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 trick-or-treating this year! Fortunately, you can head to a variety of safe, well-lit locations 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!)
Trick-or-Treat at The Street
Saturday, October 22
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chestnut Hill
From Showcase SuperLux to Shake Shack, this collection of shops along Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill invites you to Trick-or-Treat at the Street this year. You can also take in a spooky storytime, visit a hot apple cider bar, ham it up at a photo booth, and party down at a Josh and the Jamtones concert. Even your four-legged family members can come along and compete in a pooch parade and canine costume contest.
Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo and Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo
October 22-23
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stoneham
October 29-30
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Boston
For trick-or-treating on the wild side, take part in Franklin Park’s Zoo Howl or Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. 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.”
Trick or Treating SPOOKtacular at Patriot Place
Thursday, October 27
11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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!
Pru Boo! at The Prudential Center
Sunday, October 30
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Boston
Known fondly as the Pru Boo!, this event boasts trick-or-treating at more than 50 shops and restaurants — and a whole lot more!
Fill up your Prudential Center trick-or-treat bag with candy, healthy treats brought to you by Star Market, and non-food goodies in support of FARE and the Teal Pumpkin Project. Check the Pru Boo! map on the day of the event for a listing of participating stores.
Other activities include face painting, pumpkin decorating, magic shows, and a musical performance by Vanessa and the Jumping Monkeys.
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:
Reading/North Reading
Wednesday, October 26
4-5:30 p.m.
Beverly
Thursday, October 27
4-6 p.m.
Hudson/Maynard
Thursday, October 27
4-6 p.m.
Arlington
Friday, October 28
3-5 p.m.
West Roxbury
Saturday, October 29
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Stoneham
Saturday, October 29
1-3 p.m.
Brighton
Monday, October 31
3-5 p.m.
Lowell
Sunday, October 30
10 a.m.
Melrose
Monday, October 31
3:30-5 p.m.
