Autumn in the Ozarks
This autumn enjoy Halloween activities in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains this October – all the fun unfolds at an Instagram-worthy 10,000-acre wilderness park in a canyon with waterfalls, wildlife safaris & more AND a world-class museum & aquarium (it was named America’s Best Aquarium in 2020 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards).
As for a stay? Families can glamp among gorgeous fall leaves at the Camp Long Creek lakeside glamping site at Big Cedar Lodge, or check into one of the resort’s cozy log cabins that feature a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, deck & room for up to 10 guests. This destination is poised to burst into a dazzling display of crimsons, golds and fiery oranges in October.
- Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (Lampe, Mo.)
o Halloween experiences include: Bats Nature Talks in the outdoor amphitheater, a Creepy Crawly Discovery Station that showcases the park’s live invertebrate collection (think tarantulas, black widows, scorpions, etc.), and Owl Prowls which celebrate OWL-o-ween in the canyon and include a live owl encounter, an owl pellet dissection, s’mores around a bonfire, and a guided twilight hike to call & listen for real owls.
o Other activities & learning experiences include: biking, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife tram tours, guided fishing on Little Indian Creek, gristmill demonstrations, and a nature center with educational experiences.
- Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (Springfield, Mo.)
o Halloween experiences include: A Mad Scientist Chemistry Lab, special themed learning carts, terrifying treats from the Shipwreck Snack Bar, and spotting & learning about the “creepy crawlies” that call the museum home.
o Other activities & learning experiences include: Out to Sea shark dives (yes, with real sharks!); INK-redible activities like a squid dissection & feeding 100+ species of fish for International Cephalopod Awareness Days (October 8-12); a special meet-and-greet & sloth painting activity with Chloe the sloth for International Sloth Day (October 20); a Penguin Encounterfeaturing adorable waddling penguins; and SEArentity Yoga which brings all kinds of relaxing vibes to the open ocean exhibit.