Nothing says spooky season like these attractions, ranging from costume cruises to mansions of terror.
The Bates Motel Haunted Attraction
If you are a horror fan, The Bates Motel should definitely be on your Halloween bucket list. When guests arrive, they are led through the Revenge of the Scarecrows trail to The Bates Motel. The nationally renowned haunted house includes spooky special effects and animatronics that imitate soaring spirits, flying photographs and inanimate objects coming alive. The actors of The Bates Motel will transport visitors into Hitchcock’s world of terror and anarchy from September 25 to November 1. 1835 N. Middletown Road, Glen Mills, Pa., thebatesmotel.com
Boo at the Zoo
In search of the perfect family-friendly Halloween activity that extends past trick-or-treating? Look no further than the annual Boo at the Zoo event held by the Philadelphia Zoo, running each weekend from October 14 to 28. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume to the festively decorated celebration that features trick-or-treating, a hay bale maze and the all-new Nature Blazers scavenger hunt.. 3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
Halloween Costume Cruise
Dance the night away on the Spirit of Philadelphia’s midnight Halloween Costume Cruise. The party includes panoramic views of the city, dinner, drinks and dancing with music ranging from current hits to hip-hop, Latin music and more. Costumes are the dress code, so come aboard in a spooktacular outfit before the ship sets sail at 11:30 p.m. on October 28. 401 S. Christopher Columbus Ave., 407.917.7560, eventbrite.com
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Nothing quite says spooky like a Halloween-themed, 200-year-old penitentiary. The prison may no longer hold America’s lawbreakers, but their Halloween Nights festival is certainly not to be missed. Through November 11, venture through two haunted houses, have drinks at The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell with VIP admission, listen to live music at Junkyard Jams and more. 2027 Fairmount Ave., 215.236.3300, easternstate.org
Haunted Ship Halloween Party
Enjoy the spookiest night of the year aboard the oldest and largest sailing vessel still afloat, the Moshulu, built in 1904. The party will kick off on October 28 at 9 p.m. and feature three music rooms from different eras, including live jazz, throwback hip-hop and a DJ spinning Top 40 tunes on the main deck. Cut loose with dinner, drinks and dancing at this haunted 21+ party that will surely be a night to remember. 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, eventbrite.com
Henri David Presents Halloween Ball
The legendary annual Halloween party, hosted by Philadelphia jeweler Henri David, is back. Henri David’s Halloween Ball has been held on All Hallows’ Eve since 1968 and continues to be an important space for the LGBTQ+ community. Guests should arrive at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown in their best original costume to impress the costume contest judges and be prepared to dance the night away. 207 N. 17th St., 215.732.7711, gaytravel4u.com
Shyamaween
Celebrate Halloween week with M. Night and Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan at their annual Halloween fundraiser. All proceeds go toward the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation’s efforts to fight poverty and inequality around the world, and the party is surely not to be missed. Snag a VIP ticket for the October 21 bash, which includes a pre-party with top-shelf sips and delectable hors d’oeuvres, or upgrade to a private booth with bottle service. Location to be revealed, mnsfoundation.org
Photography by: Martin Deja/Getty Images
