Parents of tweens and teens, we know that Halloween can be a tricky holiday to navigate. Our kids are on the verge of – or even well past – the trick-or-treat years. They crave something thrilling, but may not be mature enough or have the taste for horror. They seek more independence while we grapple with keeping them safe. What does a traditional Halloween look like to a tween or teen bridging from pumpkin parties to more adult entertainment?
If you landed on this page hoping to find Twin Cities Halloween events for kids, we have a monster master list to browse. This includes free events, ticketed events, parties in the park, trick-or-treat trails, and fall festivals of all kinds.
THINGS TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN WITH TEENS & TWEEN
We’ve rounded up some great Halloween activities and several ways to celebrate Halloween that run the spectrum from slightly spooky to flat out frightening. You know your child best. Some of these outings are ideal for the kid who still likes to stick with the family. Others are designed for teenagers (and adults) who are comfortable with independent outings. Please, please drop us a comment if you have more ideas.
MILD CHILLS
Union Depot Ghost Tours
Date: 09/23/2026 - 10/29/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN, 55101
Best for older kids (or maybe a date night?), the 90-minute guided walking tour of Union Depot explores the beautiful building’s supernatural history. Tours run select dates September 23-October 29, 2026. Tickets $25 plus fees.
SPLURGE: Great Wolf Lodge Howl-O-Ween
Date: 09/24/2026 - 10/31/2026 4:00 pm - 11:00 am
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 1700 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN, 55425
Want an excuse for a family staycation at Great Wolf Lodge? How about spooky treats, games, and Halloween activities to celebrate the season. Howl-O-Ween events are included with your stay. Prices vary by rooms and dates.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf
Date: 09/25/2026 - 10/31/2026 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Lilli Putt Miniature Golf & Family Entertainment Center, 1349 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN, 55435
Mildly spooky Halloween-themed holes of mini golf with glowing golf balls, fog machines, pumpkin displays, music and other “spirited” decor (some of which are admittedly grotesque, but your older kids should be fine). There is also a mini walk-thru haunted house with freaky figures and strobe lights. It’s a fun twist on a classic activity. Treat bags for all! Friday-Saturday nights, all October. $14/adults, $12/kids under 12.
SideKick Theatre's Arsenic & Old Lace
Date: 09/30/2026 - 11/01/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, 11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, MN, 55437
A dark comedy about love, murder and crazy relatives. Book tickets with or without dinner. Best for ages 10+. Tickets: $29-$60/pp.
LIZZIE: The Rock Musical
Date: 10/01/2026 - 11/01/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Open Eye Theatre, 506 East 24th Street , Minneapolis, MN, 55407
If you are looking for a new Halloween experience for teens and adults, how about a “punk-rock reimagining of the gripping true-crime case of Lizzie Borden”? LIZZIE: The Rock Musical is best for ages 14+ who are ready for mature and challenging themes in their theater experience. Note also that the show music is amplified rock and adult language is used. One and a half hours with one intermission. Tickets $15-$35/pp.
Family Fun Idea: Hike to Witch's Hat Tower
Date: 10/01/2026 6:00 am - 11:59 pm
Location: Tower Hill Park, 55 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
This is, again, something you can do anytime with your teens or kids of any age, but October offers beautiful views, and the tower would make a great backdrop to some Halloween photos.
Note: The Tower is not open, but it makes a nice backdrop to a fall family hike.
Children's Performing Arts presents Beetlejuice Jr
Date: 10/02/2026 - 10/11/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
Lydia discovers her family has moved into a haunted house, befriends the ghosts of the former owners but becomes entangled with the chaotic Beetlejuice. Performed by students in grades 6-8. October 2-11, 2026. Tickets $16-$24/pp.
Discounts: CPA reserves some “pay-what-you-can” tickets for each performance of mainstage productions. Learn more here.
Locally Grown Theatre: A Haunting We Will Go (FREE)
Date: 10/02/2026 - 10/11/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Pkwy, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016
Can TV producer Norma Corwin last the night in a scary Inn? Find out in this comic mystery.
Note to caregivers: This play is lighthearted and silly and is likely appropriate for any kids who are able to sit through a 75-minute performance. All Ages. You’ll need to bring your own seating and prepare to be outdoors.
Youth Performance Company presents Beetlejuice Jr
Date: 10/02/2026 - 10/18/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Lydia discovers her family has moved into a haunted house, befriends the ghosts of the former owners but becomes entangled with the chaotic Beetlejuice. Best for kids in grades 3 and up. Performed by youth, for youth. October 2-18, 2026. Tickets $17/pp.
Discounts: both performances on Saturday, October 3, are Pay What You Can.
Robbinsdale Birdtown Boo Bash (FREE)
Date: 10/02/2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Sanborn Park, 4237 Shoreline Drive, Robbinsdale, MN, 55422
Celebrate Halloween in Robbinsdale with free family festivities. Wear your costumes and enjoy music, treats, games and crafts.
Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus (FREE)
Date: 10/09/2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Como Midway Pavilion, 1199 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN, 55103
The 1993 Halloween classic is back in Como Midway Pavilion. This is the most family-friendly (rated PG) of St. Paul’s Halloween themed movies this season*. The movie starts at dusk. Arrive early for pre-show fun, costumes encouraged, beginning at 6pm.
Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol
Date: 10/15/2026 - 10/24/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., Saint Paul, MN, 55155
Explore the Minnesota State Capitol lit by its original 1900s lighting on a shadowy, guided tour through the rotunda, hallways and chambers. Tours are approximately one hour and begin on the half hour at 6:30, 7, 7:30 & 8pm. Secure yours in advance as they do sell out. Tickets: $12-$16/pp.
The Sludge at Twin Cities Horror Festival
Date: 10/17/2026 - 10/31/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Crane Theater, 2303 Kennedy Street NE, Unit 120, Minneapolis, MN, 55413
The Sludge was written with school aged children in mind. Written by Rachel Teagle. Directed by Jenny Moeller. Part of the Twin Cities Horror Festival. Tickets: $10-$15. Suggested Age: 7+.
Precocious teen Harper finds a mysterious creature in the woods and sneaks it into their room, where cynical Viv is crashing for the summer. But when Harper and Viv’s moms start being even weirder than usual, the kids must uncover the truth and save themselves before it’s too late.
Mendota Heights Trick-or-Teeing (FREE)
Date: 10/17/2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Par 3 Golf Course, 1695 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118
Play 6 holes of mini golf in your costumes, participate in craft-making, stop by to visit with Mendota Heights Fire & Police and check out their vehicles, play some yard games, take Halloween family photos at the photo booth and enjoy hot apple cider & snacks. All ages welcome to drop into this FREE event.
Graveyard Ghost Stories
Date: 10/17/2026 8:30 pm - 8:50 pm
Location: Minnesota Streetcar Museum – Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410
Local storytellers spin tales by the graveyard after your trolley ride aboard the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line! Tickets available online only, $23/person.
Courthouse by Candlelight
Date: 10/22/2026 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Listen to mildly spooky stories while walking the halls of the historic Washington County Courthouse at night by candlelight. Explore the areas typically closed to the public. Tours offered at 7, 7:40, and 8:30pm. Cost is $10/pp.
Haunted History Trolley Tours
Date: 10/22/2026 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Stillwater Trolleys, 400 Nelson St, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Costumed characters share ghost stories from Stillwater’s haunted past on a 60-minute trip onboard one of the city’s signature red trolleys. Select dates October 9-30, 2026. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm. Tickets: $52/pp.
Thrill Uptown (FREE)
Date: 10/24/2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Seven Points, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Thrill Uptown returns complete with a new location at Seven Points. It remains a family-friendly Halloween event with a synchronized global Thriller dance as the centerpiece (5pm – you’re invited to participate or spectate). Also in keeping with tradition, the event will have art activities, live music and dance performances, and zombie makeovers (you know your kids best so take mild caution).
Fort Snelling Lanterns & Legends
Date: 10/24/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, Saint Paul, MN , 55111
Explore Historic Fort Snelling after dark by lantern light during this 1-hour guided tour then purchase a beverage and warm up around a bonfire. Best for ages 12+. Admission is $24/pp.
A Streetcar Named Expire
Date: 10/24/2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Minnesota Streetcar Museum – Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410
Mildly frightening streetcar ride! 7-10pm. Fare: $5/ride $12/all night.
Como Planetarium: Halloween - Celestial Origins
Date: 10/27/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Como Planetarium, 780 W Wheelock Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN, 55117
Learn about the connection between Halloween and astronomy, including how Halloween marks the halfway point between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. Then see the planets, constellations, and stars to look for on our Halloween evening. Pre-Registration Required: $8/pp. Costumes optional.
Cottage Grove Skating Spooktacular!
Date: 10/28/2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Cottage Grove Ice Arena, 8020 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016
The skating rink will be transformed into an eerie (yet fam friendly) destination to skate the evening away. Two sessions offered: 5:30-6:30pm and 6:45-7:45pm. If you’ve got skates, bring them along (or rent a pair for $5). And make sure to wear your Halloween costume! Tickets: $10/skater.
Spooky Movie Night at the Green (FREE)
Date: 10/29/2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: North Loop Green, 350 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
North Loop Green screens free, family-friendly movies for you to enjoy outdoors this summer. All you need to do is bring your comfy seating and some favorite people. Movies start at 7pm, ongoing Thursdays.
2026 Spooky Movie Night at the Green schedule
- October 1: Ghostbusters 7-9pm
- October 8: Practical Magic 7-9pm
- October 15: Hocus Pocus 6-8pm
- October 29: The Addams Family 6-8pm
More information
- Event link: North Loop Green event calendar
Bare Bones Halloween Extravaganza
Date: 10/29/2026 - 11/01/2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55407
The annual Halloween puppet extravaganza is back to its traditional glory. Dress warm and bring your own seating. October 29- November 1, 2026. Cost is a pay-what-you-can model with $20/pp recommended donation.
Como Planetarium: Halloween - Celestial Origins
Date: 10/30/2026 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Location: Como Planetarium, 780 W Wheelock Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN, 55117
Learn about the connection between Halloween and astronomy, including how Halloween marks the halfway point between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. Then see the planets, constellations, and stars to look for on our Halloween evening. Pre-Registration Required: $8/pp. Costumes optional.
Gleason's Halloween Youth Open Gym Party
Date: 10/30/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Gleason’s Gymnastic School, 2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN, 55122
Celebrate Halloween with an open gym at Gleason’s Gymnastic School. Fun will include dance, gymnastics, haunted parkour maze, costume contest, open gym, games and crafts. Snacks will be provided during this 3-hour event. Best for ages 7-17. Pre-Registration Required. $30/child.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf
Date: 10/30/2026 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Lilli Putt Miniature Golf & Family Entertainment Center, 1349 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN, 55435
Mildly spooky Halloween-themed holes of mini golf with glowing golf balls, fog machines, pumpkin displays, music and other “spirited” decor (some of which are admittedly grotesque, but your older kids should be fine). There is also a mini walk-thru haunted house with freaky figures and strobe lights. It’s a fun twist on a classic activity. Treat bags for all! Friday-Saturday nights, all October. $14/adults, $12/kids under 12.
Spooky Stargazing Halloween Event
Date: 10/30/2026 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: University of Minnesota Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
This special Friday Night Observing features Spooky Astronomy and Ominous Folklore followed by telescope observation with renowned archeoastronomer Dr. Jim Rock sharing Dakota Star knowledge.
The University of Minnesota’s Astrophysics department offers Public Telescope Observing Nights on Fridays during the school year. The event begins with an 8pm presentation in room B20, followed by telescope observing in room 510 at 8:30pm when weather permits.
Mischief Halloween Costume Contest
Date: 10/31/2026 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Mischief Toy Store, 818 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55105
Make Mischief a stop on your Halloween fun day. Wear your costume to participate in the annual contest for a chance to win prices and post your photo on the “WALL of Halloween fame!” Need to take your costume to the next level? Take advantage of FREE professional face painting from 11am to 1pm.
Spooky at the Parkway: Halloween Matinees
Date: 10/31/2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55417
See four classic Halloween movies at the Parkway during the month of October during its Spooky! At The Parkway Saturday matinee series. Arrive early for live music, trivia, DJs and more. Doors at 12pm; movie at 1pm. Individual tickets: $6-$12/pp. 4-movie pass (includes a bag of popcorn with each show): $24-$32/pp.
Walker Middle School Movie Club: Edward Scissorhands (FREE)
Date: 10/31/2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Middle schoolers and their friends and family are invited to the Walker for a movie day, art museum style! During Middle School Movie Club events, kids can make art, hang out, visit the galleries, and watch a specially selected movie on the Walker Cinema’s big screen—all for free.
Registration is available online and limited walk-up tickets will be available on the event day at the Main Lobby desk. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is for kids ages 9-14 and their families. FREE.
October’s movie is Edward Scissorhands. – Halloween Costumes Encouraged
Spooky Trains
Date: 10/31/2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd Ste 8, St Paul, MN , 55114
Night Trains, a special tradition at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, starts off with two Saturdays of “spooky trains” complete with treats. Costumed visitors are welcome. Tickets, $15/pp age 4+.
- Saturdays: October 24 & 31, 2026, from 3-7pm.
- Find: Holiday Night Trains information here.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf
Date: 10/31/2026 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Lilli Putt Miniature Golf & Family Entertainment Center, 1349 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN, 55435
Mildly spooky Halloween-themed holes of mini golf with glowing golf balls, fog machines, pumpkin displays, music and other “spirited” decor (some of which are admittedly grotesque, but your older kids should be fine). There is also a mini walk-thru haunted house with freaky figures and strobe lights. It’s a fun twist on a classic activity. Treat bags for all! Friday-Saturday nights, all October. $14/adults, $12/kids under 12.
RECOMMENDED FOR TEENS ONLY
Dead End Hayride
Date: 09/18/2026 - 11/01/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Pinehaven Farm, 28186 Kettle River Blvd, Wyoming, MN, 55092
Ride the Dead End Hayride through a deep, dark 160-acre wood and farmland. After encountering zombies, cannibal families, flying goblins-wielding-chainsaws and other deranged horror scenes while on the creepy hayride, guests can explore haunted houses. Onsite food trucks, beverages, bonfires round out the night. Make a day of it and visit Pinehaven Farm and the Great Pumpkin Trail. Recommended for ages 13+, no one under 10 admitted.
Landmark Gangster Ghost Tour
Date: 10/28/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
Could Landmark Center be haunted by St Paul’s most infamous residents? Cross paths with a few shady characters on this interactive tour. This would be a fitting Halloween event for tweens or teens who are fascinated by living history. Recommended for ages 12+.
ValleyScare
Date: 10/30/2026 7:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Location: Valleyfair & Superior Shores Waterpark, 1 Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee, MN, 55379
Best for teens & tweens, ValleyScare is back by popular demand. This seasonal event is more thematically intense with haunted mazes, Scare Zones, and spooky live shows. Parental discretion is advised. Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats event is suggested for those who prefer a milder Halloween experience. Fridays & Saturdays, September 19 – October 31, 2026. Tickets: $39.99-$54.99
ValleyScare
Date: 10/31/2026 7:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Location: Valleyfair & Superior Shores Waterpark, 1 Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee, MN, 55379
Best for teens & tweens, ValleyScare is back by popular demand. This seasonal event is more thematically intense with haunted mazes, Scare Zones, and spooky live shows. Parental discretion is advised. Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats event is suggested for those who prefer a milder Halloween experience. Fridays & Saturdays, September 19 – October 31, 2026. Tickets: $39.99-$54.99
SCARIEST OF THEM ALL
These fear-fests are best left to the teens who want maximum thrills. It’s likely Mom and Dad won’t be along for the ride. Take comfort knowing we’ve chosen attractions based on a minimum recommended age and a no-contact policy.
Scream Town
Date: 09/25/2026 - 10/31/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Scream Town, 7410 US-212, Chaska, MN, 55318
I warily recall Scream Town (known as Spooky World if you grew up in the ’90s) being the scariest haunt around when I was a teen. And while personally, I don’t think my own teen is anywhere near ready to tackle the terrors, it may be a good fit for yours. Scream Town officially claims to be recommended for ages 10 and up. One ticket price gets you inside 5-7 incredibly frightening themed attractions plagued by unspeakable creatures, creepy undead and blind alleys; tour as many times as you dare. Parents are admitted FREE to the park, but will have to stay on the sidelines while their teens brave the horrors. Times and prices vary.
The Haunting Experience
Date: 09/25/2026 - 10/31/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Zywiec’s Garden Center, 10900 E. Pt. Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016
One ticket is all you need for a screamfest: venture through the haunted house and scare yourself silly on the hayride. You know your teen best. The attraction suggests visitors be at least 12.
ESCAPE ROOMS
– an alternative to Halloween
My teen isn’t one for guts and gore, but he does go crazy for the thrill and challenge of an escape room. These are interactive, themed puzzles that get the adrenaline flowing. The games usually last about an hour. Each escape room holds a small group of people (8 to 10 – book with friends or take a chance with strangers). Participants work together to find clues to solve a mystery or mission and escape the room. We’ve rounded up what we think could be the best Twin Cities escape rooms for an alternative Halloween outing.
**If you are looking for the more spooky side of Halloween, Minnesota Haunted Houses keeps a list of haunted houses and other attractions geared to adults and families with older children.
We hope this list has given you a few ideas of where your tween or teen could get into the Halloween “spirit”. Remember, we’re also dying to share our ultimate Twin Cities Halloween Guide if you dare…
Want to make Halloween fun at home? You can find simple DIY, festive activities here.
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis and St Paul!
More Fun Ideas for October fun with Teens & Tweens
- PICK APPLES It’s getting toward the end of orchard season, so hurry!
- FLASHLIGHT CORN MAZES Some of the bigger mazes are really best for teen and up and some offer flashlight nights!
- TRICK OR TREAT My teen isn’t ready to give up on all the Halloween candy he gets trick or treating. Follow the link to find a list of Minneapolis and Saint Paul rec centers that will have treats for any kids (including teens) who stop by on Halloween.
- VIEW HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS We’ve gathered a list of spooky houses and cool Halloween walks around the Twin Cities.
We hope these events specifically geared towards teens and tweens help you get ready for a spooky and fun Halloween in the Twin Cities. From haunted houses to pumpkin patches to slightly scarier movies, we believe we’ve collected the best events and activities to do with teens and tweens. But, if we missed anything, leave us a comment, so we can share your ideas with the community!
I plan on trying a new haunted house in Inver Grove Heights (494 & Robert Trail)
Thank you, Shawn. We will definitely take a look at this for next year.