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?
We’ve rounded up 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 teens (and adults) who are comfortable with independent outings. Please, please drop us a comment if you have more ideas. This year is rough for our teens and tweens.
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 & TWEENS
MILD CHILLS
Walking Ghost Tours of Anoka
Sept 16-Oct 31, 2022
Anoka County Historical Society, 2135 North 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303
A Guided Tour of Anoka with stories about “odd happenings and eerie encounters” best for ages 8+ because there is approximately 1 mile of walking involved. $14/pp.
St. Paul Movies in the the Park: Hocus Pocus
Sept 30, 2022
Como Midway Picnic Pavilion, 1199 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
Saint Paul traditionally offers spooky movies all October (This is the only movie appropriate for all ages. See more below). Movies typically start at dusk, but can start earlier or later and are weather dependent. Call 651-266-6400 for updates. FREE.
The Phantom of the Opera: Silent Film with Live Music featuring Aaron David Miller, organ
Oct 2, 2022
Northrop Auditorium Carlson Family Stage, 84 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Watch a screening of this 1925 silent film accompanied by live pipe organ. 3:00pm. Also available to stream through October 9th. Live Show: $14-$21/pp. Streaming: $10/household.
Courthouse by Candlelight
Oct 6 & 13, 2022
Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Listen to mildly spooky stories while walking the halls of the Historic Courthouse at night by candlelight. Explore the areas typically closed to the public, 7-9:30pm. $10/pp.
Robbinsdale Movie in the Park – Frankenweenie
October 7, 2022
Sanborn Park, 4242 Drew Avenue, Robbinsdale MN 55422
Watch an October movie favorite at a park screening. 7pm-8:30pm. FREE.
Haunted History Trolley Tours
Oct 13-22, 2022
Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Costumed characters share ghost stories from Stillwater’s haunted past. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 8:45pm & 9:30pm. $45/pp.
Graveyard Ghost Stories
Oct 21, 2022
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Scary stories told by the graveyard! 8:30pm. $15/pp.
Franc ‘N’ Stein: Halloween and Octoberfest Celebration
October 15, 2022
Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 Saint Croix Trail, Shafer, MN 55074
The event includes tours, Trick-or-Treat Hayrides in the Park, art-making activities, dog costume contest, live polka and the Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-a-Long followed by a bonfire with cider and s’mores. Event begins at noon. Movie begins at 6:30pm, $5/vehicle to park.
Anoka Movie Night in the Park – Hotel Transylvania 2
October 25, 2022
George Green Park, 1498 6th Ave S, Anoka MN 55303
Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks. 7pm Movie. FREE.
Bare Bones Halloween Extravaganza
Oct 28-31, 2022
Midtown Greenway, 2828 11th Avenue S, Mpls, MN 55407,
The annual Halloween puppet extravaganza is back to its traditional glory. Dress warm and bring your own seating. There will be no hay bales this year. 7pm-8pm. $20/pp. Pre-Purchased Tickets recommended.
A Streetcar Named Expire
October 29, 2022
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Mildly frightening streetcar ride! 7pm-10pm. $4/pp.
Halloween Costume Contest
October 29, 2022
Mischief Toy Store, 818 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Stop by Mischief to participate in their annual costume contest and have your photo added to their costume wall. The first 24 entrants will receive a FREE French toilet golf game! While you are there, grab a cookie to celebrate Mischief’s 7th Birthday. 12pm-5pm. FREE.
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APPROPRIATE FOR TEENS ONLY
Scary Movie Series
October 7, 2022: Scream (1996) – Rated R @ Hidden Falls
October 14, 2022: Psycho (1960) – Rated R @ Mears Park
October 21, 2022: Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Rated R @ Harriet Island
Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls Dr., Saint Paul, MN 55116
Mears Park, 221 5th St. E., Saint Paul, MN 55101
Harriet Island Target Stage, 110 Harriet Island Rd, St Paul, MN 55107
Saint Paul traditionally offers spooky movies all October. Movies typically start at dusk, but can start earlier or later and are weather dependent. Food Trucks at all of these events. Call 651-266-6400 for updates. FREE.
Chilling – Horror Film Exhibition
October 8-29, 2022
Jan Johansen Gallery, Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Avenue, Anoka MN 55303
101 Illustrations from horror films made with sharpie and white color pencil on vellum. You could take younger siblings to this, but the images are straight from our favorite horror films, so they may be disturbing for some children. Opening Night Oct. 8th 6-8pm; Artist talk Oct. 15 7-8pm. Gallery Hours.
Tricks & Treats
September 30-October 30, 2022:
Valleyfair Amusement Park, 1 Valley Fair Dr., Shakopee, MN 55379
While an all ages Tricks And Treats replaces Valleyscare Halloween Haunt in 2022, there is still something for teens and tweens. Visitors can choose between a scarier “Tricks” path or a friendlier “Treats” path. Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturdays Noon-9pm; Sundays, Noon to 8pm. Included with daily admission or season pass. Learn more and find tickets here.
Landmark Gangster Ghost Tour
October 26, 2022; 6-9pm
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St 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. 6-9pm. Recommended for ages 13+. Tickets/$10, reservations/advanced ticket purchase is required. Tours on the half hour.
From the Bowels of Heck: A Heavy-Metal Spectacle
October 27-October 30, 2022
Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Described as a cross between “This is Spinal Tap” and the “Exorcist,” this outdoor puppet show from Open Eye Theatre is recommended for ages 14+. $20/Ticket. Purchase tickets here.
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
Weekends & MEA – September 23-October 30, 2022:
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 6-7 incredibly frightening themed attractions plagued by unspeakable creatures and dead ends; 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.. $69 online; $74/door.
The Haunting Experience
Weekends and Select Dates – September 24-October 31, 2022
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. Opens at 7pm. $23-$48/pp (depending on time selected).
Reader Recommendation: Nowhere Haunted House. Offering kid-friendly, scarier and adult-only haunted opportunities! $20-$50/pp.
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 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.
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.