It’s that time of year when things start to feel spooky. So, whether you’re looking for family friendly frights, or something a little more mature, there are plenty of places in the Twin Cities to get your scare on.
TRUE FRIGHTS
Frightmares at Buck Hill: Located in the south metro suburb of Burnsville, this large campus is filled with scary spots, including a burned down asylum, the Orchard Manor Dead & Breakfast, the Fright Factory, and the Haunted Hollow. You can also enjoy a full bar and restaurant, live music, and magic shows. October 12-13, 17-21 & 25-28.
ValleyScare
courtesy of Valleyfair
ValleyScare: Every October, the Midwest’s largest amusement park turns into one scary place. Get lost in haunted mazes, ride some scary roller coasters, visit a cemetery or a haunted house, plus much more. Not recommended for anyone younger than 13. Open Saturdays & Sundays through October 28.
Trail of Terror: Walk the haunted woods. Explore Hotel 666 and its 25 haunted rooms. Get your fortune told. Spy spiders, snakes, roaches, and more. Eat at spooky joints like Bone Appetit and Chuckles Pizzeria. Open Thursdays-Sundays through October 28.
Anoka Haunted House: Did you know Anoka is considered the Halloween Capital of the World? And this Haunted House, which has been open since the early-80s, has been scaring thousands of folks (more than 3,200 last year!), for decades. October 18-21 & 25-28.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Nickelodeon Universe Blackout: Mall of America’s amusement park turns off all the lights! Enjoy unlit rides, black lighting effects, fog machines, a live DJ, costume contests, and more. Lights go out at 5 p.m. October 19-20 & 26-27.
Zoo Boo: For the last 25 years, Como Zoo has transformed its grounds into a land of fairytales, where more than 200 costumed characters interact with families. Come in costume and enjoy a safe trick-or-treating environment. October 20-21 & 26-28.
HallZOOween: Daytime fun at the Minnesota Zoo, where costumed kids (come as your favorite animal!) can get crafty, view the critters, spy scarecrows, and eat treats. Don’t miss the grizzlies, tigers, monkeys, and other animals enjoying a pumpkin of their own. October 27 & 28.
Ghouls & Goblins in the Garden
courtesy of the Arboretum
Planet Spooky: For those too little to partake in ValleyScare, come during the daylight hours and have some un-scary Halloween fun with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. Wear costumes, nosh on some foo,d and participate in family-friendly activities. Saturdays & Sundays through October 28.
Ghouls & Goblins in the Gardens: Head out to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and take the trick-or-treating trail to the witch’s haunted cabin, traipse through the haunted graveyard, and join the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Get your face painted, buy pumpkins, and view scarecrows during a day of family fun. October 27 & 28.
