When Halloween rolls around, most kids look forward to trick-or-treating around their neighborhood. However, not all parents look forward to it as running around in the dark from door to door may not be a tradition they want their children to partake in. Plus, with so many fantastic alternatives available to families, neighborhood trick-or-treating is starting to take a back seat to other enjoyable Halloween options. Create different traditions this year by participating in one of these top picks for local alternatives to trick-or-treating.

Boo at the Zoo Nights
St. Louis Zoo
1 Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 781-0900
www.stlzoo.org

Dates: Now through October 30

Encouraged to come in their costumes, kids get to experience Halloween at one of the coolest venues in town – the St. Louis Zoo! Trick-or-treating around the neighborhood definitely dulls in comparison to spending the night among the awesome animals and adventures that await you and your family at Boo at the Zoo. Dress up your child like their favorite animal and see how they compare.

Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree
Eckert’s Farm - also at Millstadt and Grafton locations
951 S. Greenmount Road
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 233-0513
www.eckerts.com

Dates: October 27-28

The Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree is always a popular alternative to trick-or-treating, and with all that’s offered at Eckert’s Farm, it’s no wonder why. Bring the kids in their costumes (a pumpkin costume might win points) and get ready for some awesome Halloween fun. The Jamboree includes wagon and pony rides, a petting farm, live music, festival food and so much more. And of course there is a pumpkin patch.

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Ghouls in the Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 577-9570
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

Date: October 28

Instead of trick-or-treating on Halloween night, dress up the kids and bring them out for a fantastic afternoon event at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Enjoy treats at different themed stations throughout the grounds and visit the children’s garden and play area (included with event admission). Guests are also encouraged to bring pumpkins for a fun carving and decorating contest. This will provide just the right amount of fright for you little ones.

The Great Godfrey Haunted Corn Maze
1401 Stamper Lane
Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 466-1483
www.greatgodfreymaze.com

Dates: October 26-28

Each year, tons of local families make their annual Halloween trek through The Great Godfrey Corn Maze in Godfrey, Illinois. Consisting of two paths that run over seven acres of corn, getting lost together in the maze is all part of this unique, outdoor experience. There are also wagon rides, a zip line and of course the corn cannon where guests can shoot ears of corn at targets.

Haunted Hayloft
Purina Farms Visitor’s Center
200 Checkerboard Drive
Gray Summit, MO 63039
(314) 982-3232
www.purina.com

Date: October 26-28

The Haunted Hayloft event at Purina Farms Vistor’s Center is a fabulous alternative to trick-or-treating. Bring your costumed munchkins and partake in not-so-scary storytelling, cool magic tricks, canine performances, face painting, crafts and hayrides. Also, enter the costume contest and you could go home with a $25 Purina gift card.

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Meredith Johns is a freelance writer covering all things St. Louis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.