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 family Halloween activities organized by regions of the Twin Cities metro area. All of these events require a fee and some require registration.
Countdown to Halloween
MULTIPLE TWIN CITIES LOCATIONS
Some companies with locations around the Twin Cities offer family Halloween activities at more than one location. We’ll list those here.
What We Are Watching
Marcus Theatres (Shakopee, Oakdale & Rosemount) | In the past, Marcus Theatres has offered special Halloween prices for family films.
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Fall Weather Science Box
Halloween Nocturnal Animals Box
Halloween Slime Lab Box
Halloween Sweet Science Box
Get spooky with our affiliate partner, Green Kids Crafts! We’ve got a fun promotion for their Halloween-themed boxes. Use code “SPOOKY” for 15% off on these select boxes from now until October 31.
MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Family Halloween activities offered at Minneapolis and St. Paul Parks, museums and more.
Any Time: Frankenstein’s Laboratory Exhibit
Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Yes, this is a permanent exhibit that you can visit any time, but what better time than during the month of October? General Admission $6-11/pp.
By Appointment: Autumn Crafting
Heartfelt Crafts | 4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Open 10am-4pm Monday through Saturday, Heartfelt’s Autumn Craft selections include Halloween crafts.
Before October 31st: Doll-O-Ween Challenge
Leonardo’s Basement | 150 West 60th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Back for a second year, The Doll-O-Ween Challenge lets participants channel their inner Sid Phillips with a fashion doll makeover. Pick up a pack of 10 dolls and re-imagine them for this Halloween challenge. $25.00/Team. Sign up and learn more here.
Oct 16-17, 2021: Farmer Ken & Jan’s Pumpkin Patch
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | 4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
12:30-4pm. $3/ride pp, under 3 free, pumpkins $6/each.
Oct 20-31, 2021: Spooky Quest
Bell Musuem | 2088 Larpenteur Ave W., St Paul, MN 55113
Go on a mysterious mission through the museum. Complete the tasks for a chance to win prizes. Museum Admission $9-$12/pp.
Oct 23, 2021: Transylvania Trolley
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | 4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Non-scary Halloween trolley ride. Wear your costume and get a treat! 12:30-4pm. $3/pp, under 3 free.
Oct 23 & 30, 2021: Haunted ROUNDhouse
Jackson Street Roundhouse | 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
All the fun of the Jackson Street Roundhouse (train rides, too) with a slightly spooky air. Ross Sutter will perform family music, plus treat bags & a scavenger hunt with prizes. $7-$15/pp or $45/family.
Oct 23 & 30, 2021: Spooky Trains – Night Trains
Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum | 668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
Night Trains beings with a two-weekend “spooky trains” edition complete with treats. Costumes are welcome. $15/pp age 4+.
Oct 24, 2021: Trick ‘r Trolley – CANCELLED
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | 4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Ride, story and treat. Sells out fast. Pre-purchase tickets here. 1, 2 & 3pm, $5/pp.
Oct 30, 2021: Bike-O-Ween
Lake Nokomis | 2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, US 55417
Bring your bike, get a decorating kit and try out the Bike Skills Course. Treats, donut holes, hot coffee and juice boxes for all! Masks encouraged. Register for a Specific Time Slot Here. 9, 10 or 11am, $5/pp.
Oct 30-31, 2021: Minnesota Spooky Skies
Bell Planetarium | 2088 Larpenteur Ave W., St Paul, MN 55113
Watch a planetarium show to learn about spooky specters in the night sky. Plays continually throughout the day. Planetarium Tickets $6-$8/pp.
What We Are Watching
More Minneapolis Parks |
We continue to watch the MPRB website for additional Halloween activities.
NORTHWEST METRO FAMILY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
Includes family Halloween activities in Anoka, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Dayton, Elk River, Fridley, Maple Grove, Plymouth & St Anthony.
Oct 7, 2021: Clay Sugar Skull Class
Rumriver Art Center | Anoka
Learn about Day of the Dead as you make your own sugar skull. Ages 7+ Registration required. 6pm-8pm, Price: $25/project.
Toddler Pumpkin Costume on Amazon
Oct 9, 2021: Trick-or-Trot
New Hope Civic Center Park
Trick-or-treat on trails lit by colorful lights, pumpkin painting, carnival games, DJ and scavenger hunt. Movie “Hotel Transylvania” starts at 7:30 p.m. $10/pp.
Oct 12 or 15, 2021: My Child & Me: Eco Art – Spooky Smoke Drawing
Silverwood Park
Explore outdoors, learn about spiders and other creatures of the night, make a drawing using smoke. Ages 7-12 with adult. Reservations required. $8/pp
OCT 16, 2021: DIY Clay Haunted House
Rumriver Art Center | Anoka
Hand build your own clay haunted house. Ages 8+. Registration required. 10am-12pm, Price: $30/pp.
Oct 18 & 25, 2021: Bingo Night
American Legion | Anoka
Play Bingo for prizes. Costumes welcome. 25 cents/card.
Oct 20, 2021: Boo Bash
Brookview Community Center, 316 Brookview Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55426
Parent/Preschooler program for kids 1 1/2 to five years old. Create a black cat, ghost or jack-o-lantern with paint and clay. Costumes welcome (but plan to get messy). 6pm-7pm. Register by Oct. 13. $20/child.
Oct 22, 2021: Halloween Hike
Quaking Bog – Theodore Wirth Park | Minneapolis
Kids 7-12 years old hike through Quaking Bog with spooky games, a scavenger hunt and treats. Sponsored by Crystal Parks. 9:30-12pm, $15/pp.
Oct 22, 2021: Brooklyn Center Halloween Party
Centennial Park
Ages 2-12 can trick-or-treat down the trail before doing a little BOOgie at the amphitheater.. 5:30-7:30pm. $2/child.
Oct 22, 2021: Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Dance
Tom Ryan Park | Blaine
Flashlight pumpkin hunt, outdoor dance, S’mores, Halloween Games. Costume Contest. Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Registration required. 7-8:30pm, Price: $15-$16/pp.
Oct 23, 2021: Pumpkin Night in the Park
Springbrook Nature Center | Fridley
Enchanted trails, costumed characters, kids dance, glowing pumpkins, and food. This year, there will be no gate admission. $10/pp. Learn more and register here.
Oct 23, 2021: Halloween Family Fun Day
Weaver Lake Park | Maple Grove
Activities, crafts and treats aimed at kids ages 2-8. $6/child; pre-registration is required.
Oct 23, 2021: Spooky Spiders
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park | Brooklyn Park
Hunt for spiders; learn spider body parts and why spiders are important to the environment. Then make spiderweb art. $5.00/pp. 1:00pm-2:30pm.
Oct 24, 2021: Medallion Hunts
Anoka Nature Preserve
Kids & Family Hunt 12pm-2pm; All Ages Hunt 2:30-4:30pm. $3 Halloween Button Required.
Oct 27, 2021: My Preschooler & Me: Puppet Escapades: Halloween Fun
Eastman Nature Center | Dayton
Kids ages 2-6 w/ a caregiver can explore nature through an outdoor fun Halloween-themed puppet show. Pre-Registration Required. 10-11am, FULL.
Oct 30, 2021: Halloween Geocaching
French Regional Park
Explore the park on a geocaching adventure full of Halloween surprises. Small treat bags provided at the end. Equipment provided. Reservations required. 1:00-3:00pm, $10/pp.
Oct 30, 2021: Not-So-Spooky Mystery
Eastman Nature Center | Dayton
Help solve a mystery! Gather clues in the woods and earn treats. Costumes encouraged. Register for Activity #4ENC2200 by 10/23; Choose a 30-minute timeslot. 10-4:15pm, $8/pp.
Oct 30, 2021: Trick-or-Treat Geocaching
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Register for one of two time slots to geocache for Halloween Treats. $10/pp. 10:00a -12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Oct 31, 2021: Halloween Pancake Breakfast
American Legion, Anoka
Pancakes, sausage, and beverages. $7.00 at the door; Kids under 6 eat free.
Oct. 31, 2021: Halloween Family Day
Color Me Mine | Maple Grove
Celebrate Halloween in the studio. Bring treat bags for the kids. Studio Fee $15/family. Items extra.
NORTHEAST METRO FAMILY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
Includes family Halloween activities in Lake Elmo, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, White Bear Lake & Wyoming.
Oct 30-31, 2021: 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.
Kids Firefighter Costume from Amazon
Oct 29, 2021: Little Goblins Costume Party
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
For kids 8 and under, carnival games, crafts, refreshments, photo opportunities and a guided flashlight hike. Costumes encouraged. 6pm-8pm. Fee: $10/pp. Registration is required.
Oct 30, 2021: Halloween Spooktacular at Harriet Alexander Nature Center
Live owls w/Wildlife Science Center, Outdoor story trail & carnival games, Barrel train rides by Kaptain Kirby, Indoor Halloween craft, Fireside music by Bill Cagley, Trunk & Treat organized by Calvary Church youth, Free refreshments. $7.50-$8.50/child, registration required.
Oct 30, 2021: Tamarack Trick or Treat
Tamarack Nature Center | White Bear Lake
A low-key, non-scary event for kids pre-k through elementary with a parent. Play in Discovery Hollow, see live animals, participate in games and activities and get treats. Start times: 3:00, 3:30, 3:40 or 4:00 p.m. Activities take approximately 75 minutes to complete. Fee: $7.50/child, $3.50/adult. Registration is required.
Oct 30, 2021: 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. There will be a costume parade and a DJ. Decorating and Dressing up Encouraged. $5/RSVP. 2pm-4pm.
What We Are Watching
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..
SOUTHEAST METRO FAMILY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
Includes family Halloween activities in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota, Savage, Shafer, West St Paul and Woodbury.
Oct 1-Nov 7, 2021: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Minnesota Zoo | Apple Valley
Back for a 3rd year, a trail through an enchanted forest features over 5,000 illuminated and creatively carved pumpkins while a variety of musical vignettes and fog create a seasonal back drop for this family friendly fall outing. Begins 7pm. Tickets $20/pp. Advanced purchase required.
Zombie Girl $23.69 – Amazon link.
Oct 8, 2021: Halloween Family Day – Spooky Trivia
Color Me Mine | Woodbury
Celebrate Halloween in the studio. Cheese pizza, a beverage and paint the item of your choice. Studio Fee $12.50/family. Items extra.
Oct 8, 2021: Halloween Family Day – Spooky Trivia
Color Me Mine | Eagan
Celebrate Halloween in the studio. $25/group. Items extra.
Oct 21, 2021: Nature after Dinner: Nature Glows
Dodge Nature Center | West St Paul
Use a UV flashlight to search the woods after dark for what might be glowing bright at night. Designed for Ages 3-8 with adults. Preregistration is required. 6:30pm-7:30pm, $5/pp
Oct 22, 2021: Ghostly Gathering
Veterans Memorial Community Center | Inver Grove Heights
Family-friendly, non-scary event for kids ages 2-12, with trick-or-treating, activities, photo booth and a DJ. Preregistration is required by October 18th. 6pm-8pm, $8/child.
Oct 23, 2021: 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 2-12. 3pm-5pm, $10/pp advance. Sells out fast.
Oct 23, 2021: Scary Skate
Veterans Memorial Community Center | Inver Grove Heights
Open Skate with costumes. 6:30pm-8pm, $4/pp.
Oct 23, 2021: Haunted Forest
Steve Michaud Park | Lakeville
Trick-or-treat through a maze made for little kids. Bigger kids can explore a Haunted Forest Trail, watch a Haunted Bonfire Puppet Show, go on a Halloween Hayride and grab a free pumpkin. 5:30pm-8:00pm. $10/vehicle.
Oct 23, 2021: Nosferatu with Live Musical Score by Dreamland Faces
Franconia Sculpture Park | Shafer
This 1922 Horror film is considered “moderately” frightening by reviewers on IMBD. If you want to preview the movie to decide if it is appropriate for your children, Google it and you’ll find it steaming in a few places. 9pm-11pm, $5/vehicle to park.
Oct 22-23, 2021: Autumn Harvest
Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
Stations will include historical activities, seasonal games, scavenger and medallion hunts, Morse code station, shops, and demos. More details to be announced. 1-6pm, $5/pp.
Oct 29, 2021: 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 30, 2021: Eagan Halloween Trail Walk
Dress up and explore “Legends Crossing” while visiting trick or treat stations and playing games. A local DJ will share music. 11am-3pm, $5/child; Adults free with food donation. Pre-registration required.
What We Are Watching
Halloween Hoopla | Dodge Nature Center, West St Paul
Party with face painting, slithery friends, dancing, marshmallows over a bonfire, games and treats. 2pm-5pm, $8/pp advance, $12/pp day of.
SOUTHWEST METRO FAMILY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
Includes family Halloween activities in Bloomington, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Hopkins, Prior Lake, Richfield, Shakopee, St Louis Park & Victoria
Sep 10-Oct 31, 2021: Severs Fall Festival
3121 150th Street West, Shakopee
Fall Festival and pumpkin patch. $17/pp. Reserve tickets online.
Sep 25-Oct 31, 2021: Screamin’ Green Haunt Town
Crayola Experience | MOA
Halloween themed activities, including on-site trick-or-treating and more. Usually 22.99-24.99.
Sep 18-Oct 31, 2021: Scarecrows in the Garden
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum | Chaska
Open daily 9am-6pm, Tour the scarecrows created by Bachman’s scarecrow experts. $15/Ages 16+; Free 15 & under. Reserve tickets online.
Oct. 2- 31, 2021: The Great Pumpkin Festival
Valleyfair | Shakopee
Valleyfair’s non-scary daytime family companion to Halloween Haunt. (If you are thinking about buying a season pass, now is a good time to do it. Get unlimited visits to The Great Pumpkin Festival.) Sat & Sun, hours vary. Prices start at $35 plus parking.
Oct. 17 & 30, 2021: Step Into the Story: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
The Landing | Shakopee
Explore deeper into this classic Halloween story and complete a related craft. 12:30pm-2:30pm, $10/pp.
Oct. 19 & 26, 2021: My Preschooler & Me: Pumpkins
The Landing | Shakopee
Outdoor program for kids ages 3-6 and a parent. 10:00am-11:00am, $5/pp.
Oct. 22 & 23, 2021: Westwood Annual Halloween Party
Westwood Hills Nature Center | St Louis Park
Come in costumes and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Friday or Saturday 6:30-9:30pm, $9-$12/pp, pre-registration required.
Oct. 23, 2021: Half-Haunted Halloween
Wood Lake Nature Center | Richfield
Stations include the trick or treat trail, a magician, games and a barn dance. Purchase tickets for specific entry time, beginning 2pm-6pm, $5/pp.
Oct. 23, 2021: Old-fashioned Trick-or-Treat
The Landing | Shakopee
Trick-or-treat the historic homes along a candlelit path, play old-fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats. 4:30pm-8:00pm, $5-10/pp.
Oct. 30, 2021: Shakopee Spooky Family Fun Night
Outdoor event will include spooky games, prizes and activities. Shakopee Lions Park. Two Sessions: 3:00-4:30 p.m. & 4:45-6:00pm; $5/kid. Pre-registration required.
OCT. 30, 2021: NOT-SO-SCARY NATURE TRAIL
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. Staring Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Prairie. 6-8pm (Register for a time slot) $11/pp.
Oct. 30, 2021: Halloween in Excelsior
Downtown Excelsior
Hold the date. More details to come.
Oct. 30, 2021: Enchanted Forest Halloween
Lowry Nature Center | Victoria
Explore the Enchanted Trail, play games, dance to the Roe Family Singers and watch the Mad Scientist. This non-scary event is perfect for young kids. 2:30-4:50pm, $6/pp, under 2 free.
Oct. 30, 2021: Halloween Party
Chanhassen Recreation Center
Trick-or-treating, socially distant activities and refreshments. Pre-register for this event. 1-3 pm. $6/child.
Oct. 30, 2021: Trunk or Treat
Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Wear a costume and bring your plastic pumpkin (or a bag) to trick or treat at decorated cars along the blocked-off parking lot. 2-5 pm. $5/child or $20/family.
Oct. 31, 2021: Old-Fashioned Halloween Party
Wood Lake Nature Center | Richfield
Part of the Sunday Specials program, play old-fashioned games, find owls, bats, and spiders on a scavenger hunt and try old-fashioned refreshments! Costumes encouraged. Limited spaces; pre-registration encouraged. 1pm-3pm, $5/pp.
What We Are Watching
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.
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
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.
Broomstick Bash | FlyOver America, MOA
Join Broomelda the witch on a spellbinding journey at FlyOver America! Aspiring witches and wizards will take part in the Broomelda’s Witch Academy where graduating is easy… just survive! $14.95-$18.95/pp.
Fantastically Spooky Ghost Trolley | Excelsior Streetcar Line
Suitable for all family members. 6-9pm, $4/pp.
Trick ‘r Trolley | Excelsior Streetcar Line
Ride, story and treat. Sells out fast. Pre-purchase tickets here. 1:30 & 2:30pm, 5/pp.
ROAD TRIP HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Oct 2, 2021: 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.
A Little Wolf Costume for the Harvest Howl via Amazon $36.27
Oct 23, 2021: Owl Prowl
International Owl Center | Houston
Owl Prowls are after dark guided searches for owls. Expect the event to last 3 hours. Participants drive their own vehicles to different locations. Note: Children are welcome, but must be able to stand quietly for at least 10 minutes at a time. 5:30pm, $15/person.
ROAD TRIP HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Oct. 22-24, 2021: Pumpkin Express Train Rides
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway | Osceola, WI
Last train leaves Dresser, to return to Osceola, at 4pm. Free pumpkins for kids, games and rides, music and performances included w/ tickets. 9:30am -1:30pm on the hour. Tickets: $20, Age 2: FREE.
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