As the leaves float to the ground and warm summer evenings turn to crisp, chilly nights, it’s hard not to feel a tingle of excitement and nostalgia as we creep into the spookiest season of the year. Seeing all the ghouls, goblins, and witches inhabiting front yards and entry ways this month inspired us to compile seven spooky activities you can check out in Minneapolis parks this Halloween season.
#1. Halloween Treasure Hunt
Join this family-friendly Halloween-themed treasure hunt at Loring Park on Wednesday, October 26, from 6-7:30pm. This is a free event, and you can register here! Everyone will go home with a prize during this treasure hunt, so it’s no problem if you’re not the first one to the loot. Come test your cunning, clue-finding skills with the whole family!
#2. Youthline: Pumpkin Carving
Carve out time in your day to join this Youthline’s Pumpkin Carving event at Windom Park on Friday, October 21, 3-5pm. This activity is geared towards youth ages 11-17 and offers all of the pumpkin carving supplies you’ll need to carve your masterpiece. Youth will be able to take their pumpkins home with them. You can register here.
#3. Minneapolis Halloween 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
Take your favorite costume out for a test run and fun! Join the 6th annual Minneapolis Halloween Race at Father Hennepin Park this year. You can participate in whichever distance suits you, 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Race day is October 29, starting at 8:30am, but check the schedule here for specifics and registration details!
#4. Preschool Halloween Party
If you have a little one and are looking for an age-appropriate Halloween themed event, check out this Preschool Halloween party at Lyndale Farmstead Park on Thursday, October 27, from 10:30am-12pm. This special trick-or-treat event is designed for children under 6 years old and their parents. Featuring costumes, tricks and treats, games, music and more to kickoff your Halloween fun! Pre-register here.
Images Courtesy of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
#5. Pumpkin Giveaway
Join The Graham Smith Team & Co-Hosts for a free Pumpkin Giveaway on Oct. 22nd from 11 am – 1 pm at Pearl Park! This is the 5th annual Pumpkin Giveaway event and mini fall festival at Pearl Park hosted by the Graham Smith Team. There will be a food truck, espresso bar, a Marshall Speaker giveaway, photo op, balloon artist, complimentary pumpkins for attendees, and entertainment. More info here!
#6. Ghostly Gala
Get your best costume ready for this annual spooky celebration! The Ghostly Gala, hosted by Reach for Resources, will take place at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center in North Minneapolis on Friday, October 28, from 5:30-8pm. The entrance cost includes pizza, games, prizes, music, dancing, and a costume contest! All ages and abilities are welcome to join, but pre-registration is required, here.
#7. Halloween Night Trick or Treat
Windom NE Park is hosting a spooky celebration on Halloween night, October 31, from 6-8pm. Join the Upper Northeast Parks with neighbors and friends to celebrate the scariest night of the year. This is intended to be an extended stop on your trick or treat rounds. All are welcome to join on Halloween night – register here.
Image Courtesy of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.