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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Treat your family to Halloween festivities at Hersheypark. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark
Treat your family to Halloween festivities at Hersheypark. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark
9/22/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

We all know that Halloween can be a little spooky and scary, but the task of finding fun things to do for the holiday can also give parents quite a fright! Thankfully, this time of year is chock-full of fun Halloween events for kids in Philadelphia, and we know all the top spots for ghouls, goblins, and witches of every age.

From pumpkin decorating and candy collecting for young ones to super scary experiences that chill tweens and teens to the bone, our Halloween Guide for Philly Kids is constantly being updated with new ways to spend the spookiest season. 

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Come in costume to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Halloween extravaganza, Boo at the Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Zoo
Come in costume to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Halloween extravaganza, Boo at the Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Zoo

Halloween Events Near Philly with Animals

Elmwood Park Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through October 27, 2024
Collect candy while admiring the animals throughout the Elmwood Park Zoo. A costume parade, treats, animal meet-and-greets, and much more are in store for trick-or-treaters. As an added perk, various drink specials are on tap for the grown ups. READ MORE

Philadelphia Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 through October 27, 2024
Trick-or-treat your way through the animal exhibits, where you'll see creepy creatures munching on pumpkins. Don't forget to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag for treats along the way. Best of all, Boo at the Zoo is included in your general admission ticket. Don't miss out on this frightfully fun experience! READ MORE

Brandywine Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Friday, October 18 - Sunday, October 20, 2024
In the spirit of the Halloween season, children are invited to dress up in costume to see the animals at the Brandywine Zoo. Guests can expect not-so-spooky activities, Halloween decorations, and more. READ MORE
Enjoy the Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Enjoy the Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Halloween Events at Theme Parks Near Philly

Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 13 - November 3, plus October 31, 2024
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest goes extreme this year, presenting a world of nightmarish creatures inspired by legendary horror brands–including SAW and Stranger Things–brought to life. The themed experiences, scare zones, and harrowing creatures deliver extreme frights and surprises. READ MORE

Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park

Select Nights, September 13 - October 27, 2024
Hundreds of terrifying ghouls and ghosts promise to make kids' nightmares a reality throughout Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt. Various scare zones, live entertainment and haunted mazes transform the park into a spooky adventure for those courageous enough to enter. READ MORE

Hersheypark Halloween

Daily, September 14 - October 27, 2024
Every evening throughout Hersheypark Halloween, Dark Nights™ descends for an immersive and haunting experience featuring three scare zones and four haunted houses, with attractions like Twisted Darkness and Midway of Misery. READ MORE

Tricks and Treats at Dorney Park

Saturdays and Sundays, September 14 - October 27, 2024
Experience Dorney Park like never before at Tricks and Treats, our all-new, family-friendly Halloween event. Celebrate the season with mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and so much more.   READ MORE

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 14 - November 3, 2024
Enjoy silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy Halloween shows, a themed maze, three Count von Count-themed mechanical rides, and a Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land

Saturdays and Sundays, October 19 - 27, 2024
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin and decorate it just in time for Halloween. Then, find your way through Elmer’s Haymazin’ Maze and pick up treat bags. READ MORE

Diggerfest Fall Festival

Saturdays and Sundays, September 28 - November 30, 2024
Full-day admission to this annual seasonal celebration grants you access to all of the rides and attractions at Diggerland USA, plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. READ MORE

Screamin' Green Hauntoween

Daily, September 21 - October 31, 2024
Visitors to Crayola Experience Easton can participate in the colorful and festive Screamin' Green Hauntoween. Kids can enjoy crafts, photo ops, pumpkin decorating, and a themed scavenger hunt.  READ MORE

Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland

Saturdays and Sundays, September 14 - October 27, 2024
Happy Hauntings is a kid-friendly Halloween extravaganza at Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster. Escape to Amish country for themed rides, a trick-or-treat trail, and a costume contest. Admission includes unlimited rides and live entertainment. READ MORE

Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party!

Daily, September 28 - October 31, 2024
Join the monsters as they takeover LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Philadelphia with non-stop Halloween party fun! Join in the pumpkin LEGO® build in the Monsters’ Garden, find the LEGO® Monster bandmates in MINILAND® and win special prizes in magnificent Monster Party games! There will even be meet and greets with Bonesy, the Halloween skeleton! READ MORE
Take a ride aboard the legendary Pumpkin Train. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Take a ride aboard the legendary Pumpkin Train. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Halloween Hayrides and Train Rides Near Philly

Hayrides to the Witch's House

Daily from September 20 - October 30, 2024
Have you ever visited a witch's house? Families can take a hayride to see Linvilla Orchard's friendly witch. This witch tells stories, jokes, and even gives the kids a treat. READ MORE

Daytime Hayrides at Colonial Gardens

Daily, September 21 - October 31, 2024
Children can enjoy a hayride through Colonial Acres' friendly woods during the daylight hours. READ MORE

Colonial Gardens Haunted Hayride

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 21 - October 31, 2024
Get spooked at Colonial Gardens on this haunted hayride, with ghouls and monsters waiting to surprise you at every turn. This year's hayride is accompanied by a haunted hedge maze, if you're in search of up close and personal encounters with the living dead. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Train

Saturdays and Sundays, September 28 - October 27, 2024
Throughout the month of October, visitors can take the train to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Extend the fun with add-ons like the corn maze and gem mining for an additional fee. READ MORE

No Hope After Dark on the New Hope Railroad

Select days, October 4 - 31, 2024
This PG-13 train ride at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is not for the faint of heart. The attraction isn't recommended for children under age 12, and passengers should be prepare for heart-stopping scares. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Train

Saturdays and Sundays, October 4 - October 31, 2024
All aboard the train at New Hope Railroad for a 45-minute trick-or-treat train ride. Kids can dress up in their Halloween costumes and ride the rails, with stops for for candy and assorted toys. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch Train

Saturday and Sundays, October 19 - 27, 2024
Hop in one of the train cars and take a ride to the Great Pumpkin Patch. Once you arrive, children can select their very own pumpkin. When you get back to the Kempton Station, choose a decorating kit to take home. READ MORE

Halloween Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Sunday, October 27, 2024
Passengers will see a few friendly witches as they visit the Wilmington & Western Railroad for a ride on the Halloween train.  READ MORE
Visit Peddler's Village for the annual Scarecrows in the Village display. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
Visit Peddler's Village for the annual Scarecrows in the Village display. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Not So Scary Halloween Events Near Philly

Scarecrows in the Village

Daily, September 9 - October 27, 2024
Peddler's Village hosts its annual Scarecrow Season, where the life-size creations are up for your vote across several categories. Over 100 scarecrows line the brick pathways of Peddler's Village. Some are inspired by famous characters, some are humorous, some are scary – but all of them are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. READ MORE

Franklin Fright

Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 - October 27, 2024
Put on a costume to trick-or-treat indoors at The Franklin Institute. Knock on decorated doors throughout the museum, enjoy spooky science experiments, and more every weekend in October. READ MORE

Shiverfest

Saturday, October 5, 2024
Shiverfest is a Halloween-themed event at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center, featuring pony rides, trick-or-treat trails, fall arts and crafts, and kid-friendly haunted attractions. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford

Daily, October 17 - 19, 2024
This three day festival features over 60 artisans as they turn ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art. In addition to seeing the carved pumpkins, kids can walk a haunted trail, win raffle prizes, and hear live music. READ MORE

Halloween Ghost Ship

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Got a pirate costume? Put it to good use aboard the Kalmar Nyckel at the Wilmington Riverfront, where the boat's captain and mates will regale young visitors with stories of life at sea. A spookily decorated indoor ship will be on display, and kids can partake in Halloween crafts. READ MORE

Oxford Halloween Parade

Thursday, October 24, 2024
Witches and ghosts and goblins... oh my! That and more are in store for spectators at the Oxford Halloween parade. Dance performances are sure to delight and music is certain to entertain at this festive and fun celebration of fall. READ MORE

Halloween in Manayunk

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Wear your costume to Main Street, where businesses will be doling out the goods for Manayunk's annual Halloween celebration. Strut your stuff in a kid and pet costume parade, enjoy family activities, and trick-or-treat at select businesses. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Street in Franklin Square

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Recommended for children 10 and younger, kids visiting Franklin Square can follow the map to collect goodies on Trick-or-Treat Street. READ MORE

Tram and Treat at Winterthur

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Ride a tram car throughout Winterthur's scenic grounds, stopping along the way to collect treats and enjoy crafts. Reservations are strongly suggested as capacity is limited. Treats are available while supplies last. Bring your own treat bag. READ MORE

Ambler Halloween Parade Extravaganza

Saturday, October 27, 2024
Main Street is the place to be for costumed kiddos, who'll meet at the Ambler Theater for trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and other kid-friendly activities. READ MORE
Tee off at Spooky Mini Golf--if you dare Photo by J. Fusco, courtesy of Franklin Square
Tee off at Spooky Mini Golf--if you dare Photo by J. Fusco, courtesy of Franklin Square

Scary and Haunted Halloween Events Near Philly

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

Daily Monday - Friday, September 13 - October 31, 2024
Listen to spine-tingling tales of ghosts, haunted houses, and hidden burial grounds on a candlelight walking tour of Old City and Society Hill with the original Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. READ MORE

Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride

Select Dates, September 20 - November 3, 2024
Be prepared to be scared! Attractions include the Bates Motel Haunted Mansion, Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Trail, and the Haunted Hayride. READ MORE

Fright Factory

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 27 - October 31, 2024
Billed as Philadelphia's ultimate haunted house, Fright Factory is located in a 120+ year old warehouse and divided into three different spooky themes. Guests can experience Industrial Nightmare, South Side Sanatorium, or Fright Factory Unholy among the hair-raising options. READ MORE

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

Select days, September 20 - October 31, 2024
If a potential encounter with the ghost of Al Capone sounds like something your family might like, then the haunted jail cells at Eastern State Penitentiary are worth a visit. Halloween Nights at the prison feature three immersive walk-through experiences, three live, interactive performances, four themed bars and lounges for adults, and three opportunities to explore the cellblocks.  READ MORE

Haunted Drive-In

Select days, October 1 - 31, 2024
You don't even have to get out of the car for the haunted drive-in at Snipes Farm, complete with live actors and creepy music. Each night features a different movie.  READ MORE

Spooky Mini Golf

Daily, October 1-31, 2024
Franklin Square's mini golf gets a spooky makeover. Kids can putt along to eerie music, creepy lights, and fog on this Halloween-inspired course. READ MORE

Lincoln Mill Haunted House

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, September 28 - November 2, 2024
Philly's newest haunted attraction is Lincoln Mill Haunted House, featuring more than 40 live actors, animatronics, special effects and more, for a highly scary experience. For those looking for less of a scare, the house offers Saturday day time scavenger hunts without scare actors. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
Chadds Ford Historical Society
Wilmington Riverfront/Fort Christina Park/Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard
Downtown Oxford
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Snipes Farm & Education Center