Saturday morning
Trick or Treat the Street
Free, 10 to 2, in downtown Excelsior. Costumed trick-or-treating at the shops, plus free streetcar rides all day.
Twin Cities families · October 23 to 25, 2026
Ten free or cheap outings, west metro first: trick-or-treating on Excelsior's Water Street, nature-center Halloween trails, an orchard and a free zoo story time. Saturday looks mild with a chance of showers, so three picks are indoors.
Short version
Three that fit most families. Everything else is below, by day.
Saturday morning
Free, 10 to 2, in downtown Excelsior. Costumed trick-or-treating at the shops, plus free streetcar rides all day.
If it rains Saturday
$6 per child, at the rec center. Trick-or-treating, carnival games, bounce castles and crafts from 5:30 to 7:30.
Sunday afternoon
Both free, in Bloomington. Drop in at Richardson Nature Center from 1 to 3, then walk the Normandale Lake treat trail, open 2 to 5.
Saturday · October 24
In time order. Mild and near 70, with a chance of showers, so the library, Como's conservatory and the Chanhassen party make good backups.
Dragons, unicorns and fairies: a picture book brought to life with character play, imaginative games and art. For preschool and kindergarten kids and their grown-ups.
Know: Runs 10 to 10:45. Space is limited, so arrive a few minutes early.
Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Ave NShops in downtown Excelsior hand out treats (look for the official stop signs), with free rides on the historic streetcar all day and a Halloween character scavenger hunt.
Know: The streetcar boards next to the library at 337 Water St. About 15 minutes from Minnetonka.
337 Water St, ExcelsiorA nature-themed story at noon in the Visitor Center, then the zoo and the indoor Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, both open 10 to 4.
Cost: Free. A voluntary donation of $8 per adult and $5 per child is appreciated. About 30 minutes from Minnetonka.
1225 Estabrook Dr, St. PaulAnoka's big Halloween parade rolls down Main Street, starting at 1 at the corner of State Street and West Main Street.
Know: About 35 minutes from Minnetonka. Bring chairs or a blanket for the curb.
State St & W Main St, AnokaWalk the trail in costume to meet larger-than-life animal characters for treats, then find Scarecrow Alley, live music and carnival games at Lowry Nature Center.
Cost: $8 per person, under 2 free. Reservations required.
Lowry Nature Center, VictoriaThe city's 42nd annual party at the rec center: trick-or-treating, carnival games, hayrides, bounce castles, crafts and refreshments.
Cost: $6 per child ages 2 to 12; adults and kids 1 and under free. Pre-register online by Friday, or pay at the door.
2310 Coulter Blvd, ChanhassenSunday · October 25
An orchard any time, then three free afternoon programs. Richardson and the treat trail are about ten minutes apart.
Hayrides, an animal barn, a corn pit, hay mountain, kids' train rides, playgrounds and pumpkins, with live music from 12 to 4.
Cost: Weekend admission $12 adults, $8 kids 3 to 12, free 2 and under. Hayrides are included.
6530 County Rd 26, MinnetristaHands-on nature activities at your own pace, with a naturalist on hand to answer questions. Come any time; no sign-up.
Know: Mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Richardson Nature Center, BloomingtonA naturalist leads a walk on the trails at French Regional Park to look at fall changes. Bring binoculars, or borrow a pair at the park.
Know: Drop-ins welcome. Leaves from in front of the visitor center just after 2.
French Regional Park, PlymouthTreat stations along the trail at Normandale Lake, plus a kids' show at the bandshell and a food truck. For preschool through 5th grade; no sign-up.
Times: Preschool to 2nd grade 2 to 3:30; 3rd to 5th grade 3:30 to 5. Park along Chalet Road and start at the west-side boat launch.
Normandale Lake Park, BloomingtonNational Weather Service
The National Weather Service forecast for the Minnetonka area, checked Sunday, October 18 at 2:35 pm. Sunday is not in the 7-day forecast yet. Check again closer to the weekend.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
A chance of rain showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Before you go
A few things that change the plan.