With Halloween just around the corner, its a good idea to keep track of some of the fun and creepy events coming up in Austin, Texas. The good news is that most of them are inexpensive and fun for the whole family.

The Bats

The bats are a popular Austin attraction from May until October every year, but Halloween is obviously the most appropriate time to go check them out. The underside of the Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin is home to North Americas largest urban bat colony, with these creatures of the night numbering close to 1.5 million. Every evening at dusk the bats fly out from the bridge in search of food, and people gather around, waiting and watching for a glimpse.

The Day of the Dead Parade

La Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebration that takes place each year on November 1. Because Texas is so close to Mexico, the culture has spread throughout Austin which, through its Mexic-Arte Museum, hosts a parade. This year it will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007, and will not only feature the standard costumes, noise makers, dancers and music, but also a celebration of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexicos most beloved artists. In honor of Fridas 100th birthday (1907-2007), there will be 100 Frida look-alikes in the parade. Tickets for this event cost only $5 for adults and $2 for children, and entrance is free for participants in the parade.

Austin Ghost Tours

Austin Ghost Tours offers hour and a half tours on foot through the downtown Austin area, where you will hear the haunted tales and legends of various local buildings and people. They have a couple of tours each night, so you shouldnt have a hard time scheduling one. Tickets are $19.95.

Austin Haunted Forest

For only $10.00, the Austin Haunted Forest allows you to wander the October Trail of Fears and enjoy performance art and such attractions as the Life-Sized Mouse Trap. Popular events include the Crystal Ball costume party on Saturday, October 27, 2007 and the Ninth Annual Halloween Fire Show on October 31st. Note: If you have children under 13, its better to take them to the Haunted Forests G-rated trail instead.

These are some of the best ways to have fun and stay safe for Halloween, whether you are a parent or a kid at heart yourself.