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Not-So-Scary Halloween Activities and Toddler Events in Boston

Greater Boston's zoos are a hit with preschoolers for some not-so-scary Halloween fun! Photo courtesy of the Franklin Park Zoo
Greater Boston's zoos are a hit with preschoolers for some not-so-scary Halloween fun! Photo courtesy of the Franklin Park Zoo
10/6/23 - By Vanessa Leigh

Looking for some not-so-scary Halloween events in Boston for toddlers and preschoolers? For little kids, Halloween is usually more about the treats than the tricks. The excitement is in getting dressed up for a costume parade, making decorations, and hitting the trick-or-treat trail with a pillowcase or pumpkin bucket in hand.

For fun, not-so-scary Halloween happenings in and around Boston this month, read on. We've rounded up some of 2023's best Halloween activities for families with young children. While older brothers and sisters may want to be spooked (or even scared silly), these activities are for kids and families who just want the Halloween festivities to be sweet.

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Head to the Back Bay for costume treats fit for little ones. Pru Bu photo by Rachel Lehman, courtesy of the Prudential Center
Head to the Back Bay for costume treats fit for little ones. Pru Bu photo by Rachel Lehman, courtesy of the Prudential Center

Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in Boston for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Pumpkin Paint Party @ the Anchor

Charlestown—Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Free
Overlook ships in the harbor and enjoy beautiful Boston skyline views while decorating a pumpkin during this free, family-fun event. READ MORE

Minni Family Workshop - Fall Fest

South End—Sunday, October 22, 2023
Pop into the studio at Minni for a morning Fall Fest workshop where little ones can enjoy a vast array of sensory activities to celebrate the fall season. Pumpkin painting, leaf collaging, and apple printing are some of the crafts that your toddler can look forward to at this family-friendly workshop. READ MORE

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park—Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29, 2023
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

Pru Boo 2023

Back Bay—Sunday, October 29, 2023
Free
Trick-or-Treat for Charity! Parents can bring their little ghosts and goblins to the Prudential Center to trick-or-treat from store to store throughout the Center. Enjoy face painting, magic tricks and other spooky fun along the way. READ MORE

Truck or Treat at Suffolk Downs

East Boston—Sunday, October 29, 2023
Free
The annual touch-a-truck event is getting a spooky upgrade. Wear a costume and go trick-or-treating at tractors, trucks, diggers, fire engines and more!  READ MORE
Witch city has some Halloween fun for everyone! Photo courtesy of the Good Witch of Salem Facebook page
Witch city has some Halloween fun for everyone! Photo courtesy of the Good Witch of Salem Facebook page

Not-So-Scary Halloween Activities and Events Around Boston

The Good Witch of Salem's Halloween Celebration for Families

Salem— Sunday, October 15, 2023
Mark your calendars for a day of Halloween family magic that you won't want to miss! Activities include a Halloween parade, book signing and "spooky"activities. READ MORE

Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo

Stoneham—Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22, 2023
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

SomerStreets: Monster Mash

Somerville—Sunday, October 22, 2023
Free
The last SomerStreets festival of the season, Monster Mashed Up is a Halloween block party for all ages. The street is closed to traffic and is loaded with kids' activities, food vendors, and live music. READ MORE

Halloween Glow in the Park at TreeTop Adventures

Canton— Saturday, October 28, 2023
Wear a costume and enjoy colored lights and music while climbing through the tree tops on this zip-line obstacle course. READ MORE

Trick Or Treat at Hammond Castle Museum

Gloucester— Monday, October 30, 2023
What better place to trick or treat than at an old seaside castle? There will be spooky music, multiple trick-or-treat stations inside the castle, bubbles, snacks, stories, and a craft at the 13th-century arches. Make sure to dress in costume! READ MORE

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Providence, RI—Through Monday, October 31, 2023
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—Through Monday, October 31, 2023
Free
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

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About the Author

Vanessa Leigh
Vanessa Leigh is a busy mom of three (including twins!), a Midwesterner turned East Coaster, and a chocolate enthusiast. She’s a copywriter specializing in Early Childhood and Motherhood, plus the creative force behind her Etsy shop. When she’s not writing or designing, you can find her indulging in dark chocolate peanut butter cookies at Levain Bakery. Connect with Vanessa at www.vanessaleighagency.com or browse her creations at MamaMagicByVanessa.etsy.com. She loves chatting with fellow parents—don’t hesitate to reach out!
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