Halloween in St. Louis doesn't have to be too scary. There are plenty of fun and safe events for kids and the whole family. Here's a list of some of the best family-friendly events for Halloween in St. Louis.
Looking for more of a scare? Older kids and adults alike should check out my article Where to Go for a Good Scare or a Good Party This Halloween.Magic House's Not-So-Haunted House
Photo courtesy The Magic House
St. Louis has many Halloween activities for the kids but one of the best is the Not-So-Haunted House at the Magic House. Every kid gets their own autograph book, and as they trick or treat through the house, they can collect signatures from many of their favorite storybook characters. This year's characters include favorites from Cinderella, Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz. There is also a Haunted Trail for the older kids.
October 24 - 26, 2008
Kirkwood
October 24 - 26, 2008
Kirkwood
Boo at the Zoo
Photo by Ray Meibaum, courtesy the St. Louis Zoo
Another great Halloween event for children is Boo at the Zoo Nights. The Zoo is open late, starting October 17, for kid-friendly Halloween fun. Then, there's the Zoo's "Spooky Saturday" party on October 25, where children of all ages can trick or treat along the Zoo's Pumpkin Trail and join in a costume parade. Admission to Boo at the Zoo Nights is $4 for members and $5 for non-members. Children younger than two get in free. There is also free parking available on the South Lot. For more information about planning a trip to the Zoo, read my article See the Nation's Best Zoo.
October 17 - 30, 2008
Forest Park
October 17 - 30, 2008
Forest Park
Pumpkin Picking at Eckert's
Photo by Sharon Dominick, courtesy Getty Images
When you're trying to find the perfect pumpkin, look no further than Eckert's Orchards. Their pumpkin patch has any size pumpkin you'd want, including ones that weigh up to 150 pounds. During weekends in October, Eckert's is hosting its Jumpin' Pumpkin Jamboree with wagon rides, live music and funnel cakes. The Millstadt location also offers Haunted Hayrides through the orchard.
Weekends in October, 2008
Belleville, Millstadt & Grafton
Weekends in October, 2008
Belleville, Millstadt & Grafton
Great Godfrey Maze
Photo by Kevin Moloney, courtesy Getty Images
Wandering around a cornfield after dark can be a little scary, but it's pure fun at the Great Godfrey Maze. The giant maze is cut into seven acres of cornfield. This year, the maze trails are in the shape of wild safari animals. The maze is open during the day, but bring a flashlight and try the Haunted Maze at night. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Kids under five get in free.
October 10 - 26, 2008
Glazebrook Park, Godfrey
October 10 - 26, 2008
Glazebrook Park, Godfrey
Trick or Treat on Main
For a safe afternoon of trick or treating, bring your children to historic Main Street in St. Charles. Local businesses will be handing out candy to kids ages 12 and younger from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Halloween day. After you've collected all that candy, stick around for dinner at one of the many restaurants along Main Street, including the supposedly haunted Mother-in-Law House.October 31, 2008
St. Charles
Trick or Treat Street
The residents of the 5300 block of Nottingham Avenue in South St. Louis really know how to throw a Halloween Party. Each year they deck out their homes and pass out candy to thousands of kids and parents who descend on the neighborhood on Halloween night. The party on Trick or Treat Street runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.October 31, 2008
South St. Louis
Ghosts from the Past
Where better to hear ghost stories than at the 200 year old Daniel Boone Home in St. Charles County? Storytellers wander the grounds of the old home telling true stories of ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night. This is designed to be a kid friendly event, but may be a little scary for very young children.October 25, 2008
Daniel Boone Home, Defiance
Ghost Stories at the Katy Depot
Children who like ghost stories will also want to join in the fun at the Katy Depot in St. Charles. Storytellers will be sharing spooky tales about witches, ghouls and ghosts. The cost of admission is one canned good per person. The food will be donated to a local food bank.October 10 - 11, 2008
Frontier Park, St. Charles
