Must-Do Halloween Events

Autumn is my favorite of all the seasons. I love it when temperatures drop, leaves change color and days become shorter. But the thing I enjoy most about autumn is the array of Halloween and harvest events that takes place.

You have to admit that Halloween isn’t just considered a single day anymore (like some holidays)… it’s a month-long celebration!  Children and adults alike enjoy dressing up and having fun all month long.

Not sure what to attend this Halloween season in the Twin Cities? Well, here is my list of the five must-do events in our area this Halloween season:

1 Fall Festival on Main Street Arbor Lakes
This is a FREE family friendly event that includes trick or treating, free pumpkins and pumpkin decorating, kid's activities and a costume contest with free photos. Fall Festival on Main Street Arbor Lakes is Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

2. The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
Home to Minnesota’s largest corn maze, this family friendly event offers a large, Twins-themed corn maze and family activities. Activities include hayrides, a play area, pumpkin slinging, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and helicopter rides.  The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze is open Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $9/guest and children under 36” are FREE (some activities are an extra fee).

3. ValleySCARE
ValleySCARE has daytime activities on Saturdays and Sundays that are scare free and family-friendly. As soon as night approaches, more than 200 ghosts, goblins, mutants and other strange creatures lurk in the fog to find you. ValleySCARE is open Thursdays-Sundays in October. Prices range from $9.99-$41.00. Check website for times.

4. Trail of Terror
This event is for anyone brave enough to tackle 2.5 miles of scares. The Trail of Terror in Shakopee has more than 15 attractions including a torture chamber, a trail of terror, a haunted hayride, five halls of horror and many more spine tingling attractions. The Trail of Terror is open Thursday-Sundays in October and Halloween night from 7-11 p.m. Admission at the gate is $18.95/adults, $12.95/ children (discounted coupons at Walgreens).

5. Halloween 1900 Style
This old-fashion event at Eidem Homestead celebrates Halloween as it was in 1900. The farmhouse will glow in soft kerosene lamplight where there will be stories, a bonfire, barn dance, decorations and treats. Halloween 1900 Style is Oct. 29 from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $6/adults, $4/children ages 3-12 years.

For more events in the Twin Cities Metro, visit Minneapolis Northwest Convention & Visitors Bureau’s calendar of events, “like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.