Beggar’s Night tends to take a bit of the wind out of Halloween’s sail here in Central Iowa. Once the neighborhood trick-or-treating is done, it can seem like the holiday is over. But, for true Halloween lovers, it doesn’t have to be! There’s still plenty of frightfully fun things to do, including trick-or-treating, on the actual holiday. Read on to find out how you can celebrate on the actual Halloween holiday here in Des Moines.
Find even more Halloween events and activities in our Halloween Fun Guide.
Here are 10 ways to celebrate Halloween with your kids on October 31st:
Listen to Some Not-Too-Spooky Stories
Put on your favorite costume and join the West Des Moines Public Library for their Preschool Halloween Storytime along with some Halloween fun.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze
Most of the area pumpkin patches and corn mazes close for the season on October 31st. Can you think of anything creepier than running through a corn maze on Halloween?!?
Grab Some Halloween-Themed Treats
What’s a little more sugar on Halloween? Stop by a local shop like Beaverdale Confections or Chocolate Storybook for a seasonal sweet before they vanish.
Demolish Your Jack-O-Lanterns
Take your pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to the Science Center of Iowa and toss them off their terrace during Pumpkin Plunge.
Visit a Local Haunted House
This one is a classic that doesn’t really need any explanation. October 31st is the pinnacle of the haunted house season.
See a Scary Movie
A few scary movies that will be in Des Moines theaters include: “The Addams Family” and “Maleficent”. Of course, you can find a family friendly scary movie on your favorite streaming service. One suggestion – it’s the 35th Anniversary of “Ghostbusters”.
Boo Your Neighbors
Start a new neighborhood tradition and surprise you neighbors with a treat bag of goodies (not expensive). Bonus, gift some of your kids’ trick-or-treat candy.
Parade Around Bass Pro Shops
Go trick-or-treating and join in a costume parade during Bass Pro Shops annual Halloween event.
Do the Halloween Hop
Celebrate Halloween at the Clive Public Library with a costume dance party! They’ll pull out some of their favorite Halloween tunes along with treats and not so spooky fun.
Attend Halloween on the Hill
Each year on October 31st, the Sherman Hill neighborhood invites people to stroll through their streets and check out their eerily decked-out homes during Halloween on the Hill.
How do you celebrate Halloween with your family in Des Moines? Let us know!
