Allison Ringsdorf, Editor 

We are in the swing of autumn now that it is mid-October, but if you are searching for some fun this Halloween season, then look no further than this article for ideas to spend your nights and weekends!  

Spooky Mini Golf 

Located in Franklin Square between Chinatown and Old City, Philly Mini Golf provides a scary twist. From Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., one can enjoy the season for a low price. Adults pay $15 and children are $12. Thursday through Sunday nights between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the Boo-zy Bar will be open for the 21 and older crowd. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are the busiest, so advance order tickets are required for those nights. Buying a ticket at the door will not be available. 

Manayunk Fall Fest 

If you are searching for wholesome fall fun, check out the Manayunk Fall Fest Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here one will find local vendors and artisans, food trucks and a family-friendly atmosphere lined up along Main Street. The big event for the day will be a “Mac n’ Cheese Crawl,” which is a joint event with restaurants along Main Street. Check-in will be held at the Manayunk Welcome Center. Entry into the event will cost $25.  

Cityside Pumpkin Patch 

Cityside Pumpkin Patch offers a family friendly carnival atmosphere for the 21 and older crowd. For two-hour sessions, one can expect pumpkin smashing areas, carnival games, a ghost slingshot, face painting and opportunities alongside the scenic Delaware River. Important information regarding ticket times and fees are available on the website.  

Nightmare Before Tinsel 

Tinsel Bar, located in the Midtown Village of Center City, presents Nightmare Before Tinsel until Nov. 2. Tinsel, known for its eccentric Christmas decorations and themed drinks, takes on a spooky theme for the first month of its opening season. Craft cocktails are served in souvenir cups and the haunted artifacts say, “Don’t Touch.” Open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, this two-story experience supports local artisans who handcraft the decor.

Ghost Tours 

Philadelphia is known for its illustrious history. However, alongside the glory comes haunting baggage. Ghost tours of Philadelphia run well beyond Halloween and into late November depending on the group. Philadelphia Ghost Tours or Spirit of ‘76 Ghost Tours allow one to scratch the spooky itch without breaking the bank. For $24 each, one must pack their walking shoes, as the chilling tour of Philadelphia’s past extends over one hour.  

Dinos After Dark 

For museum lovers, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University provides a Halloween twist to the Dinos After Dark series. On select Friday evenings, the museum hosts pay-what-you-wish evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Halloween happens to be a Friday; therefore, a creaky, crawly evening is in order. Music and the Dino Drafts Beer Garden are offered to liven up the mood. After 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., Dinos after Dark turns into a 21 and older event with a $30 cover fee for non-members. Take the time to dance, participate in karaoke or enjoy dinosaurs after hours.