Fall Festive Activities in the Philadelphia Area

Longwood+Gardens+%28Courtesy+of+Visit+Philly%29

Longwood Gardens (Courtesy of Visit Philly)

Sarah Santorum Staff Writers

Looking to get off campus to celebrate the fall season while it lasts? Whether you’re looking for some fright factor or just want a fall festive activity, there’s plenty to do in the Philadelphia area. Read ahead for our best suggestions.

Haunted Attractions

Eastern State Penitentiary—Visit the largest haunted house in the country! Terror Behind the Walls takes place in the abandoned prison with special effects that make the experience worth your time and money. Visitors can decide if they want a half or full immersion experience. Full immersion entails being grabbed, taken in hidden passageways or becoming apart of a scare. There are many different packages visitors can chose, but you can not go wrong with spending a night at this eerie abode. Open through Nov. 11. 

Pennhurst Asylum—Delve into a place that is suspected to house some real ghosts. Within the house there are dungeons, tunnels, and the Mayflower after Dark paranormal experience. Ticket prices range from 18 dollars for single attraction, to 1500 dollars for a private overnight pass for 15 people. There is a niche for everyone that loves a good scare so if you enjoy something to get that adrenaline moving this is an incredible place to go! Open through Nov. 4 on select dates. 

Fright Factory—For those looking for something scary to do after getting a cheesesteak in South Philadelphia, give Fright Factory a look. Originally an industrial factory, it is now home to the Industrial Nightmare, Silent Scream Asylum, and Fright Factory Unearthed you will not be disappointed if you swing by. Ticket prices range from 15 to 25 dollars. Open through November 4 on select dates. 

The Bates Motel—Praised by the Travel Channel for being one of America’s scariest haunts, the extremely realistic makeup and costumes, the lighting and sounds and the professional actors make the experience at The Bates Motel one of the most noteworthy. In addition to exploring the grounds of the motel, there is a haunted corn maze and a haunted hayride. Tickets range from 15 to 20 dollars. Open through Oct. 31. 

Fall Festive Attractions

Linvilla Orchards—Enjoy all things fall at Linvilla Orchards. From hayrides to “Pumpkin Land” to apple picking, Linvilla has it all. After a day full of fun, kick back and enjoy perfectly sugared old fashioned donuts and a tall glass of fresh apple cider. Just 30 minutes away, Linvilla is the place to fulfill all your fall needs. 

Autumn’s Colors at Longwood Gardens—Colorful fall foliage is fleeting, so take advantage of it at Longwood Gardens. This outdoor sanctuary highlights each season’s natural beauties. From the Meadow Garden, full of vibrant goldenrod and fall grasses, to the fall favorite Chrysanthemum Festival, Longwood Gardens gives you the perfect snapshot of fall nature. You can even stay into the night to experience “Nightscape” an illuminating light experience within the gardens. This 40-minute drive will definitely be worth your while. 

Wissahickon Valley Park—If you’re looking for a more hands-on, rugged experience in nature, head down to Wissahickon Valley Park. Just over 20 minutes away, this park has some of the best fall sights in all of Greater Philadelphia. Take in 1,800 acres of wooded wonderland, complete with creeks, valleys, small mountains and plenty of hiking and walking trails to see it all. This authentic fall nature will not let you down! 

Franklin Square—Get the best of both worlds by experiencing fall’s natural beauty right in Philadelphia. Franklin Square is a refreshing oasis within the busy city that William Penn created in his original plan of the city. This area is surrounded by trees, so take in the fall foliage while hanging at the picnic area (a perfect spot to get some work done!) and make sure to check out the carousel before you leave!