October is one of my favorite times of year. I love fall, I love everything about it. I love how the leaves look when they begin to fall, I love when it starts to get cold out, I love pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, pumpkin carving, apple-picking, deciding what my costume will be and basically anything else you can think of to associate with fall.
However I am a huge whimp, I am not at all good with scary stuff. I hate horror movies, I don’t like the dark, and I seriously only watch certain episodes of American Horror Story or else I won’t be able to sleep for a week. My idea of a good Halloween movie is “Hocus Pocus” or “Nightmare Before Christmas” which some people debate is a Christmas movie, but that’s beside the point. My point is whenever Halloween rolls around and all my friends want to go to some haunted hayride, haunted house, or creepy abandoned-whatever party, I am always the one to skip-out on it because I am not trying to be murdered on Halloween night, no thank you, that is not for me.
So I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do this Halloween, for all ages, and for all different people, so whether you’re like me, or you’re not at all like me and you can’t get enough gore, you’ll have something fun to do this Halloween.
1. Harvest of Horrors
Tony Andrews Farm, 394 Old Meeting House, East Falmouth, MA.
Phone #: 508-527-0189
This spooky attraction is bound to make you scream. With an outdoor haunted walking trail, filled with professional actors in full on makeup and costumes that try to stop you from returning home, you’ll be sure to get an adrenaline rush. It’s not for the faint of heart, aka me, it also features a haunted hayride deep in the woods behind the farm along the newly expanded ¼ mile trail. Gates open at 6:30 pm and the last ticket is sold at 9:00 pm every night. Admission for both the tractor ride and the haunted forest is $12.00 per person, 12 and over is the recommended age group. Check out Harvest of Horrors for more information.
2. Barnstable Village’s Haunted & History Walking Tour
US. Coast Guard Heritage Museum , 3353 Main Street (6A), Barnstable MA.
Phone #: 508-771-272
Have kids? Or maybe just a history nerd like me? Take a trip to the U.S. Coast Guard Heritage Museum to hear about the conflict between the Loyalist and American Whigs that happened right here in historic Massachusetts. You’ll walk the historic and haunted “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village, the tour will make ten stops along the highway including Cobb’s Hill Cemetery, Barnstable Tavern & Restaurant, and ending the night by entering the “Old Jail” built in 1690’s by the order of Massachusetts Bay Colony Courts, which is said to be actively haunted. Starts at 7pm every night, adults are $15, children eight to twelve are $8, and children under eight are free. Tours are available April 16th to November 15th. Take a look at Barnstable Village’s Haunted & History Walking Tour for more.
3. Factory of Terror
With three locations (Fall River, Worcester, and West Warwick) these haunted house are something I would never dare to go to. If you’re a thrill seeker and someone who loves to be scared I highly suggest taking the time to drive up to one of these huge haunted houses that will keep you coming back year after year. With lines out the door these insanely popular haunted houses are impossible to disappoint. They have in-line outdoor entertainment to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. The website even suggest if you are pregnant or have a heart condition to stay away, that sound pretty scary to me, and also like something that would make me never be able to sleep again, so you won’t see me there. Check out their website for various dates and times depending on which location you attend. Admission is $23.99 at the door and save money when you purchase online. Go to Factory of Terror for more information.
4. Haunted Forest
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, 291 State Highway Rte 6, Wellfleet MA.
Phone #: (508)-349-2615
Targeted towards children three to twelve, this fun, non-scary, Halloween event is great for families. Explore their haunted pine forest after dark, you’ll be amazed and enchanted by the mysterious (not scary) creatures you see along the way. Everyone is encouraged to wear their costumes, also face painting is available and a Halloween themed game-room will be open from 5:30 to 8:30. Spots are limited as only 20 spots are available for each time slot. They’re open on October 28th with adults $9, children $5, non-members: $11 adults, children $7. For more information, check out the Haunted Forest.
5. Cape Cod Mall Boo Bash
769 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA 02601.
Phone #: (508) 771-0200
Kids of all ages are invited to participate in frightening fun, as a Boo Bash takes over Cape Cod Mall on October 31st, 4-6 pm. Check out the Boo Bash for more information.
6. Brewster’s Green Halloween
869 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631.
Phone #: (508) 896-3867
Do you live close to Brewster, Orleans, or Wellfleet and don’t want to drive up to Hyannis for all the fun? Well don’t worry because the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History has gotcha covered. Join in on the fun on October 29th anytime between 10am-2pm. Make your way through their maze or join in on the trick or treat scavenger hunt, play games, or simply enjoy the refreshments! Children are $5, and adults accompanied by children are free. Take a look at Brewster’s Green Halloween for more.
7. Fear Town
1710 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771.
Phone #: (508) 296-0661
Sounds scary right? Well it is. This outdoor attraction is located in the deep woods of Seekonk, MA. You’ll tour through abandoned buildings in the woods and navigate your way through the forest trail as monsters attempt to take you captive. This terrifying experience will take you both indoors and outdoors so be sure to wear proper shoes and clothing. Regular admission is $16 and it is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Check out Fear Town for various times and dates.
8. Heritage Museums & Gardens Halloween Family Festival
67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563.
Phone #: (508) 888-3300
Have you ever been to Heritage Museums & Gardens? No? Well then you need to go. Heritage is comprised of beautiful 100 acre gardens, an art gallery, and an antique automobile collection. On October 28th and 29th only, they will be hosting a family friendly Halloween festival. Enjoy themed refreshments and the view as your kids explore Hidden Hollow, participate in a dance party, and go on tractor-pulled hayrides. View the pumpkin carving display with works from both amateur and professional artist, then take a ride on their vintage carousel. Wearing costumes is highly encouraged, so head on over to Heritage this year and make the most of your Halloween season. $10 admission for members; $15 admission for non-members. Children 2 and under are free.
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By Kaitlyn Holzworth
Will the wellfleet drivein be doing trunk or treat?