Shawnee, Kansas is located in northwest Johnson County and was ranked 17th in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list in 2010. The 62,209 residents are served by the Shawnee Mission School District and the De Soto School District. Shawnee is home to the Old Shawnee Town Museum, Wonderscope Children’s Museum and the Johnson County Museum as well as Shawnee Mission Park with it’s 120-acre lake.
Spooky season is in full swing, and this week brings several fun, family-friendly events in and around the Shawnee area. Whether you’re looking for a trunk-or-treat, some light scares, or a cozy fall outing, something is happening between Tuesday (10/28) and Saturday (11/1).Tuesday, October 28Trunk-or-Treat at 7070 Renner Rd, ShawneeAt 6:00 pm, you can join a FREE trunk-or-treat event hosted by Legacy Partners Inc. at 7070 Renner Rd, Shawnee. Activities include face-painting, a mini-putt golf set-up, a basketball shoot, warm hot chocolate, and plenty of candy. Families are encouraged to wear costumes. Wednesday, October 29 & Thursday, October 30While I didn’t find precise listings for those exact days just around Shawnee, they’re great days to visit a local pumpkin patch, explore a corn maze, or enjoy a drive-around to see neighborhood Halloween displays. Many of the fall-festival operations nearby continue through the end of October. Friday, October 31 (Halloween Day)On Halloween evening, look for local neighborhoods in Shawnee where houses are decorated with yard hauntings, inflatables, and festive lighting — a great time for a family costume stroll or drive-through. Also consider a slightly more adrenaline-filled outing if your kids are older (see “Haunted Houses” section below).Saturday, November 1As the calendar flips past Halloween, you can still keep the fun going with local fall events. For example:Stay late at a pumpkin patch that’s open through the end of the monthVisit a light “haunted tour” or an outdoor fall festival in the areaTake advantage of a day outing: hayrides, photo-ops, pumpkin picking, and seasonal treats.Bonus & Nearby OptionsHaunted Attractions for Older Kids / Adults: In the greater Kansas City area, you’ll find haunted houses like The Beast Haunted House or Macabre Cinema that are open through November 1. Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Outings: Farms such as Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch and Johnson Farms provide hayrides, pumpkins, mazes, and are open into late October. Great for a daytime outing this week. Quick RecapTuesday (10/28): Free trunk-or-treat event in Shawnee at 6 pmWed/Thu (10/29–10/30): Ideal for a relaxed fall outing (pumpkin patch, decorations drive)Friday (10/31): Main Halloween night — trick-or-treating, neighborhood displays, costumesSaturday (11/1): Wrap-up day — visit a pumpkin patch or catch a less intense haunted venue for older kids/adults