Halloween In Philadelphia: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Philadelphia that are sure to be a scream.
— Holly Quinn

Terror Behind The Walls

Terror Behind the Walls is one of the country's top haunted attractions, and for good reason: It's located in one of the most eerie historic places in Philadelphia, the long-abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary. The old prison, which once held Al Capone, has been converted to a museum, but it hasn't been renovated to its functional state. Instead, it remains, for the most part, a ruin that's believed to be haunted. Every autumn, it opens at night and welcomes guests for a truly terrifying Halloween experience. Entry ranges from $20 to $30. Not recommended for kids 12 and under, except for family nights, where kids 7 and older are welcome.

22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130 | Get Directions

Fright Factory

Located in South Philly, Fright Factory is a huge old warehouse that's been converted to an underground haunted house. Fear seekers follow winding, themed labyrinths and a fictional storyline involving an insane asylum, a sadistic doctor and the patients who murdered him. Other sections include Undercroft Cemetery and Amygdala. This attraction is not for young children. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for "RIP" visitors.

2200 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 | Get Directions

Spirit Of '76 Ghost Tour

If you want to avoid the crowds, take the Spirit of '76 Ghost Tour during the off-season in the winter or spring, when there are fewer tourists. But there's nothing like exploring historic Philadelphia on a ghost tour during the Halloween season -- and nightly tours are available throughout October. Tour the historic area, including Independence Mall, Society Hill and Washington Square Park, which sits on an 18th-century mass grave. Hear stories of former resident Edgar Allan Poe and see movie locations for creepy films like The Sixth Sense. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for children.

325 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 | Get Directions

MTV features Eastern State Penitentiary on "Fear."

Did we miss a Halloween event in Philadelphia? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey.