While there is almost no end to free Halloween fun in the Twin Cities, some events are worth paying for and may even be a good excuse for a road trip. Here we have gathered special Plan Ahead Halloween events organized by regions of the Twin Cities metro area. All of these events require a fee and some require registration.
Jump over for our monster list of FREE Halloween activities in the Twin Cities.
*This article contains Amazon and Goldstar affiliate links to Halloween costumes and discounted tickets. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission for any sales through our site.
Plan Ahead Halloween Fun All Month
10/4/20: $1 Sunday Tickets – Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters & Iron Giant | Marcus Theatres (Shakopee, Oakdale & Rosemount) | Limited capacity seating available. Masks required. Other days/times available at regular prices.
MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL HALLOWEEN EVENTS
All Month: Tour a Cave | Wabasha Street Caves – Last Chance
Older kids might enjoy the Ghosts & Caves tour ($30), but the more reasonably-priced historic cave tour will offer a fun and sufficiently spooky experience for most kids. If visiting the Wabasha Street Caves is on your bucket list. Make sure to get there this month, they will be permanently closing in November. Reservations Required: Monday & Saturday Tours. Historic Tours $10.00/pp (under 5 FREE)
Now – Oct 18, 2020: A Parliament of Owls: Children’s Art from Russia | The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis
Last chance to see this exhibit of children’s owl art from Russia. Open Daily. Admission: 0-13 Free; Students $5; Adults: $13.
Now – Oct 30, 2020: Doll-O-Ween Challenge | Leonardo’s Basement
Join a friendly competition to re-imagine fashion doll(s), transforming them into people or creatures that are hilarious or scary or profound. Paint, dress, style hair. Add or remove limbs or heads. Combine with other creatures. Place them in a wondrous diorama if you wish. Take a photo of your creation. Submit by October 30th. Sign up for a contactless pickup time or pay an extra $5 to have your doll(s) delivered. Sign up and Learn more here. ($20-$25/doll)
Oct 2, 2020: Movies in the Park: Beetlejuice (PG) | Higland Park Pavilion, St. Paul
Watch an October movie favorite at a park screening. 5:30-9:30pm $10.00/family (SOLD OUT)
Oct 9, 2020: Drive In Movie: Beetlejuice (PG) | Columbia Park, Minneapolis
Pre-Registration Required for this movie night in the park. 7:30-9:30pm $15/vehicle
Oct 9-31, 2020: Mary and Her Monster – Frankenstein Exhibit | Bakken
Yes, this is a permanent exhibit that you can visit any time, but what better time than during the month of October? General Admission $5.00/pp.
Oct 10, 2020: Movies in the Park: Poltergeist (PG) | Battle Creek Park, St. Paul
Watch an October movie favorite at a park screening. 5:30-9:30pm $10.00/family
Oct 17, 2020: Movies in the Park: The Birds (PG-13) | Mears Pavilion, St. Paul
Watch an October movie favorite at a park screening. 5-9pm $10.00/family
Oct 22-Nov 1, 2020: Spooky Science | Bell Museum of Natural History, St Paul
Visit the Bell for some spooky science activities, including owl pellet exploration, meet-and-greet a flesh eating beetle, touch & see skulls & skeletons and 1pm daily: Minnesota Spooky Skies in the planetarium. Thursday-Sunday 10am-3pm, $9-$12/pp. Advance online tickets required.
Oct 24, 2020: Halloween Craft Party with KidCreate Studio | Fuller Park, Minneapolis
Parent child program for kids 18 months to 7 years with a caregiver. Create a glow-in-the-dark starry night scene with ghosts. 9:30-10:30am. $19; Registration begins September 9th; limited openings. FULL.
Oct 24, 2020: Lake Harriet’s Haunting Good Time | Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Hayrides, moonwalks, trick or treat trail and more, Scream Contest at 4:30pm, Costume Fashion Show at 5pm!. 4-7pm. $5/pp. CANCELLED.
Oct 24 & 31, 2020: Train Shop Trick or Treat | Minnesota Transportation Museum
Haunted train car, meet a hobo by his bonfire, ride the train, enter a scavenger hunt with prizes and a costume contest, and bags of treats for the kids!. 10am-4pm. $45/family – book online.
Oct 25, 2020: SteppingStone Halloween Family Day Out | Park Square Theatre
Dress up your family and drop by for a safe afternoon of touchless trick-or-treating, dance party, pumpkin contest and outdoor performances. Register in advance.12-4pm. $20/suggested; pay as you are able.
Oct 31, 2020: Virtual or In Person Halloween Workshop | Snapology, Minneapolis
Make monster slime, Frankenstein’s laboratory and play other fiendish games. 10am-12pm. $30/child.
Oct 31, 2020: Zumbini Halloween Party for Kids and Parents | Straightline Dance, Minneapolis @ West River Parkway Green Space
Dress up and join Zumbini a 30 min Halloween themed Zumbini class featuring festive songs and dances followed by a pumpkin hunt! Participating kids will receive a Halloween goodie bag. Ages 0-4 with adult. 10am-10:45am. $20.
Oct 31, 2020: Night Trains – Opening Night Halloween Event | Twin City Model Railroad Museum
TCMRM will be open late. See “spooky” trains on the layouts, a coloring station and more! We will turn down the lights and hand out treats! 3-7pm. $15/pp; Under 5 FREE. Pre-Purchased Tickets Required.
Oct 29, 2020-Nov 1, 2020: Halloween Weekend Spooky Surprises | Children’s Museum, St. Paul
Visitors will find frightful tricks and treats throughout the building including spooky decorations, a scavenger hunt and other fun surprises. Costumes encouraged. Pre-Purchased Tickets Required. $14.95/pp. Open 9 am to 5 pm.
NORTHWEST METRO HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Includes events in Anoka, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Dayton, Elk River, Fridley, Maple Grove, Plymouth & St Anthony.
Anoka is celebrating 100 years as the Halloween Capitol of the World and has several events planned for the month.
Oct 16-17, 2020: Pumpkin Pursuit in the Parks | Fridley Parks
Interactive, team scavenger hunt Price: $25/team of up to 8 players. Choose your mission: Video, Photo, Text, and GPS. Learn more and register here.
Oct 17, 2020: DIY Clay Haunted House | Rumriver Art Center, Anoka
Hand build your own clay haunted house. Registration required. 10am-12pm, Price: $30/pp. (Find more Rumriver Halloween Themed events here).
Oct 17, 2020: Halloween Medallion Hunt | Anoka
$500.00 to the winner of the 2020 Medallion Hunt. Clues posted at 1pm on Facebook Page. Price: $3/pp.
Oct 17, 2020: Halloween Family Fun Day | Weaver Lake Pk, Maple Grove
Nearly 20 activities including monster inflatables, Dizzy Mummy, Enchanted Castle, Scarecrow Jump, Witches Ring Toss, Pumpkin Rolling, fishing in the Bottomless Well, and more. Treat bags, crafts, scream contest and a fashion show. 1-4pm. $6/child ages 2-8; pre-registration is required.
Oct 23, 2020: Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Dance | Town Square Park, Blaine
Flashlight pumpkin hunt, outdoor dance, S’mores, Flashlight Bingo, Halloween Games. Costume Contest. Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Registration required. 7-8:30pm, Price: $10-$11/pp.
Oct 24, 2020: Not-So-Scary Mystery | Eastman Nature Center, Dayton
Help solve a mystery! Gather clues in the woods and earn a prize. Costumes encouraged. Register for Activity #4ENC1570 by 10/17; Choose a 40-minute timeslot. 10-3:30pm, $2-$8/pp.
Oct 25, 2020: Pumpkin Carving | Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Carve your Halloween masterpiece. Finish with a mass pumpkin lighting and marshmallow roasting. All materials provided. 1pm-3pm, $8/pp. CANCELLED.
Oct 28, 2020: My Preschooler & Me: Bookworms Story Hour: Creepy Crawlies | Eastman Nature Center, Dayton
Kids ages 2-6 w/ a caregiver can explore nature through an outdoor storytime and creepy crawly activity. Pre-Registration Required. 10-11am, $5/pp.
Oct 28, 2020: Art When the Moon is Full:Blue Hunter’s Moon | Silverwood Park
Celebrate fall with a moonlit hike and create an art project around a fire. Reservations required. 7pm-8:30pm, $8/pp.
Oct 30, 2020: Halloween at the Creek | Plymouth Creek Center This has been replaced with a FREE event.
A family festival that includes carnival games, prizes, inflatables, prizes, treats, pizza slice, beverage, and more. Non-scary costumes encouraged. 6-9pm, $10/child; $5/adult Pre-registered. $12/door.
Oct 30, 2020: Drive-In Movie – Coco | Maple Grove Lifetime, 12601 82nd Ave N
Parking will open at 7:00 pm and the movie begins at dusk. Movie location is in the grassy area in front of Maple Grove LifeTime. 1-4pm. $20/car; pre-registration required.
Oct 30, 2020: Spooky Geocaching under the Full Moon | French Regional Park
Explore the park under the full moon on a geocaching adventure full of spooky surprises. Small treat bags provided at the end. Equipment provided. Reservations required. 7-8:30pm, $5/pp.
Oct 31, 2020: Trick-or-Treat Geocaching | Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Explore the park on a geocaching adventure complete with candy treats. Costumes encouraged. Reservations Required by 10/29/20: 9:30 am -11:30 am or 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, $5/pp.
NORTHEAST METRO HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Includes events in Lake Elmo, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, Shoreview, Stillwater, White Bear Lake & Wyoming
Oct 24, 2020: Halloween Moon Party | Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake
In place of the cancelled Tamarack Trick-or-Treat, play moon games. take a story walk, visit live animals and other fall activities at Discovery Hollow. Start times: Noon, 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3 & 3:30 p.m. $8/child, $6.50/adult. Registration is required. Call 651-266-0360 to secure your spot beginning October 5th.
Oct 24, 2020: VFC Trunk of Treat Parking Lot Dance with DJ | Valley Friendship Club-Hub, 5620 Memorial Ave, Stillwater
Bring candy to pass out from your truck, and a bag to collect candy. Decorating and Dressing up Encouraged. $5/RSVP. 2pm-4pm.
Oct 25 & 31 and Nov 1, 2020: Big Little Monster | Bruentrup Heritage Farm, Maplewood
A high-energy children’s musical in the historic barn at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm; fall treats for sale; activities around the farmyard. Adults $15, Children (12 & under) $10.
Oct 31, 2020: Little Goblins Costume Party | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
Oct 31, 2020: Kids Halloween Party | Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming
Children ages 3 to 12 may search the grounds for all the Trick OR Treat spots where they will find treats and trinkets. If children under the age of 3 want to participate, you may buy a Trick or Treating bag for $3 at admissions. Wearing of costumes is highly encouraged. 10am to 3pm, Pre-purchased tickets required: $14/pp.
Oct 31, 2020: Little Goblins Costume Party | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
For ages 8 and under. Carnival games and crafts, refreshments, photo opps, and a flashlight hike. Costumes encouraged for all! Pre-registration is required. 1pm-3pm, $8/child plus tax, adults free.
SOUTHEAST METRO HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Includes events in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Mendota, Savage & West St Paul
Oct 1, 2020: Film Series: BeetleJuice | Lakeville Area Arts Center – Cancelled
In person tickets are spaced to adhere to current social distancing guidelines and are limited to 25% capacity. 7pm. Tickets: $8.00.
Oct 14, 2020: Film Series: The Nightmare Before Christmas | Lakeville Area Arts Center
In person tickets are spaced to adhere to current social distancing guidelines and are limited to 25% capacity. 7pm. Tickets: $8.00.
Oct 17, 2020: Franc ‘n’ Stein | Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer
Family-friendly art-making activities, including: pumpkin carving; face painting; spooky spin art; and Halloween button-making, Outdoor Film Screening of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie! Family Event. 3pm-10pm, $5/vehicle to park.
Oct 24, 2020: Halloween Hoopla | Ojibway Park, Woodbury
Search for a mini pumpkin to decorate, tick-or-treat, play Halloween games, a photo booth and costume prizes! Ages 3-12. 3pm-5pm, $8/pp advance. SOLD OUT.
Oct 24, 2020: Candlelit Tours at LeDuc | LeDuc Historic Estate, Mendota
A guided candlelit tour of the 1866 Gothic Revival Mansion. The tour, you will explore the history of Victorian spiritualism and séances. Recommended for ages 13+. 7-9pm. $8-$10/pp.
Oct 25, 2020: Halloween Trail Walk | Eagan Community Center
Dress up and explore Central Park trails and walkaways full of activity and photo stations. Treat bag for all participants. 3-7pm, $3/child; Adults free with food donation.
Oct 28, 2020: Bats of Minnesota | Dodge Nature Center, West St Paul
Join Dodge naturalist Jeff Boland to explore the nocturnal lives of bats in Minnesota, play bat games and look for our flying friends at dusk. Children ages 2 and under are free. Preregistration is required. 6pm-7pm, $8/pp.
10/30/20: Halloween Fest On The Go | Lac Lavon, Burnsville
Family-friendly event includes a drive-thru illuminated trick-or-treat trail. Space is limited – Register early. 5:30-8:30pm, $10/vehicle.
Oct 31, 2020: Film Series: Hocus Pocus | Lakeville Area Arts Center
In person tickets are spaced to adhere to current social distancing guidelines and are limited to 25% capacity. 7pm. Tickets: $8.00.
SOUTHWEST METRO HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Includes events in Bloomington, Chanhassen, Chaska, Crystal, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Hopkins, Prior Lake, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park & Victoria
10/1/20-10/31/20: Screamin’ Green Haunt Town | Crayola Experience, MOA
Halloween themed activities, including on-site trick-or-treating, a colorful new scavenger hunt and more. Get ready to get ZOMBIFIED with zombie crafts as well as pose with themed character cut-outs and enjoy a live, slime-themed show. At Crayola Experience, you and the whole family can enjoy over 20 creative attractions. Get your tickets through Twin Cities Frugal Mom – $17.50. Usually 22.99-24.99.
Oct 9, 2020: Floating Pumpkin Patch | Community Center, Eden Prairie
Hunt for your pumpkin in the pool. Then decorate it at the Community Center. Pre-Register for this event. 6pm-78:30pm. $7.44/pp. SOLD OUT.
Oct 15-31, 2020: Fish or Treat | Sea Life, MOA
A spooky scavenger hunt inside the aquarium, get close to creepy cockroaches and hairy tarantula and scary sea life, a chance to win a free sting ray feed and a fruit snack at the end of your journey. Tickets: $15.99-$24.99.
Oct 16, 2020: The Great Pumpkin Path | Riley Lake Park, Eden Prairie
Carve pumpkins to be displayed in the park, then choose a time slot to walk the jack-o-lantern lit trail. Additional activities include art stations, a scavenger hunt and awards. 6-9pm, $9.30/pp.
Oct 17, 2020: Westwood Annual Halloween Party | Westwood Hills Nature Center, St Louis Park
Come in costumes and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. 6:30-9:30pm, $9-$12/pp, pre-registration required. SOLD OUT.
Oct 18, 2020: Rock Monsters | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Learn about creepy crawly creatures, hike with a naturalist and make a rock monster to take home. Supplies provided. 12pm-1:30pm, $5/pp. Register 10/26.
Oct 23, 2020: Spooktacular Paint on Canvas | Crystal Community Center
Paint on Canvas Class for kids to make a one of kind Halloween decoration masterpiece right out of a storybook. Each person gets a 16 x 20 canvas to make a combined work of art. Register by Oct. 15. Ages 6-14 with Adult. 6:30-8:30pm, $50/pair.
Oct 23, 2020: Trail of Fun Halloween Walk | Chaska Community Park
Take an outdoor spooky trail walk surrounded by jack-o-lanterns, games, trick-or-treating and more. 4pm-7pm, $5/pp (Registration for start time required).
Oct 23, 2020 & Oct 24, 2020: Not-So-Scary Nature Trail | Staring Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Prairie
Learn about all the not-so-scary things associated with Halloween. Walk the lantern-lit trail and learn about bats, owls, snakes, eagles and so much more while collecting a Halloween treat at each station. 6-8pm (Register for a time slot) $10/pp. SOLD OUT.
Oct 24, 2020: Enchanted Forest Halloween | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Visit with The Pumpkin King, stroll down Scarecrow Lane and watch the Mad Scientist Side Show. Meet larger-than-life costumed animals along the trail for treats. This non-scary event is perfect for young kids. 2:30-4:50pm, $6/pp, under 2 free. SOLD OUT.
Oct 24, 2020: Halloween Party | Chanhassen Recreation Center
Trick-or-treating, socially distant activities and refreshments. Pre-register for this event. 1-3 pm. $3/child.
Oct 24, 2020: Half-Haunted Halloween | Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield
Dress as your favorite superhero! Tickets include trick-or-treating, storytelling, Halloween dance, cocoa and cookies. 2-6pm, $5/pp. SOLD OUT.
Oct 24, 2020: Spooky Family Fun Night | Shakopee Lions Park
Outdoor event will include pumpkin painting, flashlight pumpkin hunt, cookie walk, trick-or-treating and more. 3-8pm; $5/pp. SOLD OUT.
Oct 24-31, 2020: Halloween in Excelsior | Downtown Excelsior
Hold the date for more details.
Oct 28, 2020: HALLOBOO Drive Thru | Rosland Park, Edina
A Spooktacular alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Put on your costumes, decorate your cars and finish with entertainment by DJ Bob at the park shelter. Each registered participant will receive treat bags along the route. 5-7pm (Register for a specific start time), $10/child.
Oct 29, 2020: Drive Thru Trunk or Treat | Mall of America, Bloomington
Proceeds support the American Cancer Society. Over 20 decorated trunks will line the MOA North Lot. Cars drive-thru the event and pick up candy at each trunk! Wear costumes; there is a free professional photo booth. 5-8pm (Purchase Tickets here), $10/car.
Oct 30, 2020: Literary Thrills and Chills: Candlelit Tours | The Landing, Shakopee
Shakopee. Explore after dark on guided tours along candlelit paths while completing the Literary Thrills and Chills Scavenger Hunt. 6:30pm-9:30pm, $10/pp.
Oct 31, 2020: Paint & Pumpkins | Youth Building at Shakopee Lions Park
Paint pumpkins for grandparents to take home with the grandkids. 10am-11:15am $5/child; all children must register..
Oct 31, 2020: Trick or Treat Geocaching | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Use a GPS unit to search for treasures along a trail that lead you to a final Halloween prize. All skill levels welcome. Reservations required by 10/29. $5/family. 10am-11:30am, $5/family (max 4). Register 10/26.
Oct 31, 2020: Spooky Geocaching | Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Explore the park on a geocaching adventure complete with candy and spooky surprises. Equipment provided. Pre-Register 10:30-12pm or 1 to 2:30pm, $5/pp.
Oct 31, 2020: Boo Drive-Thru | Miller Park, Eden Prairie
Drive through for costumed characters, car-window trick-or-treating, games, prizes; or park and do a spooky story stroll. 1pm-5pm, Register for your time slot. $4.65/vehicle (max 4 trick or treaters; no oversized vehicles)
ROAD TRIP HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Oct 3, 2020: Harvest Howl | Wildlife Science Center, Stacy
Live animal demos, American Indian demonstrations, pumpkin painting contests, kids games and more. 11am-4pm. $15/adults, $10/kids.
Oct 3, 2020: Owl Prowl | International Owl Center, Houston – Sold Out
Owl Prowls are after dark guided searches for owls. Expect the event to last 3 hours. There are other dates available from September through March. 6:00pm, $15/person.
Oct 24, 2020: Howl-O-Ween | Wildlife Science Center, Stacy
Trick-or-treat, haunted barn, campfire, and decorate your own trick-or-treat bag. Costumes encouraged. Food available for purchase. Leashed dogs welcome. 12-4pm. Adults/$15, kids/$10.
Oct 31, 2020: Owl Prowl | International Owl Center, Houston – Sold Out
Owl Prowls are after dark guided searches for owls. Expect the event to last 3 hours. There are other dates available from September through March. 5:30pm, $15/person.
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