The Ten Best Halloween Events for Kids in Miami

Halloween is a whole different kind of fun for grownups, but remember how fun it was when you were a kid? This year, family-friendly Miami institutions such as the Frost Museum of Science, Seaquarium, and Zoo Miami want to remind children that Halloween is for them. From costume parties to scary science demonstrations to chocolate-pumpkin-making workshops, there’s something for every member of the family. So embrace your inner goblin — or witch or superhero — and get ready to stock up on candy at these kid-friendly Halloween events.

Kiddo-ween Party

Halloween is all about the kids. At Kiddo-ween, children can trick-or-treat, jump in a bounce house, get their faces painted, and take photos in a scary-face photo “boo-th.” They can also participate in a costume contest, do arts and crafts, and have fun at a pumpkin patch station. Community organizations and vendors will be there to spread the word about extracurricular activities, special-needs programs, and kids’ health programs. The best part: You have two chances to go to a Kiddo-ween party: at the Falls Saturday, October 19, and at Dadeland Mall on Halloween. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 19, at the Falls, 8888 SW 136th St., Miami; and 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 31, at Dadeland Mall, 7365 N. Kendall Dr., Miami. Admission is free.

Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash

Enjoy Halloween without the frights at Miami Children’s Museum. Kids can trick-or-treat throughout the institution’s 17 galleries and become candy rich. And, parents, don’t worry: There's a toddler room and other kid-friendly accommodations. Don’t forget to stop at the doughnut- and pumpkin-decorating stations and watch performances by the museum’s theater troupe. And if the little ones decide they want a kid-appropriate thrill, they can peek inside the museum's "Haunted House" exhibit. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 20, at Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami. Admission costs $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers via eventbrite.com.

Monster Splash

Flipper the dolphin wants to wish every kid a safe and fun Halloween. At the Monster Splash Halloween Bash at Miami Seaquarium, families can attend marine animal shows such as the pirate-themed top-deck dolphin show and the “Finding Hemo” sea lion show. The fun doesn’t stop there: Kids can also trick-or-treat at "sharky sweet tooth" stations, go on kiddie rides, jump in a bounce house, and even create their own scarecrow. Friday, October 25, through Sunday, October 27, at Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami. miamiseaquarium.com. Tickets cost $47.99 for adults and $37.99 for children.

Halloween Chocolate Class

Chocolate pumpkins might seem like something out of Harry Potter, but at this workshop, kids can live the fantasy. Little ones can paint their own chocolate pumpkins and fill them with sumptuous treats such as candies, marshmallows, and chocolate spiders. They’ll also decorate a special basket to carry their pumpkin home. In the process, they'll learn about how chocolate labs work, making this Halloween event a tasty and educational one. 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, at Garcia Nevett Chocolatier, 7312 Red Rd., Miami. Tickets costs $25 via eventbrite.com.

Halloween Yoga

Ever wanted to just stretch and scream? It might not be best to yell during this Halloween yoga class at Brickell City Centre, but you can certainly look scary in your costume while doing a downward dog. Kids ages 2 to 6 can dress up and bend for this special yoga class. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Brickell City Centre, 401 S. Miami Ave., Fourth-Floor Terrace, Miami. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.

Zoo Boo

Animals love Halloween! At Zoo Boo, families with kids are invited to trick-or-treat in the "wild" of Zoo Miami. You can watch animals such as elephants and goats eat healthy Halloween treats; then participate in magical activities such as Halloween crafts, costume contests, face painting, and performances by Actors' Playhouse Musical Miracles. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami. Admission to Zoo Boo is free with Zoo Miami admission, which starts at $18.95 via zoomiami.org and is free for children aged 2 and younger.

Spooky Science Monster Mash

Dance your way into the Spooky Science Monster Mash at the Frost Museum of Science. Families can marvel at an underwater pumpkin carving in the aquarium or enjoy the Into the Cauldrons show, where they can learn about the magical chemistry of water. If you’re really brave, you can even stay to watch a creepy eyeball dissection. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the museum’s latest exhibition, "A Mirror Maze," about the wonder of numbers in nature. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 27, at the Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Admission to Spooky Science Monster Mash is free with museum admission, which starts at $20.95 via frostscience.org and is free for children aged 2 and younger.

Spooky Symphony

The scariest parts of Halloween are the sudden spooky sounds, so check out the Spooky Symphony performance by the Alhambra Orchestra and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony. While wearing a costume, you can enjoy music from the movies Frozen and Wonder Woman, videogame soundtracks, and classics such as “Hall of the Mountain King,” "El Amor Brujo," and the "1812 Overture." To heighten the spookiness, Halloween-themed videos will be projected as the orchestras play. 4 p.m. Sunday, October 27, at Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St., Miami. Admission is free with RSVP via ticketmaster.com.

Spooktacular Safe Streets

A safe Halloween is a happy Halloween. At Spooktacular Safe Streets, South Miami Police will secure streets on Sunset Drive from South Dixie Highway to Red Road so kids can roam freely and safely at a fun block party. After saying hello to Scooby-Doo, your little ones can trick-or-treat from station to station, paint pumpkins, get their faces painted, and enjoy free food and drinks. There will also be a costume contest, and families with the best-coordinated costumes will take home the gold, so be sure your family-costume game is on point. 4 to 7 p.m. on SW 72nd Street from U.S. 1 to SW 57th Avenue, South Miami. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.

Spooktacular Halloween Party

Commerce and community collide in an awesome Halloween happening: trick-or-treating at Dolphin Mall. Besides chomping on candy between store visits, kids can interact with face painters, balloon artists, and magicians. Plus, there will be music, dancing, and games for the entire family. You can even enter a costume contest for the chance to win a gift card to the mall. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, October 31, at Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Sweetwater; shopdolphinmall.com. Admission is free.