Family-Friendly Fall Fun Around Pittsburgh
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8 Great Halloween Haunts
Family-Friendly Fall Fun Around Pittsburgh
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From glowing jack-o’-lanterns and giant pumpkins to trick-or-treat trolley rides and hands-on science fun, Pittsburgh offers countless ways to enjoy Halloween. Whether your family is looking for spooky thrills or kid-friendly festivities, these eight events are sure to put everyone in the Halloween spirit.
PORTALS OF FEAR
Older kids, teens and adults looking for a fright won’ t want to miss Portals of Fear in West Mifflin. Packed with immersive sets, special effects and unexpected scares, this haunted attraction delivers a highenergy Halloween experience. Check the attraction’ s website for 2026 dates and age recommendations.
JACK O’ LANTERN EXTRAVAGANZA & ZOOBOO
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers two Halloween favorites. The evening Jack O’ Lantern Extravaganza features
thousands of glowing carved pumpkins and illuminated displays, while ZooBoo brings daytime trick-or-treating, costume parades, character meet-and-greets and family activities during select weekends in October.
IDLEWILD’ S HALLOWBOO!
Perfect for younger children, Idlewild’ s HallowBoo! combines rides, trickor-treat trails, themed entertainment and festive decorations in a fun— not frightening— atmosphere. The 2026 event is scheduled for weekends from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31.
PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM HALLOWEEN EVENTS Hop aboard a historic trolley for seasonal fun at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Annual favorites such as Magic Pumpkin Trolley and Trick-or-Trolley feature costumes, treats and interactive activities for children. Event details are typically announced closer to fall.
MONSTER PUMPKINS FESTIVAL
The Monster Pumpkins Festival returns Oct. 17 – 18, 2026, to the 3 Crossings campus in Pittsburgh’ s Strip District. Families can marvel at enormous pumpkins and giant gourds while enjoying carving demonstrations, pumpkin drops, carriage rides, food vendors, live entertainment and activities for all ages.
OWL-O-WEEN AT THE NATIONAL AVIARY
Halloween gets a feathered twist at the National Aviary with Owl-O-Ween. Children can wear costumes while enjoying trick-or-treating, owl-themed crafts, educational activities and upclose encounters with birds and animal ambassadors.
BOO! A SENSORY- FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN
The Children’ s Museum of Pittsburgh offers an inclusive Halloween celebration designed for children who prefer a quieter environment. Seasonal activities, costumes and trick-or-treating provide a welcoming experience for families seeking a more accessible way to celebrate.
MESSFEST: HALLOWEEN EDITION Kamin Science Center combines spooky fun with STEM learning during MessFest: Halloween Edition. Families can enjoy slime, bubbles, rockets and other hands-on experiments with a Halloween twist. n
PLAN AHEAD! Many of these events sell out or require advance registration, so be sure to check individual websites for updated schedules, ticket information and age recommendations. Whether your family enjoys glowing pumpkins, haunted attractions or hands-on Halloween fun, there’ s something for everyone to enjoy this fall.
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