That annual routine of going door to door in search of candy can lose its magic after a while. Thankfully, St. Louis’ many neighborhoods offer myriad interesting Halloween events to break up the monotony.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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This fully-immersive Halloween experience is hosted every night from 5:30–8:30 p.m., October 16 until October 30. Families can paint and pick pumpkins ($5 each) at the Tropical Traders gift shop, explore the Fragile Forest Fairyland, participate in a Halloween-themed bag toss, walk the plank at Pirates’ Cove, seize spooky photo ops, and ride the cobweb-decorated “Scare-ousel.” There will also be nightly kid-friendly entertainment at 6:30 p.m., including Babaloo Music and the St. Louis Ghostbusters. And don’t leave the costume at home–it’s worth $1 off the $7 Zoo member ticket price and $8 non-member ticket price. Saint Louis Zoo, Government Drive.
Calling all mad scientists to the Science Spooktacular at the Saint Louis Science Center. Between 5–8 p.m., October 25 until October 28, the Science Center will offer Halloween-themed interactive activities, science demonstrations, special effects magic in a Haunted Lab, prop-making, and a spooky trail. Plus, is there really anywhere better to watch a Halloween movie than the 360-degree Omnimax theater? Costumes, of course, are welcome. Saint Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland.
Spooky treats, crafts, games, and music aren’t the scariest part of this event, hosted October 26 and 27 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. At the Bug Ball, kids can trick or treat at hand-painted Treat Houses; see owl butterflies in the Butterfly House (they’re active only at night); try creepy pizza fingers, pumpkin punch, and scream cheese; and go home with a goody bag. The night begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. with dancing to Monster Jams. Tickets are $12 for garden members and $14 for non-members. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw.
Thrill seekers will scream not just on the roller coasters, but also in several haunted houses (not to mention when the zombies start to roam throughout the park). The annual after-dark Fright Fest lasts September 28–October 28 and is geared toward visitors 13 and older. (And there’s currently a major sale on tickets.). Six Flags St. Louis, 4900 Six Flags, Eureka.
Kids can dress up and head to St. Louis’ interactive museum for kids, The Magic House, for (candy-free) trick or treating and a chance to meet some of their favorite characters. More than 15 will make an appearance, from tales including Harry Potter, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland, to sign kids’ autograph books. The event runs Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22, and again on Friday, October 27, through Sunday, October 29. Friday hours are 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The event is free with admission, which is $12 per person. The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood.
Central West End’s Halloween Bash
On October 27 at 11 a.m., one of St. Louis’ neighborhoods holds its long-standing tradition: a costume parade. At noon, kids begin trick or treating, stopping at local businesses’ doorsteps. Dogs get in on the fun too with their own parade and costume contest at 1 p.m. The kid friendly-activities stop at 6 p.m., when the adult-only street party begins, just in time head home and score candy from your neighbors. The Central West End, at the intersection of Maryland and Euclid.
Kids can feel as if they are a part of a Disney on Ice show as they skate at the Webster Groves Ice Arena at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 26; 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 27; or 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 28. While costumes aren’t mandatory, kids dressed up receive $1 admission to the ice rink, with skate rentals available at an additional cost. 33 E. Glendale, Webster Groves.
Costumes are even better on a dog. But the kids can enjoy face-painting, storytelling, magic and circus shows, the dog performances and costume parade. For an extra fee, the Family Activity Arena offers trick or treating, inflatables, pumpkin games, and balloon animals. The event runs Friday, October 26–Sunday October 28, but times vary, so check the Facebook page for details. Reservations required, call 314-982-3232. Purina Farms, 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit.
Haunted Hayrides and Bonfires at Eckert’s Millstadt Farm
As if Eckert’s usual apple- and pumpkin-picking, playground, corn maze, petting zoo, and carnival rides weren’t enough, all of September and October, starting at sundown until 10 p.m., enjoy a spooky hayride through the orchard. Private bonfires are also available with reservations. 2719 Eckert Orchard.
