5 Great Halloween Trips for Greater Boston Residents

It’s that time of year when the things that go “bump” in the night come out to play. Whether it’s your first Halloween or your 101st, Greater Boston offers a plethora of spooky fun for everyone. And while there’s plenty of great Halloween attractions within city limits, there simply isn’t space for more ambitious ventures in Boston proper, so we’ve complied a list containing seven of the best Halloween trips near Boston: from the gently spooky to the truly terrifying, there truly is something for everyone.

So hop in the car, grab a seat on the T, and get ready for some of the best Halloween trips for Greater Boston residents.

Head Out to a Haunted House

Whether you’re looking for heart-stopping chills, or some good old-fashioned spooky fun that won’t leave you gasping for breath, Greater Boston haunted houses have something to satisfy everybody. Here’s a pair of our favorites.

Take a Trip to the First Parish Haunted House

Where: 75 Great Road, Bedford, MA
When: Friday, October 25th 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday October 26th 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
What’s it going to cost? Night tickets: $10 ($8 for seniors). Day tickets: $5 ($4 for seniors)
Anything else? Just how scary things get depends on when you attend: Friday night is rated “PG,” Saturday morning is “G,” and Saturday night is “PG-13”

Nothing beats old buildings for that authentic haunted house feeling, and the First Parish Haunted House delivers on that front. The First Parish Unitarian Universalist church fills the first three stories of its 200+ year old structure with a range of spooky spectacles. Looking for something lightly spooky? Head out on Saturday morning. Looking for a legitimately scary haunted house that doesn’t go overboard? Saturday night’s for you. And if you’re looking to split the difference, then head out on Friday night.

Depending on the route you take, it’s only 16-25 miles from Allston to the Bedford town common where the First Parish resides. Taking the Concord Turnpike is about 45 minutes, and if you want to take public transportation, it’s roughly double the time, but still quite doable. Take the 64 or 66 to the Red Line, transfer to the 62, and with a bit of overland travel, you’re right there.

Dare to get Scared at Barrett’s Haunted Mansion

Where: 1235 Bedford St., Abington, MA 02351
When: Thursday through Sunday nights, as well as Wednesday the 30th, starting around 7:00 PM through November 2nd
What’s it going to cost? From $20 for group rate tickets, to $100 for the “Nightmare on Bedford Street” costumed party. One ticket gets you into two haunted houses.
Anything else? Not recommended for children younger than 13. The Darkness Unleashed and Devil’s Night attractions are a hard 16+, with anyone under 18 requiring parental permission and a waiver.

Consistently ranked among the top 5 scariest haunted houses in Massachusetts, Barrett’s Haunted Mansion delivers serious thrills year after year. With two attractions each night – excepting special events, which are massive, artisinal horror experiences that are absolutely not to be missed – you get all the thrills and chills you can handle for your ticket, and then some.

Located about 25 miles south of Boston via I-93 or I-95, you’re looking at anywhere between an hour, hour and a half drive each way. If you’re looking to make a night of it, their “Bite and Fright” deal gets you dinner at the Abington Ale House, as well as admission into both haunted houses for $40, tip and tax included. Group discounts are available, and active military personnel get in free Sunday through Thursday.

If you’re looking for the scariest haunted house in Boston, look no further.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Boston

Hayrides, cider, donuts, mazes… and of course, pumpkin patches. Nothing says wholesome Halloween fun like heading out of the city limits to a nearby farm. With plenty of pumpkin patch farms near Boston, it’s simply a matter of choosing one that’s conveniently located and/or strikes your fancy. Here’s a few of our favorites.

Boston Hill Farm

Where: 1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA
When: 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM

With the history of 12 generations of family farmers in one location, Boston Hill Farm is a quintessential New England farm stop. About 28 miles north of Boston – usually an hour to an hour and a half via I-93 – you’ll get a red wagon to cart around your picks from the pumpkin patch while you take in the gorgeous autumn scenery. There’s even a petting zoo!

Hanson’s Farm

Where: 20 Nixon Road, Framingham, MA
When: Monday-Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

With a corn maze, haunted hayrides every Friday and Saturday in October, and a stellar array of flowers, vegetables, and of course, pumpkins to pick, this family farm is great for all ages. About an hour west of Boston down I-90, Hanson’s Farm is a Greater Boston favorite for a reason.

Shelburne Farm

Where: 106 W Acton Road, Stow, MA
When: 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Not only does Shelburne farm have a great pumpkin patch, it’s packed with fun activities for kids, like a John Deere combine hay maze and playground, alpacas and llamas in addition to traditional farm animals like ponies, goats, baby chicks, bunnies etc., and they even have live music from jazz to bluegrass. About an hour and a half northwest of Boston via I-90 and MA-2, you can even catch a demonstration of the antique cider press, showing how New Englanders have made apple cider since the 1600s.

This is Halloween, This is Halloween

Boston is gorgeous no matter what the season, but the changing leaves and rising spooks hold a special kind of charm for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading far afield, or sticking close to home, there’s a range of frightening festivities waiting for you.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the ghouls, ghosts, and other things that go bump in the night? Did we miss any frighteningly fantastic Halloween events near Boston? If so, don’t keep us in the dark: share your favorite tricks and treats in the comments below!