Ghosts, pics, scares and everything Halloween! How do you plan something so on theme?! If you’re looking for something aesthetic, scary, or fun to do with your friends or family this Halloween season, I have some ideas planned for you. Now, let’s plan your perfect fall weekend based off of your interests and style!
Cute Fall Aesthetic
If you’re looking for a cute place to take your best friends or family, this category is the one for you. You’ll find all your Instagram worthy places, as well as just enjoyable places to make chill fun fall memories at. I hope you fall in love with them as much as I have growing up.
My family and I have been going to Duffield’s in the fall for as long as I can remember, and I can say confidently that this is a perfect place to whip out your disposable camera and get a pumpkin patch picture, or partake in some of the fall activities they always have going on! I’ve never left feeling unhappy or unsatisfied, so if you do go I hope you have the same experience and make a great new memory! F.Y.I. They are usually busy during this season so it’s best to get there when they open or on a weekday, they’re closed Sundays!
Hill Creek Farms
Out of this list this place will always hold the most special place in my heart. Every year my brother and all of our friends would go and pick apples, and when we were younger there were always fun duck races and things to keep us all occupied in the back . They have a train for the kids and hayrides for everyone! Despite it just being a great place for everyone, they have the most delicious apple cider donuts and apple cider, truly my favorite! Another great place to get pumpkins and a great fall Pinterest worthy picture that’s guaranteed!
Boo At the Zoo (Philadelphia)
Every year the Philadelphia Zoo hosts fun weekends when families can dress up and trick or treat at the zoo. I’ve never personally attended, but I’ve heard great things, and for any animal lovers out there this sounds like a fun experience. You do have to get tickets on their website, and this year the event will be hosted on October 19th and 20th as well as October 26th and 27th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All information about the event is on the website that I’ll link below! I think if you have younger siblings or cousins this would be really fun for them and something they’ll remember.
Smithville
Smithville is a place where there is always something happening! If you just want to enjoy the fresh air, talk, walk around, eat, and shop well this is the place for you. They always have events happening especially in October for Halloween so if you’re interested look on the website below for all information. This is definitely worth the 40 minute drive on a weekend. My friends and family approve, and if you’ve never gone before, well there’s no better time than now! So put on a cute fall outfit that Rory Gilmore would approve and go for a day. It’s worth it!
Wissahickon Trails, Morris Arboretum, Brandywine Museum of Art, Old City in Philly :
I know I included four different places here, but let me explain. These places are for the adventurous, outdoors, artsy, curious people, I’m one of them raised by them as well. Growing up my dad lived very close to the Wissy, and he and his friends used to ride their bikes along the path. As my dad got older he used to run almost the entire thing for exercise. Moral of the story he then has taken all of his kids there beginning when they were babies, and it’s such a perfect place to just breathe and take in nature.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone there anxious about things happening in my life, but as soon as you hear water trickling and leaves falling everything shuts off and you can just be for a second. I recommend anyone of any age to go and there are great restaurants near there as well. Best time of year to go is definitely the fall. It’s so beautiful, take my word for it and go.
Next is the Morris Arboretum. My parents actually got married there in the spring over 20 years ago, and they chose there because they both loved nature and it was just so naturally beautiful they couldn’t resist. They lived there back then and would always walk around and take so many pictures is what they’ve told me. As someone who now goes by myself it really is a site to see, and a special place for everyone who appreciates the beauty of mother earth. If you couldn’t already tell my family are tree huggers and I’m proud to be one.
Brandywine Museum of Art and Old City Philadelphia are full of history, stories, and the magic that comes from that. My mom is an artist. Every fall or winter we always go to Brandywine and even though I’m not as interested in art, it truly makes me appreciate it every time I go because it’s someone’s story being portrayed and that’s a beautiful thing.
Outside is always so pretty during the fall and it’s a perfect place to go on a rainy weekend. Old City, historic district, is well a picture perfect place in Philly in the fall. If you’re interested in learning more about the best city in the country or just having a fun day in the city and great food that’s the place to be. I love cities to begin with, but even if you don’t I think you’ll find something there that speaks to you and that you’ll enjoy. Perfect for your friends and family to do if you’re bored or have a free day!
Horror Scares
If you’re looking for an evening full of chills and screams, NJ and Philly do it best! We’re known for our horror attractions and coming second only to Salem, Massachusetts. This is my personal favorite, and all of these are more aimed for teens our age and up. Without further ado, here’s your scary night agenda.
Pennhurst Asylum / Eastern State Penitentiary
All I’m gonna say is even if you’re the toughest one in your friend group there is no way you’re making it out of either place with a straight face and steady heart beat. You are bound to be terrified and screaming within the first 10 seconds, but look on the websites and try to know what you’re getting yourself into! I’ve gone and it’s very scary but worth the adrenaline rush, go have fun, you got this!
As a girl who grew up in Mullica Hill this holds a special place in my heart, and I’m proud that this was the first more adult haunted attraction I went to! Night of Terror haunted attraction is named #2 in the northeast only behind Salem. They have haunted paintball and many different options to do! If you love horror, this is the place for you, and a great place to start even if you despise anything scary, hold onto your best friend, you’ll be proud of yourself after trust me. Highly recommended, might be a little bias because of living there, but truthfully it’s worth going to and experiencing it for yourself.
This is an attraction I’ve never been to, but definitely want to go to. I’ve heard like all the others it’ll make your heart rate go up to scary levels, and although it’s a 40 minute drive, it could still be fun if you wanted to get dinner before or are in that area of PA. Apparently they even take your picture, that would be a site to see, and a memory you’ll always have.
Gotham Escape Room / Delsea Drive In
To top it off two different horror experiences. Up until recently I never knew you could do a horror escape room and one of the best is in Philly. I definitely think this could possibly be even more scary than all the rest, and my friends and I love escape rooms so we just might be going this year. As for the drive in, well I don’t know about you, but the experience is so fun, and right now at Delsea’s drive in there are horror and scary movies playing. A more simple, less terrifying experience that most likely could be enjoyable to the entire friend group or family.
Chill Night In with Friends or Fam, but make it Halloween-Themed
I don’t know about you, but more than going out, I prefer a chill fun night in with my friends and family. So, I got you covered with a list of fun things you can do. I can assure you, you won’t be bored!
Fun Weekend Day/Night In List:
- Halloween classics or Horror marathon
- Carve or decorate pumpkins ,( but make it a contest for the competitive ones)
- Dress up as fav movie characters
- Do Halloween themed Karaoke
- Make each other Boo Baskets ( IYKYK)
- Tell each other your favorite scary story
- Cook or bake Halloween themed foods (Look on Pinterest or Tik Tok for ideas)
You’ve now reached the end of the ultimate Fall weekend or Halloween itinerary. I hoped this helped and gave you ideas to do with your friends and family !
