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 are the top family-friendly events for Halloween in St. Louis in 2011. Also, check out the best places in St. Louis to pick your own pumpkins.
Looking for more of a scare? Older kids and adults alike should check out the Best Haunted Houses in St. Louis.
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. The maze is open during the day, but bring a flashlight and try the Haunted Maze at night. The Haunted Maze is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Kids under five get in free.
September 2 - October 30, 2011
Glazebrook Park, Godfrey
Pumpkin Jamboree & Haunted Hayride
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, pony rides, a petting farm, funnel cakes and more. The Millstadt location also offers Haunted Hayrides through the orchard each Friday and Saturday in October.
Weekends in October, 2011
Belleville & Millstadt
Halloween at Grant's Farm
Grant's Farm is a popular place to celebrate Halloween in St. Louis. It all begins with a tram ride in the dark to the center of the park with ghosts and goblins lighting the way. There's also food, carousel rides and pumpkin decorating. The celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but parking is $20 per car.
October 7-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29, 2011
Grant's Farm
Party in the Patch
Celebrate Halloween at the Party in the Patch at Shaw Park in Clayton. The evening of fun includes hayrides, carinval games and treats. Admission for children is $7 in advance and $10 at the event. Parents get in free. The party runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
October 14, 2011
Clayton
Halloween 10K & Fun Run
You won't feel so guilty about eating all of that Halloween candy if you participate in the annual GO! St. Louis Halloween 10K & Fun Run. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy the spooky course through St. Louis. The 10K starts at 8 a.m. There's also a costume contest for race participants. To register, check out the GO! St. Louis website.
October 16, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
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, Snow White and Willy Wonka. There is also a Haunted Trail for the older kids. Admission is $8.75.
October 21 - 23 & October 28 - 30, 2011
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 St. Louis Zoo is open late, starting October 21, for kid-friendly Halloween fun. Then, there's the Zoo's "Spooky Saturday" party on October 29, 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.
October 22 - 30, 2011
Forest Park
Spirits of 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 22, 2011
Daniel Boone Home, Defiance
Booterflies
Kids can attend a "Booterflies" Halloween party at the Butterfly House in Faust Park. The not-so-scary event is designed for children ages three to ten. There's a pumpkin patch barn, mad scientist lab and other games and crafts for a day of fun. The party is included with the price of admission ($4 for kids and $6 for adults.)
October 22 & 23, 2011
Butterfly House
Creatures of Halloween
Learn about bats, owls and other spooky creatures from the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park. Discover the real story about these animals and how they live. Advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling (636) 225-4390.
October 28, 2011
World Bird Sanctuary
