Children and families will have a less rowdy alternative to Halloween in Kent this year again, as Main Street Kent's Family Friendly Halloween returns Friday, Oct. 28.

The family friendly Halloween offers children and families a chance to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses and take part in a costume contest.

New this year, a pumpkin sky lantern release will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Home Savings Plaza.

Heather Malarcik, marketing and promotions coordinator for Main Street Kent, said they decided to do the pumpkin sky lantern release because the lantern release at this year's first Kent International Festival was a big hit.

The family friendly Halloween is from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 with the costume contest at Home Savings Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. Free pizza and drinks will be available while supplies last at the plaza. Children can paint pumpkins at Earl's Nest in Acorn Alley.

For more information, contact Main Street Kent at 330-677-8000.