Boo at the Zoo
Non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween evenings with festive decorations and animals.
University City Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026
23 family-friendly fall activities in University City and nearby.
University City families have over 25 Halloween events to consider, with opportunities ranging from large-scale attractions like Boo at the Zoo to free trunk-or-treat gatherings across the region.
You'll find everything from outdoor mazes to indoor science experiments, with many events located in nearby towns such as Belleville or O'Fallon.
All Family-Friendly Fall Activities Around University City
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Food, Drink, and Parties
1 of 13
The Legendary CWE Halloween Street Party
St. Louis
St. Louis street party featuring parades, live entertainment, and costume contests.
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Haunted Experiences
1 of 21
Lemp Brewery Haunted House
St. Louis
St. Louis' only REAL haunted house in historic underground caves.
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Unique & Unusual
1 of 4
Ghost Stories and Guitars at Missouri History Museum
St. Louis
Live Halloween rock hits, courtyard bonfire ghost stories, and tarot readings.
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Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun on Our Map!
See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring a stroller or wagon to fall festivals and farms in University City?
Wagons are the farm MVP, hauling both tired kids and pumpkins over gravel and grass where umbrella strollers stall. Most farms allow both, but hayrides and some maze paths won't take them, so plan a park-and-carry moment. Bring a bike lock if you'll leave it outside an attraction, and check whether the farm rents wagons before hauling yours.
When's the best light for family photos at pumpkin patches near University City?
The hour after opening and the last hour before sunset give soft light and empty backgrounds; midday sun means squints and harsh shadows on little faces. Shoot the posed photos first, before mud, face paint, and snack stains, then let candids happen. Kneel to kid height, use the pumpkin rows as leading lines, and take a burst, since someone always blinks.
How do we run a multi-family playdate at a fall festival in University City without chaos?
Set one meeting spot at the entrance and a hard arrival window, since staggered arrivals kill the first hour. Assign each adult a kid headcount, not a vibe, and rotate a designated bag-watcher at the picnic base. Matching bright hats beat matching costumes for spotting kids in a crowd. Agree on the leave time out loud before anyone buys a wristband.