For some, Halloween is all about experiencing the scare of a lifetime, but we know our littlest travelers want the fun of fall without the fright. From spooky-themed amusement parks to pumpkin picking, kids (and kids-at-heart) can take in the season with some not-so scary thrills.
1. Knoebels
Elysburg
Every Oct. when the crisp fall winds begin to blow and Halloween approaches, Knoebels Amusement Resort transforms into a spooktacular place for ghosts and ghouls of all ages, Fridays through Sundays. Visitors can experience tasty treats, thrilling games, freaktastic attractions, and, of course, a selection of Knoebels hallo-riffic rides. There are gentle haunts including spook-tastic fun for ghouls of all ages on the Pioneer Train, scary attractions, and treats to suit everyone’s taste!
2. Northern Star Farm Fall Festival
Trappe
For some fall fun down on the farm, stop by the Northern Star Farm Fall Festival, weekends Sep. 16-Oct. 29. Navigate through the corn maze; take aim with the giant apple slingshot; saddle up for a pony ride; and enjoy a day packed with family fun.
3. Hersheypark Halloween™ | Hershey’s Chocolate World
Hershey
Experience all the chocolatey goodness of the Sweetest Place on Earth™ this Halloween! Take the Trick-or-Treat Trail through Hersheypark Halloween™, weekends Sep. 15-Oct. 29, and Hershey's Chocolate World before ending the night riding some of the park’s iconic rollercoasters. The fun doesn’t stop there! During the last two weekends of October, Hershey Gardens celebrates the storied pumpkin throughout the day during Pumpkin Palooza.
4. Colebrookdale Railroad
Boyertown
Ride the Colebrookdale Railroad and soak in the vibrant colors of fall in the Reading area. For the best view, take the two-hour, round-trip journey of the Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage, select dates Sep. 13-Nov. 19. Make the adventure extra special by reserving a spot for an optional wine tasting or other tasty treats on select dates and times!
5. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
Langhorne
Celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place, select dates Sep. 16-Nov. 5. Come in costume and enjoy special Halloween-themed shows; soar, swing, fly, and cruise on Count von Count-themed rides; and see everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume. The Sesame Street Halloween Parade features fantastic floats all decked out for the season with music and dancing that will have everyone joining in the fun.
6. Boo at the Zoo
Philadelphia
Celebrate Halloween during three fun-filled weekends (Oct. 14-29) of costumes, festive fall treats, and ghoulish fun at the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween extravaganza, Boo at the Zoo. Come dressed in your favorite costume, trick-or-treat around the Zoo, and enjoy seasonal décor, photo opportunities, festive fall offerings, fun children’s activities, and the zoo’s amazing animals!
7. ZooBoo at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Pittsburgh
The last two weekends in Oct., enter not-so-scary haunt spots, create creepy crafts, be wowed with magic, and trick-or-treat your way through the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium during their kid-friendly ZooBoo. Show off your spooktacular costumes in the Halloween parade, dance, and costume contest, and be sure to watch the animals celebrate with their own Halloween-themed treats.
8. ZOOBOO at the Erie Zoo
Erie
It's about to get spoooky at the Eerie Zoo! Back by popular demand, ZooBOO at the Erie Zoo, one of the largest kid-friendly Halloween events in Erie area, returns on select dates during Oct.! Get ready to put on your costume and experience the Zoo "Halloween style" with loads of fun events, food, and an overall grand Halloween adventure around the zoo!
9. Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
Lehighton
There's so much to see and do at the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, open daily Sep. 23-Oct. 29. Pick pumpkins, play games and enjoy daily hayrides, great food, and all sorts of pumpkin-y fun. Be sure to visit some super cute animals at the free petting farm!
10. Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland
Lancaster
A spook-tacular kingdom awaits with more than 30 spook-tastic rides, family-friendly ghouls, ghosts, and spooks, and tasty treats galore at Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland. Follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail as you soak in the colors of fall with all your royal friends at this safe, interactive trick-or-treating experience, then enjoy a ghoul-filled train ride through the park. A web of Happy Hauntings wonder awaits this October!
To see what other haunted attractions there are in Pennsylvania check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, X, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update!