A guide to fall family fun in St. Louis

Where to enjoy the season, both indoors and outdoors

by

Now that school is in session, the official start of fall is right around the corner. To help you enjoy all of the tastes, colors, and frights of the season, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best events and attractions for families eager to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Below are a handful of options, and here's just a small sampling of much-anticipated fairs, festivals, and more to kick off the season:

Eckert’s Farm

Beyond picking out pumpkins, beginning in late September, families visiting the Belleville location will likely gravitate toward Mr. E’s Cider Donut and Custard Shop and The Cider Shed, which hosts family-friendly concerts on weekends. And families with kiddos should also consider a visit to the Millstadt location, which hosts Applefest in September and Pumpkin Jamboree in October. Multiple locations; see website for details.

Read More: Where to go apple picking near St. Louis

City Museum

Where to salute the spookiest season of the year than City Museum, which hosts Fright at the Museum? From September 28–October 29, the festive celebration features performers, the Vampire Bar and Witches' Brew & Brews, and more. 750 N 16th.

The Magic House

Families only need to travel as far as The Magic House to celebrate cultures from around the world, thanks to the museum’s Passport to the World: Cultural Program Series. On the second Saturday of each month through December, the Magic House will provide hands-on programs designed to introduce children to different traditions, languages, art forms, and more. That's not to mention special exhibits, including the forthcoming Ciao Bambini! (opening September 23) and the new SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem exhibit (open through January 15). And check out the Fall Farm Festival on September 16. 516 S. Kirkwood.

Six Flags

On select days from September 16–October 29, Fright Fest brings scare zones, haunted houses, and rides in the dark to Six Flags. For those with younger children, Kids Boo Fest offers a scare-free alternative, including a hay maze, pumpkin painting, costume contests, a trick or treat trail, and more. See website for details. 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka.

Saint Louis Zoo

The zoo's fall festivities kick off with Zootoberfest, September 30–October 1 and October 7–8. The Oktoberfest-style event features fall crafts and games for kids, as well as German-inspired foods, root beer, and more traditional Oktoberfest brews for visitors 21 years and older. Then, during nights from October 13–29, the zoo brings back Boo at the Zoo, with decorations, entertainers, special menus, and more.1 Government.

Missouri History Museum

Visitors can make their mark on St. Louis history at Coloring STL, an interactive exhibit that invites attendees to get up close and add their own personal touch to the city’s architecture by coloring images of more than 50 local structures displayed on the museum’s walls. History buffs can also purchase the companion coloring book, “Coloring St. Louis: a Coloring Book for All Ages,” written by Andrew Wanko, a public historian at the Missouri Historical Society, and illustrated by Rori!, a St. Louis–based illustrator and cartoonist. 314-746-4599. 5700 Lindell.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Watch the seasons change at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and visit the new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. Be sure to check out Chihuly Nights, extended through September 30, before it's too late. Kids will also want to visit the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden, which closes for the season in October. And Great Green Adventures offers a series of drop-in programs each month that encourage children to explore the garden through hands-on activities and games. 4344 Shaw.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Fall is the perfect time for a stroll through the sculpture park, which also hosts family workshops, a half-day program for youngsters, and more. And mark your calendar for Laumeier After Dark, November 4 from 4–10 p.m. The popular annual event features light-based art installations, fire pits, live music, a marketplace, and more.12580 Rott.

St. Louis Storytelling Festival

The St. Louis County Library hosts the 44th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival from October 18–28, with a variety of events for readers of all skill levels. There's a full slate of featured storytellers and themed storytelling events. See website for details. 314-994-3300.

Missouri Department of Conservation

Budding naturalists can learn the fundamentals of fishing, hiking, archery, and more through classes offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The MDC calendar also includes special programs such as its Conservation Kids series. On September 12 from 9:30–11 a.m., Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center hosts "Who's Flapping Those Wings?", which will explore winged creatures of Missouri. And on September 21 from 10:30–11:30 a.m., Tower Grove Park's New Comfort Station will host "You and Me under the Canopy: Hiking in the Woods." See website for details.

Endangered Wolf Center

Shhhh! Do you know what that sound is? If you’re sitting around the fire at the Endangered Wolf Center's Campfire Wolf Howls, you might just hear the call of a wolf. This after-hours program starts with stories about wolf communications and includes an opportunity for participants to test their howling skills near one of the wolf habitats and coax the calls of the center’s wild residents. See the Endangered Wolf Center’s events calendar for details. 6750 Tyson Valley, Eureka.

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