By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Halloween events and activities should be scary. They should be scream-inducing. They should be off-limits for the timid.
Fortunately, this area has a multitude of Halloween events – many of which rank high on the fright level.
The intriguing new production Paranormal Cirque (https://paranormalcirque.com), which is intended for a mature audience, is running from October 27-29 at Philadelphia Mills (1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia). Those in the northern part of Chester County might want to check out the show during its run at the Lehigh Valley Mall (250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall) now through October 22.
Paranormal Cirque will expose audiences to a unique creation of combined theatre, circus, and cabaret with a new European style flare.
This innovative horror story, which is presented in true circus style under a Big Top tent, features different shades of sexy and an incomparable storyline. Audiences likely will find it difficult to separate reality from illusion at this show as they fall into a parallel world and end up surrounded by monstrous creatures with hidden talents.
Currently, Paranormal Cirque has four tours running – Silver Tour, Gold Tour, Black Tour and Silver Tour. The tour visiting our area is the Black Tour.
Paranormal Cirque’s “Clown Castle” (also known as the Big Top) presents a mesmerizing effect while hosting a two-hour hypnotizing and enchanted show.
A careful casting selection has united the best artists from all over the world.
Under this Clown Castle, the black and red big top tent, there are aerial acrobats, illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a “normal” circus – but this one is not “normal.”
A new show with breathtaking implications always poised between fun and the most uninhibited fear that will transport you to a dark world inhabited by creatures with incredible circus art abilities. A crazy yet fun fusion between circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream … and when we had nightmares and fantasies.
Video link for Paranormal Cirque — https://youtu.be/locxFnh5UR8.
Ticket prices start at $20.
The Chester County History Center (225 North High Street, West Chester, http://www.chestercohistorical.org/) debuted its “Chilling West Chester” walking tour in the fall of 2020, and this year it’s back with a sequel featuring all new stops.
Beginning at the Chester County History Center on October 27 and 29 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., the tour is approximately 1.5 miles. Guests will hear macabre stories from West Chester’s history while visiting some notable downtown landmarks. These are not ghost stories — these are true tales of terror pulled from our own archives.
From the horrors of the Chester County Prison to the cold-blooded killers tried at the courthouse, to explosions and other disasters that have wrought havoc in the borough, West Chester’s streets and alleys have witnessed 200 years of spine-chilling history. The historians and educators at the Chester County History Center will share these stories with visitors on this 90-minute walking tour. These are not ghost stories — these are true tales of terror pulled from our own archives.
Each tour will be held entirely outdoors. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Tours will take place rain or shine and tickets, which are $18, are nonrefundable.
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will present “Full Moon Soul Crawl: Nighttime History Tours” on October 27 and 28.
Experience the enchanting art and landscape of Laurel Hill East after dark, as an experienced tour guide leads you along winding pathways. The extended nighttime walking tours will focus on the cemetery’s rich history, and of course, some of the liveliest spirits buried within. Tours will last approximately two hours and will be followed by seasonal refreshments and cocktails aside blazing fire pits.
Soul Crawl: Halloween History Tours are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. sharp each night. Attendees are advised to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. They will take place Friday and Saturday — under a full moon.
Ticket prices are: $25/General Admission (Ages 13 and up); $23/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID; $12.50/Youth (Ages 6-12); Free/Ages 5 and under. Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.
On October 29, Laurel Hill will present “Dearly, Yet Oddly Departed” from 1-3 p.m.
What do a lost cat, Bavarian cream custard, a trip to New Jersey, and a whiskey highball have in common? Believe it or not, they all played a role in some of Laurel Hill East’s most unusual deaths. End the Halloween season by learning about some of the cemetery’s most eccentric personalities and the peculiar ways in which they departed this earth in this walking tour.
The Tour Guide will be Sarah Hamill.
Ticket prices are: $17/General Admission; $15/Seniors and Students with ID; and $8.50/Youth and Free/Ages 5 and under. Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.
“Lincoln Mill Haunted House” (4100 Ridge Avenue, Manayunk, www.lincolnmillhaunt.com) is Philadelphia’s newest haunted attraction. The attraction takes guests on a journey through an interactive living story featuring more than 40 live scare-actors, production quality sets, props, animatronics, and breath-taking special effects.
The attraction is intended to be very scary during evening hours. The owners want it to be the scariest haunted house in the greater Philadelphia region. Mission accomplished — it is scary.
While most haunted house attractions have a lot of room for props and actors, Lincoln Mill has a limited area. As a result, the 20-minute walk through the attraction features many tight spaces, sharp turns, sections that are pitch black, scary props and a slew of live-scare actors doing what they do best.
The attraction’s backstory emerged from a tragic event that occurred in 2021. On September 2, 2021, Hurricane Ida struck Philadelphia and flooded the Mill to historic water levels.
The flood significantly damaged the mill’s interior and revealed a hidden chamber located below the basement level. Countless bodies were found, and a dark truth was discovered about the mill’s past.
Local authorities determined that during the 1930’s, Viktor Kane, the mill owner, tormented and experimented on his workers. Countless workers lost their lives, and their spirits continue to haunt the mill. Construction has since been halted and the mill will open up for guests to experience its dark past for themselves.
The main haunted house event will run at night Thursday, Friday, and Saturday now through November 4. Tickets are sold in hour time slots from 6-11:45 p.m. For those that aren’t into very scary attractions, there will be a more family-oriented event every Saturday from noon-4 p.m. with no scare actors.
Ticket prices start at $25.
The annual “Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride at Arasapha Farm” (1835 N. Middletown Rd., Gradyville, 610-459-0647, www.thebatesmotel.com) will be scaring visitors through October 31.
The haunted hayride through the woods features monsters, special effects and actors. The Bates Motel has haunted rooms with special effects and computerized lighting.
Another attraction is the “Revenge of the Scarecrow Haunted Trail.” A haunted trail is cut through a cornfield inhabited by monsters.
Another popular attraction this year is “Double Edge Axe Throwing.”
Admission prices start at $40.
Pennhurst Asylum (100 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City, 484-866-8964, www.pennhurstasylum.com), which is open through November 4, is on the site of a former mental asylum which has been shuttered for over a quarter of a century.
It has been transformed into a haunted attraction with huge sets, detailed rooms and live actors. Visitors can also explore the labyrinth of underground tunnels.
Tickets are $52 for a combo pass valid for all three Haunted Attractions at Pennhurst: Pennhurst Asylum, The Morgue & The Tunnels.
“Candlelight Ghost Tours” (Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, http://fortmifflin.us) are scheduled for October 28 and 29.
Visitors can tour historic (and haunted) Fort Mifflin by candlelight from 7-10 p.m. each night and hear true stories of ghostly encounters. This event is billed as an “authentic experience.”
Philly’s most authentic Halloween event! No decorations. No hype. Just, you, a few candles, and REAL Ghosts! Experience Fort Mifflin after hours on our popular candlelight walking tours through the site. Tours depart every 20 minutes beginning at 7 p.m. and last approximately one hour.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for children (12 and under).
For years, Eastern State Penitentiary (2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, www.easternstate.org) presented one of the premier Halloween attractions in Philadelphia — “Terror Behind the Walls.”
Last year, the venue tried something different – a new attraction called “Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.”
The truly scary attraction, which is running through November 11, takes place at a penitentiary site that was once was an active prison and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is a scream-inducing event featuring laser and special-effect lighting, digital sound, sinister scents, animatronic creatures and 3-D illusions.
There is “Delirium,” a 3D Haunted House where visitors take a mind-altering trip into another dimension –a parallel, neon universe where nothing is quite as it seems. Fascinating creatures emerge from seemingly nowhere as the world you thought you knew shrinks away.
“The Crypt” is another Haunted House. The creatures of The Crypt request your presence. Wade through the mist and into the lair of an ancient clan of vampires. They’ve set the table, but if you’re not careful, you might end up on their next menu.
“Hospital Flashlight Tour” is a guide-led Walking Tour – a 20-minute, guide-led, flashlight tour of Cellblock 3, the Hospital Block.
Another Haunted House is the “Machine Shop.” Hidden away from the world is a long-forgotten machine shop. Evil pervades this space – an evil with one mind but with many bodies. Will visitors survive or will they become just another cog in the machine?
Other attractions are “The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell,” “The Bloodline Lounge,” “The Fair Chance Beer Garden,” “The Voices of Eastern State” Highlights Audio Tour, “Kaleidoscope Hall,” and “S’mores and Lore.”
Admission prices, which vary with the date, start at $39.
The “38th Annual Jason’s Woods” (99 Stehman Road, Lancaster, 717-872-5768, www.jasonswoods.com), which is running through November 5, is a horror show complex that features a combination of live actors, impressive animation and scary special effects.
Popular attractions include “Horrifying Hayride,” “Chamber of Horrors,” “Zombie Apocalypse,” “Lost in Jason’s Woods,” and “Carnival of Fear,” Admission prices are for combo tickets are $25 for three attractions and $40 for five.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (6452 Greene Street, Philadelphia, phillycircus.com) presents playful frights and spooky entertainment during its annual “Haunted Circus” on October 27 and 28. Guests can explore the dark and spooky path inside one of Mt. Airy’s most mysterious and grand 100-year-old properties.
By day, the former home of St. Madeleine Sophie Church in West Mt. Airy is filled with laughter and joy of circus students learning new skills. By night, when the sun goes down, the spooky creatures come alive and enchant the dark hallways, cavernous classrooms and long-forgotten secret spaces.
The spooky trek begins at 6:30 p.m. when the path opens. After each path, guests can hang out and dance while they wait for the PSCA Haunted Circus Student Showcase.
Haunted Circus Mansion invites visitors to embark on a dark and spooky journey through the 26,000 square feet school and sanctuary. The path involves a 10-minute walk-through experience with a small group. Paths are only accessible by staircase. Groups will depart on the paths according to their timed tickets. For those that survive, they will find their way to the church Sanctuary, where a Halloween celebration awaits with drinks, entertainment, craft making and a haunted circus show. The show starts at 8 p.m. with a fiery ending.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Tickets are valid for the path, the showcase performance, and seasonal activities.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) is hosting “Tram & Treat” on October 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Families are invited to dress their goblins and ghosts in their Halloween finest and join in for daytime trick-or-treating in the garden.
Guests can ride a tram and then walk in Enchanted Woods to enjoy candy and crafts (while supplies last), games, and live music by The McChords.
Participants will also be able to warm up by fire pits as they listen to Newark Ukesters on the Visitor Center Patio.
The American Helicopter Museum (1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, americanhelicopter.museum) will get into Halloween mood this weekend.
On October 28 from 6-8 p.m., the museum will present “Haunted Helis.”
The event features two hours of spooky Halloween family-friendly fun.
Guests are invited to come in costume and enjoy activities and treats at the museum.
Admission is $15 with kids 12-years-old and under admitted free.
October 27 and 28 are the dates for “Ghosts in the Graveyard” (Old Swedes Historical Site, 606 Church Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5629, www.oldswedes.org).
From 6:30-9 p.m. each night, visitors will be able to stroll through the complex, meet some of the ghosts who reside in the site’s burial grounds and maybe even solve the mystery of the late-night bell ringing at Old Swedes Church.
Tickets are $15.
Canal-O-Ween will get started this weekend at Yardley’s Rivermawr neighborhood (North Edgewater Avenue, the Canal Path from Afton to Fuld, Yardley, www.experienceyardley.com).
Visitors are invited to enjoy the warm and welcoming spirit of Halloween at the week-long celebration, “Canal-O-Ween.”
The event kicks off on October 30 with the annual “Carve-O-Thon,” a family-friendly event where folks gather to carve more than 300 Jack-O-Lanterns — all in about three hours.
In the evenings, guests will be able to enjoy the “Jack-O-Lantern Stroll” along the historic Delaware Canal guided by the warm light of hundreds of uniquely carved Jack-O-Lanterns flickering along the way for more than a quarter mile.
The free event, which runs from October 29-November 4, is billed as “an old-fashioned, low-tech, magical way to celebrate Halloween.”
Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is presenting “Boo at the Zoo” on October 28 and 29 from noon-3 p.m. each day.
“Boo at the Zoo” features live entertainment, costume contests, costume parades, trick-or-treat stations with candy, prizes, crafts and educational pieces.
Children are encouraged to bring their own treat bags for trick-or-treating. The zoo will not be providing any bags.
“Boo at the Zoo” is free with zoo admission, which starts at $12.95.
The site is also hosting several of its ultra-popular “Dog Days” over the next week.
Additionally, the Zoo will host a “Harvest Fest” on Saturdays and Sundays through November 5.
The Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, www.philadelphiazoo.org) is presenting “Boo at the Zoo” on October 28 and 29.
Families are invited to bring along a trick-or-treat bag and come dressed in costumes to celebrate the spooky season among their favorite animals. Guests will enjoy a trick-or-treat safari with candy stations, seasonal decor, boo-tiful fall leaves, Howl-oween children’s activities, themed animal enrichments, pumpkin feedings and more.
New for this year, “Spiders Alive” will debut with an array of arachnids from tarantulas to orb weavers to scorpions. Come ready to learn how scientists aim to protect these animals in the wild. Plus, the Zoo’s colony of vampire bats are getting a brand-new exhibit in “Water is Life.”
Visitors will also be able to meet the new puma cubs and stop by the Rare Animal Conservation Center to meet the bright ‘pumpkin spice’ colored baby Francois langur.
The Philadelphia Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo” is free with admission. Zoo admission is $25 and $20 for children (ages 2-11).
Now through October 31, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania (100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, www.morrisarboretum.org) is hosting its annual “Scarecrow Walk.”
Visitors will be able to make their own scarecrows, paint a pumpkin and sample different varieties of apples. Weaver’s Way Coop will be on hand with the season’s best local apple varieties.
Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Walk is back for its 16th year, and in recognition of those who show courage and care when faced with fright, this year’s theme is “Spooky Scarecrow.”
Visitors will be able to wander through the Arboretum and see scarecrows in honor of a beloved superhero characters, essential workers, or best friend heroes.
Throughout the month of October, more than 30 scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum. Visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners. The top three scarecrows win a cash prize with a top prize of $250.
Admission to Morris Arboretum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for youth (ages 3-17).
Now through October 28, visitors will be able to take a “Spooky Twilight Tour” at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, http://historicphiladelphia.org/)
The tours will transport participants back to Philadelphia in the 1700s to learn about the city’s gruesome history of infection and inoculation – and hear true tales of bloodletting, smallpox, yellow fever and other gross experiences. They will be able to learn what it was like to live in the ghastly 18th century and discover why Philadelphia was an infectious place to be.
After that, participants can head into the House for a spooky, shadowy after-hours tour. Hours are from 6-9 p.m. and the tour is not recommended for small children.
Timed tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $12.
The Colonial Plantation (www.colonialplantation.org), one of the most haunted properties in Delaware County, invites you to an evening of strange sounds, squeaky doors, and ghostly stories.
“Ghost Lantern Tours” are scheduled for October 28 from 6-8 p.m.
Relive 300 years of the area’s most mysterious, scary and true tales of terror. Start by following the torch lit path and discover the strange and inexplicable ways that colonists treated their dead.
The stories are researched by Plantation staff, are local on the Delaware County area, and are absolutely spine-chilling! Due to the graphic nature of some stories, we will not allow anyone under the age of ten to participate, and we recommend ages 12 and up.
Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets for the ghost tours are $15. The event is recommended for people 10 and older. No pets are allowed.
It’s also time for the Annual Scarecrow Festival at Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com). The festival, which is celebrating its 44th anniversary this year, will run now through October 31.
It is the perfect time to visit and take in the bright, brilliant hues of fall and admire the more than 100 spectacular scarecrows on display. These larger-than-life, colorful, creative scarecrows will line the red brick paths throughout the village’s 42 picturesque acres.
Visitors can vote for their favorites in seven categories: Traditional 1960s Style, Quite the Character, Once Upon a Time, Fright Night, Funny Bones and Kids Only! Ballots can be cast through the Peddler’s Village Mobile app.
Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting its “Adult Trick or Treat” event every Saturday and Sunday through October 29 from noon-7 p.m.
Visitors will be able to “Trick or Treat” for wine and seasonal snacks at Chaddsford’s wildly popular, adults-only Halloween program as they visit a variety of Halloween-themed pairing stations located throughout the Winery grounds.
The “Pairing Menu” features Greeting Wine: 2022 Sparkling White; Station 1 Cinderella: The White Standard Kernel Clark’s Garlic, Rosemary and Parmesan Popcorn; Station 2 Red Riding Hood: The Red Standard Éclat Dark Caramel Truffle; Station 3 Goldilocks and the 3 Beers: Victory Prima Pils, OsoSweet Bakery Cafe German-style Scone; Station 4 Rumplspritzen: Sangria Spritzer,
Asher’s Dark Chocolate Orange Peel; and Station 5 Snow White: Spiced Apple, Caramel Stroopwafel.
Tickets are $40.
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com) is hosting its “Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland” on October 28 and 29.
The attraction will feature “Spook-tastic Rides,” “A Kingdom of Happy Haunts,” and “Trick-Or-Treat Trail.”
This is a fun, fall family event featuring themed rides, special entertainment, tasty treats, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail — a safe, interactive trick-or-treating experience that is included in your admission.
It features more than 30 themed rides and family-friendly attractions, a trip through the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Exploration Island, and trick-or-treat with 20 lifelike dinosaurs.
The event runs from 2-9 p.m. on Saturday and 2-8 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets start at $39.99.
For “Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place” (100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070, www.sesameplace.com), which runs now through November 5, the popular amusement park has been converted into a Halloween-themed safe venue for kids with trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and a hay maze.
Guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, participating in our interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats!
Featured attractions, which will continue for the next six weeks, are “Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade,” “Halloween Light Show,” and “The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-ween Radio Show.”
Admission to the park starts at $44.99.
“Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park” (3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, 610-395-3724, www.dorneypark.com) is running now through October 28.
The event features scary creatures roaming the park and scarecrows lining line the walkways while frightening activities take place at the following attractions – “Ghost in the Machine,”
“FrightFeast,” “Port of Call,” “Necropolis,” “Roadside Stop and Chop,” “Blood on the Bayou,” “Black Out,” “Tourist Trap,” and “CarnEvil” along with a variety of mazes and “Creepy Scare Zones.” Admission prices start at $42.99.
The “31st Annual Fright By Night” (Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, NJ, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com), which is running now through October 31, features family-oriented activities during the day and much scarier attractions after dark for teens and adults.
The attractions include “Big Top Terror,” “Blood Shed,” “Aftermath,” “Hell Fest,” “The Manor,” “Fears,” and “Reflections of the Dead.”
Tickets start at $49.99.
The “Six Flags Fright Fest” (Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, NJ, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com), which is running now through October 31, features family-oriented activities during the day and much scarier attractions after dark for teens and adults.
The attractions include “Scarecrow Street,” “Clown Town,” “Lady of the Lake Cemetery,” “Venom Zone,” Big Top Terror: Forgotten Carnival 3-D,” “Wicked Woods,” “Aftermath,” “Blood Shed,” “The Manor,” “District 6”,” and “Reflections of the Dead.”
Tickets start at $39.99.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the summer.
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.
Tickets are $35.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $20.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.
Each September, “Pumpkinland” returns to Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com). “Pumpkinland,” which runs through November 5, features fairy tale characters from nursery rhymes along with a huge scarecrow and a really tall storybook.
Other activities include train rides, a straw bale maze, hayrides, pick-your-own apples and pony rides.
There will also be “Harvest Hayrides” and “Autumn Moon Hayrides” starting later in September along with “Straw Bale Maze,” “Train Rides,” “Corn Maze” and “Pony Rides.”
Pumpkinland is open from mid-September through early November and takes center stage at Linvilla Orchards. Larger-than-life figures and scarecrows illustrate the legends and lore of the harvest season, featuring local history and some of the many stories of pumpkins and apples.
There will be piles of pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes – more than 100 tons on display.
Every weekend in October, The Franklin Institute (222 North 29th Street, Philadelphia, www.fi.edu) is presenting “Franklin Fright” featuring trick-or-treating through the exhibits, creepy guests from The Insectarium, spooky science experiments, liquid scare shows and other frightfully fun festivities.
Spooky live science shows, Halloween-inspired décor, and the return of the ever-popular museum-wide indoor trick-or-treating adventure takes place every weekend in October during Franklin Fright.
Experience one of the most fun-filled Halloween destinations around with the return of Franklin Fright.
Back by popular demand, young witches and warlocks, ghosts, and goblins are invited to trick-or-treat by knocking on friendly decorated doors in exhibits throughout the museum.
There will be several “Halloween-Inspired Live Science Shows” including “The Lab” “The Electricity Show” and “That’s Gross!”
All programming runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is included in museum admission.
Admission is $23 for adults and $19 for children. Wearing costumes is encouraged.
“Valley of Fear” (300 W. Bristol Road, Feasterville, 215-942-9787, www.valleyoffear.com), which is open through November 5, features three “heart pounding attractions” — “The Original Haunted Hayride,” “Miles Manor Haunted House,” and “Willie’s Shipwreck Cove.”
There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The attraction is billed as “America’s Most Horrifying Woods.” Admission prices start at $25.
The “31st Annual Field of Screams” (109 College Avenue, Mountville, 717-285-7748, www.fieldofscreams.com), which is open now through November 11, features four world-class Haunted Experiences and an impressive Midway Area.
Top attractions include “Horrifying Haunted Hayride,” “Den of Darkness,” “Nocturnal Wasteland” and “Frightmare Asylum.”
Ticket prices start at $16.
Shocktoberfest (94 Park Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610-375-7273, shocktoberfest.com) features an array of natural and genetically engineered Zombies in a safe and controlled habitat.
“Shockfest Zombie World” is celebrating its 33rd year with five “Killer Experiences” — “Zombie Safari Hayride Tour,” “Prison of the Dead,” “The Unknown 3.0,” “Ground Assault,” “Zombie Experience,” and “Midway Massacre.”
The attraction will close on November 4. Ticket prices start at $30.
“The 27th Annual Frightland” (309 Port Penn Road, Middletown, Delaware, 302-838-0256, www.frightland.com) features eight special themed areas — “Zombie Prison,” “Ravenwood Cemetery,” “Haunted Hayride,” “Idalia Manor,” “Fear,” “Ghost Town,” “The Attic” and “Haunted Barn.”
Frightland Haunted Attractions has been named a Top 10 Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country by Travel Channel, Forbes and Huffington Post.
The venue includes a variety of haunted attractions including a two-mile Haunted Hayride, four indoor haunted houses and more. The nationally acclaimed Halloween attraction also features live entertainment, carnival amusements and a daytime fall festival.
The venue will remain open through November 6. Ticket prices start at $40.
Now through November 5, the Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) has a very special event – “Strasburg Rail Road Productions presents…The Legacy of Sleepy Hollow: Not Everything Dies.”
Visitors will discover the true Legacy of Sleepy Hollow at the Strasburg Rail Road. The greatest ghost story ever told did not tell us the whole story.
Guests will join Isabel Crane, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane, as she takes them on a frightful journey filled with sword fights, ghosts, and a centuries-old curse surrounding her family.
It seems that not everyone wants the truth to come out and they’ll go to any length necessary to keep their haunted past a secret. With grand special effects, live horses, and the scariest train ride of the season, this is an opportunity to learn, hear, and experience the Legacy of Sleepy Hollow aboard the historic Strasburg Rail Road.
A pre-boarding act/performance will commence 15 minutes before departure. Please plan to arrive early for check-in and then enjoy the pre-boarding performance before you embark on a memorable journey.
Please note: Due to the subject matter of this event and its presentation, this event is recommended for ages 8 and older. Parental discretion is advised.
Prices start at $50.
The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com) is running its annual “Halloween Special” on October 28 and 29 at noon and 2 p.m. each day.
Guests are invited to take part in a family friendly Halloween train ride. They can wear favorite costumes and ride the railroad’s heated train to enjoy the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in all of its fall splendor.
During a 20-minute stop at the historic Glen Mills station, passengers can disembark and explore the historic station and picnic grove. Passengers can also collect a few treats while on the train.
Tickets are: Adults, $22 and Children (ages 2-12), $18. Toddlers under age two ride free.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE, 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com) is running its “Halloween Express” on October 29 at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The rail line’s friendly railroad witch visits the Wilmington & Western to ride the train and visit with all children. All passengers in costume (both adults and children) ride for just $10 on this 1.5-hour round-trip to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during the 30-minute layover at the grove.
This departure is powered by one of the Wilmington & Western Railroad’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.
Boarding begins at 12:15 p.m.
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its special “Trick or Treat Train” from October 27-31 at 6 p.m. each night.
The Railroad provides a secure and joyful environment for families to fully immerse in the Halloween festivities. We invite you and your little ones to join us on our approximately 45-minute Trick or Treat Excursion. Children are wholeheartedly invited to dress in their most beloved costumes, which would certainly amplify the already vibrant and jubilant ambiance of the train.
Relish the journey as we bring to life the tale of Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Be entertained by the jovial, festive tunes performed live by one of our onboard musicians. On returning to New Hope, you will have the chance to partake in additional trick-or-treating around the station platform, where more surprises await with our Halloween characters!
We’ll provide official railroad trick-or-treat bags, filled with assorted knick-knacks and sweets, both during the train ride and at the station. We eagerly welcome visitors of all ages!
Tickets are $47 for adults, $45 for children and $10 for infants.
There will be quite a few other special Halloween events in and around Lancaster this weekend.
The Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition (www.lgbtlancaster.org) will host “SLAY – Halloween Party” running from 7-10 p.m. on October 27 at EsoArts.
The event will feature music by a deejay as well as a photo booth.
Costumes and masks are recommended. Tickets cost $60.
Phantom Power (121 W. Frederick Street, Millersville) will host a Halloween-themed drag show called “Count Barley’s Halloween Masquerade” on October 28.
The show, which is 21-and-older, features Big Fat Meanies, The Warped Band, and Dog Barking Men Shouting.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Audience members are encouraged to dress up for a costume contest. Tickets are $15.
On October 28, it will be time for the “Spooky Science Trick or Treat” at the North Museum (North Museum of Nature and Science, 400 College Avenue, Lancaster, northmuseum.org).
The event, which runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., features a spooktacular day of thrills, chills, and good old-fashioned fun.
Interactive science activities include slippery slime fun, a storyteller’s spellbinding ghost stories and Frankenstein-themed what’s-in-the-box surprises.
Popular attractions will be a Costume Contest, Trick-or-Treating, Slime Lab and spooky experiments and activities.
Tickets are $11.
On October 29, Kitchen Kettle Village (3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, www.kitchenkettle.com) will host “Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash” beginning at 10 a.m.
Visitors can safely enjoy a meal, some colorful characters, including Village mascot Yummie, a costume contest, special treats and more.
This family friendly event includes:
Meal vouchers for use at the Harvest Cafe between 11a.m.-5 p.m. for lunch.
Spooky Bakery Box filled with sweet & scary surprises from the Bake Shop.
Costume Contest with cash prizes at the stage area for all children beginning at 11 a.m.
Contactless photo opportunities with Yummie & Friends near Girls Day Out from 11 a.m.-noon.
Special treat bag filled with a “treasure map” featuring locations in the Village for exclusive surprises and treats.
All children under 18 years old attending the event will receive a treat bag and may participate in the Costume Contest.
Ticket prices are: Children, $12.95 (ages 3-10); Adults, $19.95; and Toddlers (2 and under), free.
