Local Halloween Attractions Offer Spooky Good Fun
Autumn, in all of its glory, has arrived. But cool mornings, turning leaves, and pumpkin spice everything are only part of the story. One of the hallmarks of the fall season is, and always will be, the wildly popular holiday of Halloween. Of course, young kids and a few older ones celebrate the day by going around the neighborhood trick-or-treating and growing a stockpile of candy. For many people, though, Halloween serves as a time to really enjoy being scared, and to try and scare a few friends, too. Luckily for us, some of the best haunted houses are right here in Philadelphia.
The Eastern State Penitentiary: A twenty minute drive from campus, this former prison is extremely accessible. operational from 1829 until 1971, the penitentiary has since served as the location for numerous paranormal TV shows and even a few popular films, such as Twelve Monkeys and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Now through the fifth of November, you can see this creepy attraction during their month of Terror Behind the Walls. Starting at $19, a ticket allows you to explore 13 different rooms in the penitentiary; a truly haunting experience.
The Bates Motel: Based on Hitchcock’s classic thriller, Psycho, the Bates Motel has three different attractions: a mansion designed after the famous motel, a corn maze, and a haunted hayride. Bates has been a Philly classic for years, and is a favorite among families and young people alike. Though it’s been around for over 25 years, there are so many amazing effects and stunning costumes that it doesn’t feel childish or old-fashioned. Bring a sweater, as much of the fun is outside, and prepare to get scared!
Sleepy Hollow: If you don’t mind going a bit farther from campus, Sleepy Hollow Hayrides offers a terrifying third option. Like Bates Motel, Sleepy Hollow offers three different main attractions, including a hayride, a ‘House in the Hollow’, and a ‘Field of Fright’. Mafate Manor stands as the epitome of a creepy mansion, and also contains a greenhouse and cemetery that you are free to explore, if you dare. When you’re finished with the frights, you and your friends can cozy up to a bonfire and listen to live music to keep away any figments of your imagination. Sleepy Hollow is open every weekend in October, with tickets available for one, two, or all three of the attractions.
