This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Local Halloween Events!

Looking for some things to do locally or in you area this October? Please check out the many events that are happening this year! From Pumpkin picking to Spooktakular Parties, there will be something for you to do!

 

LOCAL EVENTS

 

Halloween Costume Bash

Enjoy a well-deserved break from the rigors of 24/7 parenthood with our Parents Night Out program. While you recharge with some precious “me” time, we’ll keep your kids active and entertained with a full schedule of fitness activities, crafts and games in a safe and caring environment. Programs are for ages 3-10. Nonmembers welcome.

Find out what's happening in Wellesleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Friday, October 18, 2013, 6:00 PM at the Wellesley Boston sports clubs

Parents Night Out Activities:

Find out what's happening in Wellesleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

• Sports

• Arts and crafts

• Games and relays

• Laser tag and more

*Pizza Provided

 

3rd Annual Superheroes Party

Saturday, October 19, 2013, 10:30 AM at Linden Square Courtyard, 180 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 

Parents and children are invited to fly, zip and zoom to Linden Square for our 3rd Annual Superheroes Party and an enjoy an action-packed afternoon of fun including:

  • Photos & fun with your favorite superheroes
  • Visits from the local heroes of the Wellesley Police & Dire Department
  • Airbrush tattoos
  • Super treats and crafts
  • Great gift bags and more!

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

 

Halloween Prowl at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Oct 25, 26 &27 starting at 5:30-8:00 pm at Moose Hill is located at 293 Moose Hill St, Sharon, MA.

Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill is celebrating its 30th year of its very popular Halloween Prowl. This annual event is experienced in a creative, non-scary, safe and educational manner. It is an enchanting evening with many delights including a barn filled with Jack-o'-lanterns. Discover the history of Halloween from a Druid and then encounter costumed characters performing nature skits as you are guided along a candle-lit trail. After the hour-long guided walk, return to the Nature Center for refreshments. Sing along with the folk singers as you enjoy the campfire. If you have come in the past, please note that the characters change every year. All are encouraged to wear a costume to be part of the fun as we will have an on-going costume “parade” as participants are checked in. New this year…after your walk, search for stamps to complete your Prowl Passport. The guided tours are every 15 minutes, rain or shine!
Tickets are $9, children under 3 are free. There are no refunds or exchanges on Prowl reservations. Pre-registration is required, call Moose Hill at 781-784-5691.This annual event is the perfect fall kick-off outing for scout and other community groups.

 

Halloween Trick or Treat Parade

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 11:00 AM at Dorset Organic Cafe 352 Washington St. Wellesley Hills

The Wellesley Recreation Dept. and the Wellesley Hills Merchants invite children
0-8 to participate in a Halloween Parade in Wellesley Hills. Wellesley Hills merchants will be handing out treats on the parade which finishes in Clock Tower Park with games provided by Knucklebones and a visit from the Wellesley Fire Dept. truck. The parade starts at Dorset Cafe 352 Washington St. (across from the Hills T stop) at 11. Join the fun - it's all free!

 

Halloween Family Festival, Wellness Fair, and Blood Drive!

Sunday, October 27, 2013, 11:00 AM at 125 Lakeview St., Sharon, MA 02067

A new tradition in the South Shore, our 4th Annual Halloween Family Festival is going to be even more spectacular this year!  Be sure you save the date on your calendar for Sunday October 27th, from 11-3pm.   This year brings lots of great activities for kids and families including arts and crafts, hay rides, face painting, carnival games, food trucks and a visit from our favorite critter expert Joe’s Crazzy Critters.  In addition, enjoy performances from Flying High Frisbee Dogs, and Franc Karp the Magician! New for this year our added Wellness Fair will provide the opportunity to learn about lots of local business specializing in health and wellness for your family! In addition, we’re the host site for an American Red Cross Blood drive!  If you are interested in donating please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule an appointment.

Learn more at: http://www.everwooddaycamp.com/news/4th-annual-halloween-family-festival-and-wellness-fair

 

Halloween Open House with Musical Trick-or-Treating

Sunday, October 27, 2013, 2:00 PM at Dana Hall School of Music

Families and children of all ages are invited to come in costume. The Halloween Open House features musical trick-or-treating. Behind every door, families will find a different instrument to explore from piano to violin to harp and even an Erhu.  There will also be guided instrument jams with Miss Becky for children ages 2 – 7.  And of course, candy too! Children are also invited to participate in a musical scavenger hunt. Every family receives a card with a list of instruments that can be found throughout the music school.  For every instrument found, the child receives a sticker.  Completed cards can be returned for a goody bag and to be entered in a special music raffle.
This event is so popular that R.S.V.P’s are requested although not necessary.

 

Halloween Costume Party

Wednesday, October 30, 2013, 4:00 PM at 5 Seaward Rd, Wellesley Mass. 02481

For the young and the young at heart!
Everyone is invited! We look forward to seeing all of our last year’s Pirates, witches, princesses, gypsies and more! We are so excited to see what costumes the kids will be wearing this year at our annual community Halloween Party. There will be plenty of snacks and crafts. Everyone will leave a winner! We are looking forward to a spooktacular time and wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy Halloween. - See more at: http://wellesleydentalgroup.com/blog/?p=5619#sthash.qqNq8qyD.dpuf

 

 Bates Pumpkin Fair

 Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine) at  Bates Elementary School 116 Elmwood Road

Every fall in Wellesley, children of all ages gather to enjoy one of the most anticipated events of the season, the Bates Pumpkin Fair. This wonderful event, celebrating its 40th year, is open to the public and plays host to families both near and far. ?For a ghoulishly good time, join us ton Saturday, Oct. 19 for kids’ games and activities, live entertainment, delicious food, tons of prizes and just good ole fashion Halloween fun.

So skip breakfast on Saturday and arrive first thing rain or shine! At 10 a.m. sharp, the Pumpkin Cafe will be in full swing serving hot chocolate, coffee and muffins. In the afternoon, pizza, Boloco wraps, chips, and plenty of refreshing juices and water will be available. No one will go home hungry.

After breakfast visit the sprawling Pumpkin Patch with hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes. Come early for the best selection; just tag your favorite gourd and volunteers will put your pumpkin aside. Later, pull up to the "pumpkin pickup," where pumpkins will be delivered right to your car. Out on the fields there will be Moon Bounces, sports and carnival games like Radar Ghost Ball, Scary Soccer, The Great Pumpkin and of course, the "Howl in One!" Redeem your winning tickets at the prize table for some frightfully cool prizes.

When you are ready for something sweet, be sure to visit the Sweet Treats table, where there will be plenty of baked goodies to go around -- cookies, cupcakes, caramel apples, breads and pies, all festively packaged to eat or go home with you to enjoy later. Nut-free and gluten-free items will also be available. For the third year in a row we will run the very popular "Cake Walk." Time your moves right and you will have a chance to win a variety of yummy, seasonally decked out cakes. These delicious, freshly baked confections rival any "Cake Boss."

Don't miss the legendary Haunted Hallway, all new for 2013. Come see what trick or treat lurks beyond every twist and turn. A fair favorite, it is suitable for all ages. Choose from three levels of spookiness: lights on, barely scary, to completely dark and creepy. The Haunted Hallway is sure to delight every age.

Another major attraction is the kids’ raffle. No family will want to miss a chance at winning an array of raffle prizes including an American Girl Doll, Green Machine, iPad Mini or a Kindle, all generously donated by Bates families.

Halloween Haunted House

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 5:00 PM at Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham 

It’s fun, it’s not too scary and it wouldn’t be Halloween in Needham without it!  The Haunted House at The Congregational Church of Needham is back on Saturday, October 26, 5-8pm, featuring a traditional Halloween theme sure to please kids and adults of all ages. Walk through the Haunted Cemetery, run into scary ghosts and goblins, and visit Frankenstein’s Laboratory.  A party room with a bouncy house, carnival games and food will also be available for fun without the scares. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  Tie-dyed pillowcases will also be on sale to use as candy bags for $5 each. All proceeds help fund the Senior High Youth Group’s summer mission trip to Wisconsin to rebuild houses in impoverished communities.

www.needhamucc.org or contact Rev. Jamie Green at 781-444-2510, x104, or
revjamie@needhamucc.org. Don't forget to wear your costume and bring all our friends!

 

Charles River School Family Fair and Marketplace

Saturday, October 19, 2013, 10:00 AM at  6 Old Meadow Road Dover, MA 

Charles River School in Dover, MA presents our 62nd annual Fair for the whole family including rides, games, food and fun.  A juried Craft Marketplace will be held in conjunction with the Family Fair and will feature jewelry, art, pottery, photography, woodcrafts, clothing, soaps, doll clothes, pet products, gourmet foods and much more from over 60 artists and craftspeople.

 

PumpkinFest

Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine at  340 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood (First Parish Meeting Hall)

Capture the spirit of Autumn in New England at Westwood’s annual PumpkinFest to benefit Clapboardtree Nursery School.

PumpkinFest will feature Baby Farm Animal Visits, Family Music Makers, moonwalks, games, prizes, crafts, a silent auction, a bake sale, lunch, and of course a pumpkin patch.  Don’t miss this fun-filled day for the whole family!  The event will take place at the First Parish Meeting Hall at the corner of Clapboardtree and Nahatan Streets in Westwood.  For more information, visithttp://www.clapboardtreepumpkinfest.org.

 

GREATER BOSTON

Boston Halloween Lunch Cruise – October 27 for the perfect mix of tricks and treats, bring the whole family down to the Harbor for Spirit of Boston’s festive Halloween Lunch Cruise. Enjoy an open soda and juice bar, trick or treat goodie bags for all kids and engaging DJ entertainment featuring fun games for the kids. Plus, there will be a kid’s costume parade, so don’t forget to dress up in your favorite Halloween garb!? Spirit of Boston? 200 Seaport Blvd.

Hanson’s Haunted Hayride – Friday and Saturday nights in October? Hanson’s Haunted Farm, Framingham?. Over 100 volunteers come out to thrill and scare you in an exciting hayride through our farm. We do group rates and discounts.

The Haunted Ship At the USS Salem– 739 Washington St., Quincy. Ever wanted to take a part in a real ghost tour? Members of RTS Paranormal will take you on a tour of the USS Salem’s most haunted places. See the areas that were featured on the hit TV showGhost Hunters. Prior to your tour you will receive a briefing on how the specialized “ghost hunting” equipment works and an overview of the ship, its history and our ghosts. This tour is recommended for people age 16 and older. This is a “Do Not Miss Opportunity” for anyone interested in the paranormal or ghost hunting. Our guided ghost tours are just $15 or can be combined with our haunted ship tickets for a $25 combo ticket. Have fun and happy ghost hunting.

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo – October 26-27. Franklin Park Zoo 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston Children throughout New England are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals. Thrills, chills, and animals lurk around every corner on the Trick-or-Treat Trail! Other haunted happenings offered throughout the day include: creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling costume contests and a haunted maze! Be sure to take a hay ride at Zoo Howl! Hay rides will be provided by Pine Meadow Farm and will cost $2.00 per person or three for $5.00.

Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo! – October 19-20 Stone Zoo 149 Pond Street, StonehamChildren throughout New England are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals. Thrills, chills, and animals lurk around every corner on the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Other haunted happenings offered throughout the day include: creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling costume contests, and a haunted maze!

Ghosts and Gravestones Tours of Boston – Through October. Come hear Boston’s real history – the stories you won’t hear before the sun goes down. What do you get when you combine a cursed privateer, a pyromaniac circus ringleader, a demon spat out of the pits of Hades, a homicidal opera diva, and a deranged nanny? An experience unlike anything else in Boston! Those are just a few of our guides who will drag you kicking and screaming through Boston’s sordid past. Never was there a more treacherous lot of characters – each one dying to tell you tales of Boston’s dead in their own unusual way. There are so many of us that each time you take our tour, you’ll have a startling new experience. So join us again and again! You will never know with whom you will be trapped. – 80 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston

Haunted Boston Ghost Tours?– Through November 10.  Step through the shadows and discover the chilling and ghastly tales of murder, revenge, lust, and heartache… The best way to see Historic Boston is by foot. This 90-minute walking tour takes you through the historic and haunted streets in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Daily? Central Burying Ground Boston

Frightful Friday Ghost Stories and Tour at The Gore Mansion?– October 11, 18 & 25. Gore Place 52 Gore Street Waltham. Guides lead visitors through the 1806 Governor Gore mansion where they hear stories from New England and beyond–A great way to celebrate the Halloween season and enjoy this beautiful historic house! $15, $10 members and children ages 5-12.

Beacon Hill With a Boo! – October 31. Boston By Foot, Inc. 77 North Washington Street Boston. Beacon Hill With a BOO! is the Halloween walking tour of Beacon Hill featuring the murders, executions, ghosts and politicians of this seemingly quaint neighborhood.

Spooktacular on the Common - October 26, 12:30-4pm Natick Common. The Great “Spooktacular” Event and Trick or Treat Parade is coming soon. Natick Center Associates with the Natick Recreation Department will hold the “Spooktacular” event on Saturday, October 26th beginning at 12:30 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. there will be two separate children’s parades winding their way through downtown seeking candy and treats. In the event of inclement weather, the activities will be moved to the new Community-Senior Center on East Central Street. Enjoy games, treats, the great pumpkin smash, and a costume parade through Natick Center!

Harvard Square Ghost Tour – Thursdays thru Sundays at 7:30pm -Gather round and let our professional storytellers take you on a nighttime stroll to hear about the otherworldly tales of those who lurk the shadows of Harvard Square in the night. The gruesome murders and mysterious deaths will no doubt shock you, but your guide will cut the spooky atmosphere with plenty of spirited jokes. Don’t fret, you won’t wet your knickers! This friendly ghost tour is great fun, and is appropriate for all willing ages. Harvard Square ghost tours pass through the Square, through Harvard University campus, and finish by the Cambridge Burying Yard. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Admission for the tour is $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors, $7 for kids 7-12. We gather by the Visitor Information kiosk at the Harvard Square T Stop. It’s rather hard to miss our guides in hoop skirts and top hats!

Upstairs on the Square’s Halloween Party – October 31. We look forward to Halloween all year long, because it’s our chance not only to dress up ourselves, but also to pass judgment on your silly sartorial statements. Our TV will have a showing of Rocky Horror Show as background to Scary-oke at 9:30, and best costume wins big. Lino is concocting some very potent but specially priced magic brews for the bar, and our kitchen is coming up with a special $40 prix fixe menu all night long—heavy on the pumpkins and apples. Upstairs on the Square 91 Winthrop Street in Cambridge 617-864-1933.

 

NORTH OF BOSTON & GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Haunted Happenings – October 1-31. A month-long celebration of Halloween and fall in New England , Haunted Happenings features more than 130 events for all ages. In addition to special events in October, most Salem attractions and museums have extended hours and most restaurants will feature special programming including parties and live music.

Salem Witch Museum - 19 ½ Washington Square North, Salem The Salem Witch Museum presents one of the most tragic and enduring events in American history… THE WITCH HYSTERIA of 1692. Interest in what happened 300 years ago remains high and in fact keeps growing. Their exhibit: Witches: Evolving Perceptions traces the myths of this mysterious religion. From midwives and healers to witch hunts and Wiccans… Do you believe in witches? Don’t answer until you see Salem’s Most Visited Museum.

Witch’s Woods – Through November 1. Thurs – Sun Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Westford?Greater Merrimack Valley’s original Halloween Screampark. Climb aboard Witch’s Woods most popular attraction, the Haunted Hayride, and visit the Keeper’s Crypt, Castle Morbid and Nightmare Mansion.?? Groton’s Annual Halloween Costume Parade? October 28, ?2:40pm. ?Meet at Prescott School next to Ace Hardware Wear costumes! Parade starts at 3pm, runs down Main Street to the Town Field where children can enjoy dancing, games with prizes, face painting, giveaways, snacks, and more. There will also be a very special guest to greet the children. Age ranges from 2-10. Cost: Donation of at least one dollar per child at the field

Ed Emberley Halloween Program and Book Signing at Wenham Museum – Sunday, October 27; 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dress up your little monsters and come to the museum for an afternoon of spooky fun, goolish games, and creepy crafts. Author Ed Emberely returns to sign copies of his new book Nighty Night, Little Green Monster. Reserve your book in the Museum Shop. Ages 3+ $8 adults, $6 children, members free. Group rates available.
132 Main Street, Wenham, MA, 978-468-2377

 

SOUTH OF BOSTON

Alden Haunted House – October 19 The Alden House Historic Site ?105 Alden Street, Duxbury

Spooktacular Halloween Party & Costume Contest – October 27 Paragon Carousel?205 Nantasket Avenue, Hull Arrive in costume and take a spin on the spookiest Halloween carousel ever!

Happy Haunted Kid’s Trail – Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, 37 Eddy St., Norton.

Factory of Terror - 33 Pearl St., Fall River

Trick or Trot 5k – October 26 – 9:00am to 11:00am Join in the 1st Annual Trick or Trot 5k beginning at historic Burial Hill in Plymouth. Costumes are welcome! Supporting the Arc of Greater Plymouth?Burial Hill Cemetery?Church Street, Plymouth

Scarecrow Contest – October 11-31 – Scarecrows will be displayed along Onset Avenue in the Village of Onset and along Main Street in Wareham. Local businesses, schools and families will show off their artistic side and create unique scarecrows for all to enjoy.
So take a ride through both the Village and Main Street for a Halloween Treat!.Onset Bay Association?4 Union Street, Onset

The Witches’ Ball – A Halloween Celebration– October 26 – 7:30pm Presented by the South Shore Art Center. Featuring Entertainment, Hors d’oeuvres, Silent Auction & Prizes. Sponsored by Panopticon Imaging, Inc. Tickets are $75 Members & $85 Non-Members. Call 781-383-2787?The River Club, 78 Border Street, Scituate

 

CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

Halloween Family Fun Nights – October 25-26 Heritage Museums and Gardens, Sandwich?feature festive, non-scary holiday activities designed for children of all ages. The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform a concert with puppets and original Halloween songs, during which the performers will dress kids in kooky Halloween gear and teach them dances like “Do the Frankie” (as in Frankenstein). Participants will also play games, make creature-of-the-night crafts, get temporary tattoos, take spins around the carousel, and tour the Auto Museum, where they can “ride” in the 1913 Model T Ford. Weather permitting, visitors will be able to explore the lighted Hart Family Maze Garden, take a tractor-pulled hay ride around the Parade Field, and play in Hidden Hollow, lighted specially for this event. Treats will be for sale at the museum’s Magnolia Café. Participants are welcome to dress in costume, but should wear comfortable shoes to walk throughout the event.

Falmouth Museums on the Green – Saturday, October 26 Dr. Francis Wicks House, Falmouth. A “Visit with the Night Watchman” will be presented on Saturday, October 29 from 6 – 9 PM. The Dr. Francis Wicks House at 55 Palmer Avenue and the surrounding grounds will be used for the flashlight tour. Town “spirits” lurk in corners and interact with visitors in very short improvisations. The mildly scary tour is designed to attract families with children over the age of six.

Harvest of Horrors – Weekends in October Tony Andrews Farm, Old Meeting house Road, East Falmouth The Harvest of Horrors is the longest continuously-running haunted attraction in southeastern New England.

Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Pageant – October 31 Join the fun at the Annual Halloween Parade & Custume Pageant! Prize for Best Family Themed Costumes at 4:30 PM on the Methodist Church steps. Parade begins at 5 PM with every child recieving a ribbon and goodie bag! Hosted by Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and The Inquirer & Mirror

Nantucket Ghost Walk: Cemetery Route - Visit 5 of the island’s most haunted locations on this 1 and 1/3 mile, 90 min. evening stroll through Nantucket Town. Featuring the Old North Burial Ground, the Oldest House, and Nantucket’s 2 most haunted hotels, voted “Best Walking Tour on Nantucket” 3 years in a row, this is the island’s original ghost walk (begun in 1998) and the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket, led by the original guide. $20. for adults, $10. for seniors (65 and over) and for teens, $5. for children 7 – 12, Kids under 7 are free. No credit cards. No reservations are necessary. Please arrive 10 min. prior to the 8:30pm departure.

 

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Great Pumpkin Fest 2012 – October 19.  Ecotarium, Worcester?. Don’t miss the biggest Halloween celebration for families in Central Massachusetts!

Treats & Tricks - October 27. Donations of canned goods for a local food pantry encouraged. Bring your kids for a unique, safe and free Trick-or-Treating experience in the Center Village and stay for the family entertainment including comedic juggling, puppetry, and storytelling. Halloween “Fright Nights”? – Last three Fridays and Saturdays in October? Davis MegaMaze ?6-10pm?. Last admission is at 9 pm. Join us if you dare! Geared for adults.

 

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

13 Nights at Jiminy - October 4, 5, 11-13, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29-31. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. ?Descend into the depths of the mountains’ past as a haunted holdout, where Villagers from the Plantation of Jericho lived in terror of disfiguring diseases, deranged creatures and impending doom. Are you scared yet?! (ages 10+)

Ghost Tours at The Mount - Fridays through October 25 – For over a century, The Mount has been home to writers, actors, wealthy families, hard-working servants, and teenage girls. Tour the most haunted parts of the estate to find out what spirits might still be lurking. Join us on our Friday Night Fright Tours!? Check their website for details.

The Monster Mash Haunted Hay Ride (Adults) Fridays-Sundays in October McCrays Farm? 55 Alvord St., South Hadley. When you try McCray’s Farm’s Monster Mash Haunted Hayride, you’ll find an experience you won’t forget. With scares an screams around every corner, this is a ride you don’t want to miss!

The Munchkin Ride - (Kids) Fridays-Sundays - McCrays Farm 55 Alvord St., South Hadley. For the little ones in your family, McCray’s Farm offers a Munchkin Ride for children ages 7 and younger. This gentle, exciting ride is fun for the whole family.

Mike’s Maze – Fridays and Saturdays through October. South Main St., Sunderland. Visitors to Mike’s Maze will encounter countless activities, games, and amusements. Every year, Will creates a themed game within the maze that will entertain the entire family. The 2011 Maze features a bust of Noah Webster. You can also go on a horse drawn wagon ride, pick your own Halloween pumpkin, shoot spuds from our potato cannon, eat farm fresh food at the Corn Cafe, view the maze from the perspective of our walk-in Camera Obscura, ride a pony at our petting zoo, and even stock-up on fresh local produce from our farm!

Frightfest at Six Flags New England -Through November 1 – Check website for dates. Six Flags New England Agawam. Check out all Six Flags New England in Agawam has to offer for your Halloween celebrations. Thrills and frills you can’t get enough of. Call (413) 786-9300 ext 3241 for more information and times.

Jeepers Creepers: Ghouls & Goblins!- October 26 – Wistariahurst and Parks and Recreation have collaborated to bring Halloween to the Museum’s haunted doorstep! The fun filled event will include music, magic performances, games, crafts, goodie bags and more! Admission $2 per child or $10 for families of 5 or more children. All attendees are encouraged to come in costume. Please register in advance with Parks & Recreation at 413-322-5620. This event is rain or shine.

 

References:

http://www.massvacation.com/explore/holidays/halloween/

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?