There is a particular kind of October parent who plans the whole month around one question: where do the kids wear the costume, and for how long can we stretch it? This year the calendar is kind. Halloween falls on Saturday the 31st, and the weeks before it are crowded with events that cost little or nothing.
Every event below has its own page on GOkidOZ with the address, the hours and the organiser's own link. Dates and prices come from the organisers; where a price is not published, we say so. Curious how it all began? Read the history of Halloween.
All month long
Thursday to Sunday evenings — Jack-O’-Lantern Nights, Stone Zoo
Stone Zoo in Stoneham fills with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins and larger-than-life sculptures, 5:30 to 9:30pm, Thursday through Sunday until October 31. Tickets are required for everyone over two, and they do not include daytime admission. Zoo New England says evenings may sell out, so buy ahead.
October 17–18 and 24–25 — Kids’ Fun Fest, Salem Common
Salem’s Haunted Happenings runs all October, and this is the part built for children: kid-friendly activities on Salem Common, 10am to 5pm on four weekend days.
Select nights, October 3–25 — Phantoms by Firelight, Old Sturbridge Village
An after-dark, Frankenstein-themed evening in a historic village. It is for older children; check the page for the sound and strobe advisory before you go.
The free ones
Friday, October 16, 4–8pm — Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival, Boston Common
The City of Boston’s sixth annual Halloween party at the Frog Pond: music, arts and crafts, treats, field games and magic on the Parks Department stage. Free. Costumes encouraged.
Saturday, October 24, 10–11am — Halloween on Main, Walpole
A costume parade down Main Street led by the Fire Department, then downtown trick-or-treating, for children up to 10. Free, with advance registration.
Sunday, October 25, 11am–1pm — PruBoo, Prudential Center
The 32nd annual, with trick-or-treating at 30+ stores and restaurants, face painting, crafts, magic shows and live music. Every activity is free.
Thursday, October 29, 5–9pm — ArtsThursdays: Halloween at the Museum, Harvard
Trick-or-treat through the galleries of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, with a costume photo booth. Free; RSVP encouraged. Free parking needs registration by October 28.
For the smallest ones
Saturday, October 24, 5–8pm — Halloween Spooktacular, Boston Children’s Museum
Trick-or-treat through the exhibits, Pumpkin Putt-Putt and a candy-corn ring toss. Ticketed.
Sunday, October 25, 10am–noon — Halloween in the Morning Mist, deCordova
Gently ghoulish activities for toddlers and preschoolers, with a dog costume contest at 11am. $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
Sunday, October 25 — Halloween Party, NE Rhythmic, Sharon
A costume party with goodie bags: 11am for ages 3–6, 2pm for ages 7 and up. $30, registration required.
October 30–November 1 — Halloween Hullabaloo, Discovery Museum, Acton
Mommy Poppins lists Pumpkin Putt Putt, a scavenger hunt and “ghostly surprises” at the Discovery Museum, free with admission, for ages 2–10. The museum’s own visit page shows an early close of 12:30pm on Saturday, October 31, so check hours before you drive.
Halloween weekend, October 30–31
Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 — OgunquitFest, Maine
Children trick-or-treat downtown and in Perkins Cove, with a classic car show and a Dogtoberfest parade.
Saturday, October 31, 7pm — Portsmouth Halloween Parade, New Hampshire
Anyone can dress up and march; no sign-up needed.
Saturday, October 31 — trick-or-treating at home
Mommy Poppins’ 2026 neighbourhood guide names Beals Street and Coolidge Corner in Brookline for walkable trick-or-treating, Marlborough Street in the Back Bay for older kids, and Mount Vernon and Pinckney Streets on Beacon Hill for the decorations. It also lists a free Halloween party for little ones at Titus Sparrow Park in the South End, 4–5pm on October 31, with pizza, children’s music and a parade. See their full list.