Illustration of a kids crafts scene (Fall Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Fall Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary

Experience a unique fall celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary! This family-friendly event invites children in costume and their caregivers for trick-or-treating within the historic walls. Discover the penitentiary's past through a special scavenger hunt, enjoy engaging story times, hands-on activities, and art making. Local organizations and a special musical performance add to the festive atmosphere.

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What to Expect

Trick-or-treat inside a historic penitentiary.

Event Details

Duration

2 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Fairmount

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Philly Elmo and the Positive Movement Drumline

Organizer

Eastern State Penitentiary

Food & Drink

Fall-themed food and beverages from local vendors are available.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and educational

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19130

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE – Get tickets
  • Accessibility: Eastern State Penitentiary strives to make the site, programs, and exhibits accessible to all visitors. More information can be found at their accessibility page.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, especially with children, as the event is free for kids in costume and their caregivers and no reservations are necessary, which may lead to crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring the historic site and participating in a scavenger hunt.
  • Check the Eastern State Penitentiary website for any updates on weather-related changes or specific activity schedules on the day of the event.
  • Engage with the local partner organizations present; they offer valuable insights and resources related to community and arts.
  • Consider exploring the penitentiary's history further with their audio tour or mini tours before or after the festival activities.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free for kids in costume and their caregivers
  • Community engagement fair with local partner organizations

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of admission for the Fall Festival?

Admission to the Fall Festival is free for children in costume and their caregivers. No reservations are necessary.

What kind of activities can children expect?

Children can enjoy trick-or-treating inside the penitentiary, a special scavenger hunt, story time, hands-on activities, and art making.

Are there any food or drink options available?

Yes, fall-themed food and beverages from local vendors will be available for purchase.

What should I bring to the event?

It's recommended to bring comfortable shoes for exploring the site, and costumes for children who wish to participate in trick-or-treating.

Is the event accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Eastern State Penitentiary strives to make all its programs and exhibits accessible. Visitors can find detailed information on their accessibility page.

Tags

family friendlytrick or treatcommunity eventhalloween festivalpumpkin patchstorytimearts craftskids gameshalloween party

More Halloween Events Near Philadelphia

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team