Whether you’re new to Philly or have lived here your whole life, there’s always something to do—and Halloween is no exception! From ghost tours along historic streets to haunted houses and family-friendly fall activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
As local Philadelphia real estate agents, our love for this city goes beyond its homes. We appreciate its history, beautiful architecture, and the people who make each neighborhood special. Here are ten Halloween activities in and around Philadelphia to explore this year.
1. Take a Ghost Tour of Historic Philadelphia
See another side of Old City and Society Hill on the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. This candlelit walking tour shares local ghost stories as you explore historic streets, gardens, and landmarks around Independence Park.
It’s a good choice if you enjoy storytelling and history more than jump scares. Make it an evening out with dinner nearby and a walk through the neighborhood.
Where: Explore the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia for details.
2. Experience Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State’s Halloween event combines five haunted houses with live entertainment, historic tours, and themed bars and lounges inside the former prison. The setting alone makes this a memorable place to spend a spooky evening.
If you remember Terror Behind the Walls, look for the updated event name: Halloween Nights. This pick is best for visitors who enjoy intense scares and want several experiences in one place. The event recommends ages 12 and older; children under seven are not admitted.
3. Brave Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk
Lincoln Mill turns a historic Manayunk mill into a horror experience with live scare actors, detailed sets, animatronics, and special effects.
The attraction’s story follows a sinister mill owner and the spirits of his workers. Come for the scares, then make time for a meal along Main Street.
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House. 4100 Main Street, Philadelphia.
4. Join a Philadelphia Halloween Bar Crawl
A Halloween bar crawl is a fun excuse to get dressed up and spend a night out with friends. Bar Crawl LIVE’s 2026 Philadelphia event offers participating bars and clubs, drink specials, and costume festivities.
Check the specific ticket package before buying, since participating venues, check-in locations, and included perks can differ. Plan your ride home before heading out.
Where: Participating Philadelphia bars and clubs. Explore Philadelphia’s Halloween Bar Crawl.
5. Solve a Spooky Escape Room
Prefer solving clues to walking through a haunted house? A horror-themed escape room gives your group a mystery to work through together.
One Philadelphia option is MindEscape’s Escape Jack the Ripper, a suspenseful game set in Victorian London. It’s an indoor choice for a chilly or rainy evening. Check the room’s age requirements and scare level before booking, especially if your group includes younger players.
Where: MindEscape, Philadelphia. 521 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
6. Go Trick-or-Treating at Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo brings costumes, candy, and fall decorations to the Philadelphia Zoo. Families can follow the trick-or-treat route and visit the animals during the same outing.
Bring a candy bag and comfortable shoes for little ones. This is an easy choice for families who want Halloween fun without an intense haunted attraction. Boo at the Zoo is included with general admission or membership.
7. Play Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square gives its Philadelphia-themed mini golf course a Halloween makeover with seasonal decorations, lights, music, and fog.
Choose a daytime visit for a gentler experience with younger kids, or an evening round for more spooky atmosphere. It’s a good option for a casual date, a family outing, or friends who want Halloween fun with fewer scares.
8. Celebrate at Sesame Place’s Halloween Spooktacular
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place is designed for families who want silly, gentle Halloween fun. Expect trick-or-treating, character photos, themed shows, and the Sesame Street Halloween Parade.
Children can wear costumes and meet their favorite Sesame Street friends dressed for the occasion. The annual costume contest takes place on October 31, 2026. Check which activities require an extra ticket when planning your visit.
9. Visit Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride
Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride offers three different ways to get scared: a haunted motel, a hayride through the woods, and a haunted corn trail.
Located at Arasapha Farm in Glen Mills, it’s a regional outing for friends who enjoy actors, elaborate sets, and outdoor Halloween atmosphere. Dress for the weather and choose this one for a group that’s comfortable with intense scares.
10. Take a Ghost Tour of New Hope
Head to Bucks County for a lantern-led walk through New Hope’s streets and alleyways. Ghost Tours of New Hope shares local legends and stories about the river town’s haunted past.
Pair the tour with dinner or an afternoon exploring town for a fall outing beyond Philadelphia. This is a storytelling experience, making it a different kind of evening from the larger haunted attractions.
Where: meet at the corner of Main and Ferry St., by the Benjamin Parry Mansion.
One of our favorite things about Philadelphia is that it keeps giving us new places to explore and reasons to love living here. Whether you’re discovering the city for the first time or revisiting a longtime favorite, we hope this list helps you plan a fun fall outing.
If you’re thinking about making Philly home or moving to a new neighborhood, Venture Philly Group is here to help. We’d love to help you find a home—and a part of the city—you’ll love.