Break out your fun costumes, gather the family together, and have some Halloween fun without spending a dime.

The Suffolk Family YMCA is having a Halloween party Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the YMCA, 2769 Godwin Blvd. The event will feature food, games, crafts, a costume parade and more.

“This is just to say thank you to our members,” said Lorraine Worrell, the property director at the Suffolk YMCA. “We would definitely love to have more members come out.”

The annual event, which drew about 400 members last year, promises to be bigger and better this year.

A “scary house” feature introduced last year will be more than double the size this year, said Christie White, the fitness and family coordinator at the YMCA. A child-friendly “not-so-scary house” also will be available for the younger crowd. For families, several parent/child competitions will take place throughout the night, and there will be crafts and games for children to do.

The highlight of the night comes during the costume parade, White said. The parade goes through most of the facility, including the fitness room, so the children can show off their costumes. In keeping with the YMCA’s Christian principles, no scary costumes will be allowed, White said.

As with almost any Halloween party, there will be candy, but not a lot, White said.

“There will be a touch of candy, but more crafts and games,” she said. “We want to help with that healthy lifestyle.”

Children traditionally have enjoyed the event, although all ages will have a blast, Worrell said.

In addition to the activities, there will be information for parents on how to keep their children safe on Halloween night and year-round.

Registration for the event is open to members only and is requested so that YMCA staff can plan. Register at the member services desk at the YMCA or by going online to http://www.ymcashr.org/locations/suffolk.