Metro Area Beggar’s Night
Halloween Hayday Parade
October 30th
3:30 p.m.
Dallas Center, Iowa
Join the Seasonal Fun Committee for the Halloween Hayday Parade! The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. at Mound Park. From 4 to 6 p.m. enjoy arts & crafts, chili cook-off, hot dogs, and apple cider. Then head out for a town-wide trick or treat!
Spooky Spiders
October 30th
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Jester Park Nature Center
Spiders are the most commonly feared and misunderstood creatures in this world. Discover how spiders are actually fascinating animals, including their unique adaptations and the important role they play in ecosystems. You’ll even get to meet the Jester Park Nature Center’s resident spider. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/2Vmma6i DEADLINE: Register by Friday, October 29 COST: Free AGES: 5+
Trick-or-Trees
October 29th; 6 to 9 p.m.,
October 30th; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
October 31st; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
People of all ages will enjoy this festive event at the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden!
Trick-or-Trees will feature interactive activities, entertainment, and opportunities to learn about trees and spooky botanicals throughout the outdoor gardens. Costumes are encouraged!
On-site activities throughout the three-day event will include: educational activities about trees and spooky botanicals, botanical potions activity, festive, botanical displays from Garden supporters, carved pumpkins throughout the Garden and so much more!
Costume Hike + Scavenger Hunt
October 31st
10 a.m.
Brown’s Woods
Put on your costumes and head to Brown’s Woods for a hike and scavenger hunt! Kids will receive a scavenger hunt card and will hit the trail to mark off what they find, both natural items in the park and some fun Halloween-themed props. We will have both easy and more difficult scavenger hunt cards so all ages can participate. Kids will redeem their cards for a candy-free treasure bag. Nature crafts and a family photo station will also be available at the park. More information and registration at www.muddybootsforestcamp.org.
Halloween Hullabaloo
October 31st
5 to 7 p.m.
West Des Moines RecPlex
ages 12+: $10; ages 2 – 11: $8; Under 2 years: FREE
If you are looking for an event on Halloween night, check this out! 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! Must register with WDM Park and Recreation.
Mystical Forest Halloween Drive-Through
October 31st
2 to 5 p.m. – The Brenton Arboretum
During this drive-through event, you’ll wind your way through the Mystical Forest to view spooky scenes with scenic fall vistas in between. Vote for your favorite scene at the end of your drive!
Fee: $5 per passenger car. (No buses) Exact cash required at the gate, or pre-register by Oct. 30th for faster check-in and a $1 discount!
Trick-or-Treat on the Farm
October 31st
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch
Come join us for some fun on our last weekend of pumpkin season. Anyone 2 years of age and older dressed in their favorite costume will receive half off their general admission wristband. Visit all of our farm attractions for a special beggar’s treat.