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?
Halloween Partner
Lava Island OPENING SOON
Lava Island is OPENING SOON in Eden Prairie!
Over 40,000 sq ft of screen-free fun for the whole family to play together. Get ready for trampolines, slides, 3-level jungle gym, foam pits, Jacob's ladder, jump tower, jump bag, toddler area, themed party rooms, & a delicious in-house cafe serving up family favorites!
Join our VIP list today to score a FREE All-Day Pass offer and be the first to know our open date - plus get early access to our Grand Opening Event!
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.Â
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
Union Depot Ghost Tours
Date: 09/05/2025 - 10/31/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN, 5510190-minute guided tour of Union Depot exploring the supernatural history. Various times, September 5th-October 31st, 2025. Tickets $27.47.
Parkers Lake Cemetery Tour
Date: 09/22/2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Parkers Lake Cemetery, 1700 Niagara Lane North, Plymouth, MN, 55447Go on an evening tour of Parkers Lake Cemetery on Thursday evenings in October. The guided tour will include stories, facts and interesting information as the group explores the cemetery at dusk. Registration encouraged. FREE. Open to the Public.
SPLURGE: Great Wolf Lodge Howl-O-Ween
Date: 09/25/2025 - 10/31/2025 4:00 pm - 11:00 am
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 1700 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN, 55425Want 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.
Family Fun Idea: Hike to Witch's Hat Tower
Date: 10/01/2025 - 10/31/2025 6:00 am - 11:59 pm
Location: Tower Hill Park, 55 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414This 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.
Robbinsdale Birdtown Boo Bash (FREE)
Date: 10/03/2025 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Sanborn Park, 4237 Shoreline Drive, Robbinsdale, MN, 55422Celebrate Halloween in Robbinsdale with free family festivities. Wear your costumes and enjoy treats, games and crafts, music and a movie at dusk.Â
Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus (FREE)
Date: 10/03/2025 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Como Midway Pavilion, 1199 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN, 55103The 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, including a costume contest, beginning at 6pm.Â
Romanian Monsters, Vampires and Undead Myths (FREE)
Date: 10/05/2025 - 10/26/2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102Visit Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans (HORA) at the Landmark Center on Sundays in October. Explore the complex mythology of the monsters of Romania — strigoi, varcolaci, moroi, and vampires, oh my! Exhibit is suitable for all ages. Open Sundays 1-3pm.
LIZZIE: The Rock Musical
Date: 10/09/2025 - 11/08/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: Open Eye Theatre, 506 East 24th Street , Minneapolis, MN, 55407If 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 langauge is used. One and a half hours with one intermission. Tickets $15-$35/pp.
Read the Book: There are a lot of books about Lizzie Borden with a lot of differing opinions. This one is written a level for older children and teens: Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century.
Anoka Ghosts Walking Tours
Date: 10/09/2025 - 10/31/2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Anoka County Historical Society, 2135 North Third Avenue, Anoka, MN, 55303A 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. Tickets: $21.05/pp. Tours at 7pm.
- October 9-11th
- October 16-18th
- October 20-31
Haunted History Trolley Tours
Date: 10/10/2025 - 10/25/2025 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater, MN, 55082Costumed characters share ghost stories from Stillwater’s haunted past. Select dates October 10-25, 2025. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm. Tickets: $54/pp.
Locally Grown Theatre: Dracula (FREE)
Date: 10/12/2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Shepard Farm, 8946 70th Street S, Cottage Grove, MN , 55016A stage-adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire tale set at Shepard Farm, the Cottage Grove unit of Dodge Nature Center. You’ll need to bring your own seating and prepare to be outdoors. Note to caregivers: this story presents death and violence (just like the book). Best for ages 10+. October 10-12, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm.Â
Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol
Date: 10/16/2025 - 10/25/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., Saint Paul, MN, 55155Explore 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. Tickets: $12-$16/pp. Pre-Register. Selling out quickly.
Courthouse by Candlelight
Date: 10/16/2025 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater, MN, 55082Listen 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. Cost is $10/pp.Â
Graveyard Ghost Stories
Date: 10/17/2025 8:40 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Minnesota Streetcar Museum - Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410Scary stories told by the graveyard after your trolley ride! October 17, 2025, 8:30pm. SOLD OUT.
Mendota Heights Trick-or-Teeing (FREE)
Date: 10/18/2025 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Par 3 Golf Course, 1695 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118Play 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.
A Streetcar Named Expire
Date: 10/24/2025 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Minnesota Streetcar Museum - Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410Mildly frightening streetcar ride! 7-10pm. Fare: $5/ride $12/all night.
Tommy Express Tunnel of Terror!!
Date: 10/24/2025 - 10/25/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Tommy Express Car Wash, 4252 122nd Avenue NE, Blaine, MN, 55449Admission includes a Works Car Wash in a haunted tunnel. October 24-25, 2025; 7-9pm. $25/car.
Wayzata Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
Date: 10/25/2025 11:15 am - 11:45 am
Location: The Great Lawn, 851 Lake Street East, Wayzata, MN, 55391Join a FREE pie eating contest for prizes and bragging rights. October 25, 2025. 11:15-11:45pm. (Got younger sibs? Bring them along for the Boo Bash after the contest).
Thrill Uptown (FREE)
Date: 10/25/2025 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Seven Points, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403Thrill Kenwood has been re-invented in its 16th year as Thrill Uptown 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).
Pumpkins & Power Tools (FREE)
Date: 10/26/2025 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Fulton Beer Taproom, 414 N 6th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55401What to do when a kitchen knife won’t cut it and you need some drill power? The Minneapolis Tool Library has got you covered with its annual Pumpkins & Power Tools event at Fulton Brewing in Minneapolis. It’s family friendly, free, and includes the use of the library’s tool catalog: drills, drill bits, linoleum cutters, awl, etc. Any proceeds from your food and beverage purchases support the mission of the tool library. Event is FREE to attend (donations appreciated); pumpkins will be for sale. RSVP appreciated.
Wicked Sing-A-Long
Date: 10/29/2025 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Nicollet Island Park & Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401Halloween Zumba, Trick or Treat & Photo Booth
Date: 10/31/2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Brackett Field Park, 2728 S 39th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55406Pre-register to attend this FREE Halloween Zumba party! Wear your costume for dancing, treats and family fun. All ages welcome. FREE. Pre-Register.
- 5:30-6:30pm: Zumba
- 6:30-7:30pm: Halloween photo booth and treats and hot cider.
MLK Youthline Halloween Hangout
Date: 10/31/2025 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55409Halloween games with prizes, candy and watch a classic Halloween movie. Ages 10-17, please. Free.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf
Date: 10/31/2025 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Lilli Putt Miniature Golf & Family Entertainment Center, 1349 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapis, MN, 55435Mildly 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. $15/adults, $13/kids under 12.
Silly Miss Tilly's All Day Halloween Karaoke Party!
Date: 10/31/2025 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Ave North, Suite 4, Saint Paul, MN, 55104Can Can Wonderland and Silly Miss Tilly will host a family-friendly Karaoke Costume Party. Included with admission $16/pp.
Eagan Spooktactular Skate
Date: 10/31/2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN, 55122Enjoy a late skate with lights and ice bumper cars at Eagan Civic Arena. $4/Adults; $3/kids; $8/Ice Bumper Car Rides.
More Late Skates:
- November 7, 2025
- November 14, 2025
- November 21, 2025
- December 5, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Halloween Costume Soccer Game
Date: 10/31/2025 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Longfellow Park, 3435 36th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406Teens 15+ and adults are invited to dress up in costume to play soccer at Longfellow Park. Registration requested. $5/pp.
Spooky Trains
Date: 11/01/2025 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd Ste 8, St Paul, MN , 55114Night 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+.
- Three Saturdays: October 18th & 25th & November 1st, 2025, from 3-7pm.
- Find: Holiday Night Trains information here.
Halloween BeltramiScare (FREE)
Date: 11/01/2025 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Beltrami Park, 1111 Summer St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413Bare Bones Halloween Extravaganza
Date: 11/02/2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55407The annual Halloween puppet extravaganza is back to its traditional glory. Dress warm and bring your own seating. October 30 – November 2, 2025. Cost is a pay-what-you-can model with $20/pp recommended donation.
RECOMMENDED FOR TEENS ONLY
ValleyScare
Valleyfair Amusement Park, 1 Valley Fair Dr., Shakopee, MN 55379
Perfect for Teens & Tweens, ValleyScare is back by popular demand. Tricks And Treats remains for those who prefer a milder event. This event is more intense and parental discretion is advised. September 20 – November 1, 2025Â (Select Fridays and Saturdays). $39.99-$54.99 – Learn More & Buy Tickets Here.
St. Paul Scary Movie Series: Scream (R)
Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Griggs Park hosts the second of four Halloween themed movies. Pack some snacks and warm blankets to cuddle up in. The movie starts dusk. October 10, 2025
St. Paul Scary Movie Series: I Know What You Did Last Summer (R)Â
Mears Park, 221 5th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Continuing with Saint Paul’s Halloween themed outdoor movies, this one is a scarier one. Pack some snacks and warm blankets to cuddle up in. The movie starts dusk. October 17, 2025
St. Paul Scary Movie Series: The Sixth Sense (PG-13)
Harriet Island Regional Park, Â 110 Harriet Island Rd, St Paul, MN 55107
The final Halloween themed outdoor movie of St. Paul’s 2025 series. Pack some snacks and warm blankets to cuddle up in. The movie starts dusk. October 24, 2025
Landmark Gangster Ghost Tour
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. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 6-9pm. Recommended for ages 12+. Tickets/$10. Tours on the half hour.
Dead End Hayride
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. September 19-November 2, 2025. Â Tickets $20-$87.
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
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. September 26-November 1, 2025. Tickets: $20+.
The Haunting Experience
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. September 26-November 1, 2025Â at 7pm. $27.32+.
The Krypt –Â Haunted Warehouse
Local Motion, 1250 Zane Avenue North, Golden Valley, MN 55422
A 20,000 square foot haunted warehouse. Open Friday & Saturday, 6:30-10pm, October 10-25, 2025 plus Halloween night. Best for ages 13+. Tickets $10/advance; $20 /door.Â
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 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.
More Fun Ideas for October fun with Teens & Tweens:
- Pick Apples – It’s getting toward the end of orchard season, so hurry!
- Get lost in a corn maze. 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.