Halloween & Fall Festivals for St. Louis Kids

October is the busiest month on the St. Louis family calendar. Here is how to pick the right events for your kids'' ages without burning the whole month.

For toddlers and preschoolers

Look for daytime pumpkin patches, petting zoos and trunk-or-treats at churches and schools. Short, bright, and no jump scares. Go on a weekday evening or a Sunday morning if you can — Saturday afternoons at the big farms are packed.

For elementary kids

This is prime trunk-or-treat and fall festival age: hayrides, corn mazes, costume parades, and library craft nights. Many are free — filter to free events and sort by date.

For tweens and teens

Mild haunted trails, zombie runs, and late-night mazes. Read the age guidance on each listing before you commit; "family friendly" means very different things at different venues.

Practical tips for October in St. Louis

• Buy timed tickets in advance for the popular patches; they sell out weekends in mid-October.
• Weather swings 40 degrees in a week. Layers, closed-toe shoes, and a wagon.
• Cash is still king at small church and school events.
• Check parking and shuttle info before you leave; several county festivals use offsite lots.

Find them fast

Use this weekend throughout October, or browse festivals and holiday events for the full month.