Maybe trick-or-treating in your neighborhood on Halloween night doesn’t work for your little ones. Or maybe your kiddos want extra chances for treats this year! Fortunately, you can head to a variety of safe, well-lit locations for trick-or-treating in Boston — malls, outdoor shopping centers, town centers, even zoos — where heaps of fun family activities await along with piles of candy.
Read on for the best (non-residential) Boston locations to get your trick-or-treat on this year! (And if you’re wanting to try a new spot for your traditional Halloween-night neighborhood trick-or-treat, we’ve got you covered there, too!)
Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo
October 19-20
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stoneham
Thrills, chills, and animals await you at Boo at the Zoo! Haunted happenings at this event include a trick-or-treat trail, costume contests, mystery animals encounters, education Stations, animal enrichment, and more!
Trick or Treating SPOOKtacular at Patriot Place
Thursday, October 24
Foxborough
For those south of the city, check out the annual Trick-or-Treating SPOOKtacular at Patriot Place (presented by Snickers!). Patriot Place is proud to support the Teal Pumpkin Project and will be providing non-candy treats to children with food allergies. Just look for the teal pumpkin at participating locations!
Trick-or-Treat at The Street
Saturday, October 26
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chestnut Hill
This sweet celebration is back! Join for special treats from local businesses, character meet n’ greets with Snoopy, a Minion, and the Cookie Monster, a live DJ, live costume illustrations, family-friendly entertainment, and more! This event is free and open to the public — costumes are encouraged!
Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo
October 26-27
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boston
Try trick-or-treating on the wild side! There will be thrills, chills, and animals lurking around every corner on the trick-or-treat trail! Guests can enjoy costume contests and mystery animal encounters, and chat with the education team to learn about creepy crawly critters and the importance of purchasing treats made with sustainable palm oil! Learn about the importance of enrichment as you watch animals enjoy “pumpkenrichment.”
Pru Boo! at The Prudential Center
Sunday, October 27
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Boston
Get your costumes ready and head to the Pru for a spooktacular day of fun at the 29th annual PruBoo event. Bring your children to trick-or-treat at more than 50 participating stores and restaurants. Other activities include face painting, pumpkin decorating, magic shows, a musical performance by Vanessa Trien, and more! All activities are free and open to all. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a Prudential Center trick-or-treat bag for a $5 donation benefitting Boston Children’s Hospital.
Businesses in Boston-area cities and towns
Many of Greater Boston’s cities and towns offer trick-or-treating at small businesses, too! Here are a few places and dates:
Beverly
Thursday, October 24
4-6 p.m.
Hudson/Maynard
Thursday, October 24
4-6 p.m.
Stoneham
Saturday, October 26
1-3 p.m.
Arlington
Friday, October 25
3-5 p.m.
Reading/North Reading
Thursday, October 29
4-5:30 p.m.
Lowell
Saturday, October 26
12-3 p.m.
Melrose
Thursday, October 24
3:30-5 p.m.
