Pumpkins, candy and costumes … oh my! Your family may choose to celebrate Halloween a bit differently this year due to the pandemic, but there are still plenty of ways to have fun.  Many local businesses have made every effort to provide festivities that your family can enjoy while still feeling safe. And if you’re looking to stay more socially distanced in 2020, you can do that, too! Whatever you decide, Halloween can be a welcome distraction (and a bit of normalcy) for us all right now! Pandemic or not, Halloween is NOT cancelled. So go ahead and get in the spooky spirit!

In our 2020 Halloween Guide, you’ll find:

Pumpkin Patches

More Local Festivities

Ways to Celebrate at Home/With a Small Group

Photo by Michelle Reese

Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction

When: Saturday and Sundays through October 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also open Columbus Day, October 12)
Where: 34 Toad Lane, Ringoes

Everitt Farms is open for their 2020 Corn Maze and Pumpkin Picking with a petting zoo, activities, games, refreshments, music and more. Check their website for info on Themed Weekends, too! Admissions is $7 per person, children 3 and under are free. Free parking. Masks are required.

Snyder’s Farm

When: Weekends through October 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset

Come out for hay rides, pumpkin picking, corn maze, wooden train, spider web, corn hole, rubber duck race, food, music and more! Admission is $15 per person. Children under 2 are free. Masks are required. Cash only.

October Weekends at Snipes Farm & Education Center

When: October 3 – October 25; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 890 W. Bridge Street, Morrisville

Enjoy a day on the farm! The Big Barn Market will have farm fresh produce, pumpkins, fall decorations and yummy fall delicacies such as fresh baked pies, caramel apples, fresh pressed apple cider and cider slushies. Adventures abound on the farm, from the hay pyramid to the woods and trails. Explore the Land of Scarecrows. Find the perfect pumpkin in the patch. Visit the Old Time Farm Museum. Go on a scavenger hunt. Meet the animals, and more! You can even bring your own picnic lunch.

Note that for the safety of guests and staff, you must wear masks at all times except for when eating at a designated picnic table. They will be limiting entry, which will be first come, first entry basis. Admission is $7 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free. All proceeds from Fall Weekends support Snipes Farm and Education Center’s mission to model and teach sustainable farming while building community and reconnecting people to the land.

Shady Brook Farm Fall Fest 2020

When: Wednesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last wagon leaving at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with last wagon leaving at 9 p.m. (Hours are slightly different if visiting before October 2)
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd. Yardley

Shady Brook Farm is always a popular destination this time of year! The 2020 version of Fall Fest looks a little different from the past, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had! They’re going back to basics with loads of old fashioned family fun: wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking in the apple orchard, and pick your own sunflowers + a sunflower stroll. (Note that sunflowers are apples are just about over now.) Be sure to bring your cameras/phones because there are new photo props this year! The kids can cruise around their re-designed SBF 500 Tryke Track, play on the playground, Giant Jumping Pillow, Spider Web, & explore the huge Corn Maze (including an after-dark flashlight maze). All included in the price of admission. They also have Gem Mining for an extra fee. Starting October 2, their re-designed Barn of Horrors and Alien Encounter will also be open, featuring animatronic characters. Due to the pandemic, there will be no Hayride of Horror or live actors this year. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Please note that masks are required for guests 3 and up during check in and when social distancing is difficult. You can see all our the procedures Shady Brook is following at this time HERE.

Admission:  Children under 24 months are free, all other guests need a ticket for admission. $12 weekdays, $18 weekends (weekend hours start Fri @ 5pm). Ticket time slots are to stagger entry. You may spend 3 hours at FallFest.

Fall Festival Weekends at Charlann Farms

When: Now through November 1, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 586 Stonyhill Road, Yardley

Enjoy a day on the farm with activities such as pumpkin painting (each child will receive a sugar pumpkin to decorate), live animals, straw maze, barrel cart ride, straw mountain, corn pit, pumpkin bowling, and more. Tickets are $7.99 per person for ages 2 and up. You must purchase a timed ticket, which is good for a specific 2-hour slot. At the end of your time slot, an announcement will be made, and the staff will then sanitize before the next group. Guests over the age of 3 must wear masks except for when eating. Purchase tickets and find out more HERE.

Photo by Michelle Reese

Pumpkin Trains with Black River Railroad

When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3 through October 25 with trains at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: 80 Stangl Road, Flemington

Catch the train at Flemington Station for a ride to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction! Your ticket includes round-trip train ride, entry to the corn maze and other activities. Tickets are $21 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 through 11. Children under 3 are free when riding on adult’s lap.

The Addams Family (2020) Park-In Movie at Music Mountain Theatre

When: Saturday, October 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Music Mountain Theatre has temporarily converted their parking lot into a park-in movie lot. Tickets are $25 per car and can be purchased HERE.

Haunted Hayrides at Schaefer Farms

When: Weekends, October 3 –October 31
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1041 Route 523, Flemington

Newly redesigned and exciting with lots of outdoor space for social distancing to keep customers and staff safe from COVID for the 2020 haunt season.  To further safety measures, timed ticketing for limited seating on hayride wagons will be available. For more information go to www.schaeferfarms.com.

Hocus Pocus Park-In Movie at Music Mountain Theatre

When: Saturday, October 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Music Mountain Theatre has temporarily converted their parking lot into a park-in movie lot. Tickets are $25 per car and can be purchased HERE.

Dracula at Music Mountain Theater

When: Friday, October 16 through Sunday, November 1 with shows on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Music Mountain Theatre is reopening for the Fall Season with Dracula! They’ll be offering several viewing options including seating for 50 patrons in the theatre (socially distanced seating arrangements), virtual viewing at home, and drive-in viewing for 20 vehicles on Friday nights. Click HERE for ticket info.

A Nightmare on Elm Street Park-In Movie at Music Mountain Theatre

When: Saturday, October 17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Music Mountain Theatre has temporarily converted their parking lot into a park-in movie lot. Tickets are $25 per car and can be purchased HERE.

Scream Park-In Movie at Music Mountain Theatre

When: Saturday, October 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Music Mountain Theatre has temporarily converted their parking lot into a park-in movie lot. Tickets are $25 per car and can be purchased HERE.

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

When: Weekends, now through November 1
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place! The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, pumpkin decorating, swinging, flying, and cruising on Count von Count-themed mechanical rides, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats! Note that reservations must be made online. Masks are required.

ALL NEW Halloween Drive-Thru at Sesame Place

When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in October
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

For the first time ever, families can enjoy a Halloween-themed experience at Sesame Place from the comfort of their cars! Enjoy a special soundtrack, festive decor, millions of lights and Sesame Place characters dressed up in costume on Halloween themed floats. Tickets are $35 per car, and Season Pass Members save 20% on admission.

Night Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary

When: Select dates now through November 15
Where: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia

The annual haunted house event, Terror Behind the Walls, is cancelled this year due to the pandemic. But you can STILL visit one of the most famous prisons in the world this fall! The penitentiary is offering Night Tours, allowing visitors to explore the dark, abandoned cellblocks like never before. These self-guided tours include access to historic locations in the complex such as Al Capone’s Cell and Death Row. You can also enjoy “The Voices of Eastern State” audio Tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi. Tickets start at $19 and vary by night. Find out more about the event and purchase tickets HERE.

Scarecrow Season at Peddler’s Village

When: Now through October 31
Where: 2400 Street Road, New Hope

Peddler’s Village is kicking off its 41st Annual Scarecrow Season with a property-wide display of scarecrows created by individuals and local businesses and organizations. While the traditional Festival is cancelled due to the pandemic, they will sill be hosting scarecrow-making workshops designed with safety in mind on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 as well as Saturday, September 19 and 26. Get more details (and register) for the workshops at THIS link.

Homicide and Hauntings – Murder Mystery Walking Tour at Peddler’s Village

When: Fridays through Sundays, October 3 – November 8, select times
Where: Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska (Meet at the Cock ‘n Bull lobby)

Peddler’s Village is known for their Murder Mystery Dinners, but in the times of corona, they’re getting creative with these new Murder Mystery Walking Tours.

Being a ghost doesn’t mean you can’t be driven to murder.
The ghosts of Peddler’s Village are in a quandary. Some of them have been disappearing…for good…and no one wants to be next. When a specter finds itself permanently dispatched to the Great Beyond, what can it do but investigate? Hear spine-tingling ghost lore of Bucks County while you help discover which apparition is bumping off the others…with bumps in the night.
When afterlives collide, who will be left with a ghost of a chance?  Can you solve a murder at Homicide and Hauntings?

Tickets are $25 per person. Dinner is not included, but you receive a 10% discount at several Village restaurants when you show your receipt.

Halloween Themed Event (for adults) and Trick or Treat Trains (all ages) on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad 

When: Select dates and times October 8 – October 31, see site for details
Where: New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 W. Bridge St, New Hope

The New Hope Railroad is offering two Halloween-themed excursions – one for adults, and one for all ages. The adults event is meant to spook and delight passengers. The Trick or Treat event will include a live reading of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and trick or treating around the station platform. Masks are required while on the train.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Glow Festival

When: Friday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Slatington Airport, 1000 Airport Lane, Slatington

This one might be worth the drive! Lehigh Valley Hot Air is hosting this Halloween themed event for families to have some safe fun at a distance. The Hot Air balloons will begin inflating at 6:00 PM. Tethered rides will begin at 5:00. All drive through vehicles must enter and exit from the airport main entrance. All guests with VIP lawn tickets must remain in their designated area for the duration of the event. Each child under 10 will receive a pre packaged trick or treat bag, while supplies last. There will also be a DJ playing Halloween themed music and fireworks at 10 p.m. Find out more HERE.

Shoppes at Flemington Halloween Spooktacular

When: Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m.
Where: Shoppes at Flemington, 100 Reaville Ave., Flemington

Trick or treat store-to-store with stores offering sidewalk sales and family deals at restaurants. Climb aboard a fire truck, check out a police car, meet and greet local police, rescue, and fire fighters. Great fun for kids and adults. Giveaways, raffles, and more. Costumes encouraged. Tickets available at eventbrite.com

Frenchtown Zombie Crawl and Scavenger Hunt

When: Saturday, October 24, noon – 4 p.m.
Where: Sunbeam Park, Bridge Street, Frenchtown

Frenchtown Zombie makeup team transforms the living into the Living Dead right before your very eyes.  Dress your deadly best to participate in the zombie costume contest or partake in the scavenger hunt through town. Prizes, pictures and petrification in the park. Makeup services ranging from $5 to $15.  Zombie contest is $5 per person or $10 per family/team.

NOTE: We were unable to confirm this annual event.

Tricks and Treats Drive-Thru at Music Mountain Theatre

When: Sunday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 1483 Route 179, Lambertville

Come to the Music Mountain Theatre parking lot for a Halloween drive-thru event. Visit some of your favorite characters, take photos of the displays, and get out at the designated spots for a photo with them. Wear your costume and collect some treats in a contact-free environment! Get tickets HERE.

Pumpkin Fest in Clinton

When: Friday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Clinton

Enter your uniquely carved and decorated pumpkins into our annual pumpkin contest (drop off between 4:30-6:30pm)! Don’t want to submit one of your own? Be sure to come and view them all, watch a master pumpkin carver at work, see Wanda the Wacky Witch, and hear Halloween stories being told on the Hunterdon Art Museum Terrace! This year, Main Street will be closed during the event to allow for social distancing.

Franklin Fright Weekend at the Franklin Institute

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 31 and November 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 271 North 21st Street, Philadelphia

Trick or treat indoors at The Franklin Institute this Halloween weekend when spooky science, liquid scare shows, and other frightfully-fun festivities take over the entire museum. Put on your best, most creative costume and experience ghostly science as you tour the museum, trick or treat through exhibit galleries and knock on the Halloween-inspired doors—behind them, a witch, a pirate, or even Ben Franklin might appear to hand out goodies! Included with the price of admission. Purchase tickets HERE.

According to the COVID Risk Levels Dashboard on globalepidemics.org, Hunterdon County is currently rated “Yellow” in a scale of Green, Yellow, Orange, Red with Green being the safest and Red being the riskiest. That being said, you’ll probably find a real mix of people that feel comfortable trick or treating and those that prefer to stay home this year.

Whether you plan to go trick or treating on Halloween night or not, you might be looking for some suggestions to celebrate at home or with a close group of friends this year. Here are some suggestions:

• Go ALL out with decorating this year. Whether you DIY or let the kids help with shopping, making your home into your own little haunted house is sure to make you feel frightfully festive.
• Organize a Halloween parade in your neighborhood. This is probably the closest to traditional trick or treating, but instead of going door to door, families can simply walk on the sidewalks around the neighborhood in an organized/spaced fashion. If you want to give out treats, place individual bags on a table at the end of your driveway.
• Decorate or carve pumpkins. This is always a Halloween favorite, but make it extra special this year by getting together with some friends outside or organizing Zoom parties.
• Have a face mask party! In true 2020 fashion, your “QuaranTeam” can get together to decorate masks instead of pumpkins this year. Order up a bunch of plain cotton masks. (Or you could even use disposables) and let the kids go nuts with puffy pant, fabric markers and more.
• “BOO” a Neighbor! During the month of October, choose one neighbor and secretly leave a Halloween package at their front door along with a “Boo” poem asking them to pass it on and a “We’ve Been Boo’ed” sign for them to hang on their door. Get ideas/printables HERE.
• Have a Halloween Movie Marathon. You can do this with just your family, invite a few friends and watch on a projector in the backyard, or even use a program like Netflix Party to watch remotely with others.
• Plan a Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Make the kids “work” for their candy this year by figuring out clues! Place small pieces of candy at the site of each new clue, eventually leading them to a big bag or Giant sized candy bar. You can find plenty of ideas on Pinterest, but HERE‘s a link to a free printable.
• Go on a Candy Hunt … in your yard! Think Easter egg hunt, Halloween style. Get creative by using glow-in-the-dark eggs or using flashlights.
• Find Halloween-themed recipes and have a family bake-off!