Halloween is a favorite holiday with kids, but some Halloween haunted houses and events are just a little too scary for the younger set. Check out this list of family-friendly Pittsburgh area Halloween haunted attractions and events for family-oriented Halloween fun near you.
1. KDKA ZooBoo at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Location: Highland ParkDates: October 17-18 and 24-25, 2009
Enjoy all of your favorite zoo sites and animals and some Halloween fun too! This popular annual event, geared just for families, features a haunted house, a not so spooky train ride, a costume parade and contest, and trick or treating.
2. Spooky Science Sleepover
Location: Pittsburgh North ShoreDates: October 30, 2009
The Carnegie Science Center hosts frightfully-fun evening guaranteed to make your hair stand on end…literally! Dig into the legend of Frankenstein as you learn about electricity, make fake blood and wands, and experience the thrills of the darkness in the Rangos Omnimax Theater.
3. Idlewild HallowBoo
Location: Ligonier (Westmoreland County)Dates: September 26-27, October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25, 2009
Idlewild opens for weekends in October with specially themed rides and attractions, costumed characters, trick or treating through Story Book forest, favorite fall foods, and all of your favorite Idlewild games, rides and attractions.
4. RiverQuest "Spirits of the Riverfront" Tours
Location: Pittsburgh North ShoreDates: October 16, 17, 23 and 24, 2009
For the older children (8+) who aren't into gory, chainsaw wielding zombies, this great Halloween river adventure offers pirates, ghosts and some interesting regional history.
5. Kiski Junction Halloween Train Rides for Kids
Location: Schenley (Armstrong County)Dates: October 27-31, 2009
Not gory or graphic, just spooky, old-fashioned fun for kids of all ages! Kiski Halloween train rides are recommended for ages 4-11.
6. Castle Blood Family Matinee Daylight Tours
Location: Bealsville (Washington County)Dates: October 18 & 25, 2009
Because the regular Halloween castle tours can be too intense for younger Halloween fans, Castle Blood opens their castle up for special "no scare" tours during the daytime. You will also get to play the Quest for the Talisman game and enjoy trick or treat with friendly monsters.
7. Bump in the Night
Location: Fox ChapelDates: October 16-17 & 23-24, 2009
A special Halloween trick-or-treat trail awaits all animal lovers. Plus snacks, drinks, crafts and story telling. Come in costume for twice the fun!
8. Halloween Monster Fun Cruise
Location: Station SquareDates: October 24 & 31, 2009
Wear a cool costume and meet your favorite fun monsters! Enjoy a day out on the Pittsburgh rivers with lots of great prizes, a DJ dance party and treat bags for the kids.
9. Trolley Rails & Spooky Tales
Location: Washington CountyDates: October 23-24 & 30-31, 2009
Ride a vintage trolley while enjoying ghostly stories told by master storyteller Mary Morgan Smith. There's also a Cobweb Shuttle and children's maze. Best for families with children ages 5-12.
10. Halloween Happenings at Phipps
Location: OaklandDates: October 25, 2009
Enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed activities, including crafts and games at this annual family friendly Halloween event. Costumes are welcome (most kids wear them). Free with paid admission to Phipps.
