You don’t have to go too far to find faBOOlous Halloween happenings. The month of October is filled to the brim with events and activities to keep your little ghouls entertained! We’ve got the skinny on spooky Halloween fun in Des Moines and the ‘burbs. Check out our list of Halloween happenings, if you dare . . .
Our Halloween list continues to evolve, so check back regularly for updates. Be sure to bookmark our Halloween and Fall Fun Guides for all the best, family-friendly seasonal activities.
Editor’s Note: Please confirm all dates, times, and costs before heading to an event as circumstances can change.
Here’s your guide to Halloween activities and attractions for Des Moines kids:
Flix Brewhouse – Halloween Movie Lineup
Flix Brewhouse • 3800 Merle Hay Road #1300 • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 612-9200
A Halloween movie lineup so good, it’s scary. This October Flix Brewhouse is bringing you some of their favorite spine-chilling classics and original nightmares. From vampires to witches, there’s something for everyone in this spooky line-up. Reserve seats for you and your boos today!
When: October 1-31, 2024. Movies are screened at various times and each carries its unique rating.
Cost: $7 per person
Uptown Ankeny – Fright Lights
Uptown Ankeny • 601 SW 3rd Street • Ankeny, IA
Stroll, bike, or drive through Uptown Ankeny any evening in October to experience their spooky animated light displays. While you’re there, take time to shop, dine, and explore Ankeny’s original neighborhood!
When: October 1-31, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Movies in the Park – Hocus Pocus
Windsor Heights Community Center • 6900 School Street • Windsor Heights, IA • (515) 279-3662
Windsor Heights’ next Movies in the Park event will feature the original “Hocus Pocus” movie. Get there early for FREE cookies, popcorn and drinks before the movie!
When: October 4, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Cost: FREE
Uptown Ankeny – Outdoor Cinema – Spooky Series
Porch Light Coffeehouse & Uptown Garage Brewing Co’s Backyard • 417 SW 3rd Street • Ankeny, IA
Join Uptown Ankeny for a Friday night outdoor movie series featuring spooky throwback favorites from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Bring your blankets and folding chairs, watch your favorite spooky movies, and enjoy a cozy night under the stars!
When: Fridays, October 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 7:30
Cost: FREE
Pumpkin Express Trains
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad • 225 10th Street • Boone, IA 50036 • 1-800-626-0319
Ride the train across the 156′ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, and the Des Moines River bridge, as you make your way to the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s pumpkin patch. Each child, age 2-12, gets to select their very own pumpkin.
When: October 5, 12, and 19, 2024 at 10:00 am
Cost: $22 per person age 2 and up
Spirits in the Gardens
Reiman Gardens • 1407 S University Boulevard • Ames, IA 50011 • (515) 294-2710
See 600 plus amazingly detailed lit Jack-O-Lanterns, Hollusion hologram projections (best after sunset), glowing orbs, and the Sycamore Falls lighted tower all at Reiman Gardens in Ames. Wear your costume and trick or treat and join in a variety of Halloween inspired activities.
When: October 11-13, 2024; Friday at 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: $16 Adult General Public; $14 Adult Members & ISU Students; $7 Youth (ages 2-12); Free for Youth under 2
Grimes Fall Festival
South Sports Complex • 750 S James Street • Grimes, IA 50111• (515) 986-2143
Celebrate fall in Grimes. The Polk County Sheriff Department and Grimes Parks and Recreation are hosting this family friendly event. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and learn about public and Halloween safety. Peruse through local business and vendor booths, check out the kid zone and enjoy fright bites from food trucks.
When: October 12, 2024 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Witchcrafts Under the Stars
Bandshell at Wagner Park • 410 W 1st Street • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 963-3570
Join Ankeny Parks & Recreation for an outdoor movie “Hotel Transylvania” and receive a Halloween kit, which will include a craft, pumpkin, candy and more! Bring your blankets and chairs for a fun night at the Bandshell. Registration required.
When: October 12, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost: $15-20 per person
Night Eyes
Blank Park Zoo • 7401 Southwest 9th Street Des Moines • (515) 285-4722
Ready for one of Central Iowa’s sweetest family traditions? Roam through enchanted lighting displays, a merry-not-scary treat safari, and enjoy live entertainment and games, all while learning more about and supporting wildlife!
When: October 17-20 & 24-27 at 5:30 to 9:00 pm
Cost: $6 members or $10 non-members (under 12 months old FREE)
Family Halloween
Living History Farms • 11121 Hickman Road • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-5286
Take part in a tradition of more than 30 years at Living History Farms—Family Halloween! Families are welcomed into the 1876 town of Walnut Hill to enjoy safe, non-scary trick-or-treating at their historic businesses, play fun games, and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. They offer “teal pumpkin” stops for trick-or-treaters with allergies. Capacity is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets in advance.
When: October 18-20 & 25-27 Friday and Saturday 5:00 to 8:00 pm; Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: $8 members or $9 non-members
Moonlit Movies: Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater • 4100 Mills Civic Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 222-3444
Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation for a special Halloween edition of Moonlit Movies! They will be showing the original “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” at 7:00 pm. Enjoy some Halloween-themed crafts and FREE popcorn and soda before the show starts. Be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. Costumes encouraged!
When: October 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Halloween Hoopla
Raccoon River Nature Lodge • 2500 Grand Avenue • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 222-3424
Halloween is lurking just around the corner, and this haunted holiday would not be complete without a fun, family-friendly event at Raccoon River Park! Please note: All children must be supervised by a paying adult to participate in the evening festivities, and to ride the hay rack. Registration required.
When: October 18, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Cost: Ages 12 and up $10.00; Ages 2-11 $8.00; Under age 2 FREE
Wizards in the Wild
Jester Park Nature Center • 12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5300
Join Polk County Conservation as you transport yourself into the wizarding world of nature! Make nature wands, mix potions, sort yourself into your wizard house, and more. Wizard attire is welcome! Registration is required by October 15th.
When: October 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Cost: $15
Family Halloween Bowling Party
Warrior Lanes • 190 Southeast Laurel Drive • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 987-4840
Bring the family for a safe, fun-filled afternoon of bowling. This is an alcohol-free event with Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling, concert lights, fog, phenomenal concert sound and black lights. Maximum of five bowlers per lane. Pre-Paid Non-Refundable Reservations are required.
When: October 20, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Cost: $59.95 per lane includes: bowling (2 hours), shoe rental, large one topping pizza and a pitcher of soda
The Great Pumpkin Party
Valley Community Church • 4343 Fuller Road • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 226-9973
Valley Community Center • 4444 Fuller Road • West Des Moines, IA 50265
The entire community is invited to the Great Pumpkin party! Kids, wear your non-scary costumes and enjoy giant inflatables, pony rides, carnival games, free popcorn, and more! The first night of festivities is set aside for families with special needs at the Valley Community Center. All other activities will be held at Valley Church.
When: Special Needs Night October 20 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm; October 21 – 23, 2024 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
Hooray for Halloween!
Giovannetti Community Shelter • 9000 Douglas Avenue • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3900
Join Urbandale Parks and Rec at the Giovannetti Community Shelter for a spooktacular night! Children, come dressed in your costumes and bring a sack or bucket for trick or treat candy! You will make Halloween crafts, decorate Halloween cookies, and play Halloween games. Registration required.
When: October 21, 2024 at 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: $15
Halloween Hike
Annett Nature Center • 15565 118th Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-6169
Join Warren County Conservation for a Twister of a Halloween Hike! This year’s theme is all about severe weather! Trek down the jack o’ lantern lit trail and meet some interesting weather phenomenon, including a tornado, thunder storm, blizzard, hail, and floods. Afterwards, you can enjoy a craft and a snack in the nature center. After the hike you can make a craft and enjoy some treats. Registration required.
When: October 21, 2024; hikes leave at 6:30, 6:40, 6:50, 7:00, 7:10, 7:20, and 7:30
Cost: $5 per person; under 3 are FREE.
Brenton Boo-tacular
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 237-1386
Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at Brenton Skating Plaza! Dress up, bring your candy
bags, and join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for an unforgettable evening of frightful fun. Wander around the rink for delicious treats and spooky surprises. Afterwards, join them in the parking lot of the Armory Building for Disney’s “Coco” on the big movie screen! Don’t miss out on the most spooktacular event of the season!
When: October 22, 2024 at 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Halloween Party!!!
Des Moines Children’s Museum • 1551 Valley W Drive, Suite 108 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 218-8344
Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for their Annual Halloween party. Wear your costumes, enjoy bobbing for apples, pumpkin bowling, and more.
When: October 24-26, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm; Sensory Friendly Party October 25 at 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Cost: $10 for ages 1 – 10, free for adults and children over 10. Free for members.
Nature Center After Dark: Halloween
Jester Park Nature Center • 12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5300
Here’s your chance to visit the Jester Park Nature Center after dark. The hour will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night. Feel free to come in costume for a fun family-friendly Halloween-themed night.
When: October 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Trick or Trees
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden • 909 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 323-6290
This festive, family-friendly event includes activities, entertainment, and trick-or-treating in the Garden. Visitors can participate in creeptastic educational activities about trees and spooky botanicals. Costumes are encouraged!
When: October 26, 2024 at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with admission.
Children’s Costume Party & Parade
Warren County Courthouse Lawn • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-9420
The entire Indianola square will be filled with fun Halloween activities. Children are invited to wear their Halloween costume and parade around the square and trick or treat at local businesses! Trophies for cutest, scariest or most creative costume will be awarded.
When: October 26, 2024 at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cost: FREE
Halloween Hullabaloo
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex • 6500 Grand Avenue • West Des Moines, IA 50266
Calling all goblins, ghosts and ghouls! Head on over to the RecPlex for a spooky good time in a family friendly environment. We will decorate pumpkins and glittery pumpkin mason jars, have fun activities like hula hoop pumpkin toss and monster freeze dance, snacks and more! Space will be limited…don’t miss out! Registration required.
When: October 26, 2024 at 5:00 am to 7:00 pm
Cost: $8-10; under 2 FREE
GPS Great Pumpkin Hunt
Greenwood Park • 100 45th Street • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515)-237-1386
Participants will learn how to use a handheld Global Positioning Unit then use the GPS to find the
“Great Pumpkin” in the park. Pre-registration is required.
When: October 26, 2024 at 10:30 am or 12:30 pm
Cost: $10
Spooky Science
Science Center of Iowa • 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868
Dust the cobwebs off your costumes, and take the whole family down to enjoy spooky, science-y and SAFE Halloween fun at the Science Center of Iowa. There will be hair-raising experiments, creepy-crawly critters and tons of other spook-ified programming. All activities are included with admission – free for SCI members! Costumes are encouraged.
When: Saturday, October 26. Tickets can be used between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Cost: $13, included with General Admission.
Halloween on the Hill
Sherman Hill • 1620 Pleasant Street • Des Moines, IA 50314 • (515) 284-5717
It’s one of the city’s largest and most engaging Halloween experiences — and all in support of a great cause. Walk or drive around the “spooky” streets of Sherman Hill where the historic homes are decked out in Halloween splendor.
When: October 31, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost: FREE
