Philadelphia Frights and Festivities to Get You into the Season

The leaves are changing on Saint Joseph’s campuses and it’s time for sweater weather! If you're anything like me, as soon as October hits, you’re ready for floor-to-ceiling Halloween decor. There are so many different ways to get into the spirit of this season with friends and family here in Philadelphia. I did some footwork and found some of the best fall attractions in the area to get you into that holiday mood! 

 

FALL ACTIVITIES MANAYUNK

LINCOLN MILL HAUNTED HOUSE, Manayunk 

Oct. 6- Nov. 5, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 6:45-11:45 p.m.
 

Just a stone's throw away from SJU’s Hawk Hill campus is the Lincoln Mill Haunted House. If you're looking for a thrilling evening with friends or family, look no further than this attraction. Built-in the mid-1800s, this old textile mill was found to have chilling secrets that have only recently been uncovered. Though the Lincoln Mill is typically a (very) haunted house, it is open on Saturdays from noon - 4 p.m. for more family-friendly scavenger hunts and Halloween festivities. 

If scary isn't your thing, don't worry. There are still many fun, not-too-scary things to do in Philadelphia that will get you into a fall mood.

 

TRICK-OR-TROLLEY, Manayunk

Oct. 6- Nov. 5, Thursday & Friday | 6-10 p.m., Saturday | 1-10 p.m.
 

Hop on the free Trick-or-Trolley in Manayunk for a quaint ride down Main Street. Brought to you by the Manayunk Development Corporation, the trolley will bring you past Halloween-themed restaurants, small businesses, and shops. You're welcome to stay for as long as you like or hop off early. Check out their website to where you can hop on. 

 

FALL ACTIVITIES IN THE PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS

 

LINVILLA ORCHARDS FALL FESTIVITIES, Media

Oct. - Nov. | Times may vary

Just 30 minutes away from Saint Joseph’s is Linvilla Orchards, located in Media. Their fall festivities include classics like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, face painting, and more. 

Linvilla Orchards is a perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon with family visiting from out of town. Fresh produce, cider, and other baked goods can be found around the orchard at different stands that promote their farmer's market. 

 

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE FALL FESTIVALS, Lahaska

Oct. - Nov. | Times may vary

Peddler’s Village is the perfect place to take in the fall ambiance. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and local vendors, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Bucks County. On your stroll through the breathtaking foliage, you can see more than 100 scarecrows on display. To cap off the scary season, Peddler’s Village is holding a pumpkin carving contest where you can show off your creativity and maybe even win a big prize! This is a fun, seasonal way to take in the beauties of fall.

 

FALL ACTIVITIES IN CENTER CITY 

 

STRANGER THINGS @ UPTOWN BEER GARDEN, Center City

Monday- Wednesday: 4 p.m.- 12 a.m. | Thursday- Friday: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Saturday -Sunday: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Uptown Beer Garden, located right next to City Hall, has been transformed into a Stranger Things wonderland! This pop-up will have you wondering if you're in Philadelphia or the “Upside Down.” Complete with themed cocktails, food, decorations, and more, the Uptown Beer Garden is a great place to spend an evening with fellow fright fans. Uptown Beer Garden is open every day and all ages are welcome until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Find more information on their website and make sure to plan your trip to “Hawkins” this Halloween season. 

 

GHOST TOUR OF HAUNTED HISTORICAL PHILADELPHIA, Center City

Hours and ticket prices may vary
 

Step back in time for a haunted tour of one of the oldest cities in America. Named one of the top 15 “must see” attractions in the U.S., the City of Brotherly Love will quickly send shivers down your spine while you enjoy a guided tour of some of the most cursed sites in Philadelphia. Departing from Signer’s Garden, this eerie candlelit walkthrough will usher you through the spirit-inhabited secret gardens and ghastly graveyards of Independence Park, Old City and Society Hill. Open to all ages, the Philadelphia Ghost Tours provide public, private and group tours. Find ticket prices and reservations on their website and prepare to discover the spectral scenes of the city. 

 

Whether you're into something scary or looking for a warm-and-fuzzy feeling, this list gives you great options to spend time with family and friends this fall.