You Don’t Have To Be Scared of Halloween Costs With These Free Kids’ Events

Halloween doesn’t have to be a one-day celebration.

Let’s make the most of those kids’ costumes, shall we?

Several retail chains across the nation are hosting children’s events for the spookiest holiday of the year. They’re free entertainment for the little ones, which makes it a win-win for parents and kiddos alike.

1. Disney Store

Saturdays in October just got a lot more magical. The Disney Store will host its Haunted Halloween Party for kids 3 to 12. Partygoers will go home with free light-up Mickey Mouse pumpkin wristbands.

When: Oct. 20 and 27 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Be sure to: Register in advance. Party attendance is limited to the first 20 children who RVSP for each time slot. Contact your local store to reserve your spot. Outlet locations won’t be hosting the Halloween events.

2. Bass Pro Shops

This outdoor recreation retailer will host eight days of free Halloween fun starting Oct. 20. Kids can create crafts, play games, walk in costume parades, take photos with the Peanuts gang and go trick-or-treating.

When: Oct. 20 and 21 from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., Oct. 27 and 28 from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 29 and 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Be sure to: Read this post for details on the schedule of events.

3. Michaels

The arts and craft chain will host several Halloween-themed classes this month, but the real treats are the free events. Children have the chance to create gooey slime creations on Oct. 21 and 27. Also on Oct. 27, little crafters can make three holiday-themed art projects — plus get their faces painted.

When: Ultimate Slime Party Oct. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m., Monster Bash Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon and Monster Slime Party Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Be sure to: Register in advance online or by contacting your local Michaels.

4. Target

Target — a favorite retailer of moms everywhere — will host a  “PAW Patrol”-themed Halloween event for kids to party with their favorite pups from Adventure Bay. Enjoy the festivities and stay for a screening of a special episode of the PAW Patrol TV show.

When: Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Be sure to: Bring your kid in costume for trick-or-treating. There will be other giveaways as long as supplies last.

5. Simon Malls and Premium Outlets

Trick-or-treating at a mall is like the G-rated, child-centric version of barhopping for adults — except with there is candy instead of beer and everything is free.

Simon Property Group owns over 200 malls and outlet shopping centers in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Several locations will host Halloween activities for kids this year.

Tyrone Square Mall, my local mall in St. Petersburg, Florida, will host crafts and treat-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. Some locations will celebrate prior to Halloween. For example, Norfolk Premium Outlets in Norfolk, Virginia, will host trick-or-treating on Oct. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.

When: Dates and times vary by location.

Be sure to: Contact your nearest Simon property for details.

Bonus: PetSmart

Parents of four-legged fur babies can visit PetSmart Oct. 20 and 21 for the store’s “Who’s Your Boo?” costume parade and Halloween event.

The stores will give out free pet treats and coupons to help you save money during your visit. The first seven guests who arrive at the each location’s event will get a free pet collar safety light.

When: Oct 20 and 21 from noon to 3 p.m.

Be sure to: Dress up your pet for the chance to win a prize.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She loves discovering free kids’ events. Her daughter has gone trick-or-treating at Bass Pro Shops and Tyrone Square Mall.