The Best Halloween Attractions Near Bucks County & Philadelphia

Halloween is one of the best times of the year. All sorts of attractions arise ranging from haunted houses, hayrides (both haunted and not), haunted walks, and spooky tours. Whether you are a fan of the spookiness or simply enjoy a Halloween-themed night of mini-golf, one of these places is sure to make your night. Families may also enjoy some of these destinations as not all of them are meant to be scary. For directions, see the map below.

Here’s our list of the best Halloween Attractions near Bucks County & Philadelphia.

John’s Driving School is not affiliated with any of the businesses, organizations, or locations below.

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY

(Philadelphia, PA)

During the Halloween season, The Eastern State Penitentiary holds 15 different attractions within its halls, with 2 haunted houses, 3 non-scary immersive walk-through experiences, 4 themed bars and lounges, and much more. Eastern State is sure to satisfy everyone, from the most exuberant Halloween fans to the most modest.

PHILLY GHOSTS

(Philadelphia, PA)

Philly Ghosts take visitors on a tour to learn about the dark, haunted side of the City of Brotherly Love. Philly Ghost’s tours take you through some of the oldest parts of Philadelphia, shedding light on the shocking hauntings experienced on a regular basis. Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the country, it’s time you see the haunted side of it as well.

FRIGHT FACTORY

(Philadelphia, PA)

Tickets for Philadelphia’s Fright Factory are now on sale. Starting on September 24th and running until October 31st, the Fright Factory opens its 25,000 sq. ft basement and converts it into an adult-themed haunted house. The basement of the 120-year-old factory is split into 3 different themes for visitors to enjoy a terrifying walk.

SPOOKY TWILIGHT TOURS

(Philadelphia, PA)

Friday evenings in October from 6p-8p, Spooky Twilight Tours takes people back in time to the gruesome history of infection and inoculation in the old city of Philadelphia. After learning about the history dark history of Philadelphia you’ll be escorted into the house for a spooky, shadowy tour. Tickets will cost you $10 in advance or at the door.

FORT MIFFLIN

(Philadelphia, PA)

Fort Mifflin hosts all sorts of Halloween attractions during the season. Enjoy Candlelight ghost tours and a one-time ghost hunt at midnight on September 25th at midnight. The fort also hosts a night filled with a paranormal investigation where you get to the buildings and myths of Fort Mifflin with the option of staying the night.

SPOOKY MINI GOLF AT FRANKLIN SQUARE

(Philadelphia, PA)

Approaching Halloween from October 5-28, Franklin Square put on a number of Spooky Mini Golf nights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 6p-9p. You can make it a night by going to the many different Halloween attractions in the area as well.

MORRIS ARBORETUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

(Philadelphia, PA)

The Morris Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a family-friendly Halloween night out. The Morris Arboretum at Penn University hosts an annual scarecrow competition that is open to the public. The contest is free to join and will be judged by visitors walking through the arboretum from October 2nd through October 31st. The top three scarecrows win cash prizes, with the winner taking home $250.

SLEEPY HOLLOW HAUNTED ACRES

(Newtown, PA)

Starting on September 25th, Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres open up to indulge your spooky fantasies. There are two main attractions here that consist of The Hollow and The Field, both of which are sure to leave you scared. To see both attractions visitors are required to buy a ticket for the price of $25.

BATES MOTEL AND HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

(Glen Mills, PA)

The Bates Motel opens its doors on September 24th, with tickets being available now. This haunted house was voted “Best Haunted House in America” by CNN Travel. The Bates Motel brings out everything they have with high-tech special effects, digital soundtracks, and spectacular lighting. All that and more makes Bates Motel one of the best haunted houses in Bucks County.

BOO AT THE ZOO AT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO (Kid Friendly)

(Norristown, PA)

Boo at the Zoo is a kid-focused event at the Elmwood Park Zoo starting on October 9th. Bring the little ones for a fun-filled afternoon for princesses, ghosts, and superheroes of all ages. Make sure to bring your trick-or-treat bag, as treat and activity stations will be located throughout the zoo.

BOO AT THE ZOO AT THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO (Kid Friendly)

(Philadelphia, PA)

Three weekends from October 16th to October 31st, the Philadelphia Zoo hosts Boo at The Zoo. During this annual event, families are encouraged to come wearing costumes to explore the Zoo during the autumn season. Along the way, families can enjoy festive fall offerings and plenty of treats.

PENNHURST ASYLUM

(Spring City, PA)

Located just outside of Philadelphia, the Pennhurst State School and Hospital was once an institution for the mentally and physically disabled. After shutting down in 1987 due to chronic overcrowding and patient abuse, Pennhurst is now open annually for a scary night you’ll remember forever.

MIDNIGHT PRODUCTIONS

(Newtown, PA)

Join the Midnight Productions team during the fall season in their production of The House in The Hollow, a ghost story come to life. Although the production is safe for all ages and there is no touching involved, be aware that is intended to be scary.

THE VALLEY OF FEAR

(Feasterville, PA)

The Valley of Fear takes you through horrifying woods on a haunted hayride that’ll leave you terrified. With gigantic sets and twisting, disorienting trails,  you’ll see why it was recently named Hayride Of The Year and the all-new 2021 production of the Original Haunted Hayride will top all others. The Valley of Fear opens on September 24 and stays open until November 6.

Browse the map below for directions to each attraction!