Bismarck families looking for a Halloween outing without a candy line have another option on Saturday, Oct. 31: North Dakota's Gateway to Science is hosting a day of spooky science for its STEM Spooktacular.
The event runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the science center, 1600 Canary Ave. in Bismarck, according to the center's event page. Those hours match the center's regular Saturday gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as listed on its hours and admission page.
According to Gateway to Science, visitors can work through a spooky scavenger hunt that sends them around the gallery looking for clues, then stop by the lobby for hands-on Halloween activities such as "melting brains" and pumpkin geoboards. The center says there will also be a Halloween photo booth, and visitors can collect a spooky, non-candy prize as they make their way through the activities. Costumes are encouraged; the center invites guests to "come dressed in your Halloween best."
The center is clear about one thing: this is not a trunk-or-treat event, and no candy will be handed out. Instead, the event page says, the focus is "the science of Halloween through creativity, movement, and discovery."
The Spooktacular is free with admission, according to the event page. The center's posted admission prices are $15 for adults, $11 for children ages 3 to 17, $11 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 2 and under. Members get in free, and the center lists a $3 Museums for All rate for visitors with an EBT card and photo ID.
Before you go
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Where: North Dakota's Gateway to Science, 1600 Canary Ave., Bismarck
- Cost: Free with regular admission ($15 adults; $11 ages 3–17 and seniors 65+; free ages 2 and under and members). The event page lists cost as "varies," so check ahead.
- Note: No candy will be handed out.
- Questions: 701-258-1975
Sources: https://gatewaytoscience.org/event/stem-spooktacular-2026/, https://gatewaytoscience.org/visit/hours-and-admissions/