Pumpkins, candy and costumes … oh my! Your family may choose to celebrate Halloween a bit differently this year due to the pandemic, but there are still plenty of ways to have fun. Many local businesses have made every effort to provide festivities that your family can enjoy while still feeling safe. And if you’re looking to stay more socially distanced in 2020, you can do that, too! Whatever you decide, Halloween can be a welcome distraction (and a bit of normalcy) for us all right now! Pandemic or not, Halloween is NOT cancelled. So go ahead and get in the spooky spirit!
In our 2020 Halloween Guide, you’ll find:
Local Festivities
Nearby Pumpkin Patches
Ways to Celebrate at Home/With a Small Group
Local Festivities
Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier
Where: 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Photo provided by Aversa PR.
Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest returns for the sixth season with with 6 weeks of stunning views, entertainment, fall food and cocktails, seasonal beers and much more. New for 2020, Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest for the first time ever in its history will operate fully at seven days a week. Hours will be from Monday to Sunday, from noon to last seating at 9:30 pm. (Hours are subject to change based on local and state guidelines.)
This year’s Chef in Residence Jon Adair will transform the current food offerings to adjust to new local, seasonal offerings. Featured favorite dishes this season include Mushroom FATbread featuring Lost Bread Co.’s dough, topped with white sauce, pancetta, ricotta and sage. For a sweet seasonal ending to the meal, don’t miss a throwback with the Pier’s Pumpkin Bread and Fried Apple Empanadas. The beer and cocktail menu also receive a seasonal revamping with local brews such as MainStay Octoberfest, Evil Genius Trick or Treat Choc Pumpkin Porter, Victory Festbier and 2SP Baby Bob Stout. For those looking to warm up with a hot, spiked drink, an Apple Spiced Toddy or S’mores cocktail with rum, hot chocolate, honey, chocolate drizzle and a ‘mallow will have you feeling cozy in no time.
For entertainment, pumpkin carving will be available on weekends from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons can pick a pumpkin from the Morgan’s Pier Pumpkin Patch for only $5/$10. Additionally, music will be provided by local entertainers every weekend on Thursday nights, Friday happy hour and night, Saturday day and night, and Sunday day.
Reservations, masks and socially distancing are required during the global pandemic.
Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square
When: Now through October 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 6th and Race Streets, Philadelphia
Lights, fog, cobwebs, and more return to this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course where you can putt through city icons and landmarks. Masks are required, and to maintain social distancing, guests are asked not to proceed until the next hole until the group ahead has moved on. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets in advance HERE.
Night Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary
When: Select dates now through November 15
Where: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
The annual haunted house event, Terror Behind the Walls, is cancelled this year due to the pandemic. But you can STILL visit one of the most famous prisons in the world this fall! The penitentiary is offering Night Tours, allowing visitors to explore the dark, abandoned cellblocks like never before. These self-guided tours include access to historic locations in the complex such as Al Capone’s Cell and Death Row. You can also enjoy “The Voices of Eastern State” audio Tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi. Tickets start at $19 and vary by night. Find out more about the event and purchase tickets HERE.
Halloween Movies at The Philly Drive-In Presented by T-Mobile
When: Select nights, see schedule below. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. Movies begin at 7 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Park, Montgomery Drive and Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia
Brick or Treat at Legoland Discovery Center
When: Now through – November 1
Where: Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting
Nightmare Before Tinsel Pop-Up Haunted Restaurant
When: Now through Halloween, open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia
Photo provided by Aversa PR.
Nightmare Before Tinsel is set in the home of Tinsel Philadelphia’s Pop-up Christmas Bar. The former jewelry store turned rotating pop-up space will host a special socially-distanced version of Nightmare Before Tinsel during the global pandemic. This year, Nightmare Before Tinsel will transition from being a Halloween pop-up bar to a social-distanced spooky season walk-through experience with themed drinks and food served outside at cafe seating and the newly built streetery, plus next door on either side at Sueno and Finn McCool’s. For guest seating, parties of four and six can reserve socially distanced cafe seating ion front of Tinsel in the heart of the decorations.
Masks are required except for when you are seated to eat and drink.
13th Annual Scarecrow Walk at Morris Arboretum
When: Now through – November 1
Where: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 13th year (spooky right?) with the 2020 theme, “Fairy Tale ‘Crows.” Think back to your favorite fairy tales. Scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum from October 3 through November 1. Vote for your favorite to determine the winners of the Scarecrow Design Contest.
Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge
When: Saturday, October 10 and then every following weekend in October
Where: 12 restaurants in Northern Liberties – see below
Photo provided by Anejo.
Bartenders were working in their restaurants late one night, when from their bars to their streeteries they beheld an eerie sight. The city’s top Bloody Mary began to rise, and suddenly to their surprise the top foodie neighborhood did the mash. Neighbors and visitors are doing the Monster Mash. The Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge will be a true spooky-season smash. With tons of great brunch spots all in a row, the competition caught on in a bacon-infused flash!
From restaurants lining North Second Street and even Jerry’s to the East, one by one from Urban Village and El Camino, did the vampires crave a feast. With SET and Anejo newly debuting their humble abodes, the neighborhood will get a jolt from the winner’s red-hot electrodes.
Zombies over 21 will be having tons of fun, but as the locals know brunch season only just begun. The scene has been rockin’ with tables six feet apart, but as sweater weather takes over remember to tip well and then depart. Guests will include Wolfman, Dracula and anyone in your COVID pod. No matter who you bring, though, don’t forget masks for everyone in your squad.
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is doing the Monster Mash. This new event is a not-so-spooky Halloween smash. Look for garnish, bacon, hot sauce and pickles too. Get ready for a twist on the Bloody Mary unlike any you ever knew.
Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge is set for an October 10th debut. This new event will help restaurants recover with an idea fun and brand new. Make a brunch reservation and get ready to vote for the winner. Don’t forget to order food with your drink, as all beverages must be accompanied by a form of dinner.
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District presents the Monster Mash with help and support from each participating restaurant and bar. Each eatery will feature one themed Bloody Mary as they compete head-to-head in this fun and light-hearted neighborhood spar.
Participating competitors will include the following, While there can be just winner, the other restaurants will be wallowing. They are all doing the Monster Mash. Come and join them in the new Northern Liberties Monster Mash:
Abbaye
Anejo Philly
El Camino
Germantown Garden
Germantown Garden Grill
Heritage
Jerry’s Bar
Ortliebs
Set NoLibs
Standard Tap
Urban Village Brewing Company
Philly AIDS Thrift Drive-In Movie Night Featuring Beetlejuice
When: Wednesday, October 14, doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard
Photo provided by Aversa PR.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, BEETLEJUICE! Say his name and he will appear! Look for the legend to welcome guests and help Philly AIDS Thrift pay tribute to this exciting milestone!
Philly AIDS Thrift is celebrating their 15th Anniversary with a Drive-In Movie Night featuring Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice! Tickets are $30 per car with each car enjoying admission to the movie plus a free bag of tricks and treats. Attendees can feel free to bring their own dinner – or enjoy food from a selection of local food trucks on site. Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance at the PFS website.
In addition to the Movie Night, PAT is also hosting their biggest sale of the year from Thursday, October 8th through Saturday, October 11th. Look forward to a different offer every day along with complimentary cake while supplies last. The non-profit organization has become known as one of the largest retail stores for costumes, accessories and decorations during spooky season each and every year. Money raised from the drive-in and the sale will help push Philly AIDS Thrift towards a very special and giant monetary milestone to be announced soon.
Annual Boo at the Zoo at Philadelphia Zoo
When: October 16-18, October 23-25 and October 30-November 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Where: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
Photo provided by Aversa PR.
Enjoy three wild weekends of Halloween fun with the family as Boo at the Zoo takes over Philadelphia Zoo. Come dressed in your favorite costume, enjoy a COVID-friendly, socially distanced parade, seasonal decor, the Great Pumpkin Wall, photo opportunities, and a spooktacular good time. Instead of trick or treating around the Zoo, there will be treat bags given away courtesy of Mars. The annual not-so-scary extinction graveyard will showcasing extinct animals and animals the Zoo is trying to save from extinction. Fall food and drink special offerings will include hot apple cider, sweets and treats, and more to be announced soon.
All health and safety precautions are in place for Boo at the Zoo – including the wearing of COVID 19-safe face masks and practicing social distancing.
Timed reservations will go on sale on October 1. Boo at the Zoo is included with the price of admission. Zoo admission is $24.00 for adults (ages 12 and up), $19.00 for children (2 to 11), and free for children under two.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
When: Weekends, September 26 through November 1
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place! The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, pumpkin decorating, swinging, flying, and cruising on Count von Count-themed mechanical rides, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats! Note that reservations must be made online. Masks are required.
ALL NEW Halloween Drive-Thru at Sesame Place
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in October
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
For the first time ever, families can enjoy a Halloween-themed experience at Sesame Place from the comfort of their cars! Enjoy a special soundtrack, festive decor, millions of lights and Sesame Place characters dressed up in costume on Halloween themed floats. Tickets are $35 per car, and Season Pass Members save 20% on admission.
Scarecrow Season at Peddler’s Village
When: September 9 – October 31
Where: 2400 Street Road, New Hope
Peddler’s Village is kicking off its 41st Annual Scarecrow Season with a property-wide display of scarecrows created by individuals and local businesses and organizations. While the traditional Festival is cancelled due to the pandemic, they will sill be hosting scarecrow-making workshops designed with safety in mind on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 as well as Saturday, September 19 and 26. Get more details (and register) for the workshops at THIS link.
Sleepy Hollow Hayride/House in the Hollow
When: Opens September 26 and runs throughout the Halloween Season
Where: Sleepy Hollow, 881 Highland Rd., Newtown
Venture down into THE HOLLOW through the abandoned gardens and deep into the winding crypts and catacombs deep beneath the manor. An expansive cemetery and dark woods provide bone-chilling frights at every turn.
Dare to enter the gates of THE FIELD and wander through the ruins of a bewitched village haunted by ghosts of the outlaws and outcasts that lived there in the 1800’s. Continue through the deserted section of the farm no longer in use after the tragic events of the past. Plenty of new frights for 2020.
This year, they are selling a limited number of tickets for each half hour to maintain safe capacity and eliminate long wait times.
Homicide and Hauntings – Murder Mystery Walking Tour at Peddler’s Village
When: Fridays through Sundays, October 3 – November 8, select times
Where: Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska (Meet at the Cock ‘n Bull lobby)
Peddler’s Village is known for their Murder Mystery Dinners, but in the times of corona, they’re getting creative with these new Murder Mystery Walking Tours.
Being a ghost doesn’t mean you can’t be driven to murder.
The ghosts of Peddler’s Village are in a quandary. Some of them have been disappearing…for good…and no one wants to be next. When a specter finds itself permanently dispatched to the Great Beyond, what can it do but investigate? Hear spine-tingling ghost lore of Bucks County while you help discover which apparition is bumping off the others…with bumps in the night.
When afterlives collide, who will be left with a ghost of a chance? Can you solve a murder at Homicide and Hauntings?
Tickets are $25 per person. Dinner is not included, but you receive a 10% discount at several Village restaurants when you show your receipt.
Halloween Themed Event (for adults) and Trick or Treat Trains (all ages) on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
When: Select dates and times October 8 – October 31, see site for details
Where: New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 W. Bridge St, New Hope
The New Hope Railroad is offering two Halloween-themed excursions – one for adults, and one for all ages. The adults event is meant to spook and delight passengers. The Trick or Treat event will include a live reading of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and trick or treating around the station platform. Masks are required while on the train.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Glow Festival
When: Friday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Slatington Airport, 1000 Airport Lane, Slatington
This one might be worth the drive! Lehigh Valley Hot Air is hosting this Halloween themed event for families to have some safe fun at a distance. The Hot Air balloons will begin inflating at 6:00 PM. Tethered rides will begin at 5:00. All drive through vehicles must enter and exit from the airport main entrance. All guests with VIP lawn tickets must remain in their designated area for the duration of the event. Each child under 10 will receive a pre packaged trick or treat bag, while supplies last. There will also be a DJ playing Halloween themed music and fireworks at 10 p.m. Find out more HERE.
Franklin Fright Weekend at the Franklin Institute
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 31 and November 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 271 North 21st Street, Philadelphia
Trick or treat indoors at The Franklin Institute this Halloween weekend when spooky science, liquid scare shows, and other frightfully-fun festivities take over the entire museum. Put on your best, most creative costume and experience ghostly science as you tour the museum, trick or treat through exhibit galleries and knock on the Halloween-inspired doors—behind them, a witch, a pirate, or even Ben Franklin might appear to hand out goodies! Included with the price of admission. Purchase tickets HERE.
Photo by Michelle Reese
Nearby Pumpkin Patches
PumpkinLand at Linvilla Orchards
When: Now through November 8; Sundays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Note: Hours change after October 30. Some activities are only open specific hours. Check the website for more details.)
Where: 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
Linvilla’s PumpkinLand is always a fall favorite! Bring the family out for harvest hayrides, straw bale and corn maze, pony rides, apple blasters, and more. This year, they are doing timed tickets for daytime activities plus their Autumn Moon, Harvest and Witch’s rides. If you’re just coming to purchase a pumpkin, you do not need timed tickets. (Note: They do not offer pick-your-own pumpkins. But you can find a huge selection in all colors, sizes and shapes!)
October Weekends at Snipes Farm & Education Center
When: October 3 – October 25; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 890 W. Bridge Street, Morrisville
Enjoy a day on the farm! The Big Barn Market will have farm fresh produce, pumpkins, fall decorations and yummy fall delicacies such as fresh baked pies, caramel apples, fresh pressed apple cider and cider slushies. Adventures abound on the farm, from the hay pyramid to the woods and trails. Explore the Land of Scarecrows. Find the perfect pumpkin in the patch. Visit the Old Time Farm Museum. Go on a scavenger hunt. Meet the animals, and more! You can even bring your own picnic lunch.
Note that for the safety of guests and staff, you must wear masks at all times except for when eating at a designated picnic table. They will be limiting entry, which will be first come, first entry basis. Admission is $7 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free. All proceeds from Fall Weekends support Snipes Farm and Education Center’s mission to model and teach sustainable farming while building community and reconnecting people to the land.
Shady Brook Farm Fall Fest 2020
When: Wednesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last wagon leaving at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with last wagon leaving at 9 p.m. (Hours are slightly different if visiting before October 2)
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd. Yardley
Shady Brook Farm is always a popular destination this time of year! The 2020 version of Fall Fest looks a little different from the past, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had! They’re going back to basics with loads of old fashioned family fun: wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking in the apple orchard, and pick your own sunflowers + a sunflower stroll. (Note that sunflowers are apples are just about over now.) Be sure to bring your cameras/phones because there are new photo props this year! The kids can cruise around their re-designed SBF 500 Tryke Track, play on the playground, Giant Jumping Pillow, Spider Web, & explore the huge Corn Maze (including an after-dark flashlight maze). All included in the price of admission. They also have Gem Mining for an extra fee. Starting October 2, their re-designed Barn of Horrors and Alien Encounter will also be open, featuring animatronic characters. Due to the pandemic, there will be no Hayride of Horror or live actors this year. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Please note that masks are required for guests 3 and up during check in and when social distancing is difficult. You can see all our the procedures Shady Brook is following at this time HERE.
Admission: Children under 24 months are free, all other guests need a ticket for admission. $12 weekdays, $18 weekends (weekend hours start Fri @ 5pm). Ticket time slots are to stagger entry. You may spend 3 hours at FallFest.
Fall Fest at Hellerick’s Family Farm
When: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the last entry at 5 p.m. and last hayride at 5:30 p.m.
Where: 5500 N. Easton Road, Doylestown
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a great day of fun on the farm. General Admission includes entry to the 18 acre Adventure Farm area which includes Hayrides, 2 Corn mazes, Farm animals, 3 slides, Tractor Tire playground and 40+ activities for children and adults of all ages. Click HERE to see the activities included in the admission. Please wear masks upon entry and while on the hayride. Tickets are $12.99 per person. Reservations are required, and admission is limited to 3 hours. Children 2 and under are free.
Froelich’s Farm Fall Festival
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. You can also visit JUST the Pumpkin Patch at no admission charge/reservation on Fridays only from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 3143 York Road, Furlong
Fall is not complete without a festival to celebrate the changing of the leaves, the chill in the air, and, of course, Halloween! The festival at Froehlich’s Farm offers fun for all ages. Thee $10 Patch Pass (available at the door only) gets you access to festival activities such as PYO pumpkin patch, live music, scarecrows, hay maze etc. An Activity Pass is $20 per person and includes all festival activities plus the hayride, corn maze, Monster Slide, Cow Train, pumpkin decorating and pumpkin shoot out. Find out more HERE. Under 24 months is free.
Masks are required for all guests over the age of 2 except while sitting to eat or drink.
Fall Festival Weekends at Charlann Farms
When: Now through November 1, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 586 Stonyhill Road, Yardley
Enjoy a day on the farm with activities such as pumpkin painting (each child will receive a sugar pumpkin to decorate), live animals, straw maze, barrel cart ride, straw mountain, corn pit, pumpkin bowling, and more. Tickets are $7.99 per person for ages 2 and up. You must purchase a timed ticket, which is good for a specific 2-hour slot. At the end of your time slot, an announcement will be made, and the staff will then sanitize before the next group. Guests over the age of 3 must wear masks except for when eating. Purchase tickets and find out more HERE.
Ways to Celebrate at Home/With a Small Group
According to the COVID Risk Levels Dashboard on globalepidemics.org, Philadelphia County is currently rated “Orange” in a scale of Green, Yellow, Orange, Red with Green being the safest and Red being the riskiest. That being said, you’ll probably find a real mix of people that feel comfortable trick or treating and those that prefer to stay home this year.
Whether you plan to go trick or treating on Halloween night or not, you might be looking for some suggestions to celebrate at home or with a close group of friends this year. Here are some suggestions:
- Go ALL out with decorating this year. Whether you DIY or let the kids help with shopping, making your home into your own little haunted house is sure to make you feel frightfully festive.
- Organize a Halloween parade in your neighborhood. This is probably the closest to traditional trick or treating, but instead of going door to door, families can simply walk on the sidewalks around the neighborhood in an organized/spaced fashion. If you want to give out treats, place individual bags on a table at the end of your driveway.
- Decorate or carve pumpkins. This is always a Halloween favorite, but make it extra special this year by getting together with some friends outside or organizing Zoom parties.
- Have a face mask party! In true 2020 fashion, your “QuaranTeam” can get together to decorate masks instead of pumpkins this year. Order up a bunch of plain cotton masks. (Or you could even use disposables) and let the kids go nuts with puffy pant, fabric markers and more.
- “BOO” a Neighbor! During the month of October, choose one neighbor and secretly leave a Halloween package at their front door along with a “Boo” poem asking them to pass it on and a “We’ve Been Boo’ed” sign for them to hang on their door. Get ideas/printables HERE.
- Have a Halloween Movie Marathon. You can do this with just your family, invite a few friends and watch on a projector in the backyard, or even use a program like Netflix Party to watch remotely with others.
- Plan a Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Make the kids “work” for their candy this year by figuring out clues! Place small pieces of candy at the site of each new clue, eventually leading them to a big bag or Giant sized candy bar. You can find plenty of ideas on Pinterest, but HERE‘s a link to a free printable.
- Go on a Candy Hunt … in your yard or house! Think Easter egg hunt, Halloween style. Get creative by using glow-in-the-dark eggs or using flashlights.
- Find Halloween-themed recipes and have a family bake-off!
