Hayrides at a historic farm. Giant inflatables and kettle corn. Art projects with supplies provided. Families have some especially good reasons to get out of the house this Halloween weekend — and every outing on this list has free admission.
Hosted by well-known local groups like the Springfield Art Museum, Missouri Department of Conservation, local cities and community organizations, these nine events offer something for toddlers through bigger kids from Oct. 29–31.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Make a fall landscape collage without gathering all the supplies yourself
Springfield Art Museum’s Creative Connection Workshop invites artists of all ages to create a collage inspired by works in the museum’s collection. Supplies are provided, and this drop-in session lets families come and go as needed. 3–5 p.m. (Library Station, Frisco Room, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield). Free; advance registration encouraged. Event details and registration.
Pair trick-or-treating with hayrides and a Halloween movie at a historic farm
Cassidy Station’s Halloween Bash brings families to the restored Estes farmstead for an evening of costumes, candy and seasonal fun. All ages are welcome, and the coffee shop and Social House will have themed drinks available to purchase. 4–8 p.m. (Cassidy Station, 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa). Free admission. Event details.
Find out why bats, rats and snakes deserve a second look
MDC’s Conservation Kids: Scary or Cool? explores the animals that often get a bad reputation around Halloween. The program is designed for children ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers; siblings of other ages may attend and participate with the family. 6:30–7:45 p.m. (Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield). Free; registration required and currently open. Event details and registration.
Friday, Oct. 30
Kick off Halloween weekend with candy, games and music
Community Partnership of the Ozarks welcomes families to its Trick or Treat event at the Darr Family Foundation HUB at the O’Reilly Center for Hope. Costumes are encouraged for this free community gathering. 4–6 p.m. (Darr Family Foundation HUB, 1518 E. Dale St., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Start Halloween with short films and hands-on art for little kids
Moxie Mornings combines a selection of creative short films with an art-making activity in an hour-long program designed for children ages 2–6. Children must attend with an adult. 10–11 a.m. (Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave., Suite 101, Springfield). Free. Event details.
Let the kids bounce, dance and collect candy at a free afternoon party
James River Church’s October 31st Party features giant inflatables, costume characters, a pumpkin patch, a dance party and free kettle corn. The celebration is designed for families with children from infancy through fifth grade, and kid-friendly costumes are welcome. 1–5 p.m. (South Campus, 6100 N. 19th St., Ozark; West Campus, 3953 W. Farm Road 168, Springfield; North Campus, 3225 N. Farm Road 123, Springfield). Free. Event details.
Take your little trick-or-treaters out while it’s still light
C-Street Trick or Treat invites costumed families to collect candy from participating shops and restaurants along Historic Commercial Street. The afternoon hours and walkable storefronts make this an appealing option for younger children. 3–5 p.m. (Historic C-Street, event address: 299 E. Commercial St., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Add an ambulance tour to your Halloween candy route
CoxHealth’s Trunk or Treat combines decorated booths, games and ambulance tours for all ages. Families will also find hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and candy at this community celebration hosted by CoxHealth employees and departments. 5–8 p.m. (Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center parking garage, 3800 S. National Ave., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Build your own Halloween route through Republic’s community candy stops
Republic Parks & Recreation’s 30th annual Treat Yourself in Republic brings together local businesses, churches and organizations to hand out treats across town. Use the published map to choose your stops, including participating fire stations, the historical society and the Parks & Recreation Department. 5:30–8:30 p.m.; some locations have shorter hours. (Participating locations throughout Republic, including Republic Parks & Recreation, 711 E. Miller Road). Free. Event details and location map.
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