It’s October, which means that little ghouls and goblins are giddily counting down the days until they can go trick-or-treating. However, there’s a lot of Halloween fun that can be had before the 31st. Haunted houses might not spring to mind as a child-friendly activity, but lots of spooky attractions adapt their offerings to make sure that even the littlest visitors have something to do.
These haunted houses offer a lot more than just frights. From walks through the woods to scavenging for candy, the attractions listed here are full of activities that will let your kids have Halloween fun without a focus on being scared. So, grab your little monsters and their favorite babysitter or nanny to visit the five best family-friendly haunted houses near Boston.
First Parish Haunted House
Address: 75 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730
Dates & Times: Friday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Phone: 781-275-7994
Price: $10; parents and kids are $5 each during the day on Saturday
With many haunted houses going commercial, the First Parish haunted house is a throwback — it’s a community-based haunted house that is frightening but not too scary for kids to enjoy. All of the proceeds go to charity, so you can feel good about indulging in a trip to this haunted house, which this year is themed as a step back in history.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, there is a special trick-or-treat session for parents and kids. Little ones can get an added treat, and all of the actors in the house know to keep to G-rated scares during that time. Best of all, the price of admission is cut in half on Saturday afternoon, so parents and kids can get in for just $5, making this a perfect haunted house to try with your little ones.
Haunted Happenings at Gallows Hill
Location: 7 Lynde St., Salem, MA 01970
Dates & Times: Open daily in October; Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. | Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Phone: 978-825-0222
Price: Adults, $12; children 6-12, $6 before 4:15 | During the evenings adults are $13, children are $8. | Special events and shows may have an additional cost.
Haunted Happenings at Gallows Hill is one of the favorite Halloween attractions in Salem, a city that celebrates this holiday unlike any other. You can participate in a walking tour of the city, catch a show, or visit the Lost Museum, which is full of odd attractions. The main attraction at Haunted Happens is the Witchcraft and Ghost Experience, a live-action show designed to entertain and scare. The show isn’t just about frights, so older kids may enjoy it, but proceed with caution.
The most family-friendly attraction at Haunted Happenings is Professor Wunders’ School of Magic, which is designed to give little ones some Halloween fun with no scares. The show takes place only on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and sells out, so plan ahead if you want to visit this particular attraction. Tickets are $10 for kids ages 5 and up.
Maudslay Is Haunted
Address: 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA 01950
Dates & Times: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (The rain date is Oct. 28.)
Phone: 978-465-2572
Cost: Admission is $7, kids under 3 are free; $5 for parking ($10 for cars with non-Massachusetts plates)
Maudslay Is Haunted is an entirely unique Halloween event that the whole family will love. A local theater group hosts the celebration, with friendly ghouls and ghosts spread throughout the woods at Maudslay State Park. It sounds like it could be spooky, but these ghouls are more focused on giving treats than scaring visitors. Kids will love running through the woods and spotting the actors along the way.
Maudslay State Park is located in gorgeous Newburyport, so there is plenty to do with the family before or after your visit. Kids will love the nearby playgrounds, and Mom and Dad will enjoy the restaurants of downtown Newburyport. Be sure to stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk before heading back to Boston.
Winslow Farm Octoberfest
Address: 37 Eddy St., Norton, MA 02766
Dates & Times: Open throughout October. Haunted Trail: Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays, noon – 4 p.m. | Haunted Halloween Egg Hunt: weekends, 10 a.m. – noon
Phone: 508-285-6451
Price: Adults, $10; children, $5
Winslow Farm is an animal sanctuary about 40 minutes south of Boston. During October, however, the farm transforms itself into the perfect destination for families looking to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and enjoy Halloween fun that isn’t too scary.
The farm has two unique events that are well-suited for families. The nature trail lets little ones walk through Halloween decorations and perhaps spot a ghost or two along the way, but there is nothing too scary. If you’re coming in the evening, be sure to bring your own flashlight! The Haunted Halloween Egg Hunt allows kids to search for orange and black eggs filled with treats.
Brick or Treat at Legoland
Address: 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145
Dates & Times: Weekends in October, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 866-228-6439
Price: Included with museum admission, which starts at $18.50
Any kid in Boston knows that Legoland is a great place to spend time, and that’s especially true during weekends in October, when Legoland hosts Brick or Treat, a kid-centric Halloween festival. The exhibit invites kids to play with Lego sets that have spooky themes, in an area that is decorated for Halloween. There’s also a scavenger hunt and a costume contest, so your little ones will enjoy a day of fun. Although it isn’t exactly a haunted house, kids will love having Halloween fun without the scares at one of the most beloved kids’ attractions in the city.
What’s your favorite Halloween activity with kids? Tell us in the comments below!
Care.com City Guides:
Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Baltimore, MD | Boston, MA | Burlington, VT | Chicago, IL | Cleveland, OH | Dallas, TX | Denver, CO | Detroit, MI | Houston, TX | Las Vegas, NV | Los Angeles, CA | Miami, FL | Minneapolis, MN | New Haven, CT | New York, NY | Orlando, FL | Philadelphia, PA | Phoenix, AZ | Pittsburgh, PA | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA | Seattle, WA | Tampa, FL | Toledo, OH | Washington, DC
