Now that the season of pumpkin beers, trick-or-treating, and bonfire weather is officially here, (well almost here, it’s nearly 90 degrees as I’m writing this) St. Louis becomes host to a lot of wonderful holiday festivities. If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween with your children, check out the best family friendly fall activities in St. Louis!
See the bottom of the article for a map of all the pumpkin patches and activities listed for easy reference.
1. Fright Fest at Six Flags
St. Louis Residents of Eureka can can easily hear the swoosh of the Batman ride and whir of the train whistle at the neighboring Six Flags St. Louis until end of October each year. As children begin to go to school and the park closes Hurricane Harbor, the water park, the park transforms into Fright Fest, whose slogan is ‘Thrills by Day, Fright by Night.’ The festivities during the day are perfect for costumed kids who want to hang with super heroes and G-rated monsters. In the evening, the atmosphere changes for the creepier! Ghouls and monsters start to roam the theme park streets and there are several haunted houses for park goers to visit. I would recommend parental supervision for the evening as the characters and foggy (dry ice) atmosphere can make the park quite scary. Find a list of activities and showtimes at Six Flags St. Louis website.
2. Purina Farms Howl-o-Ween Fest
Does your pup like Halloween? Do your kiddos like puppies?
Well, then I think you’re in luck! Purina farms has a celebrations for man and man’s best friend.
Enjoy not-so-scary entertainment including magic shows, carnival games, storytelling, canine performances, bounce houses, pony rides and more!
Vist the Purina Howl-o-Ween website
3. Corn Maze at Brookdale Farms
Brookdale Farms has so many things to offer including pumpkins, pumpkin slingshots, hayrides, but most importantly the Farm is famous for their haunted corn maze. The maze is family friendly during the day, however, at night it gets a bit spookier. The evening maze attraction, Red’s Corn Maze Massacre, isn’t suggested for young children. Visit the Brookdale Farms website
4. Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo USA Today recently ranked the St. Louis Zoo as the best free attraction in America. The publication notes: “The 90-acre St. Louis Zoo exhibits 600 species of animals representing every continent and major biome on the planet. It’s also one of the nation’s few zoos that offers free entry, though some exhibits and shows charge smaller admission fees.” It’s also one of my top 4 favorite Fall activities here in St. Louis. Known as “Boo at the Zoo,” kids can (and are encouraged to) wear costumes as they meander through the park, discovering the wonderful animals that call St. Louis home. The Zoo offers many wonderful holiday surprises including fireside stories, spooky animal encounters, decorations throughout the park, and a “not-so-spooky Scare-ou-sel.” Visit the Boo at the Zoo website
5. Halloween Nights at Grant’s Farm
Halloween Nights at Grant’s Farm All the things you love about Grant’s Farm but after hours and with some Halloween flair! Activities include Dark Deer Park Rides (bring you flashlight to spot the animals), Halloween Themed Show, a DJ in the Courtyard to show off your zombie two-step, and lights and decorations! Events are date specific, though there are plenty of days throughout October. Find more info here on the Grant’s Farm website.
5. Science Spooktacular at the Science Center
Science Spooktacular at the Science Center Mark your calendars for this event is a limited time event happing four days only: Thursday, October 24 to the 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Take in a spooktacular science lesson at the St. Louis Science Center with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, spooky storytime. They’ll also be screening Monster’s Inc in their Grow Pavilion. Check out the schedule of events at the St. Louis Science Center’s website (also, it’s got a really creepy special effect on the site!)
6. Not-So-Haunted House at the Magic House
The Not-So-Haunted House at the Magic House You can bring your children dressed in their Ghoulish-Finest for a ‘trick or treating’ event where instead of candy, they can get autographs from their favorite characters during the last two weekends in October. Check out the Magic House’s Events Page for details.
7. Pumpkin Patches GALORE!
St. Louis has a lot of places to go pick a pumpkin.
- Brookdale Farms – Eureka, MO
https://www.brookdalefarmsinc.com/ - Stuckmeyer’s Farm Market – Fenton, MO
www.stuckmeyers.com - Garnat Valley Farms – Washington, MO
https://www.garnetvalleyfarms.com/ - Summit Produce at Kirkwood Farmers Market – Kirkwood, MO
www.summitproduce.com - Pin Oaks Pumpkin Patch – New Haven, MO
www.pinoakfarms.com - Pumpkins Galore – Wright City, MO
www.pumpkinsgalore.com - Eagle Fork Pumpkin Patch – Moscow Mills, MO
eagleforkfarms.com - Daniel’s Farm & Greenhouses – St. Peters, MO
www.danielsfarmandgreenhouse.com
Also Read: Stay Safe this Halloween
Check out these Halloween safety tips to keep your family our of harm’s way this fall.