Halloween is meant to be a spooky time. The houses in your neighborhood transform into creepy displays for the strange and supernatural. Kids and adults gear up in their freakiest costumes. It can be frighteningly fun.
For parents of small children, the scares come from a different place altogether. As a mom, you may think to yourself, “finding age-appropriate, and scare-appropriate Halloween events near me is a challenge.”
Thank goodness you have Twin Cities Kids Club on your side. We put in the work, building a list of the best family-friendly Halloween events for you to enjoy this spooktastic season.
Don’t forget to become a member. Sign up today, and you will have access to all of our incredible discounts
the second you join.
Now, let’s get this scary show on the road!
Afton Apple Orchard
and Pumpkin Patch
Open seven days a week through Halloween.
Afton Apple Orchard, situated on over 250 acres of land, grows apples, pumpkins, strawberries, and raspberries. For only five dollars or four for all of your under 4-year-old kiddies, you have access to this fantastic place.
Check out their fifteen-acre corn maze. Hop on the orchard hayride for some apple picking. But best of all, come out and join in the apple festival
Valleyfair
– The Great Pumpkin Fest
Open Saturdays and Sundays through October 27th.
During daylight hours, this fair is fair game for your kiddos. Bring the whole family out for pumpkins and storytelling.
Kid-friendly attractions include;
- Rides
- Live Entertainment
- Trick or Treat Street
- Peppermint Patty’s Corn Maze
- Sally’s Craft Corner
- The Great Pumpkin Parade
And so much more!
The Minnesota Zoo
– Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Open seven days a week through November 3rd
This enchanting strolling exhibit lies in the heart of the beloved Minnesota Zoo. Featuring over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins of every conceivable shape and size, this is one attraction that is sure to please.
Accompanied by mood-setting music with a hint of fog, this trail sets the perfect tone for a night of family fun.
Anoka Grand Day Parade
October 26th- From 1:00-3:30pm
Known as the Halloween capital of the world, the city of Anoka goes all out every year. Don’t worry about scaring the kids; this parade is kid-friendly.
For over 99 years, Anoka has held the Halloween Capital title. Their Halloween parade is the largest parade in the state. You don’t want to miss it.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
– Halloween Spooktacular
October 26th-28th
Saturday and Sunday- 6:00-9:00pm
Monday- 10:00am- 1:00pm
Come out to the children’s museum for their Halloween Spooktacular. Wear your costumes, looking at you too, mom and dad.
Participate in all the Halloween festivities. Attractions include trick-or-treating, as well as other Halloween-themed activities. Admission includes a trick-or-treat bag and a snack.
Halloween Boo Bash
October 31st- From 5:00-8:00pm
Tiny Diner is hosting a family-friendly Halloween party. Bring your own costume or make one there with help from the Mobile Menders.
A few of the activities you will enjoy are;
- Monster-Themed Games
- Bonfires
- Healthy Snacks
- Trick-or-Treating
- Family-Friendly Dinner Specials
So come on down and add a little extra fun to your Halloween night.
Minnesota Orchestra
– Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire in Concert
October 24th-26th- From 7:00-9:30pm
October 27th- From 2:00-4:30pm
Harry Potter just got even more awesome. Take your kids for the first time, or the hundredth, to this magical adventure.
Escape into the magical world of British Wizardry. The movie plays with accompaniment by the full Minnesota Orchestra. This is truly an experience you will never forget.
Grab your tickets now. You will be sorry if you miss this one.
Weaver Lake Park
– Halloween Family Fun Day
October 19th- From 1:00-4:00pm
Register by 12:00 pm October 18th
This will be the eleventh annual Halloween Family Fun Day at Weaver Lake Park.
They will be offering over 20 family-oriented activities. They include:
- Trick-or-Treating
- Monster Inflatables
- Web of Confusion Maze
- Dizzy Mummy
- Candy Corn Bowling
- Pumpkin Rolling
- Fishing in the Bottomless Well
- Skull Island Treasure Hunting
- Scream Contest- 2:15-3:30pm
- Halloweeny Fashion Show- 1:30 pm
- Plus Loads More!
Admission is five dollars per child, children aged 2 to 8 only, please.
Minnesota Streetcar Museum– Trick ‘r Trolly
October 19th- 1:30pm or 2:30pm
If you have ever wanted to take your kids on a streetcar ride, here’s your chance! Dress up in your Halloween costumes and hop on for a spooky ride.
You and your kids will play games and listen to ghost stories. Admission includes a bonus Halloween treat for your little ones.
Landscape Arboretum
– Ghouls & Giggles
October 20th
If you are looking for an excuse to check out the Landscape Arboretum, this is the perfect opportunity. Bring the kids and make a day of it.
Wear your costumes and go trick-or-treating. Some of the activities you and your family can do are crafts, family games, and music.
Pre-registration is necessary. It is 5 dollars for kids and 12 dollars for adults to get in.
Science Museum of Minnesota
– Boo-ology
October 26th- 12:00-4:00pm
Make science fun this Halloween at the Science Museum. There will be plenty of hands-on and spooky events and activities.
This one is a little bit on the pricey side. Adults are twenty dollars, but kids in costume get in free.
50th and France
– Pumpkin Fest
October 26th- 10:00am-1:00pm
Come check out the annual pumpkin fest on 50th and France. West 50th will be closed between France and Halifax to make room for all of the fun.
Activities include;
- Face Painting
- Petting Zoo
- Pony Rides
- Cake Walk
- Balloon Art
- Mystery Box
- Halloween Balloons
- Antique Fire Truck Tours
- Trick-or-Treating
- Costume Contest
- Parade
With so many fabulous and fun activities, this is shaping up to be a day you and your family will never forget.
Living in the Twin Cities is always fun and rewarding. As residents, we are blessed with an abundance of options. Sometimes it seems we have too many choices.
It can be overwhelming. We hope our list will help you narrow down your search.
From all of us at Twin Cities Kids Club, we wish you and your family a safe a spooky Halloween season.