Looking for a little Halloween fun that won’t send your kids screaming for the hills? Check out this month’s more family-friendly Halloween events and attractions across Massachusetts and Rhode Island:
• Haunted Happenings – Salem annually transforms into a Halloween lovers paradise in October with haunted boat cruises, outdoor movie nights, a pet costume contest andmore. Throughout the month, there are events for little ones and braver “big kids,” such as Professor Wunders School of Magic at the Witches Cottage, haunted house tours, witch trial re-enactments and costume balls. For more events and details, visit hauntedhappenings.org.
• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular – 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns along a beautiful wetland trail at the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 6-11pm evenings through Halloween. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, R.I. Adults, $12; children ages 3-12, $9; under age 3, free. 401-941-4998, ext. 316; rwpzoo.org.
• Frightful Fridays – Beginning Friday, Oct. 12, from 7-9:30pm, Gore Place allows Friday-night visitors to tour the 1806 Governor Gore mansion and hear traditional New England ghost stories. 52 Gore St., Waltham. Adults, $15; children ages 5-12, $10. Reserve tickets by calling 781-894-2798; goreplace.org.
• PumpkinFest – Head to Westwood on Saturday, Oct. 13, for this family festival, running from 10am – 2pm. Newborn animal exhibits, moonwalks, games, crafts and pumpkins! First Parish Meeting Hall, Westwood. Free admission. 781-326-5405; clapboardtreepumpkinfest.org.
• Halloween Romp – The Children’s Museum in Easton hosts this family-friendly costume party on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2-4pm or 6-8pm. Crafts, games, experiments, creepy-crawly animals and trick-or-treating. 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Purchase tickets in advance, $10. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org.
• Great Pumpkin Fest – 1,500 carved pumpkins on display noon to 9pm, Saturday, Oct. 20, at The Ecotarium. Face painting, hayrides and a pumpkin-carving demonstration. 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Adults and children over 2 years, $15; children under age 2, free. 508-929-2738; ecotarium.org.
• Spooky Studio – Kids can investigate slime, dress up, create spooky creatures and have other frightful fun on Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25, 10am – 3pm, at the Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org.
• Zoo Howl – Trick or treat among the animals, make creepy crafts and play ghoulish games on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28, 11am – 3pm, at the Franklin Park Zoo. One Franklin Park Road, Boston. Free with admission. 617-541-5466; zoonewengland.org.
• Family Halloween 5K Race – Get your costume and running shoes ready and break a sweat in this family 5K on Saturday, Oct. 27. Fun run for kids, ages 6-10, 8:15am.5K starts at 9am. South Shore YMCA, 75 Mill St., Hanover. Per person entry fee, $20; family, $40. 781-829-8585, ext. 260; ssymca.org.
• Creepy Creatures – Head to the Providence Children’s Museum on Saturday, Oct. 27, from noon to 2pm, in costume! Meet some captivating critters. 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org.
• Very Not Scary Halloween Parade & Party – Join the Boston Parents Paper on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 2-4pm, at the Linden Square Courtyard in Wellesley Center. March in a parade and stay for storytime with Big Joe the Storyteller. Linden Square Courtyard, Wellesley Center. FREE. shoplindensquare.com.
• Pumpkin Fest – Enjoy music and activities at this Discovery Museums festival, from 9am – 3pm, on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28. Face painting, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin science, glow-in-the-dark slime and special owls program. 177 Main St., Acton. Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org.
• Things That Go Bump in the Night & The Trail of Terror – Trick-or-treat inside a haunted village and stroll among living scarecrows, thirsty vampires, cackling witches, and grizzled wizards at Old Sturbridge Village on Saturday, Oct. 27, 5-9pm. Listen to family-friendly storytellers and see hundreds of candle-lit pumpkins. Old Sturbridge Village, One Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge.Free with admission. 800-SEE-1830; osv.org.
• Boo Bash – Providence Children’s Museum hosts this cool celebration on Sunday, Oct. 28, 11am – 2pm. Come in costume for games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more. 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org.
• Jam Time Halloween Party – Jam Time hosts a child-friendly Halloween party on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 10am to noon. Wear your costume and enjoy a morning of playtime, arts and crafts, Halloween treats, contests, and a creepy crawly animal show. 86 Powder Mill Road, Maynard. Free with playground admission. 978-897-2917; jamtime.com.
• Trick or Treat at Edaville – Edaville Railroad hosts trick-or-treating for the first time ever on Oct. 27, from noon to 8pm. Don your costume and join a parade where you can show off your outfit while collecting treats and finding decorated pumpkins throughout the park. Costumed guests will receive a special gift at the front gate. Pine Street, South Carver. Tickets are $18 and include all amusement rides, festivities and the train! Special discount for seniors and kids under 2 are free! Visit www.edaville.com for tickets.
