St. Louis Has Supersized Halloween This Year! Here's Your Guide to Tons of Freaky Family Fun

When it comes to Halloween fun, St. Louis has always been a bit . . . extra. Lucky for those of us who can't get enough of monsters, ghosts and goblins, this year is no different!

Break out your best costumes and get ready for some spooky, mostly not-so-scary Halloween fun for you and your little pumpkins, because we found more than 60 ways to celebrate the spookiest of seasons. 

[Please note, some activities require reservations, so if you're interested in attending an event, please follow the links to get all the details. Events held on multiple nights include the full description on first reference.] 

Thursday, October 10:

Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm. Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween-themed shows, a devilishly good DJ, spooky decorations and moonlit rides through Deer Park. Costumes are encouraged. Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm are held 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 6 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October. Early arrival is recommended. Parking is $20 per car. Click for more details.

The BOOterfly House: Bewitching Bugs and Botanicals. The Butterfly House becomes The BOOterfly House to celebrate all things creepy and crawly. Kids can spy on spectacular spiders, enjoy story time with Miss Muffet and see Live Carnivorous Plant feedings with Professor Von Trap. Meet new frightful friends in the Creepy Crawly Cave, watch out for Botanicals Gone Mad in the Conservatory and spy on spectacular spiders with Little Miss Muffet! The BOOterfly House activities are happening Tuesdays through Sundays at The Butterfly House in Faust Park, Chesterfield. Closed on Mondays.

Story time with Miss Muffet happens daily at 10:30 a.m. Live Carnivorous Plant Feedings are held at 1:30 p.m. daily. Live Predator Feedings in the Creepy Crawly Cave happen Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. The Butterfly House is closed on Mondays. BOOterfly House activities will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays through Oct. 31. Click for full details.

^{The Butterfly House becomes The BOOterfly House in October.}

Friday, October 11:

Halloween Workshops at Yucandu Art Studio.  Kids in 1st through 5th grade can make a fun Halloween craft while enjoying popcorn and cider at Yucandu Art Studio's Halloween Workshops. You drop off the kids and enjoy an evening out! Haunted House Workshops are October 11 and October 18 and include decorating an original wooden haunted house to be super spooky and spooktacular! Haunted Lantern Workshops are October 12 and October 19 and include making a metal lantern into the best haunted Halloween diorama ever! The Halloween Party is October 25. Kids will make three small spooky projects, enjoy treats and music, and take pictures in the photo opp station! More information and to register: yucandu.com

^{Halloween Workshops at Yucandu Art Studio}

Saturday, October 12:

Pumpkin Patch in the Pool. Come see the floating pumpkin patch at the South City Family YMCA and enjoy a night of spooky fun! There will be swimming, a water slide, pumpkin decorating, family selfie station, and pumpkins to take home. Come prepared to make a splash. Cost is $10 per family for members of the YMCA and $20 per family for non-members. Register online or in person, or call 314-644-3100.

_{^{Pumpkins in the Pool}}

Pumpkin Jamboree at Eckerts. Ride the wagons out to the pumpkin patch to search for your Great Pumpkin, even one up to 150 pounds! You can also enjoy wagon rides, country music, live entertainment, pony rides, petting farm, children’s activities, make-your-own scarecrow, funnel cakes and festival foods. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend in October at Eckerts Farms in Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton, Ill. More information: eckerts.com

Sunday, October 13:

GPS Trick or Treat at Babler State Park. Families will work together with a GPS unit to find trick or treat locations around the Babler Outdoor Education Center. There will be candy and prizes at each location. One GPS unit and instructions will be provided for each family so no previous experience is necessary. Grab your costumes and get ready for an adventure at this one-of-a-kind family event! Two sessions: 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Babler State Park in Wildwood. Registration is required. Cost is $8 per person. More information and to register: prcommunityed.org

Florissant Fall Fest.  One of the biggest Fall Festivals in the St. Louis area is in Florissant. The Florissant Fall Festival features a chili cookoff, lots of activities for kids, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, live music, shopping from local vendors, a car show, fire department displays, a flea market and lots more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic old town Florissant. Admission is free. More information: florissantoldtown.com

^{Florissant Fall Fest}

Tuesday, October 15:

Boo at the Zoo Nights. It wouldn't be Halloween in St. Louis without a trip to Boo at the Zoo! Enjoy the Zoo's decorated, lighted grounds, the Haunted Hallow, the Witchy Walk welcoming little monsters, giant webs, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, a haunted house with a singing witch, the Fragile Forest Fairyland, the pumpkin maze, educational activity stations and lots more.

Kids can also make Halloween-themed, creepy crafts in the Lakeside Cafe, enjoy interactive fireside stories and ride the Conservation Carousel (the non-spooky Scare-ou-sel!). Visit the 4D Theater for a showing of "Happy Family 4D," a tale of a family adventure that unassumingly goes to a theme park but ends up getting transformed into mystical monsters! And don't miss the live shows from Juggling Jeff, Chef Bananas and singalongs with Enchanted Events characters. Boo at the Zoo Nights are held nightly through October 30. Click to get full details. 

^{Boo at the Zoo Nights}

Wednesday, October 16

Thursday, October 17

Friday, October 18

Howl-O-Ween Fest at Purina Farms. Bring your kids and your dog to Purina Farms for Howl-O-Ween Fest, one of the biggest and most popular Halloween events in the region. You'll enjoy a costume party, fun carnival games, music, face painting, storytelling, circus and magic shows, amazing canine performances, pony rides, inflatables, and more. Wear your favorite costumes for the costume paw-ty! Be sure to stop by the live animal petting area too! Howl-O-Ween Fest will be held Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27. No reservations are required. Click to get the details.

Not-So-Haunted House at The Magic House. It's the Not-So-Haunted House that is oh-so-fun! Kids of all ages are invited to dress in their most "boo-tiful" Halloween costumes and have a ghoulishly good time trick-or-treating at The Magic House and getting autographs from their favorite storybook characters. This year's Halloween event will include a special visit from more than 15 storybook characters from favorite children's tales such as The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and more.

Each child attending the Not-So-Haunted House event will receive a trick-or-treat bag and an autograph book for the not-so-spooky characters to sign as they trick-or-treat throughout four levels of the more than 100-year-old Not-So-Haunted House. This is a candy-free celebration. The Not-So-Haunted House will be held Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27: Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Get all the details.

^{The Not-So-Haunted House at The Magic House}

Terror at Tower Grove Park. Have fun at the not-so-scary Terror in Tower Grove Park Halloween festival for all ages. Terror in Tower Grove Park includes live music, food trucks, candy for the kids, art projects by ArtScope, a costume contest, parade, a Halloween movie, s'mores and lots more. Costumes are encouraged for everyone for this ghoulishly good time! The event is free but donations are accepted to support the park. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. More information: towergrovepark.com

Manchester Halloween Festival. Dress up your kids in their favorite Halloween costumes and take them to Manchester's non-scary, family friendly Halloween Festival in Schroeder Park. You'll enjoy games, pumpkins, face painting, hayrides, a costume contest and lots more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Everyone age 2 and older must have a ticket. Cost is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents.  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. More information and to purchase tickets online: manchester.mo.gov

Halloween Family Fright Night. Halloween Family Fright Night features games, a DJ, a balloon artist, Halloween crafts, inflatables, airbrush tattoos, and lots more. It's designed for kids ages 3 to 10 and their families. Halloween Family Fright Night is open to all, and is free for residents of Bridgeton and $5 per child ages 3+ for non-residents. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bridgeton Recreation Center. Pre-registration is not required. More information: bridgetonmo.com

Halloween Celebration at Watson Trail Park. Gear up for the big night at Watson Trail Park with your ghoul and goblin friends! Activities at this Halloween celebration include a rock wall, bounce house, giant inflatable slide, face painting, a balloon artist, a fire show, hayrides, music and more. Activity bracelets ($5) and food tickets ($3) are available at the Sunset Hills Community Center. More information: mo-sunsethills.com 

Party in the Patch at Shaw Park. Celebrate fall with a candy hunt, hay rides, a bounce house, carnival games, crafts and more at this Halloween party sponsored by the Parks & Rec departments in Clayton, Maplewood and Richmond Heights. A hot dog dinner is included with each child's registration. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Shaw Park in Clayton. Registration is recommended, and the cost is $8 for kids 14 and under when registered in advance and $13 on the day of the event. More information at claytonmo.gov

Halloween Spooktacular on Ice. If your kids like skating and Halloween fun, it doesn't get any cooler than this! Get the family together, put on your costumes, and come to the St. Peters Rec-Plex ice rink for the Halloween Spooktacular on Ice on Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m. Hosted by the St. Peters Figure Skating Association, the Halloween Spooktacular on Ice includes ice skating, games, door prizes, and a costume contest. The cost is $10 for each participant and includes skate rental. Get more details.

Recurring Events for October 18:

Saturday, October 19

Halloweekends at the Saint Louis Zoo. Enjoy two weekends of free spooky fun at Halloweekends at the Saint Louis Zoo! Come to the Zoo dressed in family friendly costumes and as you walk around to see the animals you'll find non-scary Halloween decorations, watch special pumpkin enrichment treats with the animals, experience costumed character meet-and-greets, enjoy the Family Game Zone, take part in the Pumpkin Stomp 'n Chomp, enjoy fall treats and more. Guests can visit the Caribbean Cove, see their favorite Zoo attractions, and get in on the Zoo's Instragram contest using hashtags #Halloweekends, #StlZoo #FallAtTheZoo, and #StlZooBoo. Halloweekends take place two consecutive weekends, October 19-20 and October 26-27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is free and there will be special discounts on fall-themed food and drinks. Learn more at stlzoo.org

^{Halloweekends at the Saint Louis Zoo}

Family Workshop: Pumpkin Painting at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Fun, artsy or ghouly – get creative as you paint on pumpkins! Learn how to mix paint to capture all of the beautiful colors Fall has to offer and leave with a unique Halloween decoration. For ages 4 and up with a favorite grownup. Noon to 2 p.m. at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Cost is $35 and includes one adult and one child. More information and to register: laumeier.org

Trunk or Treat for Kids at Purina Farms. Trunk or Treat for Kids at Purina Farms includes plenty of sweet treats for kids, snacks and toys for kids with food allergies, face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, and goody bags for dogs! Plus, Purina Farms will be open for its Howl-O-Ween Fest immediately following Trunk or Treat. Trunk or Treat is for children ages 2-12 and their families, including their dogs! Dates are October 19 and 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. Tickets must be pre-purchased online. WALK-UPS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Get all the details and how to get tickets here.

Play Date Theater Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Get your spook on as you witness this retelling of Washington Irving's wonderful story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. This tale is spooky enough to delight, but not too scary for little ones. Free. 2 to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library Central Branch. More information: slpl.com

Oktoberfest at Vago Park in Maryland Heights. Oktoberfest in Vago Park has something for all ages, including live music, the Bubble Bus, food trucks, face painting, hayrides, pumpkin painting and a costume contest for kids ages 10 and under.  Oktoberfest is free for all ages and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bubble Bus will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the costume contest takes place at 1 p.m. More information: marylandheights.com

Shaw Neighborhood Pumpkin Glow and Children's Costume Parade. Enjoy a children's costume parade, a Halloween movie, crafts and pumpkin decorating at the 2019 Shaw Neighborhood Pumpkin Glow and Children's Costume Parade. Bring your best carved pumpkins for the glow! The event takes place at 5 p.m. the 4000 block of Flora. Find more details on the Shaw Neighborhood Facebook page. 

^{Shaw Neighborhood Pumpkin Glow and Children's Costume Parade} 

West County EMS and Fire Safety House Fall Festival. Celebrate Fall at Fire Station 1! There will be lots of fun for kids, free pumpkins, the Bubble Bus, face painting, games, yummy food and more. Noon to 3 p.m. Free. At Fire Station 1 in Ballwin. More information can be found on the West County Safety House Facebook page. 

St. Peter's Halloween Carnival. Spend the evening enjoying an indoor Halloween celebration for the whole family, including games, dinner, trick-or-treating, crafts and a hayride (weather permitting). Halloween costumes are encouraged! Pre-registration is required. 4 to 6 p.m. at the St Peters Rec-Plex. Free. For more information and to register online, go to stpetersmo.net

Trick or Track. Halloween at the Museum of Transportation will be bigger than ever this year! Trick or Track is a family Halloween celebration featuring a costume parade and trick or treating around the museum. Miniature train rides are free for kids in costume. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum of Transportation. More information: tnmot.org

Sunday, October 20

Wizarding Owl-O-Ween at the World Bird Sanctuary. Wizards and Muggles are invited to the World Bird Sanctuary for Wizarding Owl-O-Ween, a Harry Potter-themed event full of Halloween fun. Visit the owlery and see the basilisk, acromantula and magical beasts from around the world. Take a break from the Muggle world while sipping butterbeer, trick or tweet at the Honeydukes, and find your magic wand at Ollivanders! Plus, there will be lots of photo opportunities at Platform 9 3/4 with one of the Hawkwart professors and their favorite owl. Suggested donation is $5 per person, with a maximum of $20 per car. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets must be reserved. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information: worldbirdsanctuary.org

Monday, October 21

Boo at the Zoo Nights.  Click to get full details. 

Tuesday, October 22

Halloween Wild Walk. Dress up your kids in their favorite costumes and go trick-or-treating at businesses in the Wildwood Town Center. In addition to lots of treats, trick-or-treaters will enjoy free hot dogs, a costume contest, and giveaways. Sponsored by the Wildwood Business Association. Free. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wildwood Town Center along Main Street. 

Wednesday, October 23

Boo at the Zoo Nights.  Click to get full details. 

The BOOterfly House: Bewitching Bugs and Botanicals. Get the Details

Thursday, October 24

Science Spooktacular at the Saint Louis Science Center. Science gets spooky at the Saint Louis Science Center's annual Halloween party! Bring your little ghouls, goblins, astronauts and dinosaurs to this candy-free Halloween event featuring hands-on, spell-binding science. The whole family is encouraged to come in costume. (Visitors over the age of 12 are asked not to wear masks.) At Science Spooktacular, you'll discover that the things you thought were scary may not be that scary at all. Hands-on activities will help you unravel the unexpected and unknown through science. October 24-27, from 5 to 8 p.m each night at the Saint Louis Science Center. General admission and parking are free. More information slsc.org

Monster Flash Mob at the Saint Louis Science Center. Grab your monster costumes and bring your little monsters to the Saint Louis Science Center to participate in an awesome flash mob! You'll be dancing to Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora) and Monster Mash. Registration is from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the registration desk. Afterwards, stick around for Science Spooktacular. 

^{Monster Flash Mob at the Saint Louis Science Center} 

Halloween Parade at Westport. Costumed kids ages 10 and under are invited to the annual Children's Costume Parade at Westport Plaza, kicking off at 6 p.m. at the patio near World Wide Technology. This is a fun, free, non-scary trick-or-treating event open to all, designed for kids 10 and under. In case of rain the parade will be held inside the mall. Reservations are not needed. More information: marylandheights.com

Halloween Walk in Kirkwood. Children can trick or treat in costume at participating downtown Kirkwood businesses, and there are lots of them! The Kirkwood Halloween Walk is free. Children can trick or treat from 5-7 p.m. while supplies last. City Hall will hand out candy prior to the Walk starting at 4 p.m. More information: downtownkirkwood.com

Friday, October 25

Halloween Happenings and Trick or Treating in University City. Kids should wear their best costumes for trick-or-treating at this free Trunk or Treat. Families, businesses and clubs are invited to decorate a trunk. Awards will be given for Best Trunk, Most Creative Trunk, and Spookiest Trunk. Trick or treating is free for children up to age 12 and no registration is necessary. To participate with a decorated trunk, call 314-505-8613. 5 to 7 p.m. in the Centennial Commons Parking Lot in University City.

Harvest Festival and Boo Bash in Olivette. The annual Harvest Festival and Boo Bash is fall and Halloween fun for the whole family. Enjoy games for kids, food trucks, tractor rides, a farm animal petting zoo, a costume contest and live music. 6 to 9 p.m. at the Olivette Community Center. Free and open to all.

Howl & Prowl Fall Festival. Join in on the free family fun at Howl & Prowl, with Halloween activities for all ages including a costume parade and contest. Bring your kids to the Kids Corner  (4-6:30 p.m.) where there will be a photo booth, musical petting zoo, fire activities from Metro West, karate training with Premier Martial Arts, games, prizes and more. The Kiddie Costume Parade and Contest will begin at 6 p.m. For teens and adults, there will be Open Mic performances featuring music and comedy acts, improv and poetry. The spookier the better! Dress in your favorite costume for a chance to win a prize. Open Mic Night starts at 6:30 p.m. 4 to 9 p.m. at St. Louis Community College at Wildwood. Admission is free. More information: stlcc.edu

Little Goblins Trick or Treat. Bring your little one for some indoor trick or treating, a spooky scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, games and more at The Pointe in Ballwin. Kids will also be treated to a healthy snack. For ages 1 to 5. Cost is $6-$8 per child depending on residency. Parent participation and advance registration are required. 10 to 11:30 a.m. More information and online registration: ballwinmo.us

^{Little Goblins Trick or Treat}

Pumpkin Glow in Historic St. Charles. At the Historic St. Charles Pumpkin Glow you and your family can bask in the glow of carved pumpkins throughout the historic district while the merchants along Main Street stay open late to offer Halloween goodies and tastings. Costumes are encouraged! Don't forget to visit with the Legends & Lanterns characters for chilling ghost stories and haunting encounters. This event does not include trick or treating. October 25 and 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. More information: historicstcharles.com

Ferguson Fall Spooktacular. The Ferguson Fall Spooktacular includes the annual trick or treating and a lot more! Families are invited to the Ferguson Community Center for hayrides, s'mores, lots of trick or treating fun, Halloween themed rooms, and more than 5,000 pieces of candy. 5 to 9 p.m. at the Ferguson Community Center. Free. Reservations are not needed. Costumes are encouraged. More information: fergusoncity.com

Halloween at the Foundry. Calling all ghosts, goblins, witches, princes and princesses! You're invited to a Halloween Party at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles for some trick or treating, crafts, a scavenger hunt, a costume contest, music and even a (non-scary) haunted house! Registration is not required. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. More information: foundryartcentre.org

Halloween Skate. Wear your costumes for this fun ice skating event at the Brentwood Ice Rink. There will be a costume contest, candy, face painting and Halloween themed crafts. Admission is $4 for non-residents and $3 for residents. Skate rental is $2 per person. 7 to 10 p.m. More information: brentwoodmo.org

Saturday, October 26

Children's Halloween Costume Parade and Party in the CWE. Kids are the star of the show during the Central West End's Children's Costume Parade and Party. The parade begins at 11 a.m. with special guest and Grand Marshall Kennedy Holmes from The Voice! Children in their favorite costumes will be escorted by Cinderella and her carriage, Moolah Shriners in their YOMO cars, clowns, face painters and more. The parade begins at Walton & McPherson. After the parade, kids can trick or treat at participating businesses throughout the Central West End until 1 p.m. More information: cwescene.com

Halloween Family Day at the Contemporary Art Museum. 'Tis the season to be spooky! Dress up your kids in their best costumes and head to the Contemporary Art Museum for a haunted dance party, ghoulish art projects, face painting, a kids' costume contest, and lots more. Special guests include Maxi Glamour, DJ Jeremy Kannapell, Leverage Dance Company, Star Wars Stormtroopers, and Louie from the St. Louis Blues! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. RSVP is requested. More information and to RSVP: camstl.org

^{Halloween Family Day at the Contemporary Art Museum}

Mad Science Halloween Party. Kids will have tons of wicked, spooky and science-filled fun at the Mad Science Halloween Party at the Carousel in Faust Park. This eerie event will take party goers into the haunted Mad Science lab where they will learn about air pressure and attempt to help a vicious vampire in his coffin after a night of feasting. Then, Countess Meggbert falls under a witch's spell while children use science to figure out how to reverse it. But this spine-chilling party also features indoor fireworks, floating eyeballs and a cemetary effect that is guaranteed to spook and thrill any audience! Snacks and a ride on the carousel are included. Space is limited and reservations are required. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Carousel in Faust Park, Chesterfield. Cost is $20 per child. For ages 5 to 12. Sponsored by Mad Science of St. Louis. For reservations, call 314-615-8345. 

Pumpkin Paint and Play at Play Street Museum. Kiddos can choose a pumpkin to paint and take home as well as engage in other pumpkin fun at Play Street Museum's Pumpkin Paint and Play. 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Play Street Museum. Registration is required. Cost is $18 per child. More information and to register: stlouis.playstreetmuseum.com

Family Day at the National Blues Museum: Kids' Blues Boogie. Listen to live music and take part in a kids' dance party at the National Blues Museum. Wear your costumes and have some fun in the photo booth, then visit the musical petting zoo! Free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Blues Museum. Reservations are not necessary. More information: nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Monster Mash Halloween Parties at the St. Louis County Library. Halloween parties at the St. Louis Public Library are free! Kids and teens can make their own Frankentoy or craft, watch Halloween movies, and find Halloween candy. Reservations are not required. Please note the age range for each party. Costumes are encouraged! Get times and locations here.

Halloween Family Fun Fest in Whitecliff Park. Celebrate Halloween with festive games, food trucks, trunk or treat booths, bounce houses, live music and hayrides at this free celebration sponsored by the Crestwood Parks and Recreation Department. Everyone is encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Whitecliff Park. More information: cityofcrestwood.org

Halloween Storytelling and Crafts at Lemay. Kids can enjoy Halloween stories and crafts, then stay for open play. For all ages. Costumes are encouraged. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Pavilion at Lemay in Jefferson Barracks Park. $5/person. More information: stlouisco.com or call 314-615-8877 to register.

Monster Mash Trunk or Treat with the Wentzville Firefighters. Wear your costumes for this Monster Mash Trunk or Treat for the whole family. Activities include trick-or-treating, the Bubble Bus, face painting, free pumpkins to take home for kids ages 14 and younger, games, and more. The fun takes place at the Station 1 Firehouse on Leutkenhaus Blvd. Everyone who pre-registers will receive a hot dog, bag of chips and refreshments.  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information and to pre-register: wentzvillemo.org

Monsters on the Meadows Halloween Festival. Dress up your little goblins for the Monsters on the Meadows Halloween Festival at the Meadows of Lake Saint Louis. There will be free pumpkin painting, trick or treating, face painting, giveaways and lots more. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free and open to everyone. More information: themeadowsatlsl.com

^{Monsters on the Meadows}

Monster Mash Bash at Riverchase in Fenton. Little ghosts and goblins are invited to a non-scary Monster Mash Bash at Riverchase. Wear your costumes for this family Halloween event, complete with trick or treating. Guests will also enjoy music by DJ Divine, and everyone gets a goody bag. 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverchase in Fenton. Open to all. Tickets are $3 per child; adults are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Riverchase or at the event. More information: fentonmo.org

Tails of the Night. Celebrate nocturnal animals and all the creepy, crawly and cool critters that call Missouri home. At Tails of the Night, visitors at the Wildlife Rescue Center can enjoy costumed hikes, campfires, have close-up critter encounters, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the wild animal hospital. There will also be autumn treats, glow-in-the-dark interactive art installations, and nature crafts. 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Ballwin. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information and to purchase advance tickets online, go to mowildlife.org

Halloween Costume Contest and Downtown Trick or Treating in Edwardsville. Break out your scariest or cutest costumes and vie for prizes in the Edwardsville Costume Contest and Trick or Treating. Kids will be divided into age groups, and there will be a separate category for group costumes. You must be present by 11:30 a.m. to register your child for the costume contest. Trick or treating follows on Main Street. Free. At the City Park Bandstand. More information: cityofedwardsville.com.

Frights and Heights at the Gateway Arch. Enjoy a night of Halloween fun topped off with a view you can't find anywhere else! Wear your costumes and see spooky sights as you make your way to the top of the Arch. Then you'll have fun with face painting, balloon animals, pumpkin decorating and treats for kids. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are required and are $17 per person. Children under 3 are free. Get tickets at gatewayarch.com.

Bug Ball. Your little bugaboos will be able to play games, create spook-tacular crafts and take home lots of loot after they visit the many hand-painted Treat Houses at the Bug Ball. But that's not all! Families can spy on the amazing Owl Butterflies, which are only active during dusk and dawn, munch on a spook-tacular spread that will include themed menu items like creepy pizza fingers, scream cheese, eerie pudding, pumpkin punch and more. You can even dance to Monster Jams! Admission to the Butterfly House, activities, light refreshments, crafts, treats and goody bags are included in the event ticket price. Space is limited and reservations are required. Cost is $14 per person, $12 for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden, and free for infants 12 months and younger. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. More information and to register: butterflyhouse.org

Mini Monster Mash at the Youth Activity Park. This Mini Monster Mash is designed for kids 8 and under, so it's full of non-scary fun! Costumed kids will enjoy s'mores as they decorate pumpkins. Everyone gets to take home a treat-filled goody bag. 3 to 5 p.m. at the Youth Activity Park in Dardenne Prairie. Admission is $5 per child at the door. Reservations are not required. For more information call 636-561-4964.

Trick or Treating in Old Town Webster Groves. More than 35 businesses in Old Orchard and Old Town Webster Groves will be handing out plenty of treats to costumed kids during the annual Webster Groves Trick or Treating. Look for the Trick or Treat sign in the window of participating businesses. 3 to 5 p.m. More information: webstergroves.org

Haunted Shelter Extravaganza at St. Vincent Shelter.  Kids ages 5 and up can enjoy candy, hot chocolate, s'mores and other treats under the haunted St. Vincent Shelter. There will be prizes for the best costumes, sand volleyball and other fun activities for the whole family. The St. Vincent Haunted Shelter Extravaganza will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the St. Vincent Community Center on St. Charles Rock Road. Free. More information: stlouisco.com

Sunday, October 27

BOOOOK-tacular Campfire Tales. Gather around a toasty campire for an enchanted evening of not-so-spooky Halloween storybook readings. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Registration is required. Cost is $10 and includes a goody bag. For ages 12 and under. 4 to 5 p.m. at Webster Park Community Building. For more information and to register, visit stcharlesparks.com

Pumpkin Carving in Suson Park. It's time for a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving! Join a park ranger at Suson Park, where pumpkins, carving tools and designs will be provided. You can also bring your own favorite designs, or just free-hand carve. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. For all ages. Registration is required by calling 314-615-4386.

Costume Party at Urban Fort Cafe. Kids will enjoy a magic show, Halloween carnival games, decorating a candy bag, Halloween punch & cookies and more at this special costume party for little ones. Parents can enjoy a special Halloween cocktail, too. Cost is $20 for the first child over 1 year, $15 for each additional child, and $5 for adults. Registration includes a $3 booking fee. 4 to 7 p.m. Click here to register online. 

Safe Kids Halloween Party. Have some Halloween fun with a focus on safety at this free Halloween celebration featuring fire trucks, ambulance tours, a helicopter landing, games and educational booths. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes for trick or treating, but if you don't have costumes, free costumes will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. This free Halloween party is open to all. Sponsored by SSM De Paul Hospital, the Bridgeton Police Department and the Pattonville Fire Protection District. Light refreshments will also be provided. 1 to 4 p.m. at SSM De Paul Hospital in Bridgeton.  

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Families can help light up the trails at Memorial Park in Brentwood at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. There will be a pumpkin carving contest for adults and pumpkin painting for kids, free pumpkins and lots of prizes for the winners. 5 to 9 p.m. Free. More information: brentwoodmo.org

Monday, October 28

Boo at the Zoo Nights.  Click to get full details. 

City Wide Trunk or Treat. The Second Annual City Wide Trunk or Treat is fun for the whole family! This free event includes lots of candy and prizes for kids, three bounce houses and an inflatable slide, costume contest, face painting, games, a coloring table, fire truck and a DJ. Everyone is welcome. This is NOT a drop-off event. Parents must accompany children. 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of The Marquee Restaurant on Locust. Get more information here. 

Tuesday, October 29

The Healthy, History-Lovin' Halloween Party at the Missouri History Museum.  Bring your kids to the Missouri History Museum for this movin' and groovin' Halloween party! Kids can go trick-or-treating in the galleries and learn fun facts along the way. There will be kiddie calisthenics at each stop (where kids can earn prizes), and kids can shake, spin, swirl and twirl along to some great Halloween tunes in the disco dance party room. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. This is a candy-free event but there will be plenty of nonedible goodies. Free. 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. More information: mohistory.org.

Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party at the Creve Coeur Government Center. The Creve Coeur Police Department and Creve Coeur Fire District welcomes all to stop in to the station on Halloween for a fun, free Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party. There will be lots of treats for all kids in costume and even prizes for the best and most creative costumes! This free Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party is happening 4 to 6 p.m. More information: creve-coeur.org

^{Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party at the Creve Coeur Government Center}

Wednesday, October 30

Halloween Costume Contest and Harvest Party. Celebrate the harvest and Halloween at the last Schlafly Farmers Market of the season. Shop from local farmers and producers and enjoy some family fun too. Come dressed in your spookiest or cutest, because the costume contest will be held at 5:30 p.m. and is for kids, adults, and dogs! Winners will take home a Schlafly gift basket. At Schafly Bottleworks in Maplewood from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. More information: schlaflyfarmersmarket.com

Thursday, October 31  Happy Halloween!

Halloween Parade and Party in Lafayette Square. Kids should wear their favorite costumes for this fun, free Halloween parade and party at the playground in Lafayette Park. Everyone is welcome. 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Park Playground. Free. More information: lafayettesquare.org

Trick or Treating at West County Center. Take your kids for some free indoor trick or treating at West County Center mall. Visit participating stores that will be giving out candy for little ghouls and goblins. Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 6 p.m. While supplies last. No masks or weapons allowed.

Halloween Boo-nanza. This free family event at the North County Recreation Complex includes hayrides, a marshmallow roast around the bonfire, and a scavenger hunt where the first 10 kids to finish will receive a prize. There will also be fun with crafts and pumpkins, and a costume contest. Don't miss the Haunted Caverns at the end of the program. 6 to 8 p.m. More information: stlouisco.com

Trick or Treating on Main Street St. Charles. Bring your little ghouls and goblins in their favorite costumes to the Main Street historic district in St. Charles for trick or treating from Main Street merchants. 3 to 5 p.m. along Main Street in St. Charles. Free. More information: discoverstcharles.com

Trick or Treating at Clayton Businesses. Kids and families are invited to visit Clayton businesses from 4 to 6 p.m. for some tricks, treats and Halloween specials. Come dressed in your Halloween best! Businesses and restaurants will pass out candy and offer discounts or other treats in the DeMun Business District, Wydown Business District, Clayton Road District, at Clayton City Hall (including fire, police and public works), and Maryland Avenue District. More information: claytonmo.gov

Friday, November 1

Halloween Candy Exchange and Waves Swim at The Lodge Des Peres. Trade in sugary candy for healthy exercise! Bring leftover Halloween candy to The Lodge of Des Peres and receive a free youth admission and waves swim session in exchange for one pound of candy. Registration is required and space is limited to 200 participants. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this event. All candy will be donated to the USO of Missouri for our troops. To secure your child's spot at the swim, reserve by October 31. This event is free when you register and bring one pound of candy to donate per person. 4 to 8 p.m. at The Lodge of Des Peres. More information and to register: desperesmo.org

Find even more Halloween and fall fun all across St. Louis in our Things To Do calendar

Related:

8 Ways for Families to Play in St. Louis This October

7 St. Louis Area Pumpkin Patches Your Kids Will Love