Twin Cities Halloween Events for Teens & Tweens

Scary Jack-o-Lantern: "Halloween with Teens and Tweens"

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?

crowd of people in costume at Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair

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. 

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

Valleyfair Tricks & Treats

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. September 23-October 29, 2023. Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturdays Noon-9pm; Sundays, Noon to 8pm. Included with daily admission or season pass. Learn more and find tickets here.

crowd of people in costume at Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair

Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf

1349 Coon Rapids Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55433
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! Thurs-Sat nights, September 29-October 28, 2023. $15/adults, $13/kids under 12.

Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tours

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. Tour dates October 5-31, 2023. $18/pp.

Robbinsdale Movie in the Park

Sanborn Park, 4242 Drew Avenue, Robbinsdale MN 55422
Watch Despicable Me 2 outdoors in the park after dark. The screening is part of the Birdtown Boo Bash event, free and open to all ages. October 6, 2023, 5-7pm.

Haunted History Trolley Tours

Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Costumed characters share ghost stories from Stillwater’s haunted past. Select dates October 13-28, 2023. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7pm, 8:05pm & 9:10pm. Tickets: $51/pp.

Graveyard Ghost Stories

Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Scary stories told by the graveyard after your trolley ride! October 20, 2023, 8:30pm. Sold out.

The Haunted Avalon: A Puppet Theatre Showcase

The Avalon Theater, 1500 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
A a series of Halloween-themed puppet cabarets with thrills and chills at PG13 level. October 26-30, 2023, 7:30-9pm. Tickets: Adults .$35; Children $15.

Glow Golf at Birnamwood Golf Course

Birnamwood Golf Course, 12424 Parkwood Drive,  Burnsville, MN, 55337
Includes a round with glow-in-the-dark golf balls and glow sticks, as well as a brat and hot chocolate. October 27, 2023. 6:30 – 9 p.m. with tee times every 10 minutes. $20 per golfer. Register by stopping into the clubhouse or calling 952-641-1370.

Beyond the Grave Rave Event at Museum of Illusions 

Museum of Illusion, Mall of America, E Broadway 60, Bloomington, MN 55425
Museum of Illusions MOA exhibits will undergo a Halloween makeover, creating haunting photo backdrops for all guests. Costumes are highly encouraged and guests receive two tickets to the beverage bar for a Halloween-themed mocktail. Scare up some moves and dance the fright away with a live DJ for the evening. October 28, 2023; 7-9pm, Tickets: $24 online. 

Bare Bones Halloween Extravaganza

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. October 27, 28, 29, and 31, 2023. 7pm-8pm. $20/pp. Pre-purchased  and walk-up tickets available.

Barebones Halloween - Good for Families with Teens

Wayzata Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest

851 Lake St East, Wayzata, MN 55391
Join a FREE pie eating contest for prizes and bragging rights. October 28, 2023. 10am-10:30pm. (Got younger sibs? Bring them along for the Boo Bash after the contest)

Hawthorne Oachs After Hours Event at Comic Book College

Comic Book College, 1430 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113
Join Minnesota Teen musician, Hawthorne Oachs for a quirky Halloween event that includes live music and comic books. Costumes welcome. October 28, 2023, 7pm, FREE. (This is an all ages event, so you can bring younger siblings, too.)

A Streetcar Named Expire

Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Mildly frightening streetcar ride! October 28, 2023, 7pm-10pm. Fare: $5-$12/pp.

RECOMMENDED FOR TEENS ONLY

St. Paul Movies in the the Park – Night of the Living Dead (R)

Mears Park, 221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
The movie is scheduled for 6:49pm. Food trucks & activities start about 6pm. This evening entertainment is weather dependent. October 20, 2023, 6:49pm, FREE.

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. October 25, 2023, 6-9pm. Recommended for ages 13+. Tickets/$10, reservations/advanced ticket purchase is required. Tours on the half hour.

NOSFERATU – A SYMPHONY OF HORROR

Skyway Theater, 711 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Curse of the Vampire Orchestra will provide a live soundtrack to this moderately scary vampire movie from 1922. Rated PG. October 27-28, 2023. Tickets on Sale 8/25/23.

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 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 22-October 29, 2023. $25/online & up.

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 29-October 31, 2023. Opens at 7pm. $37 & up.

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.

Teen Halloween Events - Escape Rooms like The Heist

**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…


Halloween at Home

Want to make Halloween fun at home?  You can find simple DIY, festive activities here.

Halloween events on hold for 2023

Courthouse by Candlelight

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.

Halloween Costume Contest

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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