ideas for trick-or-treating at Boston businesses

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 treats this year! Fortunately, you can head to a variety of safe, well-lit locations for trick-or-treating 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!)

Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo

October 21-22
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stoneham

Thrills, chills, and animals await you at Boo at the Zoo! Haunted happenings at this event include a trick-or-treat trail, costume contests, mystery animals encounters, education Stations, animal enrichment, and more!

Trick or Treating SPOOKtacular at Patriot Place

October 26
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!

Trick-or-Treat at The Street

Saturday, October 28
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chestnut Hill

This sweet celebration is back! Join for special treats from local businesses, character meet n’ greets with Chase, Skye, Bluey, Elmo, and Abby Cadabby, a live DJ, family-friendly entertainment, and more! This event is free and open to the public — costumes are encouraged!

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo  

October 28-29
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Boston

Try trick-or-treating on the wild side! 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.”

Pru Boo! at The Prudential Center

Sunday, October 29
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Boston

Get your costumes ready and head to the Pru for a spooktacular day of fun at the 29th annual PruBoo event. Bring your children to trick-or-treat at more than 50 participating stores and restaurants. Other activities include face painting, pumpkin decorating, magic shows, and more! All activities are free and open to all. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a Prudential Center trick-or-treat bag for a $5 donation benefitting FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education).

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:

Beverly
Thursday, October 26
4-6 p.m.

Hudson/Maynard
Thursday, October 26
4-6 p.m.

West Roxbury
Saturday, October 28
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Stoneham
Saturday, October 28
1-3 p.m.

Arlington
Friday, October 27
3-5 p.m.

Reading/North Reading
Tuesday, October 24
4-5:30 p.m.

Brighton
2023 information coming soon

Lowell
Saturday, October 28
12-3 p.m.

Melrose
2023 information coming soon

Jessie Keppeler
A Maine native, Jessie migrated down the coast to Boston after college, and it’s been home ever since. She has lived in various corners of the city — from Allston and Brighton to Newbury Street and then Jamaica Plain — before settling in Brookline with her husband and three daughters. As much as she loves home now, she also likes to leave occasionally: recent family travels include Italy, Belize, and Washington D.C. Jessie writes with a cat curled up nearby and a dog at her feet. And a cup of coffee. Always.