Where to Celebrate Halloween With Kids in Philly

Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite ways to celebrate Halloween for kids in Philly. / Photograph by Laura Swartz

While Halloween isn’t just for kids, something about playing dress-up and eating candy seems to really appeal to them. Halloween for kids in Philly somehow lasts all month long (which is good because those costumes aren’t cheap), so we’re getting a jump on things with a gigantic roundup for you. Whatever your kids are into, there’s sure to be something on this list to appeal to your family, from science to putt-putt. And yes, lots of pumpkins.

Bookmark this page, and be sure to check back often, as we’ll add more things as they get announced.

Season-Long Halloween Events for Kids

/ Photograph courtesy of Adventure Aquarium

Boo at the Zoo

During weekends in October, the Zoo gets decked out for the season with festive displays (perfect for photo ops), treat stations, and fun activities (for the kids and the animals!). Bring your own bag and come in costume for a trick-or-treat safari. The zoo residents are getting in on the fun, too, so if you want to see them chowing down on some pumpkins, check out the feeding schedule on the zoo map. Plus, a “Trick-or-Tree House,” Home Depot’s “12-Foot Skellys,” costume contests, and more. Boo at the Zoo is included with admission, and members get in free.
Weekends in October at the Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.

Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium

The aquarium is decked out with jack-o-lanterns, giant pumpkin displays in the shape of marine animals, and even an underwater pumpkin patch. They’ve also got fun Halloween-y activities like pumpkin-painting.
Through November 1st, Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey.

Halloween House

Located in the random and possibly haunted location of a former Forever 21 at the Fashion District mall, this is essentially a walk-through Halloween activity that’s spooky but (mostly) not scary — minus a zombie-apocalypse bunker here and a bodybag on the bed there. It’s not a traditional haunted house with scare actors — more like themed rooms and photo ops, sets inspired by Beetlejuice and The Shining, and cute activities like horror movie quiz show and karaoke on a disco-skeleton stage thrown in for good measure.
Through November 1st, Fashion District (enter near Primark).

Halloween House / Photograph by Cody Aldrich

Scarecrow Walk and More at Morris ArBOOretum

Every year, Morris Arboretum holds a scarecrow design contest around a theme — this year it’s the ’70s. Through the month of October, you can see them on display, pose with them and even vote for your favorites. The arboretum is also bringing back the Morris Pumpkin Cottage, a 100-square-foot exhibit covered in hundreds of pumpkins! On October 29th, come for Spooky Season Crafting at 11 a.m.
Displays through November 1st, Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Avenue.

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with decorations, lights, fog and other fun surprises. While you’re there, you can also ride the carousel, hit the playground, and watch the fountain show. The whole production with the lights and smoke runs from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly, but for little ones who are more daytime-oriented (or just scare easily), the Halloween decorations (and other attractions) are around all day. Franklin Square also hosts a free pumpkin patch on October 17th, and the trick-or-treat trail on October 24th. (And the pups get one the next day!)
Through November 1st, Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.

Spooky mini golf at Franklin Square / Photograph by Jeff Fusco

Colonial Gardens’ Pumpkinland

Celebrate fall with hayrides (haunted and regular), a corn maze, a haunted hedge maze, and a Halloween funhouse. Plus, there’s always a fun Halloween display involving colorful cartoon characters, scarecrows, a hay hutch, and over 10 tons of pumpkins.
Through November 1st, Colonial Gardens, 745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville.

Pumpkinland and Hayrides to the Witch’s House at Linvilla Orchards

Head to Linvilla for harvest hayrides, pony rides, train rides, mazes of both the corn and hay varieties, farm animals, and pick-your-own apples. (Sorry, no pumpkin-picking here, though there are mounds of pumpkins already picked.) Photo ops abound, and things get spooky with hayrides to the witch’s house. She tells stories and jokes, gives the kids treats, and then the hayride ends with a campfire where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy apple cider.
Through November 8th, Linvilla Orchards, 137 West Knowlton Road, Media.

Pumpkinland at Linvilla / Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Cityside Pumpkin Patch

Liberty Point has been temporarily transformed into a riverside autumn wonderland with thousands of pumpkins, plus photo ops, pumpkin smashing, and more fall fun. Tickets are required, and pumpkins are $10 to $20 at the door (depending on the size of the pumpkin).
Through November 2nd, Liberty Point, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

Halloween Parties, Performances, and More

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Children’s Halloween Spectacular

The orchestra is getting all dressed up for the kids with a show featuring spooky favorites from Coco, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters, and more. Come early for some pre-concert fun in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza: arts and crafts, a photo booth, and a costume contest.
October 10th, 11:30 a.m. (pre-concert activities at 10:30 a.m.), Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

The Great Pumpkin Carve

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three-day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spook-tacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. You can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkins, there is a “Haunted Display,” food and beer for sale, and live music. Admission is available at the gate on each day of the event.
October 15th-17th, 2-9 p.m., Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford.

Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival

Philly’s biggest Halloween dog costume contest is back in NoLibs. Dozens of furry contestants will compete for prizes in various categories, plus try to win best of show for a grand prize of $500, cash. That’s a lot of biscuits. In addition to the costume contest, expect food and drink, and general Halloween festiveness. All proceeds from the $25 registration fee benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue.
October 17th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Liberty Lands Park, 913 North 3rd Street.

Photograph courtesy of Northern Liberties

Halloween Costume-Making Party at Coco Academy

The Best of Philly-winning STEM makerspace’s Queen Village location is hosting a free DIY costume workshop. You’ll have access to all of the Coco Academy tools, including 3D printing, laser-cutting, and more.
October 17th, 3-5 p.m., Coco Academy, 615 South 3rd Street.

Movie Night by the River: The Addams Family

Join Riverfront North Partnership and Glen Foerd for a free outdoor screening of the animated version of The Addams Family Borski Park. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. — and beware that once the kids’ screening is over, the second movie of the evening is Night of the Living Dead for the grownups! Bring your own blankets and chairs.
October 17th, 6 p.m., Borski Park, 3101 Orthodox Street.

Halloween in the Historic District

Old City hosts a family-friendly candy crawl, with participating historic sites and cultural attractions offering treats and kids’ activities. Start at the Independence Visitor Center to pick up a trick-or-treat bag and map, then follow the trail to discover what’s happening around the district. October 18th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old City.

Fall Fun Day at Laurel Hill Cemetery

Get your costumes on for a cemetery scavenger hunt, games, prizes, storytimes, and fall crafts.
October 18th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Avenue.

Solloween

Fairmount Park’s Solly Stables is dressing the horses up for some trick-or-treating fun in the barn. If the horses are getting all dressed up, you’d better bring your dress-up game too (and a bag for some treats).
October 18th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Solly Stables, 1140 Solly Avenue.

Autumn on the Avenue in Mount Airy

Bring kids in costume for a pre-Halloween trick-or-treat at Mount Airy businesses from the 6600 through 6900 blocks of Germantown Avenue. Fun activities include kids’ crafts and spooky storytime.
October 22nd, 3:30-6 p.m., Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy.

Halloween Hikes and Hayrides

Kids can get a little closer to nature while soaking up spooky-season vibes at the Schuylkill Center’s family-friendly fest that packs in hayrides, evening hikes in search of nocturnal creatures, crafts, s’mores around the fire, and more Halloween fun.
October 23rd & 24th, the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagys Mill Road.

Spooky Seaport Saturday

Head to Independence Seaport Museum in costume for family-friendly crafts and activities (like mini-sea-monster-making and a sea-creature scavenger hunt). Plus, hop onboard the Olympia to learn your pirate name and dress up! Activities are included with museum admission.
 October 24th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

Franklin Square decked out for Halloween / Photograph by Cari Feiler Bender

Trick-or-Treat Street at Franklin Square

Kids ages 10 and under are invited to come in costume at collect treats at stops throughout Franklin Square. This event is free, but pre-registration is required.
October 24th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.

Spooktacular Science Day

Spooky science and family-friendly frights take over the Franklin Institute. Come in costume for photo ops, hands-on science, and more.
October 24th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

Mister John’s Music’s Halloween Block Party

Mister John’s Music hosts their annual Halloween block party with live music, drag storytime, raffle prizes, crafts, a costume contest, and more fun for the whole family.
October 24th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 8th and Fulton streets.

Stenton’s Halloween Harvest Festival

Enjoy crafts, face-painting, pumpkin-painting, treats, and a visit from the Philly Goat Project goats all dressed up for the occasion. Pre-register online for the free event.
October 24th, 1-3 p.m., 4601 North 18th Street.

Barely Scary Halloween Spooktacular at Smith Memorial Playground

Come in costume for an afternoon of fun at the 6.5-acre playground. The party includes arts and crafts, a costume parade, treats, and more.
October 24th, 3-6 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive.

Haunted Horses

That’s right, there is not one but two equestrian Halloween celebrations in Philly! Northwestern Stables’ annual Halloween bash features costumed horses (and riders), and kids trick-or-treating amongst them. At the end of the night, vote for your favorite horse! Guided rides, as well as refreshments, will also be available at the event. Tickets available online.
October 24th, 4:30-7 p.m., Northwestern Stables, 120 West Northwestern Avenue.

Photograph courtesy of Narberth Online.

Witches of Narberth

All you Main Line ghouls, this is the hunt for you. Children of all ages are invited to join in this free event, where kids search for witches around downtown Narberth. Collect treats along the way, and then return to the start to collect a Halloween prize. The hunt starts at the corner of Forrest and Haverford avenues and goes until 4 p.m. (or until the prizes run out).
October 24th, 1-4 p.m., downtown Narberth (starts at Forrest and Haverford avenues).

Manayunk Trick-or-Treating

Go trick-or-treating at select small businesses on Main Street. (See the list of participating businesses here.)
October 24th, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Street, Manayunk.

East Falls Halloween Parade

Rutabaga Toy Library hosts its eighth annual Halloween parade in East Falls. Gather at 3 p.m., then the parade starts promptly at 3:30 p.m. There will also be kids’ activities, a costume contest, and live entertainment.
October 24th, 3-6 p.m., 3400 Block of Conrad Street.

Haunted Circus: Spellbound

The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts hosts a family-friendly circus variety show by the talented adults and youth of the circus school. Costumes are encouraged; pre-registration is recommended.
October 24th, 5 p.m., Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Street.

Halloween on the Hill

Head to Chestnut Hill and look for “Treats Here” posters at local businesses as you trick-or-treat up and down the Avenue. Before that, the Chestnut Hill Community Association hosts their annual Halloween Pet Costume Parade — with prizes for scariest, cutest, look-alike with their owner, and most creative — before a pup parade on the Avenue.
October 25th, 12:30-3 p.m., Chestnut Hill.

Fairmount Halloween Festival

Philly Art Center hosts its annual Halloween party with make-and-take art stations, baby music, and a costume parade throughout Fairmount with Positive Movement Drumline. RSVP online.
October 25th, 2-5 p.m. (parade at 4 p.m.), 2333 Fairmount Avenue.

Kith + Kin’s Boo-gie Bash

Mister John’s Music stops by Kith + Kin for toddler dance parties on Halloween eve and Halloween morning. Plus, open play and snacks! Pre-register online.
October 30th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and October 31st, 10 a.m.-noon, Kith + Kin, 3060 West Jefferson Street.

Trick-or-treating on South Street / Photograph courtesy of Kscope Media

Halloween on South Street

Kids can trick-or-treating at shops throughout the neighborhood all afternoon (see list here). Plus, a Halloween costume promenade at 1 p.m., culminating in a trunk-or-treat at Headhouse.
October 31st, noon-5 p.m., South Street.

Fall Fest on East Passyunk Avenue

East Passyunk’s annual Halloween celebration takes over the Avenue with live performances, pumpkin-carving, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating at local businesses. Adults, meanwhile, will enjoy vendors selling crafts, food specials, and even festive cocktails.
October 31st, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., East Passyunk Avenue.

PopUpPlay’s Halloween Party at Cherry Street Pier

Come for a Halloween parade, monster karaoke, lots of craft activities, and more family fun at Cherry Street Pier. Tickets available online.
October 31st, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 121 North Columbus Boulevard.

Halloween at the Please Touch Museum

Come to PTM in costume for trick-or-treat stations, crafts, performances, a costume parade, and lots more not-so-scary fun for little ones.
October 31st, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

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