Where to Celebrate Halloween With Kids in Philly
From kid-friendly Halloween parties to spooky science to pumpkin everything, Philly’s little ones will definitely get plenty of wear out of those costumes (and plenty of candy) this season.
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
Boo at the Zoo
For three 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. New for this year, there’s pumpkin putt-putt, a costume parade, and a “Trick-or-Tree House” dance party. Boo at the Zoo is included with admission, and members get in free.
Included with admission of $34-$44; weekends from October 11th-26th, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.
Fintastic Fall Days 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.
$31-$50; through November 2nd, Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey.
Halloween fun at Cityside Pumpkin Patch / Photograph by Laura Swartz
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).
$16.75-$27.25; through November 2nd, Liberty Point, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Scarecrow Walk and More at Morris ArBOOretum
Every year, Morris Arboretum holds a scarecrow design contest around a theme — this year it’s cartoons. 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 30th, come for Spooky Season Crafting at 11 a.m.
Free with admission of $12-$22 (kids under three and PennCard holders get in free); scarecrow and cottage displays through October 31st, 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 18th, the trick-or-treat trail on October 25th. (And the pups get one the next day!)
$12-$15; 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.
$4-$11; 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.
Free to enter, $10-$16 for hayrides, $7-$10 for mazes; through November 2nd, Linvilla Orchards, 137 West Knowlton Road, Media.
Pumpkinland at Linvilla / Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Halloween Parties, Performances and More
Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt at Sister Cities Park
Parkway Pals wraps up for the season with a free Halloween party including a scavenger hunt, spooky story time with the Free Library of Philadelphia, and live entertainment.
Free; October 11th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sister Cities Park, 210 North 18th 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 kid-friendly Haunted Trail, food and beer for sale, and live music. Admission is available at the gate on each day of the event.
$5-$15 (free for kids ages six and under); October 16th-18th, 2-9 p.m., Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Children’s Halloween Spectacular
The orchestra is getting all dressed up for the kids with a show featuring spooky favorites like The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 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.
$29-$65; October 18th, 11:30 a.m. (pre-concert activities at 10:30 a.m.), Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival
Philly’s biggest Halloween dog costume contest is in Northern Liberties, and it’s back and shutting down the 700 block of North 2nd Street to accommodate all the cuteness! 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, music, and general Halloween festiveness. All proceeds from the $30 registration fee (or $20 for an extra pup) benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue.
Free to attend, $30 to enter the contest; October 18th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 700 block of 2nd Street.
Photograph courtesy of Northern Liberties
Cricket BOO
Lulu’s Casita hosts their annual all-out kids’ Halloween block party in Ardmore. The playspace has quite a morning planned: Expect crafts, games, treats, a party bus, pumpkin decorating, “make your own potion” station, character visits, face painting, story time, a costume parade, live music and more fun. Email info@luluscasita.com to purchase a ticket.
$30 ($5 for adults); October 18th, 9:30-11:30 a.m., first block of Cricket Avenue, Ardmore.
Halloween Costume-Making Party at Coco Academy
The Best of Philly-winning STEM makerspace’s new Queen Village location is hosting a DIY costume workshop. You’ll have access to all of the Coco Academy tools, including 3D printing, laser-cutting, and more. Reservations required online.
$36; October 19th, 2-4 p.m., Coco Academy, 615 South 3rd Street.
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).
Free; October 19th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Solly Stables, 1140 Solly Avenue.
Movie Night by the River: Hocus Pocus
Join Riverfront North Partnership and Glen Foerd for a free outdoor screening of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus on the waterfront lawn by Glen Foerd. The movie starts at 7 p.m., but come early for free craft-making for kids. Bring your own blankets and chairs.
Free; October 21st, 5:30-9 p.m. (movie starts at 7 p.m.), Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant 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 crafts with ARTrageous and Bella Mosaic.
Free; October 23th, 3:30-6 p.m., Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy.
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.
Free; October 25th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Spooky Science Day
Spooky science and family-friendly frights take over the Franklin Institute. Come in costume for photo ops, hands-on science, and more.
Included with admission of $23-$29; October 25th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
Fall Fest on East Passyunk Avenue
East Passyunk’s annual Halloween celebration takes over the Avenue with live performances, pumpkin-carving, a doggie costume contest, and trick-or-treating at local businesses. Adults, meanwhile, will enjoy vendors selling crafts, food specials, and even festive cocktails.
Free, pay-as-you-go; October 25th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., East Passyunk Avenue.
Stenton’s Halloween Harvest Festival
Enjoy crafts, face-painting, pumpkin-painting, treats, and a spooky cellar tour at this historic house. Pre-register online for the free event.
Free; October 25th, 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. RSVP online.
Free; October 25th, 3-6 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive.
Funky Brunch & Market at Ardmore Music Hall
This free, family-friendly event features local vendors and live music. Beer and brunch will be available for purchase as well.
Free (food and drink are pay-as-you-go); October 25th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore.
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).
Free; October 25th, 1-4 p.m., downtown Narberth (starts at Forrest and Haverford avenues).
Spooky Seaport
Head to Independence Seaport Museum in costume for family-friendly crafts, activities, and candy. Plus, “For the brave and curious, join ISM and Penn State Abington on board Olympia for an Alien Invasion” after hours.
Included with admission of $18-$23; October 25th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Alien Invasion from 5-7 p.m.), Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
Manayunk Trick-or-Treating
Go trick-or-treating at select small businesses on Main Street.
Free; October 25th, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Street, Manayunk.
East Falls Halloween Parade
Rutabaga Toy Library hosts its sixth 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.
Free; October 25th, 3-6 p.m., 3400 Block of Conrad Street.
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.
$10; October 25th, 4:30-7 p.m., Northwestern Stables, 120 West Northwestern Avenue.
South Street Candy Crawl
South Street businesses host a trick-or-treat trail around town — hit up participating stores (with poster in the window) for candy.
Free; October 25th, noon-4 p.m., South Street.
Trick-or-treating on South Street / Photograph courtesy of Kscope Media
Mister John’s Music ‘s Halloween Block Party
Sing, dance, and celebrate 10 years of community at Mister John’s Music. There’ll be live music, raffle prizes, crafts, a costume contest, and more fun for the whole family.
Free; October 26th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mister John’s Music School, 761 South 8th Street.
Halloween on the Hill
Head to Chestnut Hill and look for “Treats Here” posters at local businesses up and down the Avenue.
Free; October 26th, 1-3 p.m., Chestnut Hill.
PopUpPlay’s Halloween Party at Cherry Street Pier
Come for a Halloween parade, a kids’ dance party, a scavenger hunt, lots of craft activities, and more at Cherry Street Pier.
Free; October 26th, 2-4 p.m., 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
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.
Free; October 26th, 2-5 p.m. (parade at 4 p.m.), 2333 Fairmount Avenue.
Halloween at the Please Touch Museum
Come to PTM in costume for a trick-or-treat stations, crafts, surprises, and lots more not-so-scary fun for little ones.
$20; October 31st, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Kith + Kin’s Boo-gie Bash
Mister John’s Music stops by Kith + Kin for a toddler dance party on Halloween morning. Plus, open play and snacks! Pre-register online.
$30 per child + one adult, $15 per sibling, $10 per additional adult; October 31st, 10 a.m.-noon, Kith + Kin, 3060 West Jefferson Street.
Trick-or-Treat Kids’ Padel & Pickleball
Philly’s newest racquet spot is hosting a unique celebration for kids 12 and under. They’ll have padel and pickleball activities, prizes, and, of course, candy!
$25-$40; October 31st, 4:30-6 p.m., Viva Padel & Pickleball Club, 1300 North 8th Street.
Dinos After Dark: Halloween Edition
The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts their popular pay-what-you-wish event that sees a Dino Drafts beer garden set up in Dinosaur Hall, plus access to the museum and hands-on science activities.
Pay-what-you-wish; October 31st, 5-8 p.m., Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Haunted Circus
The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts transforms their historic building and campus into a haunted circus experience for adults and kids alike. Enjoy a circus variety show (the theme is scary movies!) by the talented adults and youth of the circus school. Costumes are encouraged; pre-registration is recommended.
$10-$20; November 1st, 5 p.m., Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Street.
