Saturday morning · west
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
50 free or cheap family outings, ten in each part of the metro so you can stay close to home: trunk-or-treats, Halloween trails, skating parties, library story times, orchards and museums. Forecast: Saturday 70° with a 30% chance of rain; Sunday 61° with a 30% chance of rain.
Short version
Three big free ones in different corners of the metro. Everything else is below, by area.
Saturday morning · west
Free, 10 to 2, in downtown Excelsior. Costumed trick-or-treating at the shops, plus free streetcar rides all day.
Saturday afternoon · north
Free, 1 to 3:30. Anoka's big Halloween parade rolls down Main Street, starting at State Street and West Main.
Sunday afternoon · St. Paul
Free, 1 to 3, indoors. A costume parade at 2, face painting, crafts and carnival games at Landmark Center downtown.
Lake Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Plymouth, Chaska, Waconia
Lake Minnetonka towns out to Victoria, Waconia and Maple Plain. Free library programs close out each area.
All ages with a focus on children age 2+. This is a 2-day event! On Friday, October 23 from 3-5:30pm Drop your stuffed animal off in the Kids Area at the Chaska Library.
Chaska Library, ChaskaShops 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.
337 Water St, ExcelsiorWalk 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, ChanhassenPreschool-Kindergarten and their caregivers. Dragons, Unicorns, and Fairies – oh my!
Plymouth Library, PlymouthPreschool and school age children. Reading to therapy animals encourages reading confidence. Presented by North Star Therapy Animals. 15-minute sessions on a first come, first served basis.
Waconia Library, WaconiaHayrides, 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, MinnetristaA 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, PlymouthA quick lesson on GPS receivers and a practice cache, then a hunt through the woods for hidden treats. All equipment is provided.
Cost: $8 per child, ages 5 and up. Register by Saturday, Oct 24.
Baker Outdoor Learning Center, Maple PlainGrades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs but you can call ahead to see if other animals will be visiting. Sign up when you arrive for a 15-minute slot.
Plymouth Library, PlymouthBloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Shakopee, Rosemount, Farmington
Halloween trails, a skate party and the wildlife refuge, plus library programs.
A family-friendly dusk hike on the Long Meadow Lake trail, looking for nocturnal wildlife. Fully outdoors; no experience needed.
Know: Meet at the visitor center at 6. About 2 miles in 1.5 hours, and the access trails are steep with stairs, so skip the stroller. Refuge programs are free.
Refuge visitor center, BloomingtonCome in your best not-so-spooky costume for trick-or-treat stations, the Monster Mash and Halloween games. Outdoors, rain or shine.
Cost: $6 per child; adults free with a food donation. Buy tickets ahead on the city ticket site (Discover Eagan); you need an account.
Viking Lakes, EaganSee wild rice at each stage of preparation, watch a video of the harvest, taste wild rice salad and take recipes home.
Know: Free; all materials provided. Drop in any time, no registration.
Pond House, 401 E 104th StGames, booths, prizes, animals, food trucks and candy at Huber Park.
Know: Free, no registration.
Huber Park, ShakopeeDress up in your favorite costume, follow the trail at Central Park and collect plenty of treats along the way. It's the city's 44th annual.
Know: Free. No pets on the trail. The city calls it the Halloween Haunted Trail; its page describes a treat trail.
Central Park, RosemountDrop-in to learn about butterflies. Hear about the library's butterfly backpack project from a local Silver Award Girl Scout. For youth ages 6 and older.
Farmington Library, FarmingtonHands-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. About ten minutes from the treat trail.
Richardson Nature Center, BloomingtonTreat 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 are encouraged to go 2 to 3:30, 3rd to 5th grade 3:30 to 5. Park in the lots along Chalet Road and start at the west-side boat launch. Weather permitting.
Normandale Lake Park, BloomingtonTrick-or-treating, open skating and prize drawings at the Burnsville Ice Center. Costumes encouraged but not required.
Cost: Admission free. Skate rental $6 a pair, skating aid $4.
Burnsville Ice CenterA geocaching adventure full of Halloween surprises and treats at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Equipment provided; all ages welcome.
Cost: $8 per person. Register by Friday, Oct 23.
Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior LakeMaple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Lino Lakes
Trunk-or-treats, a spooky skate, two nature-center events and the big Anoka parade.
A Halloween trail walk with the animal characters of the Big Woods: a bubbling cauldron, the Gross Out Grotto, games, a candy cannon and a treat to make at the fire.
Cost: $8 per person. Reserve a trail start time: every 15 minutes from 10 to 11:45 and 1 to 2:15. Some times are sold out.
Eastman Nature Center, DaytonAnoka's big Halloween parade rolls down Main Street, starting at 1 at the corner of State Street and West Main Street.
Know: Curb spots on Main Street can be claimed after 4 am on parade day; chairs set out earlier are removed.
State St & W Main St, AnokaCrank the cider press, play pioneer games and try self-guided nature activities.
Know: Free. Optional free sign-up online closes Thursday, Oct 22.
Wargo Nature Center, Lino LakesCandy from decorated trunks in the community center parking lot, plus pumpkin bowling, balloon twisting, giant bubbles and inflatables.
Know: Costume contests at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Free; just show up.
Maple Grove Community CenterTrick-or-treat along the outdoor Spooktacular path, with treats and inflatables. Costumes encouraged.
Know: Free, no registration. No pets.
Zanewood Recreation Center, Brooklyn ParkFor children from birth to 24 months and their caregivers. Talk, sing, read, write and play together. Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement in a format especially designed for babies.
Maple Grove Library, Maple GroveFor children of all ages and their caregivers. Talk, sing, read, write and play together. Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement.
St. Anthony Library, St. AnthonyFor children ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program exploring interactive early literacy activities. Siblings welcome.
Champlin Library, ChamplinWander the trails in costume to find outdoor sculptures dressed in playful disguises, collect small treats and passport stamps, and earn a prize at the end.
Know: Free. You can sign up online.
Silverwood Park, St. AnthonyA Halloween public skate at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, with costumes and a spooky hallway.
Cost: Regular admission: $6 adults, $5 students and seniors, 5 and under free with a paid adult. Skate rental $4.
Coon Rapids Ice CenterParks, museums and libraries across the city
Park Board Halloween parties, a costume swap, a drive-in movie and museums.
A bounce house, a craft, snacks, candy and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at Keewaydin Park.
Know: Free, no registration.
Keewaydin ParkEvery car gets a treat bag, with fire pits and family trivia from 6 to 6:30 before the movie. A food truck is on site.
Cost: $25 per vehicle; register ahead. Cars enter 5:30 to 6 only. Small and mid-size, front-facing cars; sound plays over FM radio.
Lake Nokomis Main BeachA story about Russian art and culture, a look at the artworks, a take-home craft and a gallery hunt at the Museum of Russian Art. Best for ages 4 to 8; all are welcome.
Know: Free. Pre-register kids so there are enough supplies. Free parking across the street.
5500 Stevens Ave, MinneapolisBring a costume, take a costume, and make a wand or mask at the art table at Graco Park.
Know: Free for all ages, no registration.
Graco Park, NortheastHayrides, a DJ dance party and treats, outdoors at Linden Hills Park.
Know: Free, no pre-registration.
Linden Hills ParkFor children and their families. Join us for an easy-going session of kids’ chess. Volunteers will be ready to teach all chess beginners how to play or facilitate play with other kids.
Walker Library, MinneapolisFor children ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program exploring interactive early literacy activities. Siblings welcome.
Minneapolis Central Library, MinneapolisJoin the Minnesota Black Author Expo for a day of storytelling, poetry and prose readings! Chat with authors and find out what’s new with Black authors in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Central Library, MinneapolisHands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities for the whole family, with staff to help.
Cost: Included with admission: $14 adults, $10 ages 4 to 17, 3 and under free.
The Bakken MuseumDrop in to make a folded paper container inspired by parfleche envelopes, and learn how they were used in Ho-Chunk and Lakota cultures.
Know: Open 11 to 5 Saturday and Sunday, 10 to 5 Friday. The museum is always free; garage parking is $3 an hour, $13 at most.
Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River RdSt. Paul, Roseville, Washington County, Cottage Grove, Stillwater
A free zoo, a pumpkin festival downtown, a beaver science day, Halloween at two nature centers and an apple farm.
Drop in to hang out and make cool stuff at FunLab! Featuring crafts, science experiments, engineering projects, video games, and more. This program is designed for ages 7-11.
George Latimer Central Library, St. PaulExplore a life-sized beaver lodge and pond maze, meet fossil experts and learn about the giant beaver, Minnesota's state fossil, and try dam building on a stream table at the Bell Museum.
Cost: Included with admission: $15 adults, $12 ages 3 to 21, under 3 free. A beaver story time runs 11:15 to 11:45. Parking is $6 (cards only).
Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave WTrick-or-treat through the woods, ride a tractor-pulled wagon to look for ghosts and goblins, meet slithery creatures and play field games for extra treats.
Cost: $8 a person online, $10 the day of; kids 2 and under free. It's at Dodge's Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove.
Shepard Farm, Cottage GroveSpooky games, crafts and a trunk-or-treat at Harriet Alexander Nature Center.
Cost: $8 per child; adults and kids under 1 free. Pre-registration required.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center, RosevilleJump into a world where words bounce, beats groove, and voices play! In this session, we’ll explore call-and-response rhythms and rhymes, sing-along silly songs, and goofy movement games that get your whole body boppin’.
Oakdale Library, OakdaleCelebrate the launch of The Clothing My Family Wears, a new children’s picture book by local author, Pawku Hser.
Know: Presented in Knyaw.
Rice Street Library, St. PaulJoin us for a weekly Saturday morning storytime! Build literacy skills as a family! In storytime we read, sing and play together to grow a love of reading and learning while having fun, socializing and building skills. Recommended for ages 0-6.
Hamline Midway Library, St. PaulFree to walk in: say hi to the goats, walk the orchard and let kids loose on the playsets. Apples and treats are in the Apple Barn.
Cost: Wagon rides $6 a person and the Honeycrisp Express barrel train $6 a child (10 and under), Saturday and Sunday 11 to 5. Apple Barn open 10 to 6.
6428 Manning Ave N, StillwaterA costume parade at 2, face painting, crafts, a DJ, candy and carnival games like Plinko, ring toss and a cake walk in Landmark Center's Musser Cortile.
Know: Free.
Landmark Center, St. PaulA 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.
1225 Estabrook Dr, St. PaulNational Weather Service
The National Weather Service forecast for the Minnetonka area, checked Monday, October 19 at 12:42 am.
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%.
A chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Before you go
A few things that change the plan.