Skeleton House Brings Family-Friendly Frights to San Antonio
When you hear the term Skeleton House, your mind might drift towards spooky graveyards and haunted attics, but in the heart of San Antonio, that couldn’t be further from reality. A delightful family tradition has emerged from the pandemic woes, thanks to a fun-loving father who has turned his home into a Halloween wonderland that families flock to see.
A Pandemic Project Turns into Community Fun
Meet Steven Dinote, a self-described goofball and dedicated dad of two, who decided to inject some joy into the 2020 Halloween season. Like many of us during those uncertain times, Steven sought creative ways to entertain his kids amid the pandemic. As he remembers, “I started propping up a fake skeleton around our home to give the kids some laughs.” His mischievous ideas included silly snapshots with the skeleton settling on the toilet or sitting at his desk with a headset.
However, as any spouse would do, Steven’s wife gently suggested it might be time for the skeleton to take a break in the garage. But Steven’s inventive spirit didn’t end there—he took the skeleton right back to the family’s Stone Oak lawn, setting it up with a lawnmower. As if inspired, his wife joined in with another skeleton holding a rake, and thus began a magical journey that would light up their neighborhood for 12 entire days.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
As the Dinote family continued to decorate, word spread around the neighborhood. In no time at all, their lawn was transformed into a charming display of themes that tickled the fancies of all who passed by. From race cars to beloved Star Wars references, and even a whimsical nod to Bob Ross, each day brought something fresh and exciting. No detail was too small; the Dinotes were committed to spreading joy in their community and making it a little less spooky and a lot more festive.
To keep the would-be pranksters at bay, the clever family changed their displays around daily, ensuring that visitors would always find something new. As Steven shared, “We wanted to keep it exciting, so we recycle a lot of this stuff.” With supplies coming from both neighborly donations and a few crafty trips to Lowes, their collection grew into a vibrant bony community that included five adult skeletons, smaller ones for the kids, and even a range of bonesome pets like a cat, dog, rooster, and a monkey that recently cameoed in a Curious George scene.
Touch of Creativity and Family Bonding
Closer to Halloween 2023, the Dinote’s fun-filled displays have become a staple for parents and children in the area. They often stop by after school to snap photos with the imaginative scenes they have crafted. “Seeing families stop by to take pictures is just the best feeling,” Steven beams, “We are creating memories here.” Some displays—even those that required intense planning like a courtroom scene inspired by his jury duty—are made to shine using pure family creativity.
Recently, he decided to make a quick transformation on a Friday, creating a Where’s Waldo scene pretty much on the spot. “You’d be amazed at how inspiration strikes!” Steven chuckled, but they make sure to keep things light. Given the location of their home near a school, they know it’s important to keep their themes family-friendly. “We only get as political as posting the Eagles,” Steven joked, nodding to his roots as a dedicated Philadelphia fan.
Visit the Skeleton House This October
As October rolls around, don’t miss your chance to visit the charming Skeleton House—located near the intersection of Blanco Road and Promontory Circle. With a lineup of cheerful skeleton antics promising delights and giggles in every corner of the lawn, Steven and his family have truly transformed a simple Halloween display into an extraordinary community endeavor.
So, gather your friends and family, take a stroll by, and let the Dinotes’ love for creativity brighten your Halloween season. Who knows, you might find yourself chuckling in delight at the ever-changing antics of the Skeleton House!
