Trick-or-treating is still a favorite for kids throughout the area, and there is a ghost — uh, host — of alternative free events for families in South Snohomish County for Halloween. Here are a range of family-friendly events scheduled for Thursday.

Edmonds Halloween Trick-or-Treat Night

Thursday, Oct. 31
5 – 7 p.m.
Downtown Edmonds
— candy at participating stores and booths, costume contests, flash mob performance

Alderwood Mall Trick-or-Treating

Thursday, Oct. 31
4 – 7 p.m.
Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood
— candy for trick-or-treaters from participating retailers (identified by the orange signage)

Mountlake Terrace Trunk ‘r Treat

Thursday, Oct. 31
5 – 7 p.m.
Gravel parking lot at 23208 56th Ave. W. in Mountlake Terrace

— candy from decorated trunks, music, hot apple cider, Diamond Knot root beer

Alderwood Community Church Trunk and Treat

Thursday, Oct. 31
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
3403 Alderwood Mall Blvd. in Lynnwood

— candy, carnival games, inflatables, photo booth, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, food for purchase

Calvary Fellowship Fall Festival

Thursday, Oct. 31
5 – 8 p.m
23302 56th Ave. W. in Mountlake Terrace

— candy, music, games, hot dogs, prizes, hay rides

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Trunk-or-Treat

Thursday, Oct. 31
6 – 8 p.m.
3215 Larch Way in Lynnwood

— candy, photo booth, representatives from the South County Fire Department

Maple Park Church Trunk or Treat

Thursday, Oct. 31
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
17620 60th Ave. W. in Lynnwood

— candy, hot dogs, games, prizes

New Life Church Harvest Party

Thursday, Oct. 31
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
6519 188th St. S.W. in Lynnwood

— candy, games, inflatables, hot cocoa and cider

Creekside Church Trunk ‘r Treat

Thursday, Oct. 31
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
18527 60th Ave. W. in Lynnwood

— candy, “Teal Pumpkin” non-food prizes

— By Doug Petrowski