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Halloween fun is coming to town with the best things to do in Boston with kids this October! Photo courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village
Halloween fun is coming to town with the best things to do in Boston with kids this October! Photo courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village
9/29/24 - By N Ferreira

Fall is in full swing, and the best things to do in Boston this October include outdoor festivities and autumn fun! Meet your favorite author at the Boston Book Festival, or whirl and twirl on the rides at Topsfield Fair, America's oldest county fair. And, of course, here come the Halloween celebrations! Witness the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, where the gardens are lit up by 1,500 jack-o'-lanterns, or trick-or-treat among the animals at Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo's Boo at the Zoo. 

Along with all these special events, fall in New England brings tons of seasonal fun so make sure to check our full Fall Fun Guide. If you're looking for learning activities and enrichment, check out our Classes and Activities Guide for Boston kids for the best classes in the area.

Read on to find out what Boston in October has in store for your family!

 

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Get on board with Halloween fun and more top events in October! Halloween at Long Hill, photo courtesy of the Trustees
Get on board with Halloween fun and more top events in October! Halloween at Long Hill, photo courtesy of the Trustees

Best Things To Do in Boston October 2024 with Kids

Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show

Stockbridge —
Friday, September 27- Sunday, October 27, 2024
Naumkeag's famous gardens in the Berkshires are adorned with 1,500 jack-o-lanterns, hundreds of mums, and exciting gourds. There will be hot cider and treats. READ MORE

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield —
Friday, October 4- October 14, 2024
The Topsfield Fair is the quintessential country fair - traditional agricultural exhibits, big entertainment, rides, games, shopping, and great food. READ MORE

King Richard's Faire

Carver —
Weekends through October 20, 2024
A visit to King Richard’s Faire, New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance festival that is tucked away on 80 acres of enchanted forest, offers a full day of live, interactive entertainment. READ MORE

Tales and Tombstones Tour of Salem

Salem —
Weekends through October 25, 2024
See the spookier side of Salem in these one-hour nighttime trolley tours past graveyards, haunted houses, underground passageways, and more. READ MORE

Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge —
Weekends through October 27, 2024
This locally beloved living history museum comes to life after dark and puts a Colonial-times spin on Halloween with a haunted outdoor experience. Explore the wooded grounds and village green after hours to discover bats, bonfires, ghosts, hidden candy, and even a headless horseman. READ MORE

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Providence, RI —
Daily through Sunday, November 2, 2024
Celebrate the Halloween season with a visit to Roger Williams Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Stroll through a path that features thousands of intricately carved pumpkins.  READ MORE

Return of the Pumpkin People

Jackson, NH — FREE
October 1 - 31, 2024
It's the 40th anniversary of the Pumpkin People! Take a self-guided tour of a variety of Pumpkin People at more than 50 different displays. See Pumpkin People doing all kinds of things from flying across yards to deep-sea diving.  READ MORE

Frightful Fridays at Gore Place

Waltham —
Fridays, October 11 - 25, 2024
Take the kids to Gore Place for their annual tradition of spooky (but not too scary) storytelling—strolling through the beautiful 1806 Mansion.  Best for ages 6 and up. READ MORE

Sensory-Friendly Boo in the Barnyard

Southborough —
Saturday October 12, 19 & 26, 2024
The farm animals love to see you dressed up for Halloween! Halloween activities for children include ghost, pumpkin, and candy corn crafts, mask making, and a special take on trick-or-treating.  READ MORE

Berkshire Harvest Festival

Stockbridge—
Saturday, October 12-13, 2024
Enjoy live music and entertainment, fresh local and artisan food and refreshments, a plant sale and farmer's market, pony and hay rides, haunted house, hay jump, regional vendors, as well as some surprises still in the works. READ MORE

Mad Love Music Festival

Hingham —
Sunday, October 13, 2024
This outdoor festival features local musicians, food, drink, and activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Head of the Charles Regatta

Boston — FREE
Friday, October 18 - 20, 2024
Since 1965, rowers have come from far and near to the banks of the Charles River to take part in the world's largest regatta. READ MORE

Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo

Stoneham —
Saturday, October 19 - 20, 2024
Children are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals at Stone Zoo. Thrills, chills, and animals lurk around every corner on the trick-or-treat trail, while other haunted happenings include mystery animal encounters, costume contests and a scavenger hunt with prizes! READ MORE

40th Annual AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain

Princeton —
Saturday & Sundays, October 19 - 27, 2024
This all festival celebration includes over 100 craft exhibitors, a farmers' market, kids entertainment, and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. READ MORE

Boston Book Festival: Copley Square

Boston — FREE
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Boston Book Festival hosts author presentations, panels, and hands-on demonstrations at outdoor venues throughout the Copley Square area, from Trinity Church to the Boston Public Library.  A street fair in the square features exhibitors and live music throughout the day.  READ MORE

Halloween On The Hill

Beverly —
Multiple Dates in October 2024
Explore this beautiful property as they transform Long Hill into a celebration of autumn and the Halloween season. Follow their seasonal-themed trail that will feature over 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums and pumpkins, elaborate Halloween sets, light displays, music, and more.  READ MORE

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo

Dorchester —
Saturday, October 26 - 27, 2024
Thrills, chills, and animals await at Franklin Park Zoo’s annual Zoo Howl! During this popular Halloween event, children are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals at the Zoo. Other haunted happenings include mystery animal encounters, costume contests and a scavenger hunt with prizes. READ MORE

Halloween Glow in the Park at TreeTop Adventures

Canton —
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Wear a costume and enjoy colored lights and music while climbing through the tree tops on this zip-line obstacle course. READ MORE

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