8 Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in Miami

Gory zombies and scary AF clowns need not apply. This list is for the kiddos and all the age-appropriate tricks and treats they can enjoy this Halloween. Just as there are plenty of adult fiestas and costume contests to get all dressed up for (or, well, wear as little as possible), there are plenty of options for the kiddos, spanning a Mad Science Lab, zoo animals noshing on treats and, yes, trick-or-treating aplenty.

Here are eight happenings to hit for a family-friendly adventure this Halloween in Miami.

Spooky Science Monster Mash at Frost Museum

If you and your kids have ever wanted to see Frost Science Museum's famed aquarium divers carve a jack-o-lantern underwater, this is the chance. Costumes are encouraged for the Spooky Science Monster Mash as several scientists from chemistry clubs at the University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University, and more set up shop throughout the grounds with fun experiments to witness. Best of all, it's included with regular museum admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-434-9600; frostscience.org. Tickets cost $24.95 to $29.95; free for children under 3.

Caregiver & Me Cooking Classes at Taste Buds Kitchen

Mummy pizza, creepy crawly cupcakes, and a haunted house gingerbread are on the menu at this Kendale Lakes culinary hot spot. A ticket includes activities for the kid, and the parent gets to watch and cheer 'em on. Perhaps beyond creating a colorful location here, this may lead to cheering them on to cook dinner for the entire family in subsequent days/months/years. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, October 27 at Taste Buds Kitchen, 14740 SW 26th St., Ste. 206, Miami; 786-999-8629; tastebudskitchen.com. Admission is $35 for children ages 2-8.

Afterlife Halloween Celebration at Village at Gulfstream Park

Target 6 to 7 p.m. for trick-or-treating heaven throughout this Hallandale Beach shopping destination. Candy stations will be set up throughout the grounds for all costumed folks to dig into, including kids. As part of the broader experience, there will be quirky performers, DJ entertainment, and food trucks. For the adult crowd, there will be multiple bars run by sponsor Bacardi. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach; 954-454-7000; gulfstreampark.com. Admission is free.

Zoo Boo at Zoo Miami

The zoo goes all out for Halloween, y'all. Over two days, there will be an inflatable carnival, rainforest-themed kid zone, haunted maze obstacle course, yard games, puppet shows, and, oh yes, candy. Additional annual favorites include a kids Halloween contest and moments where the zoo animals get Halloween treats of their own. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27, at Zoo Miami, 26 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami; 305-251-0400; zoomiami.org. Tickets cost $21.95 to $25.95; admission is free for children under 3.

Haunted Trails and Kid Zone at Enchanted Forest Park

Your itinerary on October 25 at the Enchanted Forest in Elaine Gordon Park includes Halloween-decorated and character-filled haunted trails to saunter, scary hayrides, and culinary selections from local vendors. As bonuses for kiddos, there's a Family Fun Zone with games, pony rides, and a costume parade. Don't be a party pooper — dress in costume, whether you are in a contest or not. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, October 25, at Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park, 1725 NE 135 St., North Miami; 305-895-9840; northmiamifl.gov. Tickets cost $7 each or $28 for a five-ticket family pack.

Mini Monster Monday at Miami Children's Museum

It will be a monstrous day at the Miami Children's Museum on Monday, October 28. The entire museum will be morphed into a Halloween experience, with live Halloween-themed music from house band Max and the Wild Things, a haunted house experience, and costumed folks aplenty. If you're looking to trick-or-treat, noon and 3:30 p.m. are the times. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 28 at Miami Children's Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami; 305-373-5437; miamichildrensmuseum.org. Tickets cost $18 to $26 for general admission.

Halloween on Lincoln Road

More than 50,000 folks converge on this Miami Beach stretch each year for Halloween. In addition to a local DJ slate and block-party vibe that stretches until 1 a.m., there is a super kid-friendly component to a portion of the festivities. From 5 to 7 p.m., it's a "no tricks, just treats" vibe with candy stations throughout. Pro tip: There's also a pumpkin patch setup October 26-31, too, for all to dabble in. 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, at Lincoln Road Mall, Lincoln Road between Alton Road and Washington Avenue; 305-600-0219; lincolnroad.com. Admission is free.

Miami Youth Orchestra's Trick or Treat Symphony at Manuel Artime Theater

Some spooky jams to get you and yours in the holiday spirit? It's going down at this community and kid-friendly event at Manuel Artime Theater. The Miami Youth Orchestra, which has been rockin' and rollin' since 2000, will perform tunes from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter, and more. This is a ticketed event, so make sure to snag yours pronto. 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, at Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW First St., Miami; 786-295-0009; eventbrite.com. Tickets cost $11.40 to $41.