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Step 1
Pumpkin pickingVisit any of the area's pumpkin patches to kick off your Halloween celebration. Let the kids pick their own pumpkins right from the farm at Eckert's, Thies Farms or Rombach's Farm. These family favorites feature fresh pumpkins plus tractor rides and play areas. Bring your camera.
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Step 2
St. Louis ZooTake your family of ghouls to Boo at the Zoo at the St. Louis Zoo to celebrate Halloween. The zoo is open in the evenings late in October. Walk through the Children's Zoo after dark, make crafts and find your way through a (mildly) haunted maze. This is a good trip for families of all ages, especially younger children. Costumes are encouraged (and kids get a discount).
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Step 3
Jack-o'-lanternsTry the Magic House's Not-So-Haunted House for preschool children. Children collect autographs from storybook characters and collect a treat bag, too.
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Step 4
Grant's FarmTake your little spooks to Grant's Farm during the Halloween season. They are open at night on weekends through October and charge only for parking. The farm provides a safe and nonscary visit for preschoolers. Older children may find Grant's Farm too mild. The Farm provides an after-dark tram ride through the deer park, which is decorated for Halloween. The (nonscary) ghosts of President and Mrs. Grant are usually seen at their cabin, dancing on the dark lawn. Check out a Halloween animal show, then get some cocoa in the courtyard. Wear your costume for added fun.
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Step 5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ben_pollard/2245253987/Braver and older haunters will want to visit one of St. Louis's professional haunted houses. Not for the faint of heart, these haunts are sure to add terror to your Halloween celebration. Check out The Darkness, ranked in the top five of haunted houses nationwide.
