Looking for a little Halloween fun that won’t send your kids screaming for the hills? Check out this month’s family-friendly Halloween events and attractions across Massachusetts and beyond.
Haunted Happenings
Salem annually transforms into a Halloween lovers paradise in October with Kids Fun Fest, Haunted Marketplace, a Kid’s Pub and more. Throughout the month, there are events for little ones and braver “big kids,” such as haunted house tours, witch trial re-enactments and costume balls. For more events and details, visit www.hauntedhappenings.org.
The Dinosaur Corn Maze
Come on down and make lasting memories at Connors Farm. Experience the feel of the country only minutes from your home. With numerous daytime attractions, there is something for all ages! Thru November 3rd. Connors Farm, 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35., Danvers; www.connorsfarm.com.
Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Phantoms by Firelight returns to Old Sturbridge Village for 12 nights this Fall…and it’s bigger than ever! Step into the firelit shadows of history and uncover its eerie tales. Learn about the history of Halloween traditions, play games, find treats, and listen to ghost stories by the bonfire. Plus, be entertained by the spectacle of mesmerizing performances including fire breathing and flame spinning, as well as acrobats flying high over the Village with their vampire-like ways from Oct. 4 – 27. Old Sturbridge Village, One Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge; www.osv.org.
Halloween Overnight at Old Sturbridge Village
Take advantage of the spooky seasonal atmosphere and experience something different in October. The overnight won’t be super scary, but it will be spooky and contain references to 19th-century ghost stories and folklore. Check out their website for more information about the activities and programming that will take place. Limited spaces available. Saturdays in October. Old Sturbridge Village, One Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge; www.osv.org.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular – Roger Williams Park Zoo
5,000 illuminated creatively carved jack-o-lanterns along a beautiful wetland trail at the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 6-10:30pm evenings through Halloween. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, R.I. All tickets must be bought in advance; www.rwpzoo.org.
Gore Place Frightful Fridays
Beginning Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30pm, Gore Place allows Friday-night visitors to tour the 1806 Governor Gore mansion and hear traditional New England ghost stories. 52 Gore St., Waltham. Each tour is limited to 13 people; www.goreplace.org.
Gore Place Saturday Family Time: Boo Bash
Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10am, Gore Place provides kids friendly activities include a wagon ride, graveyard candy hunt, story-telling and songs, a craft, and ghostly games. 52 Gore St., Waltham. Tickets available at www.goreplace.org.
Verrill Farm’s Harvest Festival
Join in for their annual Harvest Festival to support the Pediatric Care at Emerson Hospital. A day of family fun featuring games and prizes, hayrides live music, PYO pumpkins, 4-H animals, a silent auction and a la cart food. All pumpkin sales during the festival will go towards Pumpkins for Pediatrics at Emerson Hospital. Admission for this event will be sold online and at the door. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Verrill Farms, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord; www.verrillfarm.com.
Boo at the Zoo
Trick or treat among the animals at the Stone Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, 9am – 4pm. Kid’s costume contest, mystery animal encounters and terrifying tasty treats to be had. 149 Pond St., Stoneham. Advanced General Admission tickets required; www.zoonewengland.org.
Zoo Howl
Join in for this spooktacular celebration, where wild creatures and Halloween fun come together! Wander through animal habitats and collect terrifyingly tasty treats on the trick-or-treat trail, and get creative at arts and craft stations. Keep an eye out—some of the animals might be getting into the spirit too! And don’t forget to show off your Halloween style in the kids’ costume contest! Oct. 26, and Oct. 27, 9am – 4pm. at the Franklin Park Zoo. One Franklin Park Road, Boston. Free with admission. 617-541-5466; www.zoonewengland.org.
Halloween Hullabaloo at the Discovery Museum
Enjoy music and activities at this Discovery Museums festival, on Saturday, Oct. 26, & Sunday, Oct. 27. Dress for the occasion and give your Halloween costume the chance to spook, sparkle, and shine. Challenge yourself to a few holes of Pumpkin Putt Putt and other outdoor games with a frightfully fun twist. Use your powers of observation on a Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt and expect other ghostly surprises to pop up around the Museum! 177 Main St., Acton; www.discoverymuseums.org.
