There are plenty of safe ways for Kootenai County kids to have fun while chasing a super sugar high on Halloween.

Churches and other organizations throughout the area are hosting events that offer alternatives to the traditional Oct. 31 activity of traipsing through dark streets, going door-to-door to strangers' homes in search of candy.

"They'll probably get more candy here than they'll get if they go trick-or-treating," said Joe Tuttle, youth pastor at Heart of the City Church in Coeur d'Alene.

Tuttle's church hosts an event each year at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, and it has become increasingly popular. They had 3,000 people show up last year, he said.

"We know kids are going to be going out that night. We want to provide a really safe, really fun event for them," Tuttle said. "But the No. 1 reason we do this is just that we want people to know the church loves our city."

Heart of the City's "City Fall Festival" is sponsored completely by the church with donations from local businesses. For the kids, everything is free.

"We're going to have a mechanical bull and tons of kids games," he said.

Halloween night happenings

* City Fall Festival: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Heart of the City Church sponsored, Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Games, hay rides, chili cook-off, pie contest, candy. Free and open to all.

* Dalton Gardens Church of Christ "Trunk or Treat:" 5-7 p.m., 6439 N. Fourth St. Treats, games, hot dogs, prize drawings. Info: 772-0541

* Halloween Fun at the Mall: 5-7:30 p.m. Silver Lake Mall and Candlelight Christian Fellowship are offering games, prizes, cookie decorating, animal balloons, face painting and plenty of candy at this free event. Silver Lake Mall, 200 W. Hanley Ave, Coeur d'Alene. Info: 772-7755

* Kroc Candy Land Halloween Party: 5-8 p.m., Candy Castle (zone), the Lollipop Forest (gym), and the Molasses Swamp (cove pool). Free and open to the public. No membership required. Kids 10 and younger require adult supervision. Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene. Info: 667-1865

* North Country Chapel Harvest Carnival: 4-8 p.m., candy, games, prizes, 2281 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls. Info: 773-7100

* Real Life Ministries Harvest Festivals: 5-8 p.m., 1866 Cecil Road, Post Falls; and 5:30-7:30 p.m., 610 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Games, prizes, candy, drawings, bounce-houses, food and snacks for purchase; bring non-perishable food to support the RLM Food Room. For all kids up to fifth grade; separate section for middle school age kids only at the Post Falls location. Free. Info: Post Falls, 777-7325; Coeur d'Alene, 664-4238

* Lions Club Haunted House: 6-10 p.m., this annual 'Nightmare on Fourth Street' fundraiser supports the Post Falls Lions Club, $7/person (bring 2 non-perishable items and get $2 off). Fourth Avenue and Post Street, Post Falls.

* Coeur d'Alene Downtown Trick or Treat: 4-6 p.m. Trick or treat local businesses. Fun for the whole family. Info: Gay, 415-0116

* Post Falls City Hall Trick or Treat: 2-5 p.m., Post Falls City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St. Ghouls, goblins, princesses, superheroes, and kids of all ages are invited for a safe trick-or-treating alternative.