Top Halloween Activities you'll Actually want to do Around Boston

As someone who grew up around and in Boston I have experience with the various Halloween-oriented happenings close to Suffolk University. Hopefully for you out-of-staters and students unfamiliar with Boston, this little guide will be of help.

#1) Visit Salem, Massachusetts

You may have read about Salem in your history books, but experiencing it is an entirely different thing. Think of it as the ‘Halloween Capital of the World.’ Walking the streets of Salem before or during Halloween is a crazy experience. Featuring tons of haunted houses, fairs, and shops, Salem is a great way to rejoice in the glorious and somewhat freaky holiday of Halloween (wait till you get there, you’ll see how weird some of the pedestrians get). People walk the streets all decked-out in insane costumes, so feel free to go hardcore. There are also some more prominent tours and haunted houses (among the countless others) to keep you freaked out, such as the ones below.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (285 Derby Street, Salem, MA)

The Nightmare Factory (voted Salem’s best Haunted House, Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA)

Frankenstein’s Castle (Downtown Salem)

If you’re more of the history type, Salem has tons of witch museums and other historically inclined forms of entertainment to keep you interested, such as the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Either way, this will most likely be the #1 Halloween attraction around Boston this October. If you’re wondering how to get over to Salem, don’t worry; it’s within a short bus or train ride’s reach. Take Bus #450 from South Station in Boston or bus #459 from the Logan terminal stop on the Blue Line. Check the MBTA’s schedule for details and changes in bus scheduling.

#2) Screemfest at Canobie Lake Park (Weekends September 28th-October 28th)

Although located in New Hampshire, Screemfest has always been a popular Halloween attraction growing up near Boston. It includes the good old ‘getting chased around by murderers, clowns, and zombies’ bit, so hey, if you’re into that, come enjoy Screemfest and ride some of the great rollercoasters at Canobie Lake Park. The park itself is a typical medium-sized amusement park, featuring some rollercoasters and fair food. Yet, during Screemfest, many haunted houses are featured within the park, and Oktoberfest, a German celebration, is held on grounds simultaneously. Some new features in the park around Halloween are ‘The Last Ride,’ a creepy simulated journey in a closed casket down to your eminent death (not for the claustrophobic), and ‘The Autopsy Table,’ where a basically larger, more disgusting version of the children’s game ‘Operation’ is played. Directions to Canobie Lake Park are closer than you think. The ride to New Hampshire can typically be estimated as around forty minutes by car.

Driving directions to 85 N Policy St, Salem, NH 03079
Boston, MA
1. Head southwest on Tremont St toward School St -0.2 mi
2. Turn right onto Park St -0.1 mi
3. Turn left onto Beacon St -0.5 mi
4. Turn right onto MA-28 N -0.7 mi
5. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-93 N/US-1 N/Tobin Bridge -0.9 mi
6. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Interstate 93 N/Concord New Hampshire and merge onto I-93 N
Entering New Hampshire -30.5 mi
7. Take exit 2 for Pelham toward NH-97/Salem/NH-38 -0.2 mi
8. Turn right onto Pelham Rd -0.3 mi
9. Take the 1st left onto N Policy St -0.8 mi
10. Turn left at Dyson Dr
Destination will be on the left -0.1 mi

85 N Policy St
Salem, NH 03079

#3 The Estate Halloween Party (Well, if you’re a Senior…cocktails will be served)

The Estate Nightclub is having a Halloween party on October 27th, and this year’s theme is ‘Sinners and Saints.’ Costumes are highly advised but not required, and a contest is to be held for first, second, and third prize. The prize is $1000 for the best-dressed costume(s), not too shabby a deal for throwing on some weird duds and hitting up a club. A live DJ and complimentary body painting will be featured as well. Doors open at 8:30 and the club is located at 1 Boylston Place, not too far a trek from Suffolk.

So, whether you’re looking to brush up on your history, freak out, or party this Halloween, Boston is located conveniently close to many upcoming Halloween attractions to amuse you. It sure beats watching old ‘Halloweentown’ reruns and sobbing while you stuff your face with candy corn.