Best Halloween Weekend Trips: Hershey, Cape May, and More

Dorney Park Photo by Cait
Dorney Park Photo by Cait
9/8/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

Looking for a Halloween weekend getaway that’s fun for the whole family? Philadelphia parents can explore a range of thrilling destinations just a short drive away. Enjoy spooky hayrides, haunted attractions, and eerie tours that offer both chills and family-friendly activities. From festive parades to charming coastal towns with ghostly tales, there’s something to delight every age group. These exciting trips provide a mix of thrills, scares, and fun that will create lasting Halloween memories for you and your kids.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our Halloween Activities Guide for more spooky things to do!

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Family-Friendly Halloween Weekend Trips in Pennsylvania

Hersheypark Halloween – Hershey, PA

Enjoy Hersheypark’s Halloween transformation with spooky rides, haunted attractions, character glow parties, and family-friendly trick-or-treating. Plan a long weekend and stay at the Hershey Lodge or Hershy Hotel, both with spooky events and treats. Located about a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, this event offers a sweet Halloween experience.

Ghost Tours of New Hope – New Hope

Explore the spooky side of New Hope with guided ghost tours that delve into the town’s haunted history and eerie legends. These tours take your family through historic sites and give you a chilling glimpse into the supernatural. New Hope is about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia, but there are several lodging options, such as charming bed-and-breakfasts and boutique hotels, for your family to enjoy an immersive and spooky experience.

Bate’s Motel and Haunted Hayride – Glen Mills, PA

For a thrilling family adventure, check out Bate’s Motel and Haunted Hayride. Located just under an hour from Philadelphia, this attraction offers a haunted hayride and a spooky tour of the Bate’s Motel—recommend for kids over 12 years old. During the day, there are options for younger kids, including a hayride. While Bate’s Motel doesn’t offer on-site accommodations, there are family-friendly lodging options nearby.

Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt – Allentown

Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt transforms into a spooky wonderland with haunted houses, scary mazes, and thrilling rides, offering fun for the whole family. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, making it an exciting destination for a Halloween-themed day trip. To make the trip a weekend, there are nearby lodging options available.

Photo courtesy of Six Flags

Family-Friendly Halloween Weekend Trips in New Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest – Jackson

Experience thrilling haunted houses, spooky entertainment, and frightening rides at this popular theme park. Fright Fest starts September 13 and runs on select dates through November 2. There are a number of hotels near the theme park if your family wants to make it a spooky weekend. However, at only a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, it could be a thrilling day trip.

Cape May's Ghost Tour – Cape May

For older kids, take the family down to Cape May to experience a guided tour through the historic and reportedly haunted mansions. This spooky tour explores the town’s ghostly history and eerie tales, offering a thrilling experience for those interested in local legends. The tour is usually available in October, adding a touch of historic fright to your visit.

Family-Friendly Halloween Weekend Trips in Delaware

Frightland – Middletown

Frightland is a major Halloween attraction featuring multiple haunted houses, creepy mazes, and terrifying scare zones, perfect for thrill-seekers. Frightland is not recommended for kids under 14 years of age, so this is an attraction for older kids. Located about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia, it offers a convenient and exciting option for a Halloween outing.

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