Halloween is a blast in Philadelphia, with events, tours, haunted houses, and parties all month long to keep you in the holiday spirit.
When: Sept. 30-Oct. 31 (mostly weekends, see website for full schedule)Where: 2200 S. Swanson St., South PhillyThis old South Philly warehouse also purportedly served as an insane asylum for a time. Every Halloween season, it transforms into a haunted house so freaky that it has made the Travel Channel's list of America's Scariest Haunted Attractions.
When: late Sept.-early Nov. (see site for full schedule)
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd and Fairmount Avenues
Terror Behind the Walls is easily the biggest haunted house in Philadelphia, in the most fitting location. Eastern State Penitentiary , an operating prison from 1829-1970 is open as a historical attraction year-round, and it's scary enough even without the costumed ghouls jumping out from every direction. Children under the age of seven are not admitted, and those between the ages 7-12 are advised to come on Family Nights, when yelling the phrase "Monster be good!" will make the monsters back off. On normal nights, that will only make them come after you more.
When: Year-round including daily throughout the month of October
Where: Old City
Learn about Philadelphia's ghosts during this walking tour of Old City.
When: Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 1-31
Where: Battleship New Jersey
A special haunted house aboard this real working battleship will serve as a fundraiser for the historic site. See the Battleship of NJ website for a complete list of special Halloween activities.
Shiverfest
When: October 15, 2011
Where: Riverbend Educational Center, Gladwyne
Family friendly Halloween activities include a reptile show, pumpkin decorating, crafts, a campfire, costume contest and haunted hike.
Boo at the Zoo
When: October 22 & 23 and 29 & 30, 2011
Where: The Philadelphia Zoo
For two weekends, the Zoo will host a costume party, trick-or-treating, games and crafts, all free with Zoo admission.
Laurel Hill Cemetery Flashlight Tours
When: October 28 & 29, 2011
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery
Tour the graveyard in the dark to learn about the people buried there over its 300+ years. Visit Laurel Hill's website for details of other Halloween-themed events throughout the month. Not recommended for kids.
Pumpkinfest
When: October 29, 2011
Where: Franklin Square
At this Halloween extravaganza, children are encouraged to come in costume for games, live music, a parade and much more.
Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Presents "Heroween"
When: Oct. 29, 2011, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: City Tap House (3925 Walnut St.)
Halloween event to benefit the Ronald McDonald House featuring a DJ, beer, costumes, raffle and more.
Halloween Party for Families
When: October 30, 2011
Where: Filter Square
Come out to Fitler Square for a barbecue, pumpkin hunt, face painting, music and more.
