Ah, October—a time for sweaters, general coziness, and paying good money to have the heck scared out of ourselves. If you’re responsible for a tiny person who might not respond well to the scarier seasonal offerings, though, here are some family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween.
The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race
See how fast you can move in a costume at the Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race. Even if your time is terrible, there’s pumpkin pie at the end. And a costume contest will include prizes for Most Original, Scariest, Funniest, Youth, and Best of Show. Oct. 11: 5k at 7 a.m.; 10k and half-marathon at 7:30 a.m.; 1-mile fun run at 9:45 a.m.; costume contest at 10:30 a.m. Soldier's Memorial.
Peanuts The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Ride at Union Station
Visit with your favorite plucky mope and his pals. The event includes half-hour rides to a pumpkin patch, where you can pick pumpkins and indulge in kid-friendly seasonal snacks, as well as meeting Peanuts characters. $25-$62.50. Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 1–Nov. 1, with rides at 12:30, 2, and 3:30 p.m.; Fridays Oct. 23 and 30, with rides at 4:30, 6, and 7 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo and Ottertoberfest at the Saint Louis Zoo
Animals are a perpetual source of delight for kids—and they inspire countless costumes. The zoo is getting in on the seasonal act. Ottertoberfest features North American river otters and activities for the kiddos (and for the grownups, there's beer—have no fear). Boo at the Zoo isn’t terribly scary, but it will feature giant spider webs, witches, and creepy caves. And there will be treat bags for kids under age 12. Ottertoberfest: Oct. 3-4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Boo at the Zoo: Nightly, Oct. 16–30. 5:30–8:30 p.m. $7, free parking.
Owls and Orchids
Who-who’s that flitting among the orchids at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House? It’s thousands of owl butterflies. The conservatory’s population of the insects, named for their evocative “eye spot” wing pattern, explodes in population in the autumn, during Owls and Orchids. Oct. 1-31, Tuesdays through Sundays. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Special nighttime Animal Encounters on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30–7 p.m.
Not-So-Haunted House
The Magic House puts all the fun of trick-or-treating safely inside with Not-So-Haunted House. Your costumed kiddo can meet their favorite storybook characters for treats and autographs. The event is candy-free. On October 30, the party goes heart-healthy with a cardio dance party and scavenger hunt for healthy treats. Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1. Museum hours. Free with museum admission.
Halloween at Grant’s Farm
Get down as a DJ spins in Bauernhof courtyard, check out Halloween-themed shows, and take a ride through the Deer Park—in the dark! Halloween comes to Grant’s Farm, with no shortage of costumes and decorations. Oct. 10–11, 16–19, 23–26, 30. 6–10 p.m., with the entrance closing at 9 p.m. $20 per car, $50 per bus.
Fright Fest at Six Flags
After the sun goes down, Fright Fest might be a bit much for the younger tykes. But during the day, there's a not-so-scary display of Looney Tunes characters, storytelling, kooky music, and a “Freak Out Circus.” Oct. 2–Nov. 1, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. $46.99 and up.
Trunk or Treat
Normally, it’s a horrible problem if the dog gets into your little ghoul’s treat bag. But at Purina Farms, the trunk-or-treating in the Visitor Center RV lot includes treats for both kids and dogs. Get keepsake photos and have your heartstrings tugged by dogs looking for homes. (Dogs must be up to date on vaccines, on non-retractable leashes, and generally well-behaved.) Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $5 per family.
The Healthy History-Lovin’ Halloween Party
Gobble up some tasty history at the Missouri History Museum. Trick-or-treat the galleries for non-candy treats, and make Halloween crafts. Leverage Dance Theater’s DanceOween runs twice that evening, with kids and parents encouraged to join the performance. Oct. 27, 5–7 p.m. Free.
Haunted High Tea
Got a budding goth with a fascination for the fancier aspects of fear? Check out a haunted tea service at the historic Hanley House, a beautiful farmstead in Clayton. Built in 1855, it’s the oldest structure in Clayton and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oct. 24, 4 p.m. $12, $10 for Clayton residents.
