From Fear Seeking Frights to Kid Friendly Nights
15 Top Rated Things to do in Philly in October 2017
?Lauren E. Keller
? Published | October 2017
From scary haunts to unforgettable scares, Philly has a lot to offer in October 2017! If you love getting goosebumps and being scared, we have picked some of the top rated “most scary” and “most haunted” things to do in Philly in October 2017.
We’ve also included some great family friendly events that offer fun without scares for the little ones or the big ones who don’t like to be scared. Get ready to check out some of the bone chilling adventures we have for you in October 2017.
Anytime during the month of October 2017, take a creepy tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, which has been featured on the “Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Live, Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Challenge; Fox Tv’s World’s Scariest Places; TLC’s America’s Ghost Hunters’ and MTV’s FEAR.” the haunted attraction actually takes place in the abandoned prison. The prison is located at 2027 Fairmount Ave. PA, Philadelphia 19130. Experience Terror Behind the Walls in Philly’s historic prison. Ticket prices vary from $19 in advance to $50 at the door depending on the night and way (online or in person) you purchase your tickets. Tickets are sold in 30 minute time slots. Be sure to purchase early to get your preferred date and time for entry. The great thing about this event is it will run rain or shine. So prepare to be terrified on this haunted tour. From the empty guard towers to the 30 foot high jail walls get lost in the dark cell blocks lost in time. Believed by many to be haunted since the 1940’s, inmates along with officers have reported seeing and hearing things from out of this world.
All month in October 2017 through November 4, 2017, come if you dare to the Fright Factory located at 2200 S. Swanson Street, Philadelphia, PA. Take in three intense scares which feature the Industrial Nightmare, Silent Scream Asylum and the Fright Factory Unearthed. Prepare to be scared as you make your way through each of these intimidating haunts. See if you’re brave enough to bare all three! Ticket Prices vary from $15 in advance to $30 at the door. Pay only $10 more per person for a VIP experience. The VIP experience will gain you access to the front of the line. For an even more immersive experience you can do the Ultimate Fear Package for Two! The Ultimate Fear Package for $199 includes two VIP passes for front of the line access, will allow you to experience the Fright Factory completely by yourselves… you will also have an awesome opportunity to be put into full costume and special effects make up and will learn easy scare tactics and be able to scare guest for the next two hours. In addition to that immersive scare experience you will get a t-shirt of your choosing along with pictures and a video testimonial you can later show to friends.
Take part in The Original Ghost Tour. Walk the haunted historic streets of Philadelphia by candlelight as your guide takes you on an unforgettable bone chilling tour. Open from March through November, take a tour of the city’s most haunted areas including secret gardens of Independence park, a Society Hill mansion said to be haunted for over 700 years. The 75-90 minute tour will take you on explorations through grave yards and back alleyways… This haunted scroll won’t hurt your pocket book at only $17 per person and only $10 for the kids ages 4 through 12. You can also save $2 per ticket when you book online according to their site.
As part of The Original Ghost Tour, you can also take a haunted tour of the USS Olympia. Tours are for those ages 12 and up only, so no young kiddo’s on this adventure… The USS Olympia tour is $19 and will run on select days from Friday, October 13, 2017, through Saturday, November 4, 2017. This tour does come with a few limitations and guests must be able to walk the entire tour and be able to climb stairs. According to their site tickets are limited and advanced ticket purchase is required. Be sure to visit their website for more information on special and upcoming events.
From September 22 through October 31, 2017, visit the Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride. The 27 year old attraction has been featured on the Travel Channel and according to their site has been rated as the Number 1 Haunted Attraction in America by Hauntworld Magazine, USA Today and many other national publications. The attraction is located at 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Visit their site for interactive scare videos and view detailed information on all of their events which include the Bates Motel Escape Rooms (off site), Haunted Hayride, Bates Motel Experience and Corn Maze. Tickets will cost anywhere from $15 to $20 depending on each attraction. In addition, combo specials as well as VIP passes and a SUPER VIP experience are available for purchase from $75 to $100. You can also save by filling out their e-form to receive a $5 discount. Please take note that some attractions are not open for inclement weather. You can always call the Bates Motel directly to check on which attractions are open or if weather is a factor. They can be reached at 610-459-0647. Take note this is a “rugged” experience on a farm and you should wear suitable attire such as boots. Flip flops and sandals are not permitted for this adventure.
October 7, 2017, is host to the Midtown Village Fall Festival, which brings about 50,000 or more attendees annually. Enjoy the “block party” style atmosphere. Walk the streets and check out vendor, live music, boutiques and much much more. Be sure to check out theirofficial site for more information and other events.
On October 8, 2017, celebrate with the local artists during Philly’sOld City Festival. Experience blocks of art exhibitions, activities and programs that offer something for the whole family. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on 3rd and Arch Streets. Admission is free! The event will also be host to over 100 vendors. Be sure to bring cash to enjoy some go eats while immersing yourself in the artistic culture of historic Philly!
You will also be able to take in the final day of theCai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies, on October 8, 2017. Guest curator Lance Fung of Fung Collaboratives brings you a lit up Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where you can enjoy the immersive free pedicab rides which are host to 27 luminous, kinetic sculptures.
Calling all Harry Potter Fans! October is also host to the Chestnut Hill annual Harry Potter Festival. The event takes place on Friday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. On Friday, event goers will enjoy the Wands and Wizards Night on the Avenue; and on Saturday can experience the Harry Potter Festival on Germantown Avenue. This year will be the largest event to date and will fill 12 blocks.
According to the event site,“Potter fans of all ages can enjoy an enchanting weekend of film screenings, sorting hat demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and more.” Attendees will also be able to purchase a“magical wristband” for $20 which will grant them full access to ten (10) special zones throughout the event. In addition, you should definitely check out theirofficial site for information on their Trains to “Hogsmeade”, Quidditch Tournaments, official Harry Potter Conference at Chestnut Hill, and much much more!
If you are visiting Philly on October 28, 2017, you absolutely cannot miss the Philly Free Streets event, where attendees can stroll the streets with no vehicles or traffic in sight on over seven miles of the city’s streets. For more information please check out theirofficial site.
October 26, 27 and 28, enjoy a special performance of Dracula at the Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouselocated at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. The performance will cost $25 per person for general admission and attendees are encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs, flashlights and to dress warmly. The site suggests advance registration and to purchase your tickets online.
On Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., attend the Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Fall Family Day. Tickets are a low $5 per person for general admission and may be purchased online or at the door. Children are encouraged to wear their halloween costumes for this family affair. The fall festival which overlooks the Schuylkill River will offer a number of activities for those of all ages. Activities include hayrides and pumpkin patch and other fun for the whole family. This festival is recommended for children ages 4-12.
From now until October 31, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. visit the Hellerick’s Family Farm - Fall Festival, located just outside of Philadelphia at 5500 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902. The festival features Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Animal Attractions, Spider Net, Corn Box and 45 other family friendly attractions. Entry during the week will cost a low $9.99 per person and children 3 and under will be free. While weekend tickets are only a few dollars more at $12.99 per ticket. They also have an Aerial Adventure Park where you can climb and zip line as well as take in a heart throbbing “free fall quick jump.” Tickets for the Aerial Adventure Park will run you $37.50 and you must be able to meet certain requirements such as age and weight limits.
From October 26, 2017 through October 29, 2017, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.,visit the House in the Hollow, located at Sleepy Hallow, 881 Highland Road, Newton, PA 18940. This tour has been voted “Best Haunted House” in 2015, by Frighttour.com. The tour focuses on the “manor’s tragic past.” Sleepy Hollow offers three attractions which feature a Hayride through a dark wooded area, The House in the Hollow which is said to be haunted and the Field of Fright. While there enjoy bonfires, live music and refreshments. We seriously suggest the House on the Hollow which is considered by some to be Bucks County’s “Most Haunted House”, the 17 room home along with the graveyard and crypt will leave you with a lasting impression. This haunted thrill will cost anywhere from $33 for all three attractions to $16 for individual haunts. Check out their site for ticket pricing and parking information.
While in Doylestown check out the Historic Doylestown Cemetery. Tours run from May through October 31, 2017. The tour features an exploration of over 200 Civil War soldiers and also offers a VIP tour. According to their site they have a Civil War Tour, Historic Doylestown VIP Tour, Late 19th Century Tombstone Interpretation and Tree Tours. Each tour will take you back in time and will immerse you in the historic culture of Doylestown. Tours will last approximately 1 ½ hours. For more information visit their site or call them directly at 215-348-3911.
Honorable Mentions
Unfortunately, another great spot for a fear filled adventure has come to a halt for the 2017 scare season. The Runaway Trolley Ridehas had an unfortunate failure of their generator and will not be operating this October 2017. However, if you find yourself in Philly in 2018, please visit the 1950’s style Trolley Tour for a one of a kind experience. This thrill adventure takes you on a 30 minutes bus ride and features scares such as the “IT Clown” a “Killer Hitchhiker” and a high speed thrill adventure.
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