Apples, Pumpkins & Harvest Fun
	Outdoor Explorations
	Fall Events
	Spooky Times

Aamodt’s Apple Farm
6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater
651-439-3127
www.aamodtsapplefarm.com
Open second week in August through the holiday season.  Open daily with U-pick and picked apples, petting zoo, wagon rides, pony rides, bakery and many more wonderful events and attractions for the fall season.

Afton Apple
14421 S. 90th St., Hastings
651-436-8385
www.aftonapple.com
Open 7 days/wk 10am-6pm
Apples, fall raspberries, pumpkins, gourds, squash, ornamental corn and more. Hayrides start on Labor Day weekend, then available Sat & Sun, 10-6, Mon-Fri, 3-6. Family fun for all with a large playground and petting zoo, plus the huge corn maze opening Sept. 13 and the annual Apple Festival on Oct. 4-5 and 11-12.

Bauer Berry Farm
10830 French Lake Rd, Champlin
763-421-4384
www.bauerberry.com
Offering the finest in strawberries, blueberries, and sweet corn, available in season, 30 minutes north/northwest of Minneapolis... pick your own, or purchase picked fruit fresh from the field! Sweet corn picked daily at 6 am – ready for you by 9:30 am.

Bittersweet Farm
2500 Manning Avenue, Lake Elmo
651-330-2606
Open daily late Sept. through Oct. from 11am-6 pm.
Pick your own pumpkin plus, fall decorations, squash, sweet corn, popcorn and more.

Bob’s Bluebird Orchard and Craft Barn
26205 Fairlawn Ave., Webster
952-461-3143
Sat. and Sun., 10 am-6 pm, Labor Day weekend-mid Nov. Family owned and operated orchard featuring over 47 varieties of apples, fresh and frozen cider, and caramel apples. Also pumpkins, squash, onions, Indian corn, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies and much more. Plus, over 20 vendors feature all kinds of craft items.

Deer Lake Orchard
1903 10th St SW (Cty Rd 108), Buffalo
763-682-6159
www.deerlakeorchard.com
Aug. 16–Oct. 19: Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm & Sun Noon-6 pm. Fall Festival Weekends are great family fun - apples, petting zoo, rides and entertainment, plus treats from the food shack and homemade cider. Find 26 varieties of apples grown on 35 acres of rolling hills with two ponds and a maple woods that is phenomenal at the height of fall color! Senior Citizen Mondays: 15% off gift shop items and $1.50 off peck size bags (not good with other coupons). Christmas tree sales begin Thanksgiving weekend.

Emma Krumbees
US Hwy 169 – 501 E. South St., Belle Plaine
952-873-3006
www.emmakrumbees.com
Open daily, 10 am-6 pm, year round. U-Pick hydroponic strawberry patch through Sept.  Orchard open mid-Aug. through Oct. Come early and often for great family fun. Featuring U-Pick Apples and U-Pick Pumpkins. Attractions include Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo, Haystack, Giant Slide, Tractor Run, Pony and Camel Rides, Live Music, Corn Maze and Kid Games. Annual Scarecrow Festival Sept. 13-Oct. 31. General Store offers fresh baked apple pie & desserts, caramel apples, apple cider, honey, maple syrup, jams & jellies, plus fall décor items.

Fall Harvest Orchard
345 County Rd. 30 SE, Montrose
763-972-3894
www.fallharvestorchard.com
Open Aug. 15-early Nov. daily 10 am-6 pm
Family-oriented orchard on a working farm; eighteen apple varieties, pre-picked or U-pick. In season: squash, brown eggs, pumpkins, gourds, calico corn, popcorn and corn bundles. Children will enjoy the farm animals (cows with calves, goats with kids, chickens, turkeys and pigs) in an actual farm setting. Apple House features snacks, gifts and crafts. Wagon rides available and picnicking welcome.  Located 5 miles west of Delano on County Rd 30.

Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard
County Rd 21, 1 mile north of US Hwy 10, Hastings
651-437-7126
www.FischersCroixFarmOrchard.com
Open daily Sept-Nov. 9:30 am-6 pm. Over 20 varieties of apples pre-picked or pick-your-own, plus cider, honey and maple syrup, PYO fall raspberries, pumpkins and other fall vegetables. Mid-Sept through Oct 31 enjoy our corn maze, weekend hayrides, petting animals, fall gardens and picnic facilities. Call for harvest dates, weekend activities & directions.

Kopischke’s Pumpkinland
13824 US Hwy 169,Vernon Center
507-549-3313
Aug-Oct, Mon-Sat 9 am-7pm and Sun 11am-7 pm.
Call ahead for U-pick tomatoes. Also melons, squash, pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, apples, peppers, sweet corn, cabbage, beans, onions. Fall Festival every weekend in October: Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5. Hayrides to pumpkin patch, face painting, and other children’s activities.

McDougall’s Apple Junction
14325 110th St., Hastings
651-480-4701
www.apple-junction.com
Open 10 am-6 pm daily, early Sept.-Dec.
Apples, honey, pick-your-own pumpkins, jams and jellies, fall vegetables, chrysanthemums, dried flowers, and crafts. Lunch wagon with apple brats, apple donuts and more. Plus 5-acre corn maze, straw mountain play area, petting zoo, weekend hayrides. Apple Fest Oct. 4-5 and Pumpkin Fest Oct. 25-26. Apple Junction Playland - open weekends, Just for kids ages 10 and under-includes a children’s maze; complete the puzzle and choose a prize. Kids take a ride through our make-believe countryside on terrain trikes. Play area also includes slides, swings, a climbing wall and sand box as well as a thirty-two foot wooden train Try your hand at milking our cow.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse
1 mile west of the Arboretum
State Hwy 5 & Rolling Acres Rd, Chanhassen
952-443-1409 - Hotline for daily update on varieties.
www.arboretum.umn.edu/programs
August 18-September 30, Daily 10 am-6 pm.
Sample and purchase apples from a changing inventory of 50 varieties throughout the season – from long-time favorites to recent University of Minnesota introductions. Also sample promising apple varieties currently being tested in the Arboretum’s Fruit Research Program.

Minnetonka Orchards
6530 County Rd. 26, Mound
763-479-3191 Apple Info Line
763-479-6530 Orchard
www.minnetonkaorchards.com
Open daily Aug 20-Oct. 31, 10 am-7 pm; Nov. 10 am-5 pm. U-pick and pre-picked apples, cider, jams, caramel apples, fresh baked orchard pies & apple donuts, honey, maple syrup, pumpkins, winter squash and Gift Barn. U-pick pumpkins in Oct. Scheduled orchard tours. Free hay rides on weekends starting Sept 13.  Corn maze open every day. Gate admission includes hayrides, corn maze, petting barn and much more! Live music and special events on weekends. Check web site or call for complete list. Monday thru Friday this fall families can be part of the M.O. Social Club.  Bring your kids, and plan to stay and play.  Healthy lunch  offered 11-3 and check out a Nifty Nature Explorer class Thursdays.

Nelson’s Apple Farm
1 mile north on County Rd. 86, Webster
952-461-3355
Open Sept-Oct, Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sundays 1-6 pm.
Re-open day after Thanksgiving for pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees.
Pick your own apples - 20 different varieties! Apple barn with pre-picked apples and cider. Weekend wagon rides, corn maze and farm animals. School and senior citizen tours by appointment. U-pick pumpkins in October. Gift shop

Pinehaven Farm
28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming
651-462-1704
www.pinehavenfarm.com
Daily 12 noon-6:30 pm, weekends 10 am- 6:30 pm, Sept. 20-Oct. 31.
Antique Farm and Harvest Festival.  Enjoy live music, food, and fun.  Also available are farm tours with trips to the pumpkin patch, the pumpkin cannon, and the Kritter Korral. 

Pine Tree Apple Orchard
450 Apple Orchard Rd., White Bear Lake
651-429-7202
www.pinetreeappleorchard.com
Open June-February, seasonal hours
Picturesque orchard setting offering a variety of apples (Aug-Feb), homemade apple bakery/dessert products, caramel apples, fresh cider, apple gifts, gift baskets, jams & jellies. Great for family outings-corn maze, U-pick pumpkins in Oct, a quilting exhibition, the “Run or Walk for the Apples,” Oct. 18, wagon rides (weekends, 1-5 pm, Aug. 31-Oct. 26), and pony rides (weekends, 2:30-5pm, Sept. 20-Oct.12). Call or check web for schedule of live music and performers. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve open until 1pm - reserve your holiday pies and gifts!

Pleasant Valley Orchard
17325 Pleasant Valley Rd., Shafer
651-257-9159
www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com
Open Labor Day weekend  – early Nov, Tues - Sun 10 am-6 pm. Closed Mondays.
Family-friendly orchard overlooking the scenic St. Croix Valley, features all your favorite Minnesota apple varieties. Gift shop offers pre-picked apples, cider, pumpkins, squash, fall decor, candles, baskets and more. Be sure to try our Homemade Apple Pie; the best pie you'll ever have! Picnic tables, nature trail, farm animals, Kids Korral and weekend hayrides. Tours are available by reservation. Located south of Taylors Falls on Pleasant Valley Road (Cty. 26) off US Hwy 8 or 95. Look for signs.

Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival
Shakopee- just west of Canterbury Park
952-974-5000
www.severscornmaze.com
Open every Sat & Sun, Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 11am-6 pm
Special hours for MEA: Thurs. Oct. 16 & Fri Oct. 17, 11am-6 pm
Test your skills in the 14 acre corn maze, plus the world’s largest straw bale maze, exotic animal petting zoo, a pumpkin slinger, hay rides, pig races, pony & camel rides, “Spooky Chambers,” a family-friendly haunted house, live music, food and much more! Sever’s celebrates its 12th anniversary with a VOTE 08-themed corn maze. Check web for $1 off coupon.

Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd., Jordan
952-492-2785
www.minnesotaharvest.net
Open 7 days/wk: 9 am-7 pm
Pre-picked and u-pick apples, 45 varieties – many unusual. Orchard-made caramel, apple butter, honey, jellies, BBQ sauce, pumpkins, pies & delicious bakery selections. Hot lunches, snacks, desserts. Wagon rides, hiking trails, petting farm, pony rides, corn maze. Extended hours on Sat & Sun nights for horseback riding and Campfires with all you can eat BBQ $7 and other food options. Holiday lights display Nov 23.-Jan 31., Fri, Sat, Sun. Call 952-492-7753 for ticket information.

Whistling Well Farm
8973 St. Croix Trail S., Afton
651-998-0301
www.whistlingwellfarm.com
Located 2 miles south of Afton Alps/Afton State Park on County Rd 21 (St. Croix Trail) and County Rd 76 (90th St). Pick your own pumpkins, fall raspberries and apples. Also fall mums, ornamental corn, corn stalks, straw bales, squash, gourds, honey, dried flowers, caramel apples, gifts and other assorted vegetables. Farm animals for the kids. Seasonal hours: Sept-Oct., 9 am-dark.  Apple Fest Oct. 4-5.

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Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement
4001 County Rd. 24, Maple Plain
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  

Cabin Camping              
6 p.m. Fri. Sept. 19 to 4 p.m. Sun.  Sept. 21;
11 a.m. Sat. Oct. 18 to 4 p.m. Sun. Oct. 19.
Enjoy camping with family members or friends in a rustic log cabin that accommodates up to eight people. Join seasonal programs or explore and relax on your own. Meals are on your own, cooked at outdoor grill sites. Advice, firewood, cooking/eating utensils and some beverages provided.   Fee is per cabin.  Res. Req. $175/$115.

Festival of Lights
Sept. 26-28, Fri. evening to Sun. evening
Pack your tents, decorative lights and luminaries, flashlights and imagination! Compete with other campers for the most creative site! Campsite judging begins at dusk on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for the best site decorations. Fun family activities Saturday afternoon and evening include a moonwalk, climbing wall under the stars, and more. $15 activity fee per campfire in addition to regular camping fees. Res. Req.

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
651-437-4359
www.carpenternaturecenter.org
8 am-4:30 pm, 7 days a week, year round.
Enjoy our displays and interpretive stations and hike our trails free of charge.  Participate in many public programs for children and families. We have 425 acres of wild land along the banks of the St. Croix River 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul. Organic apple sales from Aug. to Dec. Honey and syrup as supply lasts.

Preschool Story Times
10-11 am Fridays, on-going
September 5 - Beautiful Bugs
October 3 - Harvest Fun
October 31 - Costumes and Camouflage
November 21 - Turkey Time
December 12 - M is for Mitten
Designed to introduce young children, ages 2 through 5 (with a parent or guardian), to nature in a fun and safe environment.  The fun-filled hour of activities includes a nature story, an art or craft project, exploring the outdoors, and observing or meeting real live animals.  Please call 651-437-4359 to register.  Program fee: $3.00 per preschooler for “Friends of CNC” or $5.00 per child for non-members; no charge for accompanying adult. 

Nature Nuts 
4:30 – 5:30 pm Mondays on-going
September 8 - Fall Flowers
October 13 - Measuring Trees
November 10 - Endangered Species
December 8 - Crystals and Kaleidoscopes
After school program geared for Kindergarten – 5th grade nature lovers! The Nature Nuts programs will be a fun-filled hour of activities, including arts and craft projects, exploring the outdoors, games, and observing or meeting real live animals.  Call for 651-437-4359 reservations.  Program fee: $3.00 per student for “Friends of CNC” or $5.00 for non-members.   

Microscope Magic
Sept. 20, 1-4pm
Investigate some everyday items such as sand, fabrics, and kitchen powders through the magnified view of a microscope.  Feel free to bring your own specimens from home or look at things collected from the grounds of Carpenter Nature Center.  Bring water shoes to collect aquatic critters from the wetland to observe under the microscopes.  Several field microscopes will be available for hands-on activities, led by microscopy experts from the Minnesota Microscopy Society.  You will even be able to print your favorite image and bring it home with you. FREE!

 Raptor Release
Sept.  27, 10am – 3pm
Watch in awe as raptors are returned to the wild! Meet The Raptor Center’s education birds. Presented by the 3M Company Foundation and co-sponsored by Carpenter Nature Center and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, this event is a wonderful way to learn about eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons and the environment we share. Release times at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Enjoy hands-on children’s activities and educational displays throughout the day.

 Apple Fest
Oct. 11 & 12, 10am – 6pm
Celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest during Carpenter Nature Center’s Apple Fest.  Events planned are for all ages, including hayrides, live entertainment, children’s games, live animal presentations, fall goods and apple treats galore.  Plan on spending the day in the St. Croix River Valley to enjoy the apples, have lots of fun and view the beautiful fall colors!

Dakota County Parks
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
860 Cliff Road, Eagan
952-891-7000
www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/
Call or check web for fees and reservations.

First Friday Family Nights – 7-8:30 pm, free.
Sept 5: Nature Bingo – fun for all ages.

Hunting the Wild Mushroom
Sept 19, 6:30-9:30 pm

Camp Sacajawea
5121 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley
Part 1 (9/19): In this indoor session, an expert will teach you about edible,
toxic, and medicinal mushrooms. Part 2(9/20): Go on a mushroom hunt. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet mushroom meal and cooking class. Ages 13+.

Dodge Nature Center
365 W. Marie Ave., West St. Paul
651-455-4531
www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Woolly Bears – A Parent Preschooler Program
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Topics will be explored through creative storytelling, music, puppetry and more. Children can also learn about the earth by exploring art or visiting with live animals. Designed for children ages 3-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Please check our website or call for a registration form. $12 Members   $14 General Public (per class)

Sept.10, 11, 13 - Marvelous Monarchs
Sept.24, 25, 27 - Tall, Tall, Grass
Oct. 8, 9, 11 - All About Apples
Oct. 22, 23, 25 - Munchkin Pumpkin
Nov. 5, 6, 8 - The Bear Snores On
Nov. 12, 13, 15 = Bright Northern Lights
Dec. 10, 11, 13 - Mighty Eagles

Garden Fresh Pizza
Sept.13, 1:00 p.m.
$5 Members   $7 General Public   $15 Family
Juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fresh, homemade crust . . . there is a pizza waiting in everyone’s garden and we’ll help you find it.  Participants will prepare, bake and enjoy a hot garden-fresh pizza.  Pre-registration is required.

Minnesota Rock History and Fossil Collecting
Sept. 27, 1:00 p.m.
$5 Members   $7 General Public   $15 Family
Hike through the Lillydale Brickyards where shale, sandstone, limestone, underground springs and caves abound.  Scramble up rocky ravines and search through clay pits to find and identify fossils.  This program is designed for adults and children 6 years and older.   Pre-registration is required. 

Apples Galore!
Oct. 4, 10:00 a.m.
$5 Members   $7 General Public   $15 Family
Enjoy autumn splendor at Dodge Nature Center’s apple orchard.  Participants will go on a lengthy hike to the orchard, taste a variety of apples, discuss tree biology and press apples to make apple cider.  This program is designed for adults and children of all ages. 

Fall Orchard Tour
October 6, 10:00 am
This program is for all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Fall Wilderness Camp (for grades K-6)
Oct. 16 & 17,  8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to know how to build a fire without a match or to find your way with a map?  In this camp we will cover everything from fort building and fires to using a map and the rules of survival. On the last day of camp we will have a campfire cookout.       

Register for one or both days. Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Scholarships are available. Register by Oct. 9.

Fall Hayride and Bonfire
Nov. 1, 1:00 pm                                                            
Bring the whole family to explore the best the autumn season has to offer.  Take a hayride and view the fall colors of the woods and prairie, hike with a naturalist across a wetland, or just sit by a crackling bonfire and relax to the sounds of falling leaves.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Eastman Nature Center
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton
763-559-6700-reservations
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org  

Family Fun Day
Sept. 20, 11 am-3 pm, ongoing,
Fun for the whole family! Print nature T-shirts (bring a T-shirt). Face painting, live animals, apple cidering, fall craft, obstacle course, make your own hiking stick, and more. $5. Family/group rate available.

Kits & Cubs
Weekly drop-off program. Play in the prairie. Become a deer camouflaged in tall grass. Search for late blooming flowers. Discover the variety of plant seeds and make seed art. Res. Req. $5. Ages 4-5.

Fall Color Tram Tour
Sept. 27, 28; Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12, 1-5 pm
Enjoy open vistas and blazing fall colors on a tractor-drawn tram ride. Great activity for grandparents and families. Apple cidering demonstrations between 1-4 pm Sundays. Tram runs hourly on these dates. Res. Req. $5 adults/$3 children (ages 3-15).

Campfire Hot Dog Roast and Star Gazing
Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m.
Enjoy a fall dinner around the campfire roasting hot dogs and S'mores. Spend time visiting with our great horned owl as we wait for the stars to come out. End the evening with a bit of star and planet gazing through a telescope. Hot dogs, roasting sticks, drinks and S'mores provided. $6. Ages: 5+. Res. Req.

Candle Making
Nov. 15, 1-4 pm
Learn basic candle making skills as you create hand-dipped and hand-rolled candles, birthday candles, cookie cutter candles and an ice candle.  Paraffin, beeswax and soy wax will be used.  Res. Req. $10. Ages 8+.

Eidem Homestead
Brooklyn Park Historical Farm
4345 101 Avenue N., Brooklyn Park
763-493-8333
www.brooklynpark.org

Apple Cider Day with 1860's Baseball Exhibition
Sept. 21, 1-4 pm

Fall on the Farm
Oct. 19, 1-4 pm
Take a hayride, bob for apples, visit the farm animals, see demonstrations in quilting, and let the kids participate in the pumpkin carving contest. Watch as fresh pumpkin and apple slices are prepared and hung to dry for winter and other tasty treats are prepared in the kitchen's wood stove.
$6/adults; $4/children 3-12 years

Gale Woods Farm
7210 CR-110 West, Minnetrista
763-694-2001
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Group Wagon Rides and Bonfires
Tues. & Thurs. evenings in Sept. and Oct., 6 and 7:15 pm 
Take a tractor-drawn wagon ride around the farm and to the pumpkin patch to pick your own jack-o-lantern. Enjoy a bonfire overlooking beautiful Whaletail Lake.  Perfect outing for birthday parties, scout troops, youth groups, other groups. Call the farm office at 763-694-2001 for more information and reservations.

Farm Beginnings – Harvest Time
Sept. 15, 9:30-11 am
It’s harvest time! Help the farmers harvest the fall produce. Make a farm fresh snack and a fall decoration. This is an adult/child class. Maximum 2 children per adult. Ages: 3-5. Reservations required.

Celebrate the Harvest and Stockdog Trials
October 11-12, 10 am-3 pm,
Watch the amazing skill of border collies and their trainers as they herd sheep in an open-field competition. Take a tasting tour of the farm, gardens, and orchard. Enjoy a wagon ride, pick your Halloween pumpkin, meet the farm animals, and play farm games. Explore the newly completed Farm Education Center as we celebrate its Grand Opening.  Farm-raised concessions available for an additional fee. No reservations required. $8.

MEA - Fall on the Farm
Oct. 16-17, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gale Woods. Enjoy a fun-filled fall day meeting farm animals, walking the farm trails, and making a farm-fresh snack with farm produce. Learn the art of wet and needle felting and make a wool keepsake. Explore the farm on a scavenger hunt and wagon ride. $6. Ages: 6+. Res. Req. 

Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights
651-646-8629    
www.rchs.com

Jane & the Dakotah
Sept. 14 - Celebrate Ramsey County’s original people. Learn how the Dakotah lived, try out tools, eat samples of native foods, and play traditional games.

The Landing
2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee
763-694-7784
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  

Minnesota River Walk
Sept. 27, noon-3 p.m.,
The Landing. Walk the scenic Minnesota River Trail and enjoy the beauty of autumn. Tour several historic buildings in the Village of Eagle Creek. Enjoy an easel art activity with watercolors. Refreshments served at our Panorama Show in the Town Hall (1 and 2 p.m.). Enter park thru West Entrance. $5; children under 3 free.

Lowry Nature Center
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  
Reservations required for all programs.

Lowry Little Ones: Fruity Fall
Sept. 8, 10-11:30 am. Come explore fall fun with your preschooler as we make apple prints, learn to press real apple cider, go on a fruity hike, and enjoy a fresh fruit snack. Dress for the weather!

Rapters in the Yard
Sept. 21, Oct. 19,  Nov. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Meet a captive merlin and barred owl up close and personal and learn about these amazing birds of prey. Cameras welcome.

Walk in the Park
A naturalist-guided walk through rustling leaves. Visit a cattail marsh, boardwalk, and maple woods. Learn about nature’s preparation for winter. Make leaf art.
Sundays, 1-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 5– Falling Leaf Fun
Nov. 2– Seasonal Changes

Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves
2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood
651-249-2170 - Call to register.
www.ci.maplewood.mn.us

Demonstration Gardens
Open during Visitor Center hours: Tues.- Sat., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Take a self-guided tour of their Butterfly Garden, Water Garden, Low Maintenance Lawn, Prairie Restoration, and Rainwater Garden.

Acorns & Animals
Sept 13, 10-11:15 am
Hike to collect acorns for nature center projects, look for animals that depend on acorns, and laugh along with our squirrel puppet. Make a nutty craft. Ages 3-8 with adult. $4/child, Prepay by Sept. 11.

Woolybear Caterpillars
Oct. 4, 2-3:15 pm
Visit with a woolybear caterpillar puppet and make a pet caterpillar to take home.  Search outdoors for animals getting ready for winter. $4/child. Prepay by Oct. 2.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Marion Andrus Learning Center
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
952-443-1400
www.arboretum.umn.edu/

Family Weekend Fun
Sept.  27 & 28, Noon- 4pm
Arbor-Artist-Tree Bring the family to the Marion Andrus Learning Center for a fun learning activity. Let a tree be your muse as you create an original piece of art inspired by the trees. Write leafy poetry, create puppets to perform in the "Under the Oak" nature play area and make a community collage with foliage from the forest. Then relax under your favorite tree and enjoy a tasty tree treat fresh from the orchard.

Harvest Creations
October 26 & 27, Noon-4 pm.
Create a mini-pumpkin head with veggie eyes and ears and guess the weight of our giant pumpkin. Decorate a scarecrow and strike a pose for a photo-memento to take home.juice or soda. Call 48 hours in advance to reserve your basket 612-624-7173. Advanced payment required.

Noerenberg Gardens
2865 North Shore Drive, Orono
763-559-6700
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
Open 8 a.m.-sunset, seven days per week, May 1-Oct. 15
Situated on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka’s majestic Crystal Bay, Noerenberg Memorial Gardens offers a tranquil retreat to the quiet elegance and grace of days gone by.

North Mississippi Regional Park
4900 Mississippi Court, Mpls.
763-694-7693 – for reservations
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                      

Free Family Fundays
Sundays 1–3 p.m.
Free ongoing programs for all ages. 
Sept. 7 - A Bee or Not a Bee
Sept. 14 - Insect Sweep-up
Sept. 21 - Salamander Secrets
Sept. 28 - Bats
Oct. 12 - Leafy Explorations
Oct. 19 - Leaves
Nov. 2 - Worms Eat Garbage
Nov. 9 - Knock, Knock, Knock
Nov 16 - It's Written in the Stars
Nov. 30 - Feeding Frenzy

Art of the River
Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m.
Join muralist Michael Sweere for the unveiling of his found-object mosaic, “The Mississippi: A River of Life.” This colorful depiction of the plants and animals of the river is made of recycled material. Find out how it is done and make your own mural or sculpture of recycled and natural objects. Refreshments provided. $5.

Mississippi River Heritage Days and Apple Cidering
September 27, 1-6 pm
Celebrate the rich cultural history of the Mississippi River. Enjoy a picnic dinner, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a performance by the Workhouse Theatre Company and music by Charlie Maguire. Watch apple cidering, rope- and shingle-making demonstrations. Try building a log cabin and using a wash board and rug beater. Become a lumber Jack/Jill to saw and brand logs and test your balance. Have old-fashion fun walking on stilts, making a cornhusk dolls and running the obstacle course. Co-presented with Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association. $5 admission includes picnic dinner. 20% discount for groups/families of 4 or more. Ages: All.

Trap, Travel & Trade
Oct. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.
Meet Louis Goulett, a "French voyageur" and hear stories about his exploration of the Mississippi River. Explore the fur trade and make "trade" beads. Play the voyageur game of cat and mouse. $5. Ages: 5+.

Richardson Nature Center                                          
8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington
763-559-6777
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                                                                                        

Guided Autumn Hike
Sept. 28, 3-4 p.m.
Join a naturalist as we hike the ¾-mile Autumn Hiking Trail. The Three Rivers’ 37th Annual Autumn Hiking Adventures program is a great way to enjoy the fall colors. Hike several of the designated trails throughout the Park District for the program. Pick up a card, stamp it after your hike, and earn a medallion. Free. Ages: 4+.

Wildlife Watch
November 9 & 30, 3-4 p.m.
Ongoing. Join a naturalist in the Wildlife Viewing Room to discover the birds and other wildlife visiting the feeders. Use binoculars to observe and identify the birds feasting on seeds and suet that is put out for them to enjoy each day. Free. Ages: All.

Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Ave. NE, Fridley
763-572-3588
www.springbrooknaturecenter.org  

Playful Polliwogs
Tuesdays at 10-11 am.
Young explorers (ages 3-5) accompanied by an adult will have a fantastic time exploring a different nature topic each week.  Enjoy stories, crafts, hands-on activities, live animals, outdoor discovery time, and more with our education staff.

Animal Feeding
Saturdays, 10am – 11am
All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process. Free and open to the public.
Call Springbrook for further information and scheduled program offerings.

Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Lake
651-407-5350
www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/tamarack

Harvesting Honey & Sippin’ Cider
Sept. 29, 11 am-1 pm, ongoing.
View the inside of a beehive as well as touch, smell and taste the golden cache that bees produce. See how honey is extracted from hundreds of tiny cells, then explore cider making on an old fashioned cider press. Free for all ages.

Beginning & Intermediate Orienteering
Sept. 6, Noon, 1 or 2 pm
Don’t get lost in the woods! Join a naturalist for an introduction to the fun sport of orienteering. Learn how to read an orienteering map, use a compass and interpret the land around you. Ages 10+

Tamarack Old-Fashioned Lawn Party
Sept. 20, 1-3pm
Come celebrate the history of Tamarack Nature Center and White Bear Township while having some good old-fashioned fun! Play lawn games, learn the historical past of the area, and help make some yummy fall treats! Please bring an apple to contribute to our wonderful cider! Free for all ages. Pre-registration not required.

Warner Nature Center
15375 Norell Ave. N, Marine-on-St-Croix
651-433-2427
www.smm.org/warnernaturecenter

Trailside Club Family Programs
Our monthly family programs are filled with fun and adventure for families with children ages 3 to 9. Programs include stories, puppet shows, crafts and hikes on our beautiful trails. At just $12 per family, they are a great deal, too! Attend 5 Trailside Club programs and the sixth one is FREE!

Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park
952-924-2544
www.stlouispark.org/experience/nature_center.htm

Beginning Archery
Sept. 20, 10 am-Noon
Here's your chance to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow! Instruction will be given on the proper way to shoot a bow and archery safety. Bows, arrows and targets will be provided. There will be a 10-minute hike to get to our archery range and then back to the building again. Ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Leaf Printing
Oct. 5, 1-3 pm
Learn how to capture the beauty of a leaf on fabric! We'll go on a hike and learn about the trees of Westwood. Bring a light-colored cotton T-shirt, handbag or fabric to print on. All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)

Cider Time
Oct. 4 & 6, 10-11:30 am
See how to make cider, go on a leaf hike and make a craft with the treasures we find. Please bring a light colored cotton T-shirt for you and your child to decorate Ages 3 to 5 (children must be accompanied by an adult) .

Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield
612-861-9365
www.woodlakenaturecenter.org

Sunday Specials
Sundays, 1-2:30 pm or 3-4:30 pm
Class limits are set to ensure a quality experience.
Sept. 7 & 14- Honey Harvest
Sept. 21 & 28- Apples Aplenty
Oct. 5 – Duck Detectives
Oct. 12 – Fall Leaf Printing
Oct. 26 – Bat and Spider Spooktacular

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5th Annual Wild Rice Festival
Harriet Alexander Nature Center
2520 N. Dale Street, Roseville
651-765-4262
www.CityofRoseville.com/Parks
September 13, 9 am-4 pm
A celebration of wild rice, Native American culture, and the Minnesota fall season begins with a wild rice pancake breakfast at 9 am, followed by free demonstrations of wild rice harvesting; performances by Native American storyteller and dancers; children’s games and activities; wild rice sausages and a variety of other foods for sale; and a silent auction.

Annual Johnny Appleseed Bash
Utley Park, Edina (corner of W 50th  & Wooddale Ave)
952-920-0595
www.ststephens.com
Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 am-4 pm
Old fashioned outdoor festival for families. There will be live music, pony rides, games for kids, food, and a silent auction. Proceeds for this event benefit St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Autumn Fest
St. Croix  Falls
www.scfwi.com
Sept 27-28, 9-5 pm.
Enjoy a Juried Arts & Crafts Fair, children’s activities, local art exhibits, farmer’s market, bake sale, Mix105 live broadcast, community booths and information and food. Be a part of the spontaneous community sculpture and stick around for St. Croix Falls Public Library Harvest Dance fundraiser from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m

Apple Festival
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights
651-646-8629    
www.rchs.com
Oct. 19, 12noon-4 pm.
Explore the history and taste the heritage varieties of apples grown in the Gibbs orchard. The Apple Festival is filled with family fun and food focusing on the apple.

Autumn Woods Classic
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 am-1 pm
763-559-9000.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
This family-friendly running event will feature numerous kids’ activities including a 10K run/walk, new 10K wheelchair race, 5K run/walk, 1K kids’ run and kids’ dash. Family activities include musical entertainment, climbing wall, kids’ obstacle course, face painting, parachute games, nature crafts and displays. Free pumpkins will be given to the first 500 1K runners. Call or visit web to pre-register.

Bachman’s Fall Festival
At all seven of Bachman’s Floral, Home and Garden locations
www.bachmans.com
September 20, 21, 27, 28
Celebrations will include kids crafts, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, face tattoos, refreshments, door prizes and many free demonstrations to help get the garden ready for fall.

Back to School Open House
Augsburg College Ice Arena
2323 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis
612-359-6490
www.fscmpls.org
Sept. 14, 2-3:30 pm
Sponsored by The Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. Free lessons and open skating for all ages. Free and open to the public. Bring your own skates; no skate rental available.

Baker Boo!                     
Baker Park Reserve Campgrond
2309 County Road 19, Maple Plain
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
1 pm Oct. 25 to 12 noon Oct. 26. Enjoy an afternoon of ghoulish games, pumpkin decorating, and scarecrow making.  Try out the climbing wall and meet a live owl. Join in the costume parade, decorate your campsite, trick-or-treat around the campground, and visit with costumed characters behind special "doors". Enjoy evening family entertainment by singer/songwriter Rachel Kroog and her Kid Power Show. Res. Req. by Oct. 20 for camping; $65 no electric site, or $70 electric site (includes activities).  Activities ONLY (1-9 pm) $6/person pre-registered, $10/person.

Barnyard Boogie
Crystal Community Center
4800 Douglas Dr. N, Crystal
763-531-0052
Friday, October 3, 7-8:30pm
Parents and children 7 years old and younger join us for a knee-slapping good time where you can kick up your heels to some fun and crazy songs. A full size petting zoo will be there for you to enjoy. Refreshments will be served.  Parent participation required; one parent can supervise up to 3 children.

Bayfield Apple Festival
Bayfield, Wisconsin
800-447-4094 – visitor bureau
www.bayfield.org
October 3-5
Orchard owners, artists, musicians, street entertainers, crafters, and festival food vendors will line Bayfield's historic streets for the 46th Apple Festival. Children of all ages will be thrilled with a carnival complete with games and rides. Kids can also join Bayfield's Apple Dumpling Gang or take their turn at painting the new "Monster Mural."

Boo Bash
Grand Ave, St. Paul
651-699-0029
www.grandave.com
Saturday, October 25
Families can enjoy meandering the avenue by foot or by horse drawn hay rides.  There will trick-or-treating, fall food samples, costume contests, pumpkin patch, harvest picture taking, sidewalk sales and more. 

Children’s Day at Grimm Farm
Lowry Nature Center
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  
Sept. 14, Noon-4 p.m., Lowry. Come for an afternoon on the farm filled with traditional farm life activities, games, crafts, music, horse-drawn wagon rides and food.  Discover apple cider making, wood carving, gardening, and more. Res. Req. $5.

Eagle Creek Harvest Fair       
The Landing, Shakopee
763-559-6700
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                      
Aug 30, 10 am-5 pm, Aug 31, noon-5pm & Sept. 1, 10 am-5 pm
Join the farmers and townsfolk of Eagle Creek as they celebrate the fruit of their summer labors. Ride the trolley pulled by Percheron draft horses and earn prizes in games of chance and skill.

Excelsior Apple Day
Downtown Excelsior
952-474-6461
www.southlake-excelsiorchamber.com
September 6, 9 am-4 pm
Apples, antiques, art, accessories, autumn harvests, awesome edibles, artful entertainment, family fun, Red Wagon and Doll Buggy Parade at Noon. Free parking all day. Used Book Sale at Excelsior Public Library: 8 - 3. Free Admission.

Fall Leaf Spectacular
Interstate Park & Downtown Taylors Falls
651-465-6315
www.taylorsfallschamber.org   
Sept. 27-Oct. 5
Tour the 1855 Folsom House Museum, shop the antique and specialty shops, take the excursion boat cruise, canoe, camp and look for eagles. Bring your camera for the colors.

Festival of Lights             
Baker Near-Wilderness, Maple Plain.
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                   
September 26-28
Pack your tents, imagination and decorative lights and compete with other campers for the most creative site! Campsite judging begins at dusk on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for the best site decorations. Fun family activities Saturday afternoon and evening include a nature ­­program, face painting, karaoke, moonwalk, climbing wall under the stars and more! Friday & Saturday overnight camping and all activities — $60 electric site or $50 non-electric site. Res. Req.

The Great Pumpkin Festival
Landmark Center, St. Paul
Musser Cortile Atrium
651-292-3225
www.landmarkcenter.org
October 26, 1 pm. The Great Pumpkin Festival delivers all things Halloween, including storytelling, music, art projects, a costume parade and more! Dress up and join in the fun, free of charge!

Harvest Bee
Oliver H. Kelley Farm
15788 Kelley Farm Rd, Elk River
763-441-6896
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 16-18, 10am-5 pm, Oct. 21, noon-5 pm
On these four days, Kelley Farm staff will work together with visitors making quilts, husking corn and several other work activities in a festive atmosphere.

Harvest Howl
Wildlife Science Center
5463 West Broadway, Forest Lake
651-464-3993  
www.wildlifesciencecenter.org
October 4, 11:30 am- 6:00 pm
A day of family fun filled with live animal demonstrations, American Indian dancing, pumpkin painting contests, kids games, raffle, demonstration booths, and harvest goods from local vendors, and more!

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All Hallows Eve
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights
651-646-8629    
www.rchs.com
October 25, 6-9:30 pm
Visitors ages 5 to 105 are invited to spend an evening recreating the Halloween experiences of years gone by. 30-minute shows begin on the hour 6-9 pm. No tickets are sold at the door. You must reserve your tickets.

Anoka Halloween Parades & Celebration
763-427-1861
www.anokahalloween.com

Oct 15-26. The entire town goes mad for Halloween, from a house decoration contest to a youth Halloween dance and a pumpkin carving contest, three parades, Haunted House, Pumpkin Bowl, carving contest, house decorating, Grey Ghost 5K Run & 1 Mile Fitness Walk and much more. Call or check web for details.
Oct. 18, 7 pm:Light Up the Night Parade
Oct. 24, 1:15 pm: Big Parade of Little People
Oct. 25, 1 pm: Grand Day Parade

Ghost Chasers!
Lyric Arts Main Street Stage
420 E. Main Street, Anoka
763-422-1838
www.lyricarts.org
Oct. 17-Nov. 2
A poltergeist is creating dangerous mischief while roaming the halls of the hysterical Hangtown Asylum for Extremely Tense People.  And, if the nasty ghost wasn’t trouble enough, the patients have locked up the staff and no one can tell who’s who! Spooky family fun for ages 8 and up.

A Big Woods Halloween
Eastman Nature Center
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton
763-559-6700
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
October 25, 10 am-1 pm, ongoing
For the Little Folks: Stroll along a self-guided woodland trail in search of animal surprises.  Fun filled activities include games, craft, costumed characters and treats to eat. Reservations preferred. 

October 25, 6-9 pm
For older kids: Be entertained as you visit with non-scary, animal-costumed characters on the trail. Floating pumpkins lead you across the pond to refreshments at the crackling bonfire. Meet a live owl, play bone bingo and other Halloween games. Be amazed by the fire spinners show. Reservations recommended to guarantee a start time-763-559-6700. 

Bloomington Citywide Halloween Party
Northwestern Health Sciences University
2501 West 84th Street, Bloomington
952-563-8877
www.ci.bloomington.mn.us
October 31, 6-8 pm
A fun, safe alternative for preschoolers through fourth graders, accompanied by an adult, with Carnival games from 6-7:45 pm, Ronald McDonald Show at 6:30 pm and trick-or-treat Alley at 7 pm.  Plus prizes, surprises and poster contest awards.  Free, but bring non-perishable food item to donate.

Candlelight Ghostwalk Historic Murphy’s Landing
2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee
763-694-7784
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  
October 24, 6-9 pm,        
Walk the Village of Eagle Creek’s candlelit streets at Historic Murphy's Landing.  Listen as costumed interpreters share folk tales, legends, superstition, and history. 

Children’s Museum Halloween
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Seventh & Wabasha Sts., downtown St. Paul.  
651-225-6025 for reservations
www.mcm.org

Halloween Spooktacular
October 25 & 26, 6-8:30 pm; Oct. 27, 10 am-12:30 pm
Trick or Treat around the Museum as you enjoy the galleries, stop in for some cosmic pumpkin bowling, create a glowing masterpiece and much more. The event includes admission to the Museum, fun Halloween-themed activities and a light snack. Children younger than one are free.

Pre-Halloween Spooktacular Pizza Party
Oct. 25 & 26, 5:15-6 pm;  Oct 27, 12:15 pm.
Enjoy pizza, carrots and lemonade. Prepaid reservations are required; space is limited.

CSI: The Experience
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
651-221-9444
www.smm.org
Oct. 15-Jan. 4
Imagine entering a crime scene and being the one responsible for noticing and collecting every trace of evidence. You can play the role of crime scene investigator, learning scientific principles and real investigative techniques as you try to solve the crime.

Half Haunted Halloween
6710 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield
612-861-9365
www.woodlakenaturecenter.org
October 18, 3-7:30 pm (tickets sold until 6 pm)
Wizards & Lizards! - A magical journey awaits young visitors at this family-friendly event that includes a trick or treat trail, the wizardry of magician Brian Richards, cookies and hot cocoa, and 50 live animals at the petting zoo! Trail, games, petting zoo and snacks are ongoing, magic show repeats every 25 minutes. Pre-register and prepay at the Nature Center.

Halloween 1900 Style
Eidem Homestead
4345 101 Avenue N., Brooklyn Park
763-493-8333
www.brooklynpark.org
October 30, 7-9pmA family event! The farmhouse will glow in soft kerosene lamplight. There will be stories, a bonfire, barn dance, decorations and treats. Come and enjoy some old fashion Halloween fun with us as it was in 1900.$6/adults; $4/children 3-12 years ($2 discounted tickets on sale at the Community Activity Center up until 5 p.m. day of event!)

Halloween at the Bell: Animal Haunt and Spooky Flashlight Tour
Bell Museum of Natural History
10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis
612-624-9050 - to register
www.bellmuseum.org
November 1, , 6-8 pm. Don’t put away your Halloween costume just yet — hear spine-tingling animal tales, have fun on a spooky flashlight tour of the museum’s dioramas, and discover nature’s many unexplainable oddities. Plus touch slimy and slithery animals, play games, and win prizes. Grades K-5.

Halloween Boo-tique
Arc Hennepin Value Village Thrift Stores
Richfield, New Hope and Brooklyn Center
612-861-9550
www.arcsvaluevillage.org
Sept. 25-Oct. 31 – Annual Halloween costume sale.  Costumes, accessories, and props collected all year for annual sale. Costume consultants on hand Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.

Halloween in Clay
Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Ave E, Minneapolis
612-339-8007
www.northernclaycenter.org
October 12, 9 am-noon or 1-4 pm.
Clay for Families: Make funny, spooky, and silly masks and decorations, just in time for Halloween. Decorate with brightly colored glazes and stains. For ages 6-600.

Halloween at NCC
October 31, 5 – 8 pm
Forget trick or treating or answering the door in your pajamas-spend the evening at NCC working with clay. Make spooky and fun functional pots and sculpture to celebrate the holiday.  Costumes are a must!  Treats provided.

Halloween Extravaganza
Dodge Nature Center
365 W. Marie Ave., West St. Paul
651-455-4531
www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Oct. 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Ghosts and goblins will be seen walking Dodge Nature Center’s trails on October 24th.  You can to walk the trick or treat trail, or if you dare, you are invited to venture out on the scary trail.  Visitors can attend educational programs going on throughout the evening.  Candy, marshmallow roasting and a hot beverage are included in the admission. $5 Members   $7 General Public

Halloween Farm Fun
Gale Woods Farm, Minnestrista
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  
October 24, 5-10 pm
ld side through the haunted trail. Meet a live owl and farm animals; hear stories around the bonfire. Make a Halloween craft, play farm games, and have Halloween treats from the farm. Come in costume! Start time is reserved for your wagon ride; other activities are ongoing. Farm-raised concessions will be available for an additional fee.

Halloween Ghost Trolley
Linden Hills Station, Minneapolis
952-922-1096
www.trolleyride.org
October 24, 25, 26 & 31, 6-9 pm
Have fun on a scary streetcar ride between Lakes Harriet and Calhoun.

Halloween Haunt at Valleyscare
Valleyfair Amusement Park, Shakopee
952-445-6500
www.valleyscare.com
Fridays-Sundays, October 3-26 & 31
The Haunt features indoor mazes, outdoor scare zones and more than 200 live monsters, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, freaks, mutants, maniacs and other beasts lurking in the fog to scare unsuspecting guests. In addition, there will be all new spooky entertainment options. Plus Wild Thing®, Steel Venom, Power Tower and select rides and attractions will be open to keep your blood pumping or bring you back to life.

Halloween Spooktacular
Crystal Community Center
4800 Douglas Drive N, Crystal
763-531-0052
www.ci.crystal.mn.us
Saturday, October 25
Put on your costume and join us for this non-scary Halloween special event.  There will be games, prizes, music and treats.   Space is limited. 
Ages 4-6: Check-in begins 9:40 am; program ends 11:30 am. Must be
accompanied by an adult
Ages 7-9: Check-in begins 12:40 pm; program ends 2:30 pm.
Monster Mash Dance
Friday, Oct. 24, 7-9:30 pm.
Music, contests, prizes, and fun with a DJ from Total Entertainment.  Concessions will be sold.  Costume contest – winners will receive a Target gift card! For kids in grades 5,6 and 7.

HallZOOween
Minnesota Zoo                      
13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley
952-431-9500
www.mnzoo.org
October 18-19, 25-26, 9 am-4 pm
Looking for a fun, safe place for trick or treating?  Come to the Zoo for a day of music, crafts, and treats!  Even the animals will enjoy some pumpkin action.                                                                                                                                                    

Haunted Halloween Adventures              
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington
763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                      
Oct. 25, 5-7 or 7-9 pm.
Celebrate Halloween nature's way! Trick-or-treat on a not-so-scary animal puppet trail between 5-7 p.m. or creep along a haunted trail between 7-9 p.m. for a scary good time! Meet live animals, play games, enjoy the mad scientist, and warm up by a campfire. Come in costume and bring a bag for goodies! $6; children under 2 are free. Res. Req.

Haunting Experience
Zywiec’s Landscape & Garden Center
10900 Pt. Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove
651-459-3001
www.hauntingexperience.com
October 4, 10-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-Nov 1.
Sunset to 10 pm weekdays, 11 pm weekends
Includes a tour of the most frightening haunted mansion ever, followed by a hayride of horror. Recover in the gathering place and enjoy food and live entertainment. Check web for info on Saturday “low scare” matinees for little ones.

Howl-O-Ween
Wildlife Science Center
5463 West Broadway, Forest Lake
651-464-3993  
www.wildlifesciencecenter.org
October, 25, Noon-4 pm.
Come trick-or-treat among owls, wolves and bears while you learn about some of nature's most misunderstood creatures, OH MY! Walk through a haunted barn or sip apple cider while enjoying the warmth of a campfire. Show off your costume, decorate your own trick-or-treat bag and get lots of  fabulous treats and spooky fun.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River
763-441-6896
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 24-25, 6:30-7:30 pm & 8-9 pm
A cast of costumed actors will perform a reader’s theatre of Washington Irving’s classic in the barn. Refreshments will be served. Not recommended for under age 10. Dress for the weather.

Minneapolis Horror–Tales from the Night Shift
Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St, Mpls.
612-341-7555
www.millcitymuseum.org
Oct. 27 & 28, at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 pm
Take an evening tour of the Washburn A Mill featuring costumed actors and dramatized readings about the dangers of working the night shift and the horrific disasters that have befallen the mill over the years. Hear accounts of the deadly 1878 mill explosion and the dangerous man-lift elevator and enjoy dramatic nighttime views.

Mrs. Ramsey's Attic, A Victorian Children's Halloween
Alexander Ramsey House
265 S. Exchange St., St. Paul
651-296-8760
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 29, 30, 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 pm
Learn what children did more than 100 years ago for Halloween. Head toward the attic to hear stories from the popular German children’s book "Struwwelpeter" and enjoy 19th-century Halloween games of skill and fortune. Guests will also sample authentic Halloween candy. Reservations are required for this popular program. Costumes are encouraged.

The Nature of Halloween
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
651-437-4359
www.carpenternaturecenter.org
Oct. 25, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Why do pumpkins scare away the evil spirits?   What lies across the road in the open prairie?  Do apples really tell the future?  Follow storyteller Roy Edward Power as he takes you about the grounds of CNC looking for Halloween.  Program fee:  $3.00 for “Friends of CNC”/$5.00 for non-members

Old Fashioned Trick or Treat
Historic Murphy’s Landing 
2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee
763-694-7784
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org                  
October 25, 5-9 pm
Enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride, then walk to twenty historic buildings along candle lit paths. Collect a variety of traditional treats and toys. Finish your celebration with cider, cookies and stories. Call for reservations.

Pumpkin Night in the Park
Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Ave. NE, Fridley
763-572-3588
www.springbrooknaturecenter.org
October 18, 6 pm-10 pm
Indoor Trail of Spooky Delights, Pumpkin Patch Dance with DJ, Enchanted Outdoor Trail, Hundreds of Carved Pumpkins, and Roadkill Cafe included in entrance fee. Additional Activities for nominal fee: Tasty treats at the concession stand, Kettlecorn, and Spooky Bingo. Age 2 and under are free.

Rainbow Families 8th Annual Halloween Party
Ramsey International Fine Arts School
1 West 49th St., Minneapolis
612-827-7731
www.rainbowfamilies.org
Saturday, October 27, 6-8:30 pm
For all ages, wear a costume or come as you are. Crafts, dancing, gym time and more!

Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol Building
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
651-296-2881
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm.
Visitors will have a chance to view the eerily lit, shadowy building on special evening tours. Along the way they’ll meet historical “spirits” who will tell tales of the Capitol’s early years. Not recommended for small children. Call for reservations.

Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol Building
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
651-296-2881
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm.
Visitors will have a chance to view the eerily lit, shadowy building on special evening tours. Along the way they’ll meet historical “spirits” who will tell tales of the Capitol’s early years. Not recommended for small children. Call for reservations.

Support Our Troops Haunted House
Dakota Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Building
October 10-11, 7-11 pm
Come get a good scare for a good cause. Your donation will help raise community awareness and support local soldiers who are or have been deployed overseas and/or their families with care packages, cards & letters, presenting memorials and assisting them as needed.

Tamarack Trick or Treat
Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Lake
651-407-5350
www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/tamarack
October 25, 3:30-5:30pm
Ages: 2-6 years with an adult
 Bring your favorite little gremlin to a Halloween party designed just for them. Deliberately low-key, this very non-spooky event includes games, entertainment, old- fashioned hand-pressed cider and some close encounters with live animals. Plus friendly costumed characters handing out tricks and treats along our prairie-loop trail. This is a very popular event so register early!

Trail of Terror
3 miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169
952-445-7361
www.trailofterrorfest.com
October 12-14, 17-21, 25-28 & 31 , 7-11 pm
Scream with horror in the frightening halls of a 3/4-mile indoor maze. Trench through the ghoul-infested trails on the haunted hayride; calm your quivering bones by a warm bonfire or witness the magic and illusions of Dr. Spectre’s Freaky Side Show. If you have made it this far, scare up some more fun in Club Scream and Terror Tavern with music, contests, games, and food!

Victorian Ghost Stories
James J. Hill House
240 Summit Ave, St. Paul
651-297-2555 Reservations
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 28 & 29, 6:00 & 8 pm. Costumed actors will perform a readers’ theater of ghost stories from Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Wharton, O. Henry and others in the dimly lit Hill House. Reservations recommended. $10.00 fee includes tour and hot cider.  Not recommended for children under 10.

Wabasha Street Caves Ghosts and Graves Tour
215 Wabasha St S Saint Paul
651-224-1191
www.wabashastreetcaves.com
Weekend evenings in October – call for hours.
A one and a half hour deluxe motor coach tour of St. Paul, with a costumed guide sharing stories of haunted sites, historic murders, and a tour of the St. Paul Cemetery.

Westwood Halloween
8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park
952-924-2544
www.stlouispark.org/experience/nature_center.htm
26th Annual Halloween Party – Oct 17 or 18, 6:30-9 pm
The creatures at Westwood have nature games, refreshments and special activities waiting for you. 2 decorated theme trails: Mother Nature's Trail for those who prefer bright friendly creatures, and the Mystery Night Hike for looking to be spooked in the dark woods. All ages.

Goblin March & “Boo-gie” Concert – Oct. 24, 6:30-8 pm
The Rec Center becomes the Great Pumpkin Patch so costumed kids can march through decorated halls to collect treats and surprises. Dance to "boo-gie" music and check out the photo opportunity in the Gallery. Ages 3-12.

Things That Go Bump in the Night
Sunday, Oct. 26, 3-4:30 pm
Eeeek! Crrrrunch! Whooosh! What are all those things that go bump in the night? Delve into the dim world of nocturnal animals. Discover how they get around, play night sounds bingo and take a short hike before nightfall. All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)

Zoo Boo
Como Zoo, St. Paul
651-487-8226
www.comozooconservatory.org
October 18-19, & 24-26, 4:30-7:30 pm.
Como Zoo offers a safe and spook-tacular trick or treating alternative! 13 themed stations and over 100 costumed characters to hand out everything from granola bars, to candy, to toys to toothbrushes. Advance tickets: $6 per person, purchase by calling 651-487-8229 or at the following locations: Como Zoo gift shop, Como Conservatory gift shop and at all Twin City CUB Food's locations. Night of the event: $7 per person.

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