Everyone loves autumn. Sweater weather, pumpkin spice everything, colorful leaves, horror movies–even if you claim to not love fall, you still love fall.
Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to find stuff to do in the fall. Everyone talks about apple picking and pumpkin picking, haunted houses, horror movie showings–but when? Where? How much? Is it kid-friendly?
Here are some fun fall events of all sorts in Pittsburgh:
Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood
You probably saw this one coming, but it’s too much fun to leave out. Starting on weekends in September and lasting until Halloween, Phantom Fright Nights is an event at Kennywood sponsored by La Roche College.
During Fright Nights, Kennywood hires actors to dress up in scary costumes and roam the park, frightening guests. They also have fog, strobe lights, and more to help maintain a spooky atmosphere. Rides such as the Noah’s Ark and Raging Rapids are revamped to be more scary, and they have a 4-D showing of Friday the 13th. What more could you ask for?
* General admission is $29.99.*
* Phantom Fright Nights is not recommended for children under age 13*
For more info, click here: https://www.kennywood.com/pfn
ScareHouse
Known as Pittsburgh’s scariest haunted house and ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions,” the ScareHouse does not disappoint. ScareHouse is unique because it has a few different “haunts” aka levels and attractions within the house. Some of these haunts include: “Pittsburgh Zombies: Reanimated,” “Infernal Darkness: Demons in Darkness,” and more. Both of these and one more are included in a general admission ticket.
If you (and hopefully a friend) are more daring, you could also opt for a Basement ticket. In order to enter The Basement of the ScareHouse, you must sign a waiver, be 18 or older, and bring photo proof of ID, as this is the most intense level of the house.
*This event is not kid-friendly*
*General admission tickets start at $16*
For more info, click here: https://www.scarehouse.com
ZooBoo
In contrast to the last attraction, ZooBoo is made to be kid-friendly. ZooBoo takes place at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium the last 2 weekends of October.
They have crafts, a hay maze, a Halloween parade, costume contest, and more. They also have trick-or-treating, so come in your costume and get some candy!
*If you have a Zoo membership, you get free admission.*
For more info, click here: https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/Event-ZooBoo
Hundred Acres Manor
Another haunted house makes the list. Hundred Acres Manor is located in Bethel Park, 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, and is open on weekends now until November. Haunted Acres Manor has several different themes, such as Curse and Voudo. This haunted house was also named one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions.”
The Haunted Acres Manor is unique because it had 6 different haunted houses, 2 different escape rooms, and a burial simulation you can choose from. Stop over this Halloween season for lots of different scares to choose from!
*General admission is $20*
*This event is not kid-friendly*
For more info, click here: http://www.hundredacresmanor.com/index
Riverside Drive-In
The drive-in has always been a fan-favorite place to go, but like everything else, it’s better in the fall! For some kid-friendly scares, go to the Riverside Drive-In on October 12, 13, 19, and 20 for a showing of “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween.” Then, for horror movie fans, go October 26-28 and November 2-3 to see the classic “Halloween.”
For more info, click here: http://www.riversidedrivein.com/html/coming.htm
Carnegie Science Center 21+ Night
As the title says, you have to be 21 or over for this event. If this applies to you, you’re in luck! October 12, head over to the Carnegie Science Center for scary movies, Halloween-themed drinks, laser karaoke, and more!
*Admission cost is $15*
For more info, click here: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/adult-programs-21-plus-night/
Simmons Farm
Located in the South Hills, Simmons Farm fall fest is fun for everyone! It begins mid-September and ends the first week of November, so you’ve got time to get there.
Activities include pumpkin and apple picking, corn maze, petting zoo, and more!
For more info, click here: http://www.simmonsfarm.com/_index.php