Even though Halloween isn’t until Monday this year, the last weekend in October tends to be a treasure trove of activity for families looking for fun in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.  Haunted sites abound, but those looking for a tamer experience may opt for one of these events instead.

• ZooBoo at Como Zoo,
  October 28, 29, & 30 from 4:30-7:30.
  This non-scary trick-or-treat event through Como Zoo includes costumed characters and entertainment.
• Half-Price Admission to Waterpark of America *,
  October 27-30, 11-10.
  Enjoy some non-Halloween family fun at America’s largest indoor waterpark.
• Blackout at Nickelodeon Universe,
  October 28 & 29 from 5-10.
  Ride in the dark and enjoy entertainment as you see Nickelodeon Universe in a different light.  Treat bags for the first 1000 people who purchase ride tickets.
• Free Family Flick at Theatres at Mall of America,
  October 29 from 10-12.
  See “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on the big screen.
• Wizards, Witches, and Monsters at the Bakken Museum,
  October 29 from 10-4.
  See science magic, get a haunted mansion tour, and some special treats and activities at this science museum on the shores of Lake Harriet.
• Halloween Spooktacular at Chanhassen’s Market Square,
  October 29 from 11-1.
  Trick or treating, face painting, balloon animals, and other activities at this family-friendly daylight event.  When we went two years ago, our kids much preferred it to trick-or-treating at Mall of America.
• Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead at Minnesota History Center,
  October 29 from 12-4.
  Learn about this Mexican holiday with entertainment, games, crafts, and snacks at the History Center.
• Meet Mickey and Minnie at the Mall of America Rotunda,
  October 29 from 12-4.
  Other activities are taking place at the Disney Store as part of their grand reopening.
• Boo-ology at Science Museum of Minnesota,
  October 29 from 1-4.
  Come in costume for free admission, and enjoy spooky science activities in the museum, and even a costume contest.
• Ghouls and Goblins at the Maze at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum,
  October 29 from 1-5.
  Enjoy family Halloween fun with free gate admission during the festival hours.
• Sneak Pre-Boo at The Works,
  October 29 from 5-8.
  Be among the first to see The Works’ new location and enjoy Halloween-themed activities as well.
• Fort Snelling after Dark,
  October 29 from 6-9.
  See the historic fort from a different perspective at night and hear stories about the history of Fort Snelling.
• Mystery at the Fur Post at Northwest Fur Trading Post,
  October 29 from 7-9:30.
  Help solve the mystery at this spooky but family-friendly event.
• HallZOOween at the Minnesota Zoo,
  October 29 & 30 from 9-4.
  Enjoy treats and goodies, crafts, creature features with zoo animals, “creepy crawly” animal encounters, and scarecrow alley, plus information on fighting colds & flu this winter.
• Sever’s Corn Maze, Shakopee,
  October 29 & 30 from 10-6.
  Try finding your way out of the corn maze or enjoy the other family activities as part of Sever’s fall festival in this year’s final weekend of the space-themed maze.
• Family Halloween Camp-in at Science Museum of Minnesota,
  October 29 at 3 p.m. to October 30 at 8 a.m.
  Spend the night at the museum and enjoy food, shows, and spooky activities at the science museum.
• Planet Spooky at Valleyfair,
  October 29 & 30 from 12-6.
  This family friendly, non-scary portion of Valleyscare is open for one last weekend.
• Boo Bash on Grand Avenue,
  October 30 from 1-5.
  Petting zoo, trick or treating, pony ride, costume contest, and more as the St. Paul Grand Avenue merchants welcome families for some Halloween fun.
• World’s Largest Indoor Trick or Treat at Mall of America,
  October 31 from 5-8.
  Costume contest, magician, treat bags, and other activities are part of Mall of America’s Halloween party, with 150 stores participating in the trick or treating.

Families should be able to find plenty of family fun in the Twin Cities this weekend, no matter their time or budget allowances.

If I’ve missed any family-friendly activities this weekend, please share them in the comments.

Related: A Twin Cities Halloween

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