Tricks, Treats, & Trails: Halloween Happenings Across Massachusetts

From moonlit walks with costumed characters to hayrides, campfires, and music, festive Halloween events for all ages are right around the corner. 

Explore these special events, nature programs, and at-home activities to inspire your celebrations.

Halloween Happenings with a Wild Twist

Explore the Enchanted Trails of Boo Meadow Brook at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester

Friday, October 17

Enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt, meet costumed characters with stories to share, and learn about nature after the sun goes down at this Worcester favorite. Come dressed in your favorite costume or nature-themed attire for this fun, family-friendly adventure.

Make Some Noise: Halloween Hoot and Howl at Ipswich River, Topsfield

Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18

This new event at Ipswich River offers a charming, not-too-spooky opportunity for families to explore the sanctuary as the sun sets. Take a woodland walk to meet nocturnal animal characters in fun costumes, say hello to live owls, visit our jack-o-lantern display, and browse the “Closet of Curiosities” featuring natural history pieces.

Combine the Best of Fall and Halloween at Fall-o’ween Weekend at Drumlin Farm, Lincoln

Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25

A whole weekend of spooktacular festivities for adults and families! Bring the whole family to see the Drumlin Witch, take a hayride around the sanctuary, meet wildlife, listen to music from the Skeleton Trio Band, and more. On Saturday night, adults can have their own fun with a throwback line up of roasted marshmallows, papier-mâché mask crafting, and spooky story telling around the campfire.  

The Return of the Halloween Prowl at Moose Hill, Sharon

Saturday, October 25

The long-awaited return of Moose Hill’s Halloween Prowl has arrived! Discover the history of Halloween in New England before setting off on a 45-minute guided forest walk. Along the way, you'll meet costumed characters with their own spooky stories to tell. Return to the Nature Center for up-close owl encounters, seasonal crafts, live music, and light refreshments.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and....Pumpkins! at Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Saturday, October 25

Wild for pumpkins? Carve your own pumpkin to take home, play festive pumpkin-themed games, and embark on a colorful autumn scavenger hunt at this autumn favorite. Discover the origins of the Jack-O'-Lantern and uncover the surprising history of pumpkins. While you carve, enjoy the cozy aroma of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds-prepared from your own creation!

Craft Creepy Crawly Creations at Magazine Beach, Cambridge

Saturday, October 25

Visit the Nature Center-turned-haunted-house to learn from the creepy crawly animals who do Halloween best at this free mini festival! Meet some of our live ambassador animals and find out how they got their spooky reputations. Visit craft stations to make your very own masterpieces and join in as we build a bat-inspired community art display. Show us your best spooky grackle cackle in your Halloween costume while enjoying snacks and cider.

Halloween Owl Prowl at the Museum of American Bird Art, Canton

Friday, October 31

What better way to celebrate Halloween than in search of owls? Venture into the night to look for the sanctuary's resident Great Horned Owls while learning about their ecology, conservation, and other eerie wonders of the natural world. Costumes welcome—add a little wild to your Halloween celebration this year!