There are a countless number of things to do to celebrate Halloween when the city of Philadelphia is just a bus ride away. There are haunted houses, ghost tours, club and bar events and even a haunted zoo.
For those students looking for a good scare, Eastern State Penitentiary is a definite option. As if an old penitentiary is not creepy enough, “Terror Behind the Walls,” Eastern State’s annual Halloween show, adds frightening and haunting effects to the building. Although Stephanie Berger of Family Circle Magazine called it, “One of our favorite haunted adventures across the country,” college students may not enjoy the Saturday night rate of $30 per person.
A more cost-efficient Halloween activity can be found at 5th and Chestnut Street after dark. For $15 per person, people can enjoy an hour-long ghost tour of Philadelphia. The walking tour is guided through historic places such as both Ben Franklin’s house and Saint Peter’s Cemetery. Advertisements for the Ghost Tour encourage people to, “discover what lurks in the shadows of America’s most historic city.
For those who are looking to go dancing to celebrate Halloween, Shampoo Nightclub is hosting “Go to Hell” night. The haunted-house-themed party starts at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. There is a $15 cover charge it is located between 7th and 8th Street on Willow Dr.
Anyone who feels too old to trick-or-treat, but too young to spend the night handing out candy can head down the road a few miles to Brownies 23 East. On Oct. 31, beginning at 10 p.m., Brownies is hosting their annual Halloween bash. Musical guest will be Burnt Sienna. Brownies’ website said costumes are encouraged but not required.
And for those who just aren’t quite ready to grow up or those looking to entertain children, the block stretching from the Avenue of the Arts to 21st Street has something special in store for Halloween.
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, a party will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia with brunch and activities such as costume contests, pumpkin carving and face painting. Following the party, from noon to 3 p.m. merchants along Rittenhouse Square will be opening their doors to trick-or-treaters young and old for candy collection.
There is plenty to do in and around the city on Halloween, and something for every age and interest.
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