Authored By: The Circuit Trails | October 2, 2025

Fall is in full swing, and the spooky season spirit is alive across the region! Whether you’re looking for happy haunts, outdoor festivals or hands-on creative play, we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly events happening this October #OnTheCircuit. Costumes are encouraged, treats are guaranteed, and there’s something for everyone! 

Tacony Creek Park Music & Arts Festival

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1–5 p.m. 

Where: Big Field at East Olney & East Clarkson Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120

Celebrate the magic of autumn with your family, friends and neighbors—and be part of the growing spirit of Tacony Creek Park! Attendees can look forward to groovy beats by DJ June Lopez; live music from Minas, Jaffna, and Kyeis Henry/NuERA Collective; a Candy Nature Hayride; and more.

15th Annual Philadelphia Indigenous People’s Day Celebration

When: Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. 

Where: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143

Celebrate Indigenous culture, history and resilience with co-host Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac. Enjoy live dance and music performances, workshops, vendors and more!

Laurel Hill Fall Fun Day

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. 

Where: 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19132, right off the Schuylkill River Trail

Start the season off right with a full day of autumn festivities! Families are invited to explore the scenic grounds of Laurel Hill with a cemetery scavenger hunt, guided mini-tours, games, story time and fall-themed crafts. Come in costume and enjoy this free day of fall fun for children and parents! 

Harvest Fest 

When: Sunday, Oct. 19, from noon–3 p.m. 

Where: Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143

Bring in the season’s harvest and uplift Sankofa Community Farm! This will be a day filled with community joy and healing with music, workshops, planting and more.

Free Movie by the River – “Hocus Pocus”

When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30–9 p.m. 

Where: Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19114

Join Riverfront North Partnership and Glen Foerd for a fun, family-friendly evening along the river, watching the original Hocus Pocus. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with free craft-making for kids, then the movie will follow at 7 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Laurel Hill Soul Crawl

When: Friday, Oct. 24, from 7–10 p.m. 

Where: 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19132, right off the Schuylkill River Trail

For families with older kids, teens or even adults, the Soul Crawl offers a glance into the uneasy spirits of Laurel Hill. Take a flashlight-led tour through the historic gravesites and hear stories from the 19th and 20th centuries, then warm up with festive drinks around glowing fire pits. It’s spooky, educational and unforgettable.

Canal-o-ween at the National Canal Museum

When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26, from 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

Where: 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd., Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042

It’s a weekend full of canal-side chills and thrills! Canal-o-ween is back at the National Canal Museum, offering half-off admission for costumed guests and free entry for Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) members. Trick-or-treat through Hugh Moore Park, join in on Halloween games and activities, and meet some of the museum’s resident ghosts. 

LHT Trail and Treat

When: Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3–5 p.m. 

Where: Village Park in Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Prepare your costumes for a spooktacular bike ride at the Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s annual Trail & Treat! Designed especially for kids ages 2-12, Trail & Treat invites children and families to celebrate Halloween a little early with a bike ride along the LHT, trick-or-treat style. Families can also enjoy face painting, crafts and music. Registration is required.

Delaware River Waterfront Party with PopUpPlay

When: Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2–4 p.m. 

Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

A festive bash, hosted by PopUpPlay, is coming to the Delaware River Waterfront! From giant cardboard monsters to skull scavenger hunts, your little ones will be swept up in two hours of artistic play and fall-themed fun. Highlights include:

– Shadow Puppet Theater

– Mini Halloween Village + Play Tents

– Live DJ sets by DJ Frost

– Activities from partners like Brooklyn Robot Factory, NimbleCraft, and National Kids Gym

Note: Parking is limited due to construction, so plan ahead with the ‘Know Before You Go’ guide. Walking, biking or rideshare is encouraged!

Radnor Conservancy TreetoberFest

When: Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon–3 p.m. 

Where: The Willows Mansion, 490 Darby Paoli Rd., Villanova, PA 19085

This year, Radnor Conservancy is combining two beloved traditions—its annual tree giveaway and fall fundraiser—into one big party: TreetoberFest! Come out for an afternoon filled with live music, raffles, tasty food and drinks, and the chance to take home a free tree. It’s the ultimate celebration of nature and community, just in time for fall planting.

October is packed with family-friendly events to enjoy. Let us know ‘witch’ events you enjoyed by posting photos from your outings to social media using #OnTheCircuit! Don’t forget to tag us too–Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok!