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Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Zoo Boo, Pumpkin Carve, Goblins October 24-25

10/21/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

With Halloween almost upon us, Philadelphia families must prepare...buying candy for trick-or-treaters, making costumes (or digging through the dress-ups to convince the kids they want to be a princess or a firefighter again, right?) and decorating the doorstep with mums, pumpkins and cornstalks. Once the fall preparations are complete, turn to our Events Calendar to celebrate the season with the family.

Check out The Philadelphia Zoo or The Brandywine Zoo for their Boo at The Zoo events. Marvel at the skill of local artists as they carve pumpkins for The Great Pumpkin Carve in Chadds Ford or try your hand at carving a Shunken Head at Peace Valley Nature Center. Or, see a kids concert at World Cafe Live Philadelphia or Wilmington.

Keep up with the latest Halloween fun by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Continue reading below to find all of our top picks for the weekend.

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All Weekend

The Great Pumpkin Carve- Chadds Ford, PA
See the spectacular pumpkin creations at The Barns Visitor Center. Then, enjoy the live music, haunted trail, hayrides and other fall activities.

Boo at The Zoo- Philadelphia, PA
Dress as your favorite superhero, princess or animal, and head to the Philadelphia Zoo for its annual Halloween celebration featuring a not-so-scary Extinction Graveyard and Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt.

Goblins in the Garden- Camden, NJ
Camden Children's Garden hosts this family-friendly festival which offers a costume parade, haunted train ride and trick-or-treating, too.

Saturday, October 24

The Ghost of Henry Mumbower and Pumpkin Painting- North Wales, PA
Families can enjoy learning about the Mumbowers as Old Henry and his family visit Evans-Mumbower Mill to see how it operates today. Pumpkin painting and marshmallow roasting round out the evening.

Halloween Story Time with Monster- Philadelphia, PA
Drop by Big Blue Marble Bookstore to listen to the Halloween book entitled Monster Needs A Costume read by the author Paul Czajak.

"The Plantation Whereon I Live"- Pottstown, PA
I often tell my children that they don't realize how easy they have it nowadays. Take a visit to Pottsgrove Manor so kids can learn about the life of folks in the 18th century at this hands-on workshop.

Witches of Narberth Scavenger Hunt- Narberth, PA
Wander through downtown Narberth hunting for thirteen witches, collecting treats along the way.

Halloween Hikes and Hayrides- Philadelphia, PA
Explore the outdoors during Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education's family-friendly event. Guests can sit by the campfire, roast marshmallows, enjoy a hayride and take a pumpkin-lit hike.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes Play Date- Wilmington, DE
Husband-wife duo, Play Date, are set to rock the stage at World Cafe Live in Wilmington.

Philly's Cheesesteak Festival- Philadelphia, PA
Everyone knows that cheesesteaks are a staple in Philly, so why not celebrate this delicious sandwich at Lincoln Financial Field? Guests can expect carnival games, along with 40 food trucks featuring Philly's beloved steak sandwich.

Monster Mash- Philadelphia, PA
Please Touch Museum hits off their week long Halloween Hoopla celebration with Monster Mash. Kids can trick-or-treat, have a dance party and more.

Sunday, October 25

Costume Parade- Media, PA
Put your favorite Halloween costume on and head to Linvilla Orchards for a Costume Parade. Afterwards, enjoy a Makin' Music Concert, pick a pumpkin and get your face painted.

AutumnFest- Abington, PA
Dress in costume and head to Briar Bush Nature Center for an afternoon of fall games, animal encounters and nature hikes.

Mini Moonlight Program- Horsham, PA
Listen to the not-too-scary tale of The Keith House at Graeme Park. Afterwards, make a craft and build your very own ice cream sundae!

Farmer Showdown and Family Harvest Fest- Collegeville, PA
Live music, delicious food, crafts, games and hayrides await families that visit Longview Farm and Market.

Shrunken Heads- Doylestown, PA
Kids, along with their favorite adult, can carve a creepy Halloween decoration out of an apple at Peace Valley Nature Center's workshop.

Spooky Seek-and-Find- West Grove, PA
Children can wear their Halloween costumes as they search for trick or treats at Penn Township Park. Juggler Jungle John, a sword swallower and face-painting rounds out the evening.

Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Zoo