Looking for Halloween fun without the nightmares? Philly has plenty of family-friendly ways to celebrate.
Families looking to celebrate the season can head to Franklin Square this month. The historic park has once again brought back Spooky Mini Golf, transforming Philly Mini Golf into a fog-filled Halloween course with strobe lights, eerie colored lighting and festive decorations through Nov. 1.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the family-friendly attraction costs $15 for adults and $12 for children. On Thursday through Sunday evenings, the adjacent Boo-zy Bar will also serve up seasonal cocktails, wine, beer and mocktails.
Franklin Square is additionally hosting a free Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 17 (where kids 10 and under can decorate their own) and Trick-or-Treat Street on Oct. 24, where little ones can follow a candy-filled trail through the Square. That same day, WHYY’s free Be My Neighbor Day will host Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, a firetruck, community activities and a complimentary carousel ride for registered guests.
Finally, on Oct. 25, families with four-legged visitors can get in on the festivities during the free Bark-or-Treat Trail, complete with costumes, treats, photo ops and space to play.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Running select Saturdays and Sundays now through Nov. 1, this annual family-friendly celebration turns the Philadelphia Zoo into a hub of seasonal fun with trick-or-treating, costume contests, carnival games and a chance to encounter more than two dozen giant skeletons throughout its grounds. Guests can also explore the Trick-or-Tree House, learn the truth behind “legendary cryptids” like the Jersey Devil, hop aboard the decorated “Boo” Choo Train, or check out pumpkin feedings scheduled throughout the weekends.
3400 W Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
Families can head to Morris during ArBOOretum Month to uncover more than 50 scarecrows scattered throughout the grounds. Designed by members of the public, visitors can cast their vote for their favorite creation on the Scarecrow Walk (free with admission) through Oct. 18 (though the Scarecrows will be on view through the end of the month). The top three will win cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100.
100 E Northwestern Ave, morrisarboretum.org
Not a fan of jump scares? Halloween House Philly offers a more playful take on the season, with no actors, blood or traditional haunted-house scares. Instead, families can wander through 10 fully themed rooms packed with elaborate decorations, photo opportunities and interactive fun. Returning favorites include the Glow Room, Zombie Bunker and Spiderweb Spectacle, while new additions include a Jeopardy Room, Karaoke/Dance Room and a Backrooms-inspired experience exclusive to the Philly location.
901 Market St., eventbrite.com/e/halloween-house-philly-tickets
For a Halloween activity that’s more interactive than spooky, Beat The Bomb Philadelphia is bringing back its limited-time Haunted Mission now through Nov. 1. Teams of two to six players can navigate five all-new Halloween games through dark rooms, mazes, lasers and a haunted graveyard before facing the ultimate challenge: Graveyard Shift, where players race to complete 10 levels before the Red Slime Bomb detonates.
1218 Chestnut St., beatthebomb.com
Adventure Aquarium’s Fintastic Pumpkin Glow is back on site through Nov. 1, and the series will once again showcase glowing pumpkins “of all shapes, sizes and species” floating alongside sharks, rays and other aquatic animals.
Locals can look forward to the return of the Aquarium’s Paint-A-Pumpkin activities, live underwater pumpkin carving, the “Bones or No Bones” animal skeleton show, festive fall décor throughout the space, specialty treats and more.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
Great Wolf Lodge is back in the spooky spirit with its annual Howl-O-Ween celebration, running through Oct. 31. Families can follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail, dance at the Monster Bash, get crafty with Halloween activities, test their spooky-season knowledge with trivia and play Boo Bingo while there.
New this year, select resorts are also housing Ghostly Globes, private Halloween-themed spaces decked out with glowing pumpkins, ghosts and other decor. The new experience also lets families create their own themed pudding treats with an assortment of festive toppings. Guests can additionally dig into a limited-time Howl-O-Ween menu featuring bites like the Howlin’ Wagyu Burger and Pumpkin Pie Caramel Swirl Shake, plus themed cocktails and mocktails.
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, greatwolf.com
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