Halloween asks a lot of kids! Costumes, crowds, loud noises, unfamiliar decorations, trick-or-treating at houses they don’t know, and a whole lot of excitement can make the traditional Halloween experience overwhelming for some children.
And that’s OK! Halloween doesn’t have to look the same for every kid.
If your child does better with smaller crowds, daytime activities, predictable routines, or a chance to practice before the big night, there are several Halloween events in the Sioux Falls Area that may be a great fit. Some are specifically designed with neurodivergent kids and sensory needs in mind, while others offer a quieter or less-crowded alternative to traditional Halloween festivities.
Speaking of Halloween, make sure to check out our Fall and Halloween Headquarters Page, sponsored by Avera Children’s. It’s filled with fall and Halloween fun!
Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Halloween Events
Halloween Dress Rehearsal with Encompass Mental Health
Encompass Mental Health
1110 E. 77th St., Sioux Falls
Friday, Oct. 30 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Event Details
Halloween asks a lot of a kid, so Encompass Mental Health is offering a chance to practice first!
Kids can come in costume and practice knocking on doors, saying “trick or treat,” and stopping at pretend intersections, all within one enclosed space. Every door will offer standard candy, allergy-friendly candy, dye-free candy, and a non-food option, giving kids and families plenty of choices. Because everything happens in one enclosed area, parents don’t have to worry about little runners taking off into the neighborhood. Kids can also make a magic potion sensory bottle in the lobby and visit a family photo booth.
The event was built with neurodivergent kids in mind, but every kid is welcome.
Cost: Free
Registration: Not required
ZooBoo Sensory Day
Great Plains Zoo
805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
ZooBoo Details
If your child loves Halloween but not the crowds and noise that often come with it, ZooBoo’s Sensory Day may be worth checking out. The Great Plains Zoo is offering a special sensory-friendly day on October 18 with lower capacity and less noise than its regular ZooBoo events. Families can still enjoy Halloween fun at the zoo while having a little more breathing room.
It’s a great option for kids who want the excitement of Halloween but may need a calmer environment to enjoy it.
Sensory-Friendly Play: Halloween
Children’s Museum of South Dakota
521 4th St., Brookings
Friday, Oct. 23 | 4-7 p.m.
Event Details
For families willing to make the short trip to Brookings, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota is hosting a Halloween-themed sensory-friendly play event.
Kids can come in costume, trick-or-treat on KidStreet, explore the museum, and enjoy Halloween-themed activities in an environment designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind. The event provides a less-crowded environment along with spaces and accommodations for kids who may need a break from the activity.
Good to know: Regular museum admission applies.
All-Inclusive Trunk-or-Treat at Teachwell Solutions, Inc
Teachwell Solutions, Inc
715 E 14th St
Friday, Oct. 23 | 5-7 p.m.
Event Details
Teachwell Solutions is hosting its yearly special-needs-friendly, adaptive, and inclusive trunk-or-treat! Children, teens, and adults with special needs and their friends/family are welcome to join! Cars will be decorated for kids to trick-or-treat at.
They understand that not everyone wants to wear a costume for Halloween! Costumes are encouraged, but are not required.
Mosaic Arts & Events Family Halloween Party
Mosaic Arts & Events
Sioux Falls
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Event Details and Registration
Mosaic Arts & Events is offering a Halloween party with crafts, games, sensory bins, body-paint markers and stencils, plus an autumn-themed selfie station where families can take their own photos.
The evening party runs from 5:30-7 p.m. and costs $5 per family of up to five people. Kids can wear their costumes and bring a bag to collect candy and prizes from the games.
Make it Sensory-Friendly
Mosaic is also offering a daytime Halloween party from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The daytime version includes the same games, crafts, and activities, but is specifically an option for families who want to avoid the larger evening crowd. The daytime event is a free-will donation, with no registration required.
There are a few differences: the daytime party does not include prizes or candy at each game, and there will be fewer volunteers available to help with the activities.
For some kids, though, a smaller crowd and a quieter environment may be exactly what makes a Halloween activity enjoyable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Do Halloween Your Own Way
For some kids, the best Halloween experience might mean practicing trick-or-treating ahead of time. For others, it might mean going to a daytime event, choosing a sensory-friendly celebration, or simply finding an activity without a giant crowd.
You don’t have to do Halloween the “traditional” way for it to be special. The best Halloween celebration is one where your child gets to participate in a way that works for them and hopefully has a whole lot of fun along the way!
