and videos.�For those more daring individuals, the Haunted Locker Room is sure to be a "spook-tacular" treat. For more information, call the Casper Recreation Center at 235-8383.

The Spookfest 2008 Halloween Carnival runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rocky Mountain School of Dance, 736 N. Glenn Road.

It will be a spooktacular time for the whole family. Wear favorite costumes and join the fun. Admission of $5 includes the very scary haunted house and a goodie bag. There will also be several "creepy" games to play, a fortune teller and an opportunity to learn the "Thriller" dance. Tickets will be available for the games at 50 cents each. Souvenir pictures will also be available for purchase. For more information, call RMSD at 237-6792.

There are many rumors of sighting of ghosts roaming the floors of the Casper Elks Lodge, but mainly in the basement level. Come see for yourself in the annual haunted house in the basement of the lodge at the corner of Seventh and Center streets. The house will be open 6 p.m. to midnight. Enter through the front doors and take a left to the stairs. Admission $4 per person.

Through Halloween, First Christian Church will host its Pumpkin Patch at 520 CY Ave. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to pumpkins, there are mini pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks and delicious baked goods, as well as a play area for children and a great area to take pictures.