Ames Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026

Living History Farms hosts a one-weekend Family Halloween event. Families can trick-or-treat in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, get fortunes told, play games, and take twilight horse-drawn wagon rides.

Applefest at Living History Farms showcases Midwestern rural harvest traditions, including historical preparation of apple treats. Visitors can print recipes and buy food from local vendors.

A special evening event for families with special needs provides a free and welcoming atmosphere. Activities include giant inflatables, character meet-and-greets, and carnival games. Popcorn is provided.

Spooky Science at the Science Center of Iowa offers experiments, critter encounters, and Halloween programming. Costumes are encouraged for this family-friendly event.

The Pumpkin Walk offers a family-friendly afternoon with hayrides, kids' activities, and dance performances. Children can trick-or-treat at local businesses. Free pumpkins are available while supplies last.

Pleasant Hill hosts Trick or Treat Around the Lake at Copper Creek Lake Park. Local businesses offer treat stations along the lake for costumed attendees.

Sherman Hill neighborhood in Des Moines presents Halloween on the Hill, featuring streets with spooky scenes and decorations. Entertainment includes 'Thriller' dancers, bellydancers, classic Halloween characters, food vendors, and support for the DMARC Food Pantry Network.

Howell Halloween Around the Farm on October 31st, 2026, includes a treat scavenger hunt, pumpkin smashing, and seasonal fall activities.

Bring the little ghouls, ghosts, and goblins to Downtown Ames for a delightful trick-or-treating adventure. This family-friendly event invites children and parents alike to don their most creative Halloween costumes and explore the charming streets. Over 30 local businesses open...

Reiman Gardens offers 'Spirits in the Gardens,' featuring over 1,000 hand-carved Jack-O'-Lanterns along a 3/4-mile path. The event includes video projections, a Candy Factory for trick-or-treating, chemistry shows, and cockroach adoptions.

Deal's Orchard Apple Acres offers over 25 attractions, including jumping pillows and slides. Visitors can explore flower fields, pick pumpkins, and enjoy live music and hayrides.

Halloween In Uptown provides four blocks of trunk-or-treating, music from DJ Big Lare, a costume contest, and rides on the Uptown Express.

The Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Business Trick or Treat event at Civic Plaza. Attendees can collect treats from participating local businesses in a Halloween-themed environment.

Celebrate the spooky side of plants at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's Trick or Trees event. This family-friendly Halloween weekend celebration features festive entertainment, educational activities, and seasonal treats. Bring your costumes and explore the garden for a day...

Night Eyes transforms the zoo with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and light displays. The family-friendly event includes a treat safari, carnival games, and live entertainment.

Wills Family Organic Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Farm offers pumpkin fields, apple picking, cider donuts, farm activities, hayrides, and a corn maze.