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There are plenty of opportunities this month to put the family in costumes and get into the Halloween spirit. Here are some fun events that won’t be too spooky for the young ones.
Train or Treat | October 8–31
Find your way through a family-friendly haunted maze at Union Station, walk among historic train cars filled with surprises and decorated for the occasion, and then grab a pumpkin from the Train Patch to take home and decorate. Take advantage of ticket package deals to visit other attractions at Union Station, including the Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel. This event is suitable for children 12 and under. Open Monday through Thursday, 4–8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 1–9 p.m. General admission starts at $14.99. 1820 Market.
Halloween Drive-Thru | September 30–October 31
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to drive through Grant's Farm at night. Cruise across the extensive grounds, which will be decked out with all things Halloween. Each car with kids will receive a complimentary bag of candy, as well as a scavenger hunt worksheet. $40 per car. 10501 Gravois.
Boo at the Zoo | October 15–31
Visit the Saint Louis Zoo after hours from 5–8:30 p.m. and take in the spooktacular decorations throughout the grounds. Roaming entertainers, including stilt walkers and magicians, will add to the fun. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their costumes. Admission ranges from $8.95–$11.95 and varies by day. 1 Government.
Halloween Magic | October 1–31
The Magic House invites families to experience festive updates during normal hours this month (Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.). What is normally the Trike Town has been transformed into a Halloween-themed Trick-or-Treat Town for kids to explore on a witches' broom (tricycle). The town includes a craft house, candy shop, and firehouse. Children can also enjoy games, such as pumpkin tic-tac-toe, or check out the spiderweb maze. During Pumpkin Party weekend (October 8–10), kids 12 and under will receive a pumpkin to decorate in the front garden. Don't forget your costume! Halloween Magic included with regular admission. 516 S Kirkwood.
Great Halloween Race | October 17
Put on your costume and step into your running shoes for this annual festive event in downtown Eureka. Race options include a half-marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and a one-mile fun run. All ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. In addition to the races, there will be a costume contest with prizes. Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the Trick-or-Treat Village. Entry fees vary by race.
Bug Ball | October 23
Take the family to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House for an evening with creepy-crawly bugs, boo-tiful butterflies, and all sorts of other wicked insects. Halloween-themed activities will also be part of the fun at this event running from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Refreshments, crafts, treats, and goody bags are included in the event ticket price. $12 members, $14 non-members; free for infants 12 months and younger. 15050 Faust Park. Register here.
Kids Halloween Party | October 23
Greenway Therapy is hosting an open-house Halloween party that will include sensory activities, games, face painting, and pumpkin painting for children 5 and older from 3–6 p.m. The event is doubling as a fundraiser for St. Louis schools in need of supplies. $5. Donations also accepted in lieu of entry fee. 14805 Clayton.
Healthy History-Lovin’ Halloween Party | October 28
The Missouri History Museum is throwing a candy-free monster mash dance party from 4:30–7 p.m. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume and participate in activities such as mask decorating and spooky storytelling. Free. 5700 Lindell.
Celebrate at City Museum | October 29–30
Take the family to a special screening of the original Ghostbusters under the Dome. (October 29, 7–9 p.m.) Then, dress up in your costume and go trick-or-treating at the slides (October 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Ghostbusters free with general admission and rooftop ticket. Trick-or-treating free with general admission. 750 North 16th.
