Walmart’s fall event series offers fun experiences for families

After a successful run of drive-in movies and virtual day camp this summer, Walmart will continue to offer socially distanced family experiences this month with the kickoff of 140 contact-free events under three themes for fall in the retail giant’s store parking lots across the country.

The first, Halloween Camp by Walmart, is an extension of the popular virtual summer camp program launched earlier in the year; the second is a game-day experience that puts small business and college football front and center; and the third is a Halloween event that’s all treats, no tricks.

“We enjoyed bringing our drive-in concept to life for customers this summer,” said William White, chief marketing officer at Walmart. “We successfully reimagined what’s possible with our digital and physical footprint to bring communities joy in a year that’s been otherwise tough. For many of us, football tailgates and Halloween parties are cornerstones of a great fall season. These additional events will give customers an opportunity to still celebrate the things they love, while staying safe.”

Camp by Walmart, produced and developed in partnership with CAMP, a Family Experience Company, and powered by the interactive video platform eko, is introducing Halloween-themed experiences with actor Neil Patrick Harris to celebrate the holiday while safe and socially distanced. Starting now through October 31, customers can play family-friendly games, make projects like Halloween masks and glow-in-the-dark slime and creepy haunted houses. To access Halloween Camp by Walmart, customers can visit www.walmart.com/camp or use the Walmart app (via the Services tab).

Related:Walmart launching virtual summer camp, drive-in movies for summer fun

“We’ve heard incredibly positive feedback from consumers on the Camp by Walmart experience, so we’re thrilled to add new interactive family activities through the holidays, starting with Halloween,” said Tom Fishman, general manager, consumer apps at eko. “Families continue to need to find ways to stay engaged and entertained as they hunker down at home. Our Halloween refresh of Camp by Walmart provides a fun, safe and personalized experience for them to do just that.”

Walmart's 'Snacktivity – Hershey’s Haunted Candy Houses' lets kids put a Halloween twist on a gingerbread house with a ghoulish graham cracker mansion.

Halloween Camp by Walmart episodes include The Great Family Showdown – Trick or Treat: The Game with actor Neil Patrick Harris; Snacktivity – Hershey’s Candy Monsters, offering a sweet and spooky new project that can be made at home; Snacktivity – Hershey’s Haunted Candy Houses, in which kids can put a Halloween twist on a gingerbread house with a ghoulish graham cracker mansion; Make It Awesome – Glow-in-the-Dark Slime that can stretch and squish; Make It Awesome – Halloween Masks lets kids create costumes by designing a fun, festive Halloween mask; and Make It Awesome – Halloween Décor, which shows kids how to “Halloweenify” homes with Day of the Dead lanterns or mysterious mason jars that sparkle.

Related:Walmart, Target plan for the holidays with focus on safety and expanded hiring

For customers seeking less traditional Halloween haunts this year, Walmart is transforming more than 100 of its store parking lots into ‘spooky street’ trick-or-treat adventures that are contact-free and socially distanced. Kids and their parents are invited to dress up and head to Walmart for these free Halloween events. The fun begins October 15 and runs through Halloween.

For football fans who may not be able to gather in stadiums this year, the Walmart Gameday Marketplace offers a little fun off the field. Walmart is bringing a farmer’s market-style event to six college towns in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin. A twist on the traditional tailgate, the Walmart Gameday Marketplace allows customers an opportunity to don their gear and cheer on their teams while supporting local vendors who traditionally benefit from the hustle and bustle of a football Saturday. Drumlines and cheerleading squads will get the parties started, and local food trucks and school spirit shops will be on site to keep guests festive and fed.

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