Raising Locals: 10 Kid-Friendly Events for a Spooky October

The only thing scary about making Halloween plans in the Sunshine City is trying to figure out how to be in so many places at once. The entire month is filled with a haunting number of happenings leading up to the big night.

We’ve narrowed it down to 10 events where you and your family can put on your best costumes, stay safe, and have a happy Halloween, St. Pete-style.

“Legends of the Fall” 

During October, St. Petersburg College’s Planetarium and Observatory disguises itself as the “Haunted Planetarium.” Here, learn all about the Greek myth and lore playing out in the autumn skies, but watch out for ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and other creatures of the night. Parents, this one can get a little scary. The suggested minimum age is 7. Fridays in Oct., 7 & 8:15pm

The Haunted Hike 

Tour the creepy alleys and brick-lined streets of St Petersburg’s most paranormal neighborhood. Euclid St. Paul’s 16th annual Haunted Hike includes skits and side shows sure to enchant the whole family. The one-hour hike is $8 per adult and $4 per child. Oct. 19, 6 – 9pm

Halloween in Historic Uptown. Photo by Vandi Carmella.

Howl-O-Fest 

Enjoy prizes, games, inflatables and more at St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation’s Howl-O-Fest, taking place at J.W. Cate Recreation Center. Tickets are $10 per child on the day of the event or $7 until Oct. 18. Admission is free for parents, and proceeds benefit the J.W. Cate, Gladden Park and Walter Fuller Recreation Centers’ Teen Programs. Oct. 19, 2 – 9pm

Zombie Thriller Dance

Come watch (or join in) the ultimate Zombie Thriller Dance on the front steps of the Museum of Fine Arts. Performances take place every 30 minutes beginning at 7pm. Don’t know the dance yet?  Rehearsals will be held every Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30pm for those interested in participating. Oct. 24, 7 – 9pm

Boo Bash 

Boo Bash is a fun and free Jim and Heather Gills YMCA event open to the public. Your little goblins are invited for activities including a trunk-or-treat, costume contest, inflatables, and other games. Oct. 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm

Tots Trick-or-Treat

Children ages 5 and under can join this morning Halloween celebration at Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Activities include trick-or-treating, art and science tables, dance party, and costume parade. This event is free for members or included with general admission. Oct. 30, 10 am – 12 pm.

Trick-or-Treat Trail 

Dress in your Halloween best and be ready to fill your treat bags at the 3rd annual Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association Trick-or-Treat Trail around Round Lake Park. Free and friendly for all ages, we like to think of it as a trial run for the big night. Oct. 26, 5 – 7pm

Historic Old Northeast. Photo by Vandi Carmella.
Halloween in Historic Old Northeast. Photo by Vandi Carmella.

Trick-or-Treating with Seniors

Halloween brings out the child in everyone at the Third Annual Trick-or-Treating with Seniors at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. Organized in partnership with Sunshine City Kids, this event is open to kids of all ages and offers an opportunity to celebrate with the residents of the retirement community. Oct. 29, 10:30am

Halloween in Old Northeast

This iconic neighborhood near downtown St. Pete transforms into a spooky wonderland full of elaborate decorations, making it our favorite October 31st tradition. Other reasons we love Halloween in HONNA: streets closed to traffic, friendly neighbors, and some really great photo ops that capture the spirit of the season. Oct. 31, 6 – 9pm

Movies in the Park

Preserve the ‘Burg has a special Halloween evening planned for this edition of Movies in the Park. Costume contests for kids and adults, treats, live music, vendors, and a showing of Scooby Doo and the Scary Scarecrow followed by the silent film version of The Phantom of the Opera make this a night in North Straub Park you don’t want to miss. Oct. 31, 6 – 9pm

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Vandi Carmella and Denielle Kennetthttp://sunshinecitykids.com
Vandi and Denielle are the moms behind Sunshine City Kids, an online resource for all things kid-friendly in St. Petersburg. Lovers of caffeine, local breweries and serving as officers for the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association, they stay pretty busy. To keep up with the Sunshine City Kids, visit sunshinecitykids.com.

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