Halloween Weekend Activities in Boston (2022)

Halloween is RIGHT around the corner. Is it just me or did Halloween go from a semi-holiday to a FULL ON HOLIDAY requiring decorations, prep and activities pretty much overnight when kiddos came into the picture?

Given the holiday falls on a Monday this year — next Monday, to be exact — I’ve been looking for fun events to celebrate All Hallows Eve with the fam the weekend prior, on Saturday October 29th and Sunday October 30th. Below is a round up of what I found. I hope it’s helpful! HAPPY HALLOWEEN, my friends!

1. Boston Children’s Museum Annual Spooktacular After Hours Event

On Saturday October 29th, the Boston Children’s Museum is hosting their annual Halloween Spooktacular event from 6-9PM. Tickets are $30 (or $25 if buying a 4 pack) and include activities for the whole fam: a pumpkin patch for the under 3 crowd, a “pumpkin put put” for the whole family, a potion making activity for older kiddos and tons of other activities. Exploring the museum after hours sounds SO FUN! They will have a costume contest and allergy-friendly treat bags. More information and tickets available at the Museum’s website.

2. Zoo Howl @ Franklin Park Zoo

On both Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th, your regular (timed, reserved ahead of time) entry ticket to the the Franklin Park Zoo (FPZ) will also include their Haunted Happenings Halloween event, Zoo Howl. The event will feature mystery animal encounters, costume contents, sustainable treats, etc.. You can find more information and tickets here. The FPZ playground is my kiddos FAVORITE. They also have a new gorilla exhibit we visited over the summer and loved!

3. Tall Ship Boo Bash @ Eastie

East Boston’s Halloween celebration looks seriously cool this year — happening on Sunday October 30th from 12 noon to 4PM at the Tall Ship, the event is free, but you have to RSVP here. Join Captain Jack Sparrow himself for some complementary hot cocoa and hot cider and an afternoon of halloween fun with lawn games, face painting, apple cider donuts and more.

4. Spooky Science @ Waterworks Museum

Chestnut Hill’s Waterworks Museum is hosting a free Halloween event that teaches kiddos the science behind spooky side effects in movies and TV! The event also features Halloween-themed crafts and activities, trick or treating, a costume contest among others.. Did I mention it’s free? Suggested donation is $5. Find more information at the event page.

Halloween on the Hill @ Beverly, MA

OK so I know I said these were all Boston events BUT this one — about an hour from the city, in Beverly– looked too cool not to include: a Halloween hike/trail! For the second year in a row, The Trustee’s property Long Hill will transform into a Halloween wonderland featuring over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns. They will also have elaborate Halloween decorations, music, light displays and more. The event is happening every Wednesday through Sunday (29th and 30th included) and you have to buy tickets in advance for a specific entry time. Adult tickets are $27 and kids 3 and over pay $10. Kids under 2 get in free! Get tickets and more info here. Note that you don’t have to wait until next weekend for this one, as it’s happening every Th-Sunday from now until Halloween.

Pru Boo @ The Prudential Center

This is a REALLY fun event that the Prudential Center puts on every year. We went in 2018 and had a blast! The idea is kiddos dress up and trick or treat at over 50 participating stores on Sunday October 30th from 11AM – 1PM. To participate, you just have to purchase a $5 Prudential Center trick or treat bag here. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit FARE which stands for Food Allergy Research & Education.