Activities Abound, From Tricks and Treats to Thrills and Chills
It’s amazing how many Halloween-themed activities are available in the Twin Cities during the week leading up to Halloween Night. Sure, there’s the usual haunted houses and spooky trails of terror, plus safe trick-or-treat opportunities. But lots of organizations in the Twin Cities are thinking outside the box and offering unique and unusual events. Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s probably something for you. Below are several good websites providing an overview of Halloween-related events in the next week. Plus, we list 20 traditional and not-so-traditional activities that sounded interesting. So put on that costume and have some fun!
HALLOWEEN EVENTS CALENDARS
Minnesota Public Radio
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/10/24/25-things-to-do-for-halloween-in-the-twin-cities
Twincities.com
https://twincitieshalloweencentral.com/events/#/
Pioneer Press
https://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_26651029/terror-teaser-dont-be-afraid-our-guide-2014
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
https://apm.activecommunities.com/minneapolisparks/Activity_Search
Minnesota Haunted Houses
https://www.minnesotahauntedhouses.com/
A SAMPLING OF HALLOWEEN EVENTS
ZooBoo at Como Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul
ZooBoo is a non-scary Halloween fundraising festival for families and young children. For this unique fall fundraiser, the grounds of Como Zoo transform into a world of fairytales and fun! Over 200 live costumed characters interact and entertain children. This magical event offers families a safe trick-or-treating alternative plus many Halloween surprises. Como Zoo will close at 3 pm to prepare for ZooBoo. Tickets can be purchased in advance – see event website.
Oct. 24-26, 2014, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission fee/ticket price: $6 Advance / $7 at the gate/ Free for children under 2
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55103
https://m.comozooconservatory.org/Happening/Details/90
Wheel Fun Pumpkin Patch!
Find great values on beautiful farm grown pumpkins. Enjoy numerous festivities including bounce houses, hay rides, mini golf, mini golf scavenger hunts, an inflatable obstacle course, ghoulish games for kids, spectacular displays, contests and prizes, and a whole host of family activities geared for the occasion And if you get hungry, a full menu of great malts, cones, espresso, and hot dogs, as well as seasonal fare such as hot apple cider and candied apples will be available to satisfy your every craving.
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Price: $2.00 to $10.00
Veteran’s Memorial Park
6335 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
https://www.exploreminnesota.com/events/14115/wheel-fun-pumpkin-patch/
Anoka, Halloween Capital of the World
Come to the self-proclaimed Halloween mecca of the world for a slew of spooky events — from a 5k run (and 1-mile fitness walk) to its 94th annual Grand Day Parade, Halloween Bingo and a 21+ Monster Mash costume and dance contest.
Month of October
Anoka
https://anokahalloween.com/
Camden Haunted House
The biggest Haunted House hosted by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board – we’ve expanded our square footage and added new illusions and haunting scenes to scare you! The community center we all know and love is transformed into a scary haunted house for your terror and amusement. If you haven’t gone through Camden’s Haunted House yet, this is the year! Photo opportunity and concessions are available.
Oct. 27, Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, 2014
6:30 pm 9 pm
Admission is $4 per person
Folwell Recreation Center
1615 Dowling Ave. North
Minneapolis, MN
https://apm.activecommunities.com/minneapolisparks/Activity_Search/camden-haunted-house/35344
Nightmare on Zoo Boulevard
Join us for a night of fright and fun at the Minnesota Zoo. This new 21 + Halloween party will include music by DJ Youngstar, a strolling magician, creepy animal encounters and more! Dress to impress for the (optional) costume contest, hosted by AZUL the Zoo’s young supporter’s community for a chance to win exclusive prizes. Cash bar and treats.
Tickets: $25 per person with advance reservations $30 per person at the door. Online reservations are now open. Chatting about Nightmare on Zoo Boulevard on social media? Use #NightmareMNZoo and tag us @mnzoo!
Oct. 30, 2014
7:00 pm
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN
https://www.facebook.com/events/1483414251919630
Halloween: Minnehaha Falls of Fun
This family fun event offers an afternoon full of outdoor activities for the entire clan. Enjoy a hayide and the large inflatable moonwalks in the crisp fall air. Roast marshmallows over an open fire and collect treats along the Treat Trail as you visit with costumed characters and check out the activities at the treat stops. Dance inside the pavilion to music with entertainment provided by Kids Dance and watch the jugglers for a moment. Plenty of activities for all and photo opportunities galore at the Falls. Wear your costumes! It’s a celebration! Admission includes all activities. Children under the age of 1 are admitted free. There will be food and refreshments available onsite for an additional fee.
Oct. 25, 2014
1 pm to 4 pm
Price: $3.00
Minnehaha Park – Main Pavilion
4825 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN, US 55417
https://apm.activecommunities.com/minneapolisparks/Activity_Search/halloween-minnehaha-falls-of-fun/39854
Ghost Trolley
Elementary school-age and up will have a scary (but not too scary) time aboard the Ghost Trolley. The 20-minute ride is in the dark of night with some fun Halloween thrills and chills. There are no reservations taken for this popular annual event. Plan on possibly waiting in line for a bit to board the trolley.
Oct. 25, 2014
6 pm 9 pm
Tickets to ride are $4 per passenger.
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
4200 Queen Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
www.trolleyride.org
Trail of Tricks & Treats
Enjoy face painting, trick or treating and other activities from 4 pm – 6 pm; a performance by the Teddy Bear Band at 5 p.m.; carved pumpkin walk, bonfire and s’mores from 6 pm -8 pm
Get in the Halloween spirit by joining us the weekend before for this family-friendly spooky
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Oct. 25, 2014
4 pm – 8 p.m.
Members: Ages 3 & up: $5; Ages 2 & under: Free
Non-Members: Ages 13 & up: $17 includes gate admission; Ages 3-12: $5; Ages 2 & under: Free
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chanhassen, MN
https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/
Three Rivers Parks
Have some Halloween fun! Three Rivers is hosting a series of family-friendly celebrations with games and treats. Trick-or-treat along candlelit paths, see a Halloween puppet show, meet live animals, hone your pumpkin carving skills, make a pumpkin boat, and more.
https://www.threeriversparks.org/events/Groups/halloween-happenings.aspx
Boo-ology
Learn about science with Halloween-themed hands-on activities, such as meeting the Kitchen Pantry Scientist, who will be conducting spooky experiments with items you can find in your kitchen.
Oct. 25, 2014
Noon 4 pm
$10 for ages 4-12 and $13 for adults
Science Museum of Minnesot
120 W Kellogg Blvd.
St Paul, MN
https://www.smm.org/
Haunted Forest Festival
Watch out for shocking ghosts and goblins in the spooktacular haunted forest. A puppet show, face painting, hay rides and more are planned. Nonperishable food items accepted.
Oct. 25, 2014
5:30 pm 8:30 pm
$3 per person, $10 per carload;
Steve Michaud Park
17100 Ipava Ave.
Lakeville, MN
Scream Town 2014
Beware of hazardous fumes, toxic waste and horrifying side effects at this nuclear power plant.
Oct. 25-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2014
6:30 pm -11 pm
Tickets are $20-$25
Scream Town
7410 U.S. 212
Chaska, MN 55318
www.screamtown.com
Halloween Outdoor Puppet Extravaganza
The Puppet Extravaganza features extreme outdoor puppetry, stilting, aerial stunts and music presented by a cast of more than 100 people and a 20-piece orchestra.
Oct. 25-26, and Oct.30-31, Nov. 1, 2014
7 pm
$5-$20 suggested donation
Hidden Falls Regional Park
1305 S. Mississippi River Blvd.
St. Paul, MN
www.barebonespuppets.org.
Blackout 2014: Glow Crazy
Nickelodeon Universe is turning off the lights for its “blackout” celebration. Brave rides illuminated with black lights, wear a costume, enjoy the DJ and make a black light T-shirt.
Oct. 25 and Oct. 31, 2014
5 pm 10 pm
$21.99 plus tax
Mall of America, Bloomington
https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/blackout-2014-glow-crazy/
Halloween Lights on York Ave/ Schultz Family Lights
Come admire the work of five neighbors who strung 15,000 twinkling Halloween-themed lights, blowups and wire frames displayed on both sides of their street.
Month of October
Dusk to 10 p.m.
Free admission, accepting donations for the Merrick Food Shelf
1526 York Ave.
St. Paul, MN
HowlZooWeen
This October, the Zoo is celebrating a month of ‘fall babies’ and things that go bump in the night. Enjoy the fall colors and experience up-close encounters with both cute and creepy critters. From bats and tarantulas to baby moose and lynx kittens, HowlZooWeen offers something for kids of ALL ages. Participate in hands-on education programs and watch the animals enjoy Halloween-themed treats throughout the Zoo. Weekends feature even more fun and games face painting, live musicians, and more.
Month of October
Minnesota Zoo
9 am to 4 pm
13000 Zoo Blvd.
Apple Valley, MN
https://mnzoo.org/howlzooween/
Victorian Ghost Stories
In the dimly lit parlor of the former home of a local railroad magnate, the Historical Society is putting together readings by costumed actors of 19th-century spooky-themed stories, as well as “true” ghost stories. Then visitors will tour the Hill House.
Oct. 25-26, 2014
6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission is $12
James J. Hill House
240 Summit Ave.
St Paul, MN
https://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house/signature-events
Minnesota Historical Center Day of the Dead
The Historical Center’s Day of the Dead celebration includes a puppet show by Teatro del Pueblo, community-made ofrendas, Mexican folk song and dance and an exhibit featuring Mexican printmaking.
Oct. 26, 2014
Noon- 4 p.m.
Admission is $11 adults; $9 college and senior; $6 children; free for children five and under.
Minnesota Historical Center
345 W Kellogg Blvd.
St Paul, MN
https://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/
Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE
Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE is a veritable playground of terror featuring more than 300 vile creatures lurking in the shadows searching for souls, 11 highly-intense and spine-chilling haunted attractions, blood curdling live shows, and the most hair-raising rides in the area like Wild Thing, Power Tower, and Renegade. Enter if you dare, survive if you can.
Oct. 25-26, 2014 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2014 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Price: $30.99
Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE
1 Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN
https://www.valleyfair.com/things-to-do/valleyscare
Trail of Terror
From the producers of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Trail of Terror is Minnesota’s largest Halloween Event, with over 2.5 miles of Scares and over 15 attractions! Back this year: Zombie Paintball & Running Dead 5K! Don’t miss the Howling Pines Woods Walk, Hotel 666 Crystal Caverns, Zombie Pub Crawl, Lockdown and more!
Oct. 25-26, 2014 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Oct. 31 Nov. 1, 2014 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price: $16.95 to $19.95
Trail of Terror
3525 145th Street West
Shakopee, MN
https://www.trailofterrormn.com/
