Pittsburgh weekend events guide: Catch it all, including lots of Halloween-themed fun

Above photo courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.

There’s just one weekend remaining in October to hit up all those haunted events and pumpkin patches before they close up for the season. And if you’re looking for other kinds of family fun in and around the city, there’s so much happening for all ages (and all budgets!).

From families of toddlers to families of teens, and everyone in between, your weekend planning starts right here:

Through Oct. 27: HalloBoo! at Idlewild Park

It’s the final weekend for HallBoo! Come in costume to trick-or-treat through Story Book Forest, hop on your favorite rides, and enjoy special seasonal entertainment. More than 30 rides will be operating during HalloBoo. New this year are the Sasquatchanna Railroad (where you might catch a glimpse of Bigfoot!), the otherworldly Laser Swamp (filled with mysterious lights and sound), and Grigsby’s Trunk of Giggles. HalloBoo! operates on Saturdays and Sundays in the daytime. At night, things get scarier for teens and grownups. Admission starts at $24.99.

Through Oct. 27: Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood Park

Just like Idlewild, Kennywood will soon be putting their skeletons back in the closet until next year. So hit up this last fun-filled weekend. Family Halloween fun is programmed during the day on Saturdays and Sundays with rides and attractions in operation. Littles can get in line for up to eight Kiddieland rides. Check out Auto Race, the Merry-Go-Round and Thomas the Tank, with features like Cranky’s Drop Tower and Flynn’s Fire Training. Older thrill seekers will head to the Kangaroo, Jack Rabbit, Turtle and Musik Express. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets start at $29.99.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Therapet visit at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

If your kiddos are nervous around animals, this event at the East Liberty branch of the library is perfect for overcoming those fears. Trained pets from Animal Friends are a great way to build up confidence in anyone who has a fear of animals. This event is free. Find more info here.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Pumpkin Palooza at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Kids can come in costume for an afternoon of tricks, treats and groovy beats. They will enjoy crafts and activities. A family-friendly performance features K-Theatre Dance Complex, Alumni Theater Company, Obama High School Marching Band and the Urban Jazz Band. Admission is pay-what-you-wish from $0 to $25.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Brookline BOO-levard Halloween Parade, 2 p.m.

Join other ghouls at Cannon Park by 2:00 p.m. to kick off this great event. Every youth participant will receive a treat bag. There will be a costume contest open to all, and each individual, family or group will receive a number. Judges will be watching for the best costumes during the parade. The Kona Ice Truck will be on hand to purchase some treats, too. (So bring those reusable Kona cups, if you have them.) Find more details here.

Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27: Trick or Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Bring your costumed kids for a change to trick-or-treat among the antique streetcars. Local businesses and organizations will hand out candy and holiday favors. Other activities include trolley rides through the autumn scenery, themed games and the chance to explore the interactive exhibits in the new Welcome & Education Center. Admission is $20, $19 for seniors, $15 for ages 3-18, and free for those 2 and younger.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Halloween Party at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

At the CLP’s West End location, kids are invited to wear costumes and join the friends and librarians to celebrate Halloween with spooky crafts, snacks and music. This event is free and is designed for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Find more details here.

Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27: Trunk-or-Treat at Allegheny County Parks, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

There are two chances this weekend to score some candy from some of Allegheny County’s parks. Dress in costume and trick-or-treat from car cruisers who will pass out candy and treats to kids. Trunk-or-Treat runs from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 26 at South Park and Oct. 27 at Hartwood Acres. Admission is free and more details can be found here.

Sunday, Oct. 27: Halloween Hunt at the Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come on down to the Science Center to show off your Halloween costume and get ready for spooky science experiments. Guests can go on a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, enjoy hands-on activities and games, and more. There will be crafts including building tiny houses, making EcoBrix to colonize Mars, and nebula spin art. This event is included with general admission. The museum also participates in Museums For All, which offers discounts to families who utilize public assistance programs.

Sunday, Oct. 27: Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treat at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Kids in costume can listen to stories around a pretend campfire, meet a scaly live animal ambassador and trick or treat in a calming environment. The evening event will have reduced audio/visual elements, plus calming spaces with support materials. Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for students.

BONUS EVENT: Monday, Oct. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treating at the Museum of Illusions, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

To extend the weekend fun a bit longer, the Museum of Illusions is offering trick-or-treating for visitors to the museum. No ticket is necessary to get candy at the front desk, but tickets are required for entrance to the museum. If you’ve been before, you’ll find new Halloween-themed displays and exhibits. Tickets are 20% off through October and can be purchased here.

Looking for more family fun? Our newsletter is packed with it, twice a week. The best part? It’s free, too!