The Trustees have been hosting Halloween themed events for all ages around the state for the past few years and, due to their popularity, have added even more to this year’s lineup. Help celebrate this time of year by taking friends and family to Trustees properties where you can experience fun, laughs, and sometimes, a good scare. Below is a list of events that are mostly family-friendly, with an occasional adult themed event or experience to get you out of the house. Join us at one of the Trustees’ 116 sites – which range from historic houses to farms, hiking trails, beaches, parks, and more – at this beautiful time of year and experience everything the outdoors has to offer! For more information, including event prices and registration details, please visit the trustees.org/thingstodo and enter the property and event date, or search on the specific event itself.
Greater Boston:
Fall Colors SuperHero Supper
The Bradleys enjoyed family games at their home. They were adventurous and loved fun with family! Come for a fun evening this October.
Friday, October 6 | 5-7PM
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton, MA
The Bradleys were adventurous and inventors, who enjoyed family and fun. Let’s enjoy a fall evening together with the kids celebrating their favorite super-?heros with a parade through the gardens! We’ll take a walk and enjoy the colors, then come back to the house for pizza with flavors to build strength and stamina, and super drinks. Our own Garden Super-Hero will on?hand for pictures, games and fun! Have you ever been to a Super Hero Dinner Fest? Come find out what you have been missing. Bring your family and friends. Activities geared to children ages 5 to 10 years old, accompanied by parent(s)/guardian(s).
Horror Movie Night with Coolidge Corner Theater
Celebrate Friday the 13th with an immersive, state of the art, horror movie double-feature in the creepy crawly dark of the forest!
Friday, October 13 | 7-11PM
Rocky Woods, Medfield, MA
Come get your spooky on at an outdoor horror film double feature. We’re celebrating Friday the 13th genre with a double-feature to be announced. Concessions (including beer and wine!) will be available for purchase and if the movie doesn’t give you goosebumps, try staying the night…campsites and field camping will be available post?movie but will fill up quick so book your spot now!
Movie Night Camping
Test your fear-tolerance by pitching a tent in the field or at a site and camp out overnight.
Friday, October 13 | 8PM?10AM
Rocky Woods, Medfield, MA
Was an outdoor horror double feature not spooky enough for you? Test your fear-?tolerance by pitching a tent in the field or at a site and camp out overnight with your fellow thrill-seekers. Formal sites can fit up to two tents and five campers, each features a picnic table and fire pit with grill, and is a short walk to cabin services and bathrooms. Field camping is open for those who want a more communal experience, adjacent to our cabin and nearest the bathrooms. Field campers are welcome to gather around our pondside fire pit to enjoy the night sky and each other’s company. Pricing in the field is per tent. Firewood will be available for purchase for site campers and morning coffee & tea is complimentary for everyone. Dogs are welcome on?leash in all camping areas.
Halloween at Hutch
Come together with family and friends to celebrate Halloween with a fun, non-spooky party at Governor
Hutchinson’s Field! Come together with family and friends to celebrate Halloween with a fun, non-spooky party at Governor Hutchinson’s Field!
Saturday, October 21 | 4-7PM
Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Milton, MA
Come together with family and friends to celebrate Halloween with a fun, non-spooky party! Guests of all ages can enjoy hot cocoa and cider around the campfire, participate in Halloween crafts and games, take a swing at a pinata, and of course, show off their costumes! Visit the Forbes House Museum across the street and sit with Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson, under the large Beech Tree to hear historical spooky stories about his life, his land and the home he loved.
After-School Pumpkin Carving
It’s time to get those pumpkins ready for Halloween!
Tuesday, October 24; Wednesday, October 25; and Thursday, October 26 | 3-4:30PM
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole, MA
Time to get those pumpkins ready for Halloween! Come to Bird Park after school on October 24, 25, or 26 to carve and decorate pumpkins. You can take your jack?o-lantern home, enter it into our “Pumpkins in the Park” pumpkin decorating contest, or let us display your jack-o?lantern on our pumpkin?lit “nocturnal trail,” which will be open October 27 and 28. Carving tools and other supplies provided. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Yoga in the Park – Kid’s Class
Kids in costume are welcome at this Halloween yoga class for kids!
Friday, October 27 | 4:30-5:30PM
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole, MA
Kids in costume are welcome at this Halloween yoga class for kids! Have your child join children’s yoga specialist Sara Gottfried for a playful and mindful hour full of yoga poses and games. Enhance your child’s balance, strength, flexibility, concentration, and sense of calmness (even while they’re dressed as a ghost or witch). Children of all ages and beginners welcome! This is a drop-?off class. And if you’re looking for some balance yourself, take the Halloween yoga class for adults, conveniently held at the same time and place! Meet at the Music Court (stone stage across the field from the courts).
Halloween Yoga in the Park – Adult Class
Treat yourself to yoga in the park and get a treat when you’re done!
Friday, October 27 | 4:30-5:30PM
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole, MA
Treat yourself to yoga in the park and get a treat when you’re done! This vinyasa yoga class, led by experienced yoga instructor Ashley Brayden, is meant to bring participants the perfect balance of power and peace (and a bit of chocolate after shavasana). Vinyasa yoga helps participants increase strength and flexibility as well as train the mind to be more content and relaxed throughout life’s challenges on and off the mat. The ultimate goal is for participants to leave class feeling peaceful, powerful, and full of bliss! Beginners welcome! And balance isn’t just for big people. If you have children, they can take the Halloween yoga class for kids, conveniently held at the same time and place!
Howling Halloween Harvest Bonfire
Halloween is around the corner so come celebrate with a bonfire and fun!
Friday, October 27 | 6?8PM
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton, MA
Almost Halloween and the goblins are out! Join us for a fun-filled evening with cider and donuts at the Bradley Estate! Costumes, games and fun! Let’s meet as the sun sets and stars begin to shine! We’ll share stories and laughter for a not too scary night! This is a family-friendly event and all ages welcome!
Old Spooky Manse
Come get spooked in the candlelit Manse and its secret spaces!
Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29 | 3-7PM
The Old Manse, Concord, MA
Experience the Manse at its spookiest! Explore the 1770s house by candlelight and discover its secret spaces! Step outdoors to enjoy a s’more by the fireside. Please do not wear costumes to this event for safety reasons; in the house and by the fireside.
Boo in the Barnyard
The ponies, goats, chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs eagerly await the arrival of super heroes, princesses, and other costumed visitors!
Saturday, October 28 | 11AM-3PM
Weir River Farm, Hingham, MA
Our barnyard animals love trick or treating just as much as you! They want to see their young farmer friends all dressed up for Halloween, so stop on by the barnyard to show them your costume. Build a scarecrow, go trick or treating around the barnyard, and create a spooky Halloween craft
Hillside Halloween
This Halloween weekend, Fruitlands Museum will be alive with Halloween family fun!
Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, Ocotber 29 | 10AM-5PM
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA
This Halloween weekend, Fruitlands Museum will be alive with Halloween family fun! Bring a goodie bag and collect treats at all the museum buildings. Take a museum scavenger hunt and search for natural items with a Fall Hike-and?Seek on the trails. Play historic games at the Fruitlands Farmhouse, enjoy seasonal crafts in the Family Learning Center, and take a turn throwing the atlatl at the Native American Gallery. Enjoy story times in the longhouse. Children who visit the museum in costume receive free admission this Halloween weekend.
Pumpkins in the Park: Nocturnal Tales and Treats
Trick-or?treat on Bird Park’s Nocturnal Trail!
Saturday, October 28 | 5:30?7:30PM
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole, MA
Our favorite Halloween family event has expanded! In addition to the beloved pumpkin decorating contest, we’ll have a pumpkin-lit “nocturnal trail.” Families with little ones are invited to walk a short trail through the woods, where actors play the role of nocturnal animals. The animals share fun facts about themselves as they hand out candy to trick-or?treaters, so remember to wear your costume and a bring flashlight!
Pumpkin Fest in The KITCHEN
Saturday, October 28 is Pumpkin Fest in The KITCHEN! We’re celebrating this beloved autumn fruit (yes, it’s a
fruit!) with samples of our favorite pumpkin foods and beverages from the Boston Public Market, plus hands-on pumpkin activities.
Saturday, October 28 | 12:30-4PM
KITCHEN at Boston Public Market, Boston, MA
Monster Dash 5k & Trick or Trot
Costumes aren’t just for trick or treating anymore! Add some sneakers to your Halloween attire and hit the trails at our Monster Dash 5k.
Sunday, October 29 | 11AM-?1PM
Rocky Woods, Medfield, MA
Costumes aren’t just for trick or treating anymore! Add a pair of sneakers to your Halloween attire and hit the trails at our Monster Dash 5k. Families and friends spectate for FREE and little ones can participate in our Trick or Trot to collect candy at the end of a mini “run.”
Trail Run & Pumpkin Chuck
Bring your sneakers and pumpkins to the farm for a 5k trail run and pumpkin chuck!
Sunday, November 5 | 11AM-?2PM
Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough, MA
Halloween is over so it’s time to work off all that candy and chuck that rotting jack-o?lantern. Bring your sneakers and pumpkins to the farm for a 5k trail run and pumpkin chuck! Families and friends can cheer on the runners and stick around after the race to watch some pumpkins fly on our homemade trebuchet!
Pumpkinpalooza with Baked NYC: Baking Workshop with Renato Poliafito
Famous baker, Renato Poliafito comes up from NYC to teach us how to make pumpkin goodies
Saturday, November 11 | 10AM-12:30PM
Powisset Farm, Dover, MA
Renato Polifito, co?founder of Baked NYC, will be making the journey from the Big Apple to Powisset Farm for a pumpkin baking party. What’s on the dessert menu? Pumpkin dunking cookies, a pumpkin chocolate chip bundt cake, and pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies. If your mouth isn’t watering now, just wait until the class begins.
North Shore:
Harvest Moon Party
Celebrate the Harvest Moon with us! Moonrise, music, libations and laughter!
Thursday, October 5 | 6-9PM
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Moonrise, music, libations and laughter! Come celebrate the Harvest Moon at the Castle! Live music with The Bordellos playing Americana rock, views of the moon from the roof, and dancing in the moonlight on the lawn! We’ll have delectable nibbles and a cash bar – your first drink to toast the moon is included with your
registration. Please bring your confirmation as your ticket; we’ll also have a reservation list at the door. This is a 21 and over event.
Hay Bale Hangout
Have you ever collected warm eggs from the chicken coop or seen how fast sheep will run for their morning helping of grain?
Saturday, October 14 | 10AM-?2PM
Appleton Farms, Hamilton and Ipswich, MA
Have you ever collected warm eggs from the chicken coop or seen how fast sheep will run for their morning helping of grain? Join us for our NEW weekend Hay Bale Hangout and spend the day at Appleton Farms. Stop by anytime between 10AM – 1:30PM for fantastic farmyard meet and greets! Hands on activities start at 10AM and run every ½ hour. Greet our goats, make a wool bracelet, cuddle a calf, farm story time, collect chicken eggs and more! In between activities hang out in the Carriage Barn and explore our all?day learning stations or picnic outside in the Stone Paddock!
Jekyll & Hyde: A Castle Hill Halloween Party
Spend your Halloween at Castle Hill for an immersive evening of fun and fear!
Saturday, October 28 | 7PM-9:00PM
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Do you dare to entertain the strange and experimental? Come to Castle Hill for a Halloween Party like no other. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the classic horror story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde unfolds around you in an immersive theatrical event. 1920s attire encouraged.
Pumpkin Trail at Stevens-Coolidge Place
The woods come alive at night and what better way to explore them than along an illuminated pumpkin trail?
Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29 | 5-8PM
Stevens?Coolidge Place, North Andover, MA
Families are invited to visit the Stevens-Coolidge Place for a Pumpkin Trail magical treat! Local nocturnal woodland creatures emerge to share their stories as participants are led along our pumpkin-?lit garden trail. This is a non-?scary event for all ages that combines fun and education in a unique way. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Costumes encouraged! Space is limited; Reservations recommended.
Trick or Treat on the Farm
Grab your best (non-scary) costume and join us for some trick-or-treating in the farmyard!
Sunday, October 29 | 2-4PM
Appleton Farms, Hamilton and Ipswich, MA
Grab your best (non-scary) costume and join us for some tric-?or-treating in the farmyard! Go for a walk through our barn and around the stone paddock to collect candy. Meet the animals, make a Halloween craft, and enjoy music, hot cider, and cider doughnuts. Bring your pre-carved pumpkin from home to light up our carriage barn. Participants can vote for the “best of” in a number of categories and winners will be announced at the end of the event.
Haunted Hike
Join us for a harrowing Halloween Hike through the haunted trails of the Crane Wildlife Refuge!
Tuesday, October 31 | 7-9PM
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Join us for a harrowing Halloween Hike through the haunted trails of the Crane Wildlife Refuge! All Hallow’s Eve is a night when the creatures of the woods roam the paths and the dunes, silent and scary. Bring someone you can hold on to – and be prepared to hike through soft sand up and down hills for approximately 1.5 miles! We’ll finish our adventure with witches brew and pumpkin bread around a campfire on the beach.
Berkshires:
Naumkeag Pumpkin Trail
Follow the Naumkeag Pumpkin Trail for a magical treat, in this non-?scary Halloween event.
Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14| 5?8 PM
Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA
Follow the Naumkeag Pumpkin Trail for a magical treat. Along the pumpkin?lit garden trail, you will meet nocturnal woodland creatures from our local forests will emerge to share their stories. Learn fun facts about some of your favorite local critters. This is a non-scary event for all ages! Costumes welcome. Flashlights are encouraged. The trail is not stroller friendly and does have uneven footing. Children FREE.
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Haunted House at Naumkeag
Halloween fright is back at Naumkeag!
Friday, October 20, Saturday, October 21, Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 | 6:30?9PM
Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA
Naumkeag’s Haunted House returns with more scares, bigger haunts and new surprises that are not for the faint of heart! This year, we’re moving things into the mansion itself in addition to a new, frightening path through our historic gardens. Don’t miss the Southern Berkshire’s only Haunted House! Recommended ages 12 and up.
Live Action Clue
Join us for an evening of murderous fun, based on the classic board game of Clue, in the historic house of Naumkeag.
Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11 | 7-?9PM
Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA
Join us for an evening of murderous fun, based on the classic board game of Clue. Imagine arriving at Naumkeag for a dinner party, only to discover the dead body of the Choate’s beloved butler. Explore the house to figure out who did it, with what weapon and in where. Participants are assigned characters in advance, and play as members of teams of 6-?8 players each. Champagne and appetizers included. Pre-?registration is required. Please include your email so that we can send you player info in advance of the game.
Pioneer Valley:
Homestead Haunted House
Discover what lurks in the shadows upstairs at the Bryant Homestead!
Friday, October 20; Saturday, October 21; Saturday, October 28; and Sunday, October 29 | 6-10PM
William Cullen Bryant Homesteadm Cummington, MA
Are you in for a good scare? Come for a spine-?chilling weekend at the Homestead and see what ghoulish spirits lurk about this 200?year-old house! Edgar Allen Poe meets Washington Irving in this creepy haunted house that takes you through the eerie servant’s quarters, third floor, and back staircases. All of American literature’s scary stories come to life in this bone-chilling experience! You never know who…or what…you’ll encounter!
Mystery Magic at the Homestead
Come see for yourself if the mysteries of mind reading!
Friday, October 27 | 7-8:30PM
William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Cummington, MA
You heard the stories from last year’s show…come and see for yourself the mysteries of mind reading by Magician Melies! A delightfully spooky and fun evening filled with mystery, mind-?reading, and a spirit seance! We guarantee you’ll leave mystified! You never know who…or what…will make an appearance at the Homestead!
South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands:
Sunset and Smores at Long Point
Enjoy a guided tour of the property and sunset and smores on the beach with a campfire!
Saturday, October 14 | 5-7PM
Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Enjoy the tranquility of Long Point Wildlife Refuge at this special time of day! Start with a leisurely guided walk of the refuge, learning about the natural and human history of this 632-?acre property. The end of our walk will bring us to Long Cove Pond, where a campfire will be waiting for us! Sit by the fire and take in the sunset! Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy some smores and an evening on the beach with friends and family!
Ghosts in the Garden
Ghosts are hiding in the gardens! Can you help us find them?
Sunday, October 22 and Saturday, October 28 | 3-5PM
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford, MA
There are ghosts in the gardens! Can you help us find them? Take your little ones to the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens to find friendly little ghosts hidden among the plantings. At each hidden ghost, collect a little paper ghost to prove your ghost buster skills. If you find all 10, receive a lollipop and sticker! Not interested in finding ghosts? Play some Halloween games, decorate a pumpkin, or enjoy a walk in the gardens with a cup of cider. And don’t forget to wear your costume!
Halloween Fun at Long Point
Join us for tricks and treats along the trails of long point!
Saturday, October 28 | 4-?6PM
Long Point Wildlife Refuge
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Join us for Halloween fun at Long Point Wildlife Refuge! There will be games and activities for all ages in the Visitor Center and along the woodland trails of Long Point! Come dressed in your Halloween costume and don’t forget a bag for all those treats.