10 Boo-tacular Halloween Events with Toddlers and Kids in the Twin Cities
Halloween in the Twin Cities offers more than just neighborhood trick-or-treating for families with kids! Whether your little ones love spooky fun or prefer more treats than tricks, there’s a fantastic range of things to do for Halloween with kids in Minnesota. From pumpkin patches and costume parades to kid-friendly haunted trails and hands-on fall crafts, you’ll find plenty of safe, not-too-scary events that toddlers and kids will love. Many of these local spots offer bonus attractions like hayrides, petting zoos, and carnival games, making it a full day of festive fall fun. So grab those costumes and get ready for some boo-tacular adventures that will enchant your family!
Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best Halloween events and activities for toddlers and kids in the Twin Cities.
Twin Cities Kid-Friendly Halloween Events
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
2025 Dates: September 26 – November 2 (get tickets early, they sell out every year)
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo is back and bigger than ever! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, featuring thousands of glowing, artistically carved pumpkins along an outdoor trail. This year’s theme will ignite your sense of wanderlust, with pumpkins showcasing famous landmarks and the joys of travel.
As you stroll through the illuminated forest, enjoy the festive atmosphere with music, fog, and creative pumpkin designs. It’s a magical way to celebrate Halloween while supporting the zoo’s mission to connect people with animals and nature. Don’t miss this spooktacular experience – it’s one of the best Halloween events for families with kids in the Twin Cities!
Nickelodeon Boo-niverse at the Mall of America, Bloomington
2025 Dates: September 15 – November 2
Nickelodeon Boo-niverse at Mall of America is back this year, and it’s packed with ghoulish fun for the whole family! Get ready for Halloween magic with DIY Slime, character meet-and-greets, and thrilling rides. Your child’s favorite Nickelodeon characters will even be in their Halloween costumes, ready for spooky selfies!
Then, make sure to catch the Fog Chute, a haunted twist on the Log Chute ride, complete with glowing jack-o-lanterns lighting your way. Stick around for the nightly Fright Lights show, where music, lights, and a funky witch take over the park! It’s the perfect Halloween adventure for your little ghosts and goblins! No tricks, only treats, as you and your kids enjoy one of the best things to do for Halloween in Minnesota.
Tricks and Treats at Valley Fair, Shakopee
2025 Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, September 27 – November 1
Get ready for one of the best Halloween activities for kids of all ages in the Twin Cities! Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats is a kid-friendly Halloween event brimming with fun activities for everyone. Dress in your favorite costume and join in the Halloween costume contest, or indulge in a variety of seasonal treats and, of course, plenty of candy.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy spooky fun and thrills as you take on your favorite rides, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. With something for little goblins and grown-up ghouls, Tricks and Treats promises a hauntingly good time you won’t want to miss!
Minnesota Children’s Museum Halloween Party, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: October 24 + October 25
Looking for the best things to do for Halloween with kids in Minnesota? Add this one-weekend event to your list: the Minnesota Children’s Museum Halloween Party! Don on your best costume and get ready to trick-or-treat through the museum’s enchanting galleries. Your admission includes a fun trick-or-treat bag plus access to all the museum exhibits, so the adventure never ends.
Enjoy a thrilling dance party with a live DJ and themed activities, crafts, and games that will keep everyone entertained. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween without the scares, making it a delightful evening for kids and parents alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of not-so-scary fun!
Not So Scary Trick or Treat at Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis
2025 Dates: Saturday, October 31
Midtown Global Market is hosting a night of family-friendly fun. Your kids can trick-or-treat in their favorite costume, and they can show it off during the parade at 6 PM!
Enjoy live performances by Aubrey’s Music Studio students, adding to the festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the YWCA Minneapolis Children’s Center’s craft table to create some Halloween art. And why not skip cooking tonight? Treat your family to dinner from one of the delicious vendors, available from 6 to 7:30 PM. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween together while making unforgettable memories. No wonder this is one of the best Halloween events for kids in the Twin Cities!
Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience in the Mall of America, Bloomington
2025 Dates: September 20 – October 31
Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience in the Mall of America! This event includes tons of kid-friendly activities, including a themed scavenger hunt, spooky crafts, and character photo ops—all included with your admission. It is undoubtedly one of the best places for kids in the Twin Cities for Halloween activities.
Explore over 20 creative attractions while enjoying trick-or-treating and DJ dance parties. For extra fun, consider add-on activities like making your own slime or getting glitter tattoos to make your costume shine. Kids can dress up in their favorite Halloween outfits (just remember, no masks). Without a doubt, Crayola Experience offers the ultimate destination for colorful, hands-on Halloween fun for toddlers and young kids!
BOOnion Depot, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: October 26 (Free Event)
Union Depot is about to magically transform into BOOnion Depot! This free, family-friendly event is perfect for little ghosts and ghouls looking for some frightful fun. Get creative with pumpkin crafts, dance to Halloween jams in the DJ zone, and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the event.
You can also grab delicious treats from local favorites like Deb’s Hot Dogs and Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy. Don’t forget to dress up in your Halloween best—costumes are encouraged! With exciting activities like face painting, a costume contest, and even a tarot card reader, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can catch classic Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas later in the evening. This event will be filled with fun Halloween things to do for toddlers and kids – making it a can’t-miss option on this list!
Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration at the Landmark Center
2025 Dates: October 26
Celebrate Halloween with your family at the Landmark Center’s beloved Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration! This annual event in Saint Paul is packed with live entertainment, crafts, and more activities to entertain families with kids of all ages. Plus, sport your best costumes. The event’s highlight is the costume parade, where little ones can show off their seasonal styles. Finally, there will be plenty of tasty treats to munch on throughout the event. If you’re looking for fun things to do for Halloween with kids in Minnesota, you won’t want to miss it!
Haunted Roundhouse at the Minnesota Transportation Museum, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: Saturdays in October with additional Trick or Treating
Halloween activities for toddlers and kids in the Twin Cities don’t get much better than those offered at the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Saint Paul. Rumored to be haunted, this unique venue provides a “not-so-scary“ experience filled with seasonal activities everyone will enjoy.
Kids and adults can explore the trains, meet friendly costumed characters, and gather around the campfire for s’mores and delicious moon pies. Plus, everyone will love listening to tunes from the Teddy Bear Band! Then, there’s plenty of trick-or-treating on the last Saturday of the event to keep the Halloween spirit alive. Reservations are available online for the event, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like to soak in all the spooky fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience a little Halloween magic with some friendly ghosts in this haunted Roundhouse!
The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming
2025 Dates: October 3rd – November 2nd (select dates)
Embark on a Halloween-inspired adventure at The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming. This enchanting half-mile trail is illuminated by over 10,000 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that delights visitors of all ages. From spooky faces to whimsical creatures, each pumpkin has its own story to tell.
As you wander through a stunning giant pumpkin tunnel and explore themed areas—perfect for memorable photos—you’ll encounter unique characters and vibrant lights. With interactive elements scattered throughout, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As one of Minnesota’s best things to do for Halloween with kids, The Great Pumpkin Trail promises an unforgettable evening filled with fall fun. Click here to learn more about all the family fun at Pinehaven Farm.
Have Fun Exploring These Twin Cities Halloween Events with Kids!
As you plan your family’s Halloween fun, there are plenty of thrilling things to do with toddlers and kids in Minnesota! From enchanting trails and spooky crafts to costume parades and live entertainment, the Twin Cities offer a variety of Halloween events and activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy embracing the festive spirit and creating lasting memories with your little ones this season!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
