9 Kid-Friendly Halloween Events with more Treats than Tricks

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9 Kid-Friendly Halloween Events with more Treats than Tricks

Halloween is just around the corner. While I’m all about the scare (and well, of course the discounted candy the day after Halloween), the younger ones may not exactly share the same sentiment just yet, and need a few less scary options for Halloween. There are plenty of family-friendly Halloween events around the cities where you won’t accidentally traumatize your kids.

Now all you have to do is convince your kids that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are actually the worst and you’re doing them a favor by eating them yourself. You know… for the good of the kids.

Kid-Friendly Halloween Fun

1. Anoka Halloween

Known as The Halloween Capital of the World, Anoka goes all out when October comes around. Anoka is believed to be the first city in the U.S. to put on a Halloween celebration and well, they have continued that tradition going full force. Perfect for the kids, Anoka puts on the annual Grande Day Parade on October 27 where the kids can dress up, watch the spectacular floats, and of course, eat all the candy.

2. The Great Pumpkin Fest

Head to Valleyfair on Saturdays and Sundays through October 28 for some family fun at The Great Pumpkin Fest. Held during the daylight hours, your little ones can enjoy Halloween without any of the scares. The kids can hang out with Snoopy and rest of the Peanuts gang before going on their favorite ride, dancing at the Pirate Party, showing off their costumes at the Great Pumpkin Parade, make their way through the hay bale maze, and finally trick-or-treat to get all the sweet goods.

3. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Each year the Minnesota Zoo puts on this amazing spectacle. At the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular you’ll walk along an enchanting trail lined with over 5,000 illuminated and intricately carved pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. This spellbinding display is accompanied by fog and music to let you and the kids experience that extra bit of Halloween magic.

4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert

Frankly, this event is great for all ages who love Harry Potter. And yes, I definitely want to go to this event myself. Presented by the Minnesota Orchestra, you’ll truly get a one-of-a kind experience and relive the magic of the Harry Potter universe as a live orchestra accompanies the film screening of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The screening and concert will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center with shows running from October 26 – October 28.

5. Pumpkins in the Park

If you’re looking for some good ole classic Halloween fun, there’s nothing quite like celebrating in a pumpkin patch. Hey, Charlie Brown did it. Pumpkins in the Park is geared for kids ages 10 and under and is full of non-scary Halloween fun. Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a trick-o-treat trail, inflatable jump houses, games, a beverage and cookie station, face painting, and many more activities. And of course, kids will be able to head into the pumpkin patch and pick out their very own pumpkin to take home. The event is on October 13 from 4-6pm in Shakopee at Huber Park.

6. Halloween Craft Party

This will be a good time for kids ages 6 and under. They get to create spooky art projects including a picture of a haunted house complete with friendly ghosts as well as a glow-in-the-dark project. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This Halloween Craft Party is on October 27 at Kidcreate Studio in Eden Prairie.

7. Royal Halloween Festival

If your kiddo is the one who absolutely refuses to take off their Elsa princess dress, well, this event is probably the one for you. Guaranteed to have more treats than tricks, your kids can join their favorite princesses and superheroes for plenty of fun-filled Halloween activities. The Little Mermaid will be there to read your favorite fairy-tales, decorate your pumpkin with Rapunzel, get your face painted with the Snow Queen, make caramel apples with the Frog Princess, and learn some superhero lessons from your friendly neighborhood Spiderman. There will be tons of food, music, dancing, arts and crafts, and more, that the kids will love. This event is on October 21 from 9-5pm at Pinstripes and get your tickets soon for this popular event.

8. Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration

We know it can get ridiculously cold for Minnesota Halloweens. (I believe I’m required by Minnesota law or something to bring up the Halloween Blizzard of ‘91 at least once.) But you’re able to stay warm and toasty inside at the Landmark Center’s annual Halloween bash where the kids can dress up and show off their costumes in the costume parade, enjoy treats, crafts, live entertainment, face-painting, and more. This event is on October 28 from 1-3pm and is completely free.

9. Fright Farm Haunted House

If your kids do want a little scare for Halloween, this haunted house offers what they call a ‘low scare matinee’ that is geared toward younger kids. This is a tamer version of their big haunted house attraction that if you want to try later for yourself, has been voted the best and most terrifying haunted house in Minnesota. Fun. After the kids make it through the haunted house, they will also get free prizes, enjoy a magic show, face-painting, and more fun Halloween activities. Located right in St. Paul, you can get a ‘tame scare’ on October 28 from 12-4pm.

Read this next: 7 Minnesota Halloween parties and events to get your scare on