From spooky to silly, the Boston area has a variety of ways to get in the spirit (pun intended) of the season
Dreamland Wax Museum
Although not horror-themed, this recently opened attraction should make for a particularly fun visit this time of year. Filled with likenesses of local and international celebrities and historical figures, Dreamland is selfie central, as visitors are encouraged to get up-close-and-personal with the works of art on display. If you are looking for scares, though, we’d recommend the Hall of Presidents.
1 Washington Mall, 857-233-5437, dreamlandwaxmuseum.com
Beacon Hill with a BOO!
A popular event for 30 years, this tour by the non-profit Boston By Foot explores the neighborhood’s darkest secrets—from ghostly tales to murder most foul—on October 31 from 6–7:30 p.m.
617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org
Zoo Howl
On October 28 & 29, head to the Franklin Park Zoo and enjoy trick-or-treating among the animals with the kids, along with plenty of other seasonal fun and games.
One Franklin Park Rd., Franklin Park, 617-541-LION, zoonewengland.org
Haunted Halloween at Hammond Castle
This geniune castle perched right on the Atlantic Ocean on famed Cape Ann is the perfect setting for its annual fright-fest, which takes place Friday and Saturday nights from October 13–28.
80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester, 978-283-2080, hammondcastle.org
Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
Venerable Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosts this adorable gathering of pets and their owners, who all strut their stuff on the red carpet and vie for bragging rights in four different categories on October 28 from noon–4 p.m.
617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Costume Dash 5K
This race/costume contest from Copley Square to Boston Common takes place October 28 beginning at 9 a.m., concluding with what is sure to be a very colorful bar crawl.
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
A fact-based, 90-minute jaunt through Boston Common and Beacon Hill, this terror-inducing tour reveals dark tales of Boston’s past.
617-401-0520, hauntedboston.com
Ghosts & Gravestones
This “frightseeing” trolley tour uses costumed characters to tell the stories of the city’s most haunted (and haunting) locales.
888-920-8687, ghostsandgravestones.com
Salem Haunted Happenings
A short road trip north lies the Halloween haven of Salem, which celebrates the holiday all month long with parades, costume parties, live music, a carnival, tours, seances, haunted houses, and, new this year, Wicked Wednesdays, which features fun activities for the entire family.
It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection
Also in Salem, witness a display of 135 of the Metallica guitarist’s phenomenal, fear-inducing horror and sci-fi movie posters at the Peabody Essex Museum.
East India Square, 161 Essex St., Salem, 866-745-1876, pem.org
