Livinglovingandexploring!

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Hey, ya’ll!  It’s finally that time of year again!  You know what I mean – cozy knit sweaters, hoodies, bonfires with friends/family, warm apple cider, pumpkins and more!  Not to mention for those of us that have littles – costume time!

I constantly go back and forth with which holiday I love more – Halloween, Christmas, or St. Patricks’ Day…. And honestly, I usually choose whichever one is closest – so right now, Halloween takes the cake!  I have BOXES of Halloween décor stored in my basement, and with the end of September coming up, it’s the perfect time to start getting it all out and determining the best places in our home to display it!  I have to keep in mind my two little boys who will likely grab and play with everything (they’re only 1 & 2 right now), so all of my collectible things (Scentsy warmers, breakables, themed figurines, etc) all get put up high!

My top items that I always find space for are my kitchen towels (I have themed towels for every holiday); my shower curtain; welcome mats; orange/green strands of lights; Happy Halloween signs; door covers; window clings – and probably more I’m not thinking of right now!  These are some of my favorites that I found on Amazon!  All kid-friendly, which is the best part!

Once I’ve got all of my fun Halloween decorations up, it’s time to start figuring out my game plan for the month.  First things first – my oldest son’s birthday on the 9^th!  Right in the thick of things!  Every year has been a juggling act with getting party décor ready for his birthday party and getting all of my Halloween décor out too!  This year will be a mixture of dinosaurs and Halloween LOL!  I can’t wait!  This year we’ve decided to hold his birthday party on Sunday, October 13^th, which is coming up super-fast!  I typically like having their parties on Saturdays to let everyone recoup the day after, but this year we’re switching it up a bit!  This will allow me one final sweep of the house to ensure everything is where it’s supposed to be (minus the toys – those are never where they’re supposed to be lol).

After the party, it’s time to start enjoying any/all Halloween things happening around our city!  We’re lucky to live where we live, as there is always something entertaining going on – you can find whatever you’re looking for here.  We’re the biggest little city ever.  Can’t hardly go anywhere without running into someone you know around here, so it’s the best of both worlds – a large city where there’s always something going on or something to do – but you also pretty much know everyone too!

This year, if I have my way, we’ll be doing a few family-friendly Halloween activities!  First up – Halloween Nights at Grants’ Farm.  If you’ve never been to Grant’s Farm, then this definitely needs to be added to your bucket lists!  They have something going on for all holidays, it’s right next door to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, and upon entering you and your family get to take a tram ride to get to the “inside” of the park where the animals reside!  There are petting areas, multiple food options, and family fun all around!  This adventure runs Thursdays through Sundays from October 3^rd through October 27^th!  https://www.grantsfarm.com/plan-your-visit.html

Next up will HAVE to be Boo at the Zoo and Halloweekends (this event will be new to us) – my kids had so much fun last year at Boo at the Zoo – though Tristan was still a bit on the small side; so this year I’ll definitely have my challenges keeping them both in line since last year he just sat in the stroller all bundled up and cute (dressed as a dragon!).  The St. Louis Zoo is constantly listed as one of the absolute BEST zoos in the entire country – and BONUS, it’s FREE (the majority of the time!).  For some events, Boo at the Zoo included, there is a charge to come in and attend, but considering the fact that 95% of the time it is totally free to get in, the few times they charge doesn’t upset me too terribly much!  The Zoo is easily one of my families favorite places to go right now – they have hundreds and hundreds of animals to see, a kid-friendly petting zoo, the Zooline railroad that will take you all around the park, sea lion shows, new exhibits left and right, a Build-A-Bear workshop in the midst of it all – PLUS tons of food options as well!  With it being a Halloween themed event, there will be no shortage of super cute dressed kiddos ranging in all ages/sizes there to show off their costumes and see the animals!  Plus maybe have a glass of apple cider or two! https://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/booatthezoo

Additionally, with the kids being 1 & 2, a trunk or treat may just be the way to go this year – we tried the whole actual trick-or-treating last year – and between limited naps, excessive rain, cold weather, and not so happy kids – this momma was worn out and just DONE!  I’m sure some, if not all, of you can relate at some point in time!  So this year I’m thinking this may be just the thing!!  We seem to have a few options I’m going to be looking into – one event is actually being held on 10/4 at a local mall, the St. Louis Galleria!  They’ll have a “haunted aisle”, contests, foods – plus IT’S FREE and kid/dog-friendly!! What more can I ask for?! https://www.saintlouisgalleria.com/en/events/trunk-or-treat–28135.html

Since we’re in St. Louis, as I’ve mentioned before, there is a plethora of things to see/do – we also have an incredible park, Forest Park, that has multiple museums, the Zoo, an outdoor theater, sports/rec areas, hiking trails and so much more!!  One of the museums, the St. Louis History Museum is hosting a “Healthy history-lovin Halloween party!” – this event allows for costumes, learning about the past, and lots of goodies for the kids – not candy-related, but I’m sure it’ll be different and FUN!  This is a one and done event, being held on Tuesday, October 29^th!  4:30 – 7:30 PM!  https://mohistory.org/events/halloween-party_1572384600

St. Louis is also home to the Transportation Museum of Missouri – and this year, they’re doing their own take on Halloween fun for the littles!  There will be a costume parade, mini train rides (free to kiddos in costume), plus trick or treating all around the museum, as well as arts/crafts inside the store!  They’re calling this their “Trick or Track” family fun day (kids 10 and under)!  You do have to purchase tickets for this event, so make sure you do it early as it’s a one day only deal – Saturday, October 19^th from 11 – 3! https://tnmot.org/event/trick-or-track-halloween/

So now that I’ve shared mine – how about you share yours?!  What are some of your favorite family-friendly things to do during this time of year?!  I can’t wait to see what you have to say!

I’m sure we’ll talk soon!

Kelly Ann