Philadelphia Halloween Guide From a Haunted Prison to a Family Science Day
PHILADELPHIA — Halloween season is underway in Philadelphia, with events ranging from a haunted historic prison to family-friendly science experiments. Here is a look at some of the biggest celebrations around the city this October.
The centerpiece is Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, returning for its 35th season on select nights from Oct. 2 through Nov. 7. The former prison’s 11-acre site hosts five haunted houses, including an expanded version of The Crypt, plus historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances and food vendors. New this year are a Scare Cam that puts visitors in on the action and an After Dark VIP Tour with a guide-led flashlight walk, front-of-line access and a stop at the Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell. Timed-entry tickets are required, and organizers recommend booking ahead.
For families, the Franklin Institute hosts Spooky Science Day on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 271 North 21st Street. The event features fall-inspired activities including a live science show, pumpkin carving turned into a science experiment and demonstrations with slime, dough and putty. Costumes are encouraged and the event is included with general museum admission. A Sensory Friendly Halloween edition on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. offers a calmer experience with sensory-friendly shows, trick-or-treating and hands-on activities, with doors opening 30 minutes early.
History meets Halloween in the Historic District on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starting at the Independence Visitor Center at 599 Market Street, families can pick up treat bags and maps for district-wide trick-or-treating, join pumpkin painting at 11 a.m. and explore landmarks offering ghostly tales and special activities.
The Philadelphia Zoo combines fall color with Halloween frights during its month-long Boo at the Zoo. The zoo’s 1,500 trees turn shades of burgundy, yellow and orange, and visitors can take in the canopy from the new 10-story Pherris Wheel. Early risers can book Wake Up With Wildlife Premium Tours on Oct. 11 at 8:30 a.m., including a stop inside The Solitude, a 1784 mansion said to be the most haunted building on the zoo grounds.
Beyond the ticketed attractions, Halloween creativity thrives on ordinary streets. In Chester County, one homeowner turned a front yard into a fantasy scene built around a pirate skeleton with theatrical lighting — more playful than frightening, creating a lasting Halloween memory for neighbors and passersby.
