Fun Halloween Day Trips for the Whole Family

Written by Michele Taranto

Halloween is less than a week away. Before you indulge in a night of trick-or-treating with a bevy of ghost, goblins and ghouls, make time for your family to enjoy these great Halloween-themed day trips:

Halloween Adventures at Providence Children's Museum, Providence, RI

Even if kids have previously visited the Providence Children's Museum, this exciting place of discovery transforms into a slightly spookier place during the Halloween season. 

The museum will hold “On the Boo Bash” on Oct. 27, where kids can play bewitching games, have fun with imaginative arts, explore eerie environments, mix it up in the mad scientist's laboratory and much more. On Oct. 29, the smallest ghosts and goblins will have the opportunity to experiment with slime, dress up in costumed, create spooky crafts and face hands-on frightful experiences in the museum's Discovery Studio.

"The Providence Children's Museum is a great place for hands-on Halloween fun because we offer a variety of playful, not-too-spooky activities," Director of Communications & Marketing Megan Fischer said.

Kids are also encouraged to show off their costumes while attending any of these exciting events.

The Providence Children's Museum is located at 100 South St., Providence, RI. A $9 fee (free for museum members) covers admission to the event and all the exciting features within the museum. 

For more detailed information, visit the Providence Children's Museum website.

Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend, Providence, RI

You may not think of the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium when you’re planning Halloween activities, but it’s the perfect place for kids and parents to enjoy this spooky and fun holiday.

From Oct. 26 -27, the museum will offer several programs for families featuring great exhibits, festive crafts, spooky stories and plenty of mystery guests. Visitors also will receive a trick-or-treat bag, so kids can get their fill of candy well in advance of the actual holiday. And the best part of the museum’s Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend is that it’s really affordable—the fee is only $3 per person.

For just a few dollars more, families also can participate in these events:

• Historic Tour of Williams Family Cemetery ($3): find out who is buried here and the meaning of the symbols carved on their ornate gravestones
• Tales from the Underground Haunted Vaults ($5): do not miss this rare chance to explore the collections in storage in this behind-the-scenes, underground tour!
• Strange and Distant Worlds Planetarium Show ($3): Experience the newest discoveries in the cutting-edge science of exoplanet astronomy in this unique, visually stunning planetarium show.

Insider Tip: Have your kids wear their Halloween costumes for free admission.

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is located at 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI. For further information, visit the website.

Spooky Zoo, Providence, RI

Thought Halloween was just for people? Well the animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo may not go out trick-or-treating, but boy do they throw a great Halloween party! On Oct. 26 and 27, the Spooky Zoo offers a wildly fun time with frightfully fun activities, crawly animal encounters, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a games tent, roaming costumed characters and live music. Visitors will enjoy seasonal snacks with trick-or-treat stations and pumpkin treats. All of these activities are included with regular price zoo admission. 

"It is a thrilling experience," said Jan Mariani, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Insider Tip: Kids under 12 with Halloween costumes get in for half price.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is located at 1000 Elmwood Ave., in Providence RI and is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit the website.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Providence, RI

Families will be rethinking their own pumpkin carvings after viewing this fantastic pumpkin display of more than 5,000 elaborately decorated jack-o-lanterns, appropriately referred to as Pumpkinville, USA. Visitors of all ages have been known to return year after year to view the changing displays of intricately decorated pumpkins that represent regions of the country as well as historical and cultural landmarks. Show standards, childhood favorites and Halloween scenes are also displayed, all leading up to the dazzling grand finale, the Laughing Tree. 

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has been featured in the Travel Channel's "Halloween Crazier" special, Martha Stewart Living and the Rachel Ray Show. Don't spend this Halloween on the couch watching the festivities, be a part of them. This brilliant display is just a short drive away.

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is presented through Nov. 3, 6-11 p.m., with last admission at 10 p.m (on Saturdays last admission is 11 p.m.) 

Insider Tip: Prices are lowered and crowds are thinner Monday-Thursdays. 

Costs: Monday-Thursday, $12 adults, $10 seniors and $9 for children ages 3 – 12, with children under three admitted for free. Admission prices on Friday-Sunday, $15 adults, $13 seniors and $12 children ages 3–12; children 2 and under are admitted for free. For more information, visit the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular website.