Kids Activities in the Minneapolis Minnesota Area | Kids Out and About Minneapolis/St. Paul

FEATURED EVENTS

Tricks and Treats 2026 at Valleyfair

Saturdays & Sundays, September 26 – November 1. Celebrate Halloween at Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats, the family-friendly fall event packed with festive fun, sweet treats, and seasonal excitement. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, entertainment, a costume contest, specialty snacks, candy, and your favorite family rides for a day full of spooky memories and fall fun. Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-last with Valleyfair’s spooky, kooky Halloween activities — dress in your finest Halloween attire for The Costume Contest, enjoy (skele)tons of delicious seasonal drinks and candy, and discover amazing thrills and chills on some of your favorite family rides. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Halloween during Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair — it’s all the fun without the fear before the sun goes down.
Dates: 
10/24/2026
10/25/2026
10/31/2026
12 - 5:30 pm
Location: 
Valleyfair, Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee, MN, USA
See map: Google Maps
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The Haunting Experience 2026

The Haunting Experience has all of the scary attractions you need for a fun Halloween scare. We are home to the longest-running haunted hayride in Minnesota, since 1986, a legacy of terror that has left guests screaming and jumping out of their seats. After the hayride, head over to our famous Haunted House or Massacre experience, where you will encounter monsters, maniacs, and creatures beyond your most nightmarish imaginations.
Dates: 
10/21/2026
10/22/2026
10/23/2026
Times vary.
Location: 
The Haunting Experience, East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns September 25 – November 1, 2026. A fan-favorite fall outing, this one-of-a-kind experience takes you on a stroll through more than 5,000 artistically carved glowing pumpkins. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience begin the moment you arrive at the Zoo. With an expanded route and new experiences on the plaza, there’s more space to explore – and even better views of thousands of glowing pumpkins. Stroll the woodsy trail surrounded by spectacularly carved pumpkins and glowing displays. Whether it’s your first visit or a fall tradition, there’s something to discover around every turn. This year, trivia takes center stage! Put your trivia skills to the test as you make your way along the trail. You’ll encounter trivia questions, and the pumpkins themselves are the answers – can you figure out which pumpkin is the right one? From questions kids will know to answers the adults will recognize, the pumpkin artists have plenty of tricks to keep everyone guessing.
Dates: 
10/21/2026
10/22/2026
10/23/2026
6pm - 10pm
Location: 
Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, United States
See map: Google Maps
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The Boy Who Cried Wolf at Merrill Arts Center

In this delightful reimagining of Aesop’s cautionary tale, a bored boy named Roy tends to his family’s flock. Hilarity ensues when Roy meets a mischievous character and discovers the real source of mischief! Rated-G for the entire family.
Dates: 
10/24/2026
10/25/2026
10/31/2026
1 pm
Location: 
Merrill Arts Center, Rivertown Drive, Woodbury, MN, USA
See map: Google Maps
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BOOnion Depot 2026

Family-friendly Halloween Event! Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Union Depot will transform into a spooky day of fun for families. At this free event, you can create crafts, jam in a DJ dance zone with prizes, and enjoy plenty of Halloween-themed entertainment! Dressing up in your Halloween best is encouraged! BOOnion Depot will be indoors in the Waiting Room. Please park at Union Depot (https://www.uniondepot.org/parking/daily/) and enter the building. Make your way to level 1 and head to the Waiting Room – follow the sound of music!
Dates: 
10/25/2026
10:00am to 2:00pm
Location: 
Union Depot, 214 4th St E, Saint Paul, MN 55101, United States
See map: Google Maps
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