Looking for fun things to do this October? The Iowa Children’s Museum has a full month of special events, from Halloween activities and hands-on STEAM fun to cultural performances, sensory-friendly play, and a grown-ups-only night at the museum. Whether you’re planning a fall family outing, looking for things to do with kids in the Iowa City and Coralville area, or just ready to celebrate the season, there are plenty of ways to join the fun.

Afterschool Studio: Spooky STEAM (Thursdays in October)

Get ready for some spooky STEAM all October long! Every Thursday from 3:30–5:30 p.m., museum educators will lead a hands-on activity inspired by the Halloween season. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math, bringing these subjects together through creation, experimentation, innovation, and problem-solving.

Here’s the spooky STEAM lineup:

• October 1: Pumpkin Investigation — Can pumpkins move? Can they float? Let’s put pumpkins in motion by investigating the properties of pumpkins.
• October 8: Halloween in 3D — Explore Halloween from a whole new dimension with a hands-on 3D activity.
• October 15: Lights & Shadows — Experiment with light and discover the spooky possibilities of shadows.
• October 22: Spooky Solutions & Mixtures — Mix, experiment, and investigate with some spooky solutions and mixtures.
• October 29: Printmaking — Get creative with a hands-on printmaking activity inspired by the season.

Drop in, experiment, create, and see what you discover! Afterschool Studio activities are included with museum admission. View all Spooky STEAM events here.

Traditional Mexican Dances with Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklórico (October 17)

Celebrate Mexican culture and traditions with a special performance featuring traditional Mexican dances. This program is offered in recognition of Día de los Muertos and gives families an opportunity to experience music, movement, and cultural traditions together. Performances are included with museum admission. Learn more here.

Want to experience more? The dancers will also perform at NewBo City Market’s Day of the Dead celebration on November 1.

After Dark: Night of the Living Toys (October 23)

After Dark returns Thursday, October 23, from 7–10 p.m. for a Halloween edition of The Iowa Children’s Museum’s grown-ups-only night, presented by Procter & Gamble.

Put on your costume, grab your friends, and take over the museum after hours with Halloween trivia, crafts, tarot readings, karaoke, dancing, drinks, treats, and plenty of opportunities to let your inner child out.  This 21+ adults-only Halloween event lets you experience The Iowa Children’s Museum in a whole new way. Learn more here.

Sensory-Friendly Halloween (October 26)

Our Sensory-Friendly Night gives children of all abilities the chance to enjoy Halloween in a calmer setting. From 6–7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, families can explore the museum and enjoy Halloween-themed activities in a more sensory-friendly environment.*

* To help us maintain a calm, sensory-friendly environment for all guests, we ask large groups to contact us before attending. Depending on expected attendance, we may need to limit group size or recommend another time to visit. Learn more here.

HalloWEEK (October 27–31)

Investigator Peter is magnifying the not-too-spooky fun this HALLOWEEK! From Tuesday, October 27, through Saturday, October 31, families can explore the museum while enjoying Halloween-themed decorations, activities, and plenty of hands-on play. Costumes are welcome as kids celebrate Halloween through imagination and play. 

STEM Family Free Night (October 30)

Celebrate Halloween during STEM Family Free Night on Friday, October 30, from 5–8 p.m. Admission is free, giving families a chance to explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits and enjoy STEM-focused activities together.  

Costumes are welcome and the STEM activity with have a Halloween twist. Come ready to build, experiment, explore, and play! Learn more here.

Jack SPLAT (November 7)

Halloween isn’t over until the pumpkins fly! On Saturday, November 7, from 9:30–11 a.m., families can bring their jack-o-lanterns to Jack SPLAT for a spectacular end to the Halloween season.

Watch pumpkins take flight, then come crashing down with a satisfying SPLAT! It’s a memorable outdoor family activity and a fun Iowa City tradition to add to your fall calendar. Learn more here.

October Fun for Everyone

From hands-on STEAM and cultural performances to grown-ups-only adventures, sensory-friendly play, Halloween fun, and flying pumpkins, there’s a lot happening this season. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a night out with friends, or just looking for something different to do this fall, mark your calendar and come play with us!