Philly’s family-friendly Halloween happenings

Do you like to be scared? I don’t! My ideal Halloween experience is all about the pumpkins, the leftover candy and finding a cute costume for my 90-pound Yellow Lab (it’s hard to beat the football jersey that says “Wide Retriever” that we found a few years back).

If you’re like me and are looking for less than spooky Halloween events for your family, you’re in luck: there are more fun, family-focused Halloween events throughout the Philly area every year.  Here are a few that take place the weekend before Halloween (10/26-28) that look really inviting:

Neighborhood Fun

Witches of Narberth: Bring your kids to a free scavenger hunt event this Saturday (10/27) in which they hunt through Narberth for 13 witches! Costumes optional; collect treats while you go.

Halloween on the Hill: Historic Chestnut Hill is one of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods that welcomes kids 12 & under in costume this Sunday (10/28) from 1-3pm to collect treats at businesses along Germantown Avenue.

South Street Fall Pumpkin Fest: Trick or treating, hay rides, circus acts, crafts and even a straw bale maze right in the city make up this fun urban Halloween fest this Saturday (10/27) in Headhouse Square.

Arts & Culture

The Penn Museum Día de los Muertos Festival: Music, stories, dance and art for the whole family this Saturday (10/27) focusing on Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead.

The Seaport Spooktacular: This Saturday, (10/27) kids can trick or treat and listen to ghost stories while they explore the decks of the Seaport Museum’s historic ships.

Franklin Institute Fright Weekend: Where else in the world could you walk through a haunted Giant Heart?! All weekend (10/27 & 10/28), kids can make their own slime and check out spooky science shows.

Smith Playground Healthy Halloween: Can healthy and Halloween go together? Hats off to Smith Playground for creating a fun event (10/27) with live music, nature explorations, a petting zoo, messy arts—and healthy Halloween treats.

Animals & Nature

Boo At The Zoo: Kids can go on a trick or treat safari, run through a hay bale maze and also learn about animal extinction in a not-so-scary animal extinction graveyard (10/27-28).

Schuylkill Center’s annual Halloween Hikes and Hayrides : This Friday night (10/26) , you and your kids can take a candlelit hike to meet nocturnal animals, go on a hayride and enjoy  Halloween craft activities. Food truck offerings are available for dinner, too.

What Halloween events will you participate in with your family? Please share in the comments below. Have fun, stay safe and have a happy Halloween!