Though grownups might want to do bar crawls on East Carson Street, family-friendly Pittsburgh Halloween events are just as important to make spooky season fun for everyone. Halloween is a big holiday for children as they pick out costumes and prepare for trick-or-treating. But, throughout October, families can participate in all sorts of events to make this fun holiday last longer than just a day.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Pittsburgh
Hundred Acres Manor Kids Day
October 5 and 19 – $15
While Hundred Acres Manor is usually a haunted attraction, there are two days where they turn on all the lights and turn off all the scares for families. Instead, you’ll find actors in fun character costumes, arts and crafts, a black panel maze, not-so-scary wagon rides, and plenty more.
Fall Fest 2025 by Pittsburgh Playhouse
October 16-26 Select Dates – Free + Performance Ticket Add On
Throughout Pittsburgh Playhouse and on to Forbes Avenue, find fall fun through seasonal food and drinks, games, local vendors, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family. You can also purchase a ticket to Boo’s Halloween House Party, full of catchy tunes, unforgettable characters, and a story that all ages can appreciate.
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
October 18-19 – Free
Have you ever seen a one-ton pumpkin drop from 200 feet in the sky? What about a 2,500 pound pumpkin? No matter your answer, you’ll want to run to the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival to see all kinds of squashes take center stage. Plus, you can also take part in pie eating contests, watch expert carvers, attempt to pull a thousand pound pumpkin, and check out professional glass blowers. The fun is never ending and it’s all free.
Owl-O-Ween
October 18-19 and 25-26 – Included with General Admission
If you’ve been wanting to visit the National Aviary, here is a chance to do it spookily. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and participate in the parade. Then, they’ll make an owl craft before trick-or-treating in the facility. The best part about this event is the chance for an owl meet-and-greet in the theater for no additional cost.
Zoo Boo
October 18, 19, 25, and 26 – Included with General Admission
Trick-or-treat through the zoo and visit animals that will be enjoying their own Halloween treats. On top of the regular zoo activities this special Halloween event includes contests and fun for the family. There are character meet and greets, a dance party, a costume contest, and a costume parade your little one can participate in.
Scooby Snack Night at Row House
October 21
Bring along the whole family to see this comedy, kid-friendly Halloween feature about Scooby Doo and the gang. Row House is showcasing the 2002 live action film that sees the gang exploring Spooky Island. Along with the movie, you can purchase giant hoagies and candy that you can add to your popcorn to set the mood just right.
Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treat
October 24 – $16 (Members $12)
Carnegie Museum of Natural History provides an opportunity for trick-or-treating and museum exploration all in sensory-friendly conditions. Guests can attend a seasonal story time or meet live animals with reduced audio and visual elements. This is an all-ages event, so it’s not just for children either.
Pumpkin Palooza, an East Liberty Halloween Adventure
October 25, Pay What Moves You
This annual event gives all a chance to dress up in costume (or not if you’d prefer) for candy, crafts, and other activities. After exploring the fun in the Kelly Strayhorn Theater lobby, head into see a program of performers like Anqwenique, Hope Academy, Alumni Theater Company, K-Theatre Dance Complex, and Los Sabrosos’ Breakin’ for the Kids. It all ends with a costume parade where everyone can show off their style on the Kelly Strayhorn stage.
Monster Mash Family Bash Halloween Party
October 25, Free Entry, Registration Recommended
Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville and Mt. Washington for dancing, tricks, treats and spooky fun. Also, check your local branch of CLP to see what programming they offer, as each one has a number of family-friendly events for all of spooky season. For instance, the main library in Oakland has their own Halloween party on October 31.
Halloween Fun Cruise
October 25 – $35 for Adults, $25 for Children, $5 for Infants
Your family can explore all of Pittsburgh right from the Three Rivers for two hours. Board the Gateway Clipper for an afternoon of dancing with DJ Cha Che, coloring, goodie bags, winning prizes, and trick-or-treating. A snack bar and additional activities will be available for an additional cost.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
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