Best 2014 Halloween Events For Kids In Minnesota
Get the whole family in the Halloween spirit (without leaving your tiniest ones frightened for years to come). These kid-friendly haunts celebrate the spookiness of the season in a not-so-spooky way. Whether you are looking for jack-o-lanterns, candy or a place to showcase that elaborate costume, festive happenings are taking place throughout the state. Don't miss these scary-good spots to take your little ghosts and goblins to celebrate Halloween in Minnesota.
Old-Fashioned Trick-Or-Treat
The Landing
2187 Highway 10 E.
Shakopee, MN 55379
(763) 559-6700
www.threeriversparks.org
Date: Oct. 18, 2014
To experience life in the Minnesota River Valley 150 years ago, head to The Landing (formerly known as Historic Murphy's Landing) for trick-or-treating along a candlelit path in a recreated 19th century village. Horse-drawn carriages will bring you to authentic buildings manned by costumed interpreters who are doling out treats. Kids will collect a variety of traditional goodies and toys, plus enjoy some cider and cookies amidst seasonal entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring costumes and bags for treats and to make reservations by calling ahead.
(credit: CBS)
Ghost Trolley
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
4200 Queen Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(952) 922-1096
www.trolleyride.org
Date: Oct. 24-25, 2014
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. Tickets to ride are $4 per passenger.
Light Up The Night Parade
Downtown Anoka
E. Main St.
Anoka, MN 55303
www.anokahalloween.com
Date: Oct. 18, 2014
It is said that Anoka is the 'Halloween Capital of the World' because it was the first U.S. city to put on a celebration to divert kids from pulling Halloween pranks. While the community hosts festive events all month long, October 18 is a great time to visit for a series of Halloween activities. At 11 a.m., the Rum River library hosts an indoor costume parade, plus songs and stories for kids. At 3 p.m., there is a pumpkin carving contest at Aitkin Riverside Park. At 7 p.m., lighted floats head down Main Street for the 'Light up the Night' parade. Throughout the 18th from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., River Plaza hosts free family fun with a bonfire and food vendors in the evening.
(credit: Jupiter Images)
All Hallows' Eve
Farmamerica
7367 360th Ave.
Waseca, MN 56093
(507) 835-2052
www.farmamerica.org
Date: Oct. 25, 2014
Costumed kids can visit this 360-acre agricultural interpretive center for plenty of non-scary Halloween activities including trick-or-treating, magic shows and games. There is even a Gypsy Horse, plus pumpkins available to carve and take home. Don't miss the mile-long tractor ride that makes various stops for tricks and treats. Cost is $5 per person and kids under two years are free.
Campfire Storytime & Candlelight Pumpkin Parade
Gooseberry Falls State Park
3206 Highway 61 E.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-3855
www.dnr.state.mn.us
Date: Oct. 24-25, 2014
The festivities begin on October 24 with family-friendly campfire stories and s'mores at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Be sure to bring a pumpkin and carving utensils to make a fun or spooky pumpkin to leave for the nighttime hike on October 25. The next night's 'Candlelight Pumpkin Parade' will display the lit pumpkins along the Gitchi Gami Trail. Take this paved trail all the way to the shore of Lake Superior for a unique way to celebrate nature and Halloween.
Related: Best Neighborhoods For Trick-Or-Treating In Minnesota
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young daughter, who is her partner-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
